Elia Beach
A stunning Mykonos beach known for its soft sand, clear waters, and inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere with a popular nudist section.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better sunbed choice
Elia Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better sunbed choice

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Mykonos beach known for its soft sand, clear waters, and inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere with a popular nudist section.
"Gorgeous place that does not feel touristy - would go back in a sec."
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll need them for the rocky path to reach the beach. Flip-flops are not ideal!
💰 Budget for Sunbeds
Sunbeds can be pricey, with some costing €40+. Consider bringing a towel if you prefer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Nudist Section
Left side of the beach
A welcoming, cruisy area for naturists and the LGBTQ+ community to relax and socialize.

Crystal Clear Waters
Enjoy the smooth, turquoise Aegean Sea, perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.

Stunning Views
Take in the breathtaking panoramas of the coastline and the vast blue sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Elia Beach
Sunbed & Service Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll need them for the rocky path to reach the beach. Flip-flops are not ideal!
💰 Budget for Sunbeds
Sunbeds can be pricey, with some costing €40+. Consider bringing a towel if you prefer.
🌈 Embrace the Vibe
Elia is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly and nudist sections. Enjoy the inclusive atmosphere.
🚌 Affordable Bus Access
Take the bus from Mykonos Town for an easy and cheap ride to Elia Beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll need them for the rocky path to reach the beach. Flip-flops are not ideal!
💰 Budget for Sunbeds
Sunbeds can be pricey, with some costing €40+. Consider bringing a towel if you prefer.
🌈 Embrace the Vibe
Elia is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly and nudist sections. Enjoy the inclusive atmosphere.
🚌 Affordable Bus Access
Take the bus from Mykonos Town for an easy and cheap ride to Elia Beach.
🛵 Scooter for Scenery
A 20-minute scooter ride offers great views, but drive cautiously on winding roads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elia Beach is praised for its stunning natural beauty, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters, offering a more relaxed vibe than some other Mykonos hotspots. It's particularly celebrated for its LGBTQ+ friendly and nudist sections. However, visitors often note the high cost and limited availability of sunbeds due to hotel reservations, and service can sometimes be overly persistent.
"You can get to Elia beach from the old town bus station for €2. The buses are pretty regular. The commute is straightforward and not very long at all. The nude part of the beach is to the left of the regular beach. The beach is a rather small enclosed area. You will need to do some climbing over the hills. Mostly gay with occasional straight couples. Great people watching. Smooth turquoise water and I didn’t need to be paranoid about the sharks like I would be in the Americas, so naturally I spent more time in water than on the beach itself. Great way to burn calories from your cruise line buffet lol. All in all, it’s a gorgeous place that does not feel touristy - would ho back in a sec."
oleg jelezniakov
"A beautiful beach away from the noise. We stayed in Mykonos town and rented a scooter to get there. A 20min ride with a sinuous route, drive safe.
To arrive in the beach you must walk through a rocky area. Take comfortable shoes, not flip flops."
Juan Buchelli
"
Update 2025
This year, Elia Beach really amazed me with the service and the changes compared to last year. The staff were not just friendlier; they were genuinely quick and attentive, making the whole experience so much smoother. Plus, the big difference: no more rigid reservations on the sunbeds. You can pick any spot you like without being told it’s for hotel guests only. Honestly, it felt way more relaxed and tourist-friendly this time around.
——
2024
Elia Beach is a stunning spot with amazing views, great food, and friendly tourists. The beach itself is fantastic, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination. However, I had a mixed experience with the beach’s management.
While the staff on the beach are generally friendly, it’s frustrating that 70% of the sunbeds are reserved for Elia Hotel guests, even early in the morning when the beach is mostly empty. I was more than willing to pay the €70 and spend money on food, yet I found myself limited to the remaining 30% of the beds, which is quite disappointing, especially when the majority of the reserved beds remain unoccupied.
Additionally, while most of the beach staff were nice, a few made me feel like I was being towed around until they decided where I should sit. It was a bit annoying, but I kept my patience to avoid spoiling my beach day.
Overall, while Elia Beach is beautiful, the experience could be improved by making more sunbeds available to all paying guests rather than reserving so many for hotel guests."
Hareb Almansoori
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from the old town bus station for about €2. Buses are quite regular and the journey is straightforward. Alternatively, renting a scooter provides a scenic 20-minute ride, but be mindful of the winding roads.
While the bus and scooter are convenient, reaching the beach itself involves walking through a rocky area. It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes, not flip-flops, for this part of the journey.
Taxis are available in Mykonos, but they can be more expensive than the bus. It's a good option if you prefer direct transport and don't want to navigate public transport or scooter rentals.
If you rent a scooter or car, the drive is approximately 20 minutes from Mykonos Town. The route is known for being sinuous, so drive safely and enjoy the coastal views.
