Mykonos is known for its party beaches, but its most beautiful stretches of sand may be the quiet ones on the north coast. Agios Sostis, Fokos, Lia and Mirsini have no sunbeds, umbrellas or beach bars, just sand, clear water and rocky hills, which is exactly why they work so well in the quiet season. Agios Sostis is the best known, a sandy bay below the coast road. Fokos is wilder still, at the end of a rough road through the hills. In summer they offer an escape from the crowds at Psarou, Platis Gialos, Ornos, Paradise and Super Paradise, whose beach clubs and bars mostly close from autumn to spring. In winter they are simply peaceful places for a walk, a picnic or, on a warm day, a brave swim. The north coast faces the prevailing wind, so pick a calm day, or head to the more sheltered south coast when the north wind blows.
How it works
The quiet beaches are free and open at all times. You need your own transport, since buses are limited in winter and do not reach most of them; a hire car or scooter, or a taxi with a pick-up time agreed, is the way to go. Roads to the beaches can be narrow and the last stretch to Fokos is rough.
Visiting in summer
From late spring to autumn the water is warm enough for proper swimming and the beaches are busier, especially in July and August, so arrive early; the organised beach clubs of the south coast are open then, usually from about May to October. The north coast faces the wind, so check the forecast before you choose a side.
Visiting in winter
Expect empty sand, no facilities and sea temperatures that are cool, though some hardy swimmers keep going all year. Most rain falls between November and March, and the north coast can be battered by waves on windy days, which is dramatic to watch but makes swimming unsafe. The beach clubs of the south coast are closed in winter, so the whole island has a quieter, more natural feel.
Making the most of it
Combine a beach walk with lunch in Ano Mera or in Chora, as there is nowhere to eat at the beaches themselves in the quiet season. Bring water, a warm layer and anything you need for a picnic, and take your rubbish with you. Check the wind forecast before choosing between north and south.
What to expect
The experience
Free, unorganised sandy coves with no sunbeds or bars, reached by car or scooter along the north coast of the island.
Best time
A calm, sunny day around midday, when the sand is warmest and the light is brightest.
How long
Two to three hours for a walk, picnic and drive, or a full day combined with Ano Mera.
Tips
Bring everything you need, including water and a warm layer, and check the wind before deciding between the north and south coasts.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers, walkers and anyone who wants to see Mykonos without the beach clubs.
- Families
- Open sand and rock pools are fun for children on calm days, but there are no lifeguards or facilities, so supervise closely.
- Couples
- An empty winter beach and a picnic is about as far from the party image of Mykonos as you can get.
- Pair with
- Lunch in Ano Mera, or sunset back at Little Venice on the way home.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Can you swim in Mykonos in winter?+
Some hardy swimmers do, but the sea is cool from late autumn to spring. Choose a calm, sheltered beach and never swim when waves are high.
Are the beach clubs open in winter?+
No, the beach clubs and bars of beaches such as Paradise, Super Paradise and Psarou close in the off-season. The unorganised beaches are the best choice then.
How do I get to Agios Sostis?+
It is on the north coast, a short drive from Chora. Buses are limited in winter, so a hire car, scooter or taxi is easiest.
Which beaches are quietest on Mykonos?+
Agios Sostis, Fokos, Lia and Mirsini have no sunbeds or bars and are the quietest. In winter almost every beach on the island is quiet.
Are there facilities at the quiet beaches?+
Generally not. Bring water, food and anything else you need, and take your rubbish with you.
