The 10 best beaches in Mykonos

Paradise Beach is one of the best beaches in Mykonos for a party. The shallow water is sheltered by a reef, making for dreamy swimming. The beach is fringed with trendy bars hosting DJs, while the shore is packed out with loungers and cabana beds for two. Overlooking the bay, you’ll also find the famous Cavo Paradiso club. If you want to dance with your toes in the sand, or slip from your lounger to the cocktail bar, this is your spot. Before you start partying, you can try watersports or even book in with the dive school.

A soft-sand half-moon leading to shallow and calm waters that are as clear as can be… it’s no surprise that Agios Stefanos is so popular with families with kids. There’s plenty of space for everyone here, whether you like a sunbed or prefer to stretch out on the sand. If you can prise yourself from the warm, turquoise shallows, pop to one of the unfussy tavernas behind the beach and enjoy the view of cruise ships setting sail. As the sun starts to set, it’s a truly romantic spot too.

With its honey-hued, sandy shoreline and shallow sea for swimming, you’d expect Paralia Agrari to be packed with holidaymakers. Somewhat surprisingly, this gem of a cove stays rather under the radar, with a quiet atmosphere and just a handful of loungers and umbrellas for rent (plus a lifeguard on duty in high season). The peaceful bay is backed by one or two restaurants with shaded outdoor seating areas and varied menus. Enjoy a day dipping in and out of the water, with the option of a tasty meal with your toes in the sand.

An almost-constant breeze on Kalafati Beach whips the waves to perfection for watersports enthusiasts. Windsurfers and water-skiers have a fabulous time riding the white-topped breakers, and there are gear rental shops and schools on the shore for beginners. It’s a beautiful, not-too-crowded bay with powder sand and plenty of loungers and shade – and if you catch the crystalline sea on a calm day, it’s glorious for swimming too. It’s also a good base from which to visit nearby diving and snorkelling sites.

This golden sandy crescent, with a shallow sea that’s a Caribbean-worthy turquoise hue, is one of the best beaches in Mykonos to pitch up for a family beach day. The centre of the beach has plenty of loungers, beds and shade, but if you’re looking to find your own secluded spot for your towel, head to the far end. It’s never overcrowded despite the sunbeds, and the sheltered, sandy-bottomed sea is a delight to swim, splash and play in. You’ll find parking, toilets and beachfront restaurants with great terrace views too.

Beaches in Mykonos don’t come more glamorous than Psarou Bay, home to the infamous Nammos all-day beach club and swanky restaurant. This beautiful stretch of pale sand and azure sea is frequented by celebrities and as such, it’s not cheap or quiet. In fact, in summer there’s sometimes a waiting list to get in. However, if a crowded shoreline doesn’t put you off, you’ll have access to a sheltered and crystal-clear sea, great bars and clubs, boat hire and tours, and even some designer shopping opportunities.

A family favourite in Mykonos, Platis Gialos is a well-organised stretch, perfect for a relaxing beach day. The calm, limpid sea delicately laps at the flour-soft sand as children and adults alike float in the shallows or dive down wearing goggles on the hunt for fish. The shore is lined with loungers and umbrellas and backed by beachside restaurants, cafés and mini-markets housed in quintessential white-and-blue buildings. Some watersports are available in the bay in high season, but mostly it’s very laid-back and quiet.

The windy shore of Megali Ammos may not be the most clement spot on the island for sunbathing, but it’s popular with the surf crowd. When the north wind is up here, as it often is, you’ll see the colourful wetsuits, sails and kites of windsurfers and kitesurfers hitting the white-topped swell and enjoying the safe but fun conditions. There are no (or very few) loungers and shade here, making it a peaceful and rustic spot to spend the day, and the sunset is beautiful.

Searching for the quietest and best beaches in Mykonos? Look no further than Merchia, a petite sand-and-shingle cove with few tourists and no facilities, opening onto a calm patch of sea. It’s totally worth the drive down the dirt track to find the beach, as you’ll often have it almost to yourself, besides the few guesthouses that dot the hill behind. The sea is almost always serene, with an easy, shallow slope down. You’ll need to pack a picnic, and probably some shade, but you’ll have an enviably peaceful day.

Agios Sostis is one of the prettiest beaches on the north coast, now reinventing itself as a foodie pilgrimage destination. Head for the unassuming hillside taverna Kiki’s Tavern – quickly gaining fame for its delicious, traditional fayre – before making for the untamed beach below. Here, low vegetation and a narrow strip of golden sand combine with great swimming conditions. Just watch out for the urchins – they’re not poisonous, and the locals are well used to the colourful visitors. Just around the corner, Lover’s Beach is a treasured local haunt: an even quieter postage stamp of sand nestled between two jutting headlands.