Some hotels or tour operators might offer shuttle services, but the most common and affordable public transport is the local bus. Check with your accommodation for any specific recommendations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Elia Beach is a public beach, so there's no entry fee. You only pay for services like sunbeds, umbrellas, and food/drinks if you choose to use them.
Sunbed prices can vary. Some visitors have reported costs around €40 for a pair of deck chairs, while others mention that many are reserved for hotel guests. It's advisable to check current prices upon arrival.
The main costs are for optional services like sunbeds and food. Be aware that a significant portion of sunbeds might be reserved for hotel guests, which can be frustrating for others.
Elia Beach is generally accessible throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. Beach clubs or restaurants on the beach will have their own operating hours.
Yes, the nudist section is typically located to the left of the main beach area. It's a welcoming space for naturists and the LGBTQ+ community.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Elia Beach is known for its soft sand, making it a comfortable spot for relaxing and tanning. It's a great alternative if you prefer soft sand over rocky shores.
Absolutely! The water is described as smooth, turquoise, and crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming and enjoying the Aegean Sea.
It can get busy, especially during peak season. However, some visitors suggest walking further away from the main crowds to find more secluded spots.
Elia Beach is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and has a dedicated nudist section. It's a popular spot for people-watching and enjoying a relaxed vibe.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, larger beaches like Elia often have options for water sports. It's best to inquire locally upon arrival for current offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are restaurants and beach clubs at Elia Beach offering food and drinks. However, be prepared for potentially high prices for items like wine.
Some reviews indicate that prices for food and drinks, such as a bottle of popular Greek wine, can be quite high, with one mention of €80.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the beach clubs and restaurants. Bringing snacks might be acceptable, but large picnics could be frowned upon.
Most Greek restaurants offer some vegetarian options. For specific vegan needs, it's best to check with the restaurant staff directly upon ordering.
Service can be a mixed bag. While some staff are friendly and attentive, others have been described as overly persistent or having a 'jackal's attitude,' leading to a less pleasant dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire coastline offers stunning views. Capture the clear turquoise waters, the soft sand, and the panoramic vistas. The nudist section also offers unique photo opportunities.
Be mindful and respectful. While it's a public beach, it's always best to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially in the nudist section.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the beach's beauty. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Drone regulations can vary by location in Greece. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for capturing shots in and around the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks, as restaurant prices can be high, and service can sometimes be overly attentive. While there are sunbeds, they can be expensive and many are reserved for hotel guests, so bringing beach towels might be a more budget-friendly option for the whole family.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
Beyond the nudist area, the entire beach generally maintains a friendly and open vibe. It's a place where many feel comfortable being themselves and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Embrace the spirit of Elia and enjoy the welcoming community.
💰 Budget Travelers
Sunbeds can also be a significant cost. If you're on a tight budget, bringing your own beach towel and finding a spot on the sand is a great alternative. Focus on enjoying the stunning natural scenery, which is free!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Elia Beach's Unique Atmosphere
While the beach offers a fantastic setting, it's important to be aware of the service and sunbed policies. Some visitors have noted that a significant portion of sunbeds are reserved for hotel guests, which can lead to disappointment if you're not staying at the associated hotel. This has been a point of contention for some, impacting the overall experience despite the beach's natural beauty.
Despite potential service quirks, the natural beauty of Elia Beach—its soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning views—consistently draws visitors back. It's a place that offers a unique Mykonian beach experience, blending natural splendor with a notably open and friendly social scene.
Navigating Sunbeds and Service at Elia Beach
The service at Elia Beach can be a mixed bag. While many staff members are described as friendly and attentive, some guests have felt the service was overly persistent, with multiple waiters checking in frequently. This can detract from a relaxed experience for some.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many visitors find the overall experience at Elia Beach worthwhile due to its stunning natural beauty and unique atmosphere. It's advisable to go earlier in the day to have a better chance of securing a sunbed and to manage expectations regarding service and availability.
The Journey to Elia Beach: Practicalities
For those who prefer more independence or scenic routes, renting a scooter or a car is another excellent choice. The drive from Mykonos Town typically takes about 20 minutes and offers picturesque views along the winding coastal roads. However, drivers are advised to proceed with caution due to the nature of the roads.
Upon arrival, be prepared for a short walk to the beach itself. The path is described as rocky, so comfortable footwear is essential. Leave the flip-flops behind and opt for shoes that provide better grip and support for this final stretch to reach the soft sands of Elia Beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit