7 Best Sights in The Cyclades, Greece

Agrari is a low-key beach with yellow pebble sand flanked by a low hill of small whitewashed buildings to the left and a rocky island hill to the right. Umbrellas and sun beds are available for rent. You can grab a snack, drinks, or a full meal at the beach’s own bar and restaurant, but there are more options just a walk away. Boats leave from Platis Gialos and Ornos Bay. It’s also walkable via a footpath from neighboring Elia Beach, attracting nudists who stay in certain areas. Driving east from Mykonos Town, watch out for a stunning view of the turquoise blue as you make that final turn to the beach.Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming.

Long, tranquil, and beautiful, Elia is a popular option for those who seek beach relaxation. Attracting a predominantly LGBT crowd, this southern beach is also popular with those who want to relax on a soft sand beach that’s protected from the north winds that sweep through the island from time to time. Umbrellas and sun beds are for rent and water-sports facilities pop up during the peak summer months. Dining options are plentiful with several cafés and tavernas close by. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: nudists; swimming.

Famous the world over for its party scene, young, fun, international crowds hop straight to Paradise Beach. There's music, dancing, clubbing, and drinking at most hours of the day, but beach parties typically pick up around 4 pm and go on well into the next morning when everyone is dancing on tabletops, including sexy male and female models hired to get things moving. When partiers take a break, sun beds and umbrellas are available for lounging, and a full line of restaurants and fast-food options provide nourishment. Scuba diving and water-sport rental shops are open for business. The bus from Mykonos Town frequents the beach often and on time in the peak of summer. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.

Small and stunning, and surrounded by a picturesque rocky coastline that juts out against a sparkling turquoise bay, Paraga Beach—sometimes also spelled Paranga—is not only pretty, it's also one of Mykonos’s liveliest party beaches. Several bars and beach clubs organize events every summer attracting a young, international crowd that gathers to mingle, dance, and drink. Hotels, rooms, and a large campground surround the beach. Umbrellas and chairs are available to rent at any of the beachside tavernas and cafés. A footpath to the east leads to neighboring party beach, Paradise, or offers you another view of the sea; it's about a 10-minute walk. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Best for: partiers.

Spacious, sandy, and pleasant, Platis Gialos is a popular southern beach that's protected from the island’s strong summer winds. Kids enjoy playing in the shallow waters, while adults head to deeper waters to try out the numerous water-sports rental options. The array of taverns, restaurants, and cafés is perfect for any food break. The beach is lined with rental umbrellas and chairs, and getting to it is easy by Mykonos Town beach boat and bus service. You can drive here, too, but parking spaces may be hard to find. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming.

With shiny yachts moored in its clear, pretty waters, sandy Psarou attracts vacationing international VIPs, Greek TV stars and singers, and the rich and/or famous. That oversized and high-priced beach bed and umbrella may be empty, but it may have been rented in advance by someone who doesn’t want you to have it. If you know someone, you can make an advance reservation for one, too.You might bump into someone’s bodyguard; several may be casing the beach. Sophisticated yet lively restaurants are plentiful, and they host afternoon and evening parties that are fun but not crazy. If you drive from Mykonos Town, a steep scenic road leads to the beach, but once you get there you'll notice parking options are slim. Many opt for valet parking run by private companies. You can also reach Psarou by taking a short walk from nearby Platis Gialos or hopping on a boat one stop away at Ornos Bay. Amenities: food and drink; parking (paid). Best for: partiers; swimming.

Young and wild, gay and straight: All head to Super Paradise to let loose, though the more sedate LGBT crowd now head to Elia. The stunning sandy beach is one plus, but the beach bars and clubs truly dominate the scene. Summer months mean daily late-afternoon beach parties, where drinks and dancing rule. Hired bikini-clad models move to the beat of the music to encourage a crazy party atmosphere that includes people dancing everywhere and anywhere they can. For those not in the party mood (yet), umbrellas and sun beds can be rented and dining options are available for a meal; Super Paradise Rooms is right on the beach for those who need a place to crash. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: partiers.