A Complete Guide to Agrari and Elia Beaches in Mykonos
A boat tour around Mykonos is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the island and appreciate the extraordinary contrast between its rugged coastline and the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. From the boat, you can admire the famous houses of Little Venice, the iconic windmills and the wonderful beaches of Mykonos from a different point of view.
Speaking of beaches, some of the best-known include Psarou, Paradise and Super Paradise, and Ornos, each offering a different combination of beach clubs, restaurants, water sports and nightlife. But beyond Mykonos’ most famous beaches, two neighbouring destinations are particularly interesting for travellers looking for beautiful scenery with a slightly different atmosphere: Agrari and Elia Beaches.
Where Are Agrari and Elia Beaches in Mykonos?
Agrari and Elia beaches are located on the southern coast of Mykonos, approximately 10 kilometres from Mykonos Town. They are next to each other, forming one of the island’s most attractive stretches of sandy coastline, although their atmosphere is noticeably different. Elia is the larger and more developed of the two, while Agrari is quieter and more relaxed.
Their proximity makes it particularly easy to visit both beaches during the same day. Travellers can reach Elia and then walk along the coast towards Agrari. The walk is relatively short but includes an uneven and sometimes steep section, so suitable footwear is preferable to beach flip-flops. Alternatively, both beaches can be reached by road or by sea.
Their location on the southern side of the island is important. The southern beaches are generally more sheltered from the strong northern Meltemi winds that can affect Mykonos during the summer. Agrari, in particular, is a good option when the wind is blowing strongly from the north.
Agrari and Elia Beaches: Which One is Better?
Despite being so close together, however, Agrari and Elia appeal to somewhat different types of visitors.
Sports and Relax at Agrari Beach
Agrari Beach is one of the quieter beaches on the southern coast of Mykonos. You can enjoy both beach bar and traditional tavernas but also find a large natural section without facilities.
The beach itself is a beautiful sandy bay with clear blue-green water. One of its main attractions is precisely the feeling of space and simplicity.
Agrari is also an important destination for water sports. The beach is home to a water-sports centre offering activities including water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle activities, inflatable rides and other forms of equipment-based recreation.
Another aspect worth knowing is that naturism is tolerated in some more secluded sections of the coastline, as is the case on several Mykonos beaches.
Elia Beach: Space and Services
If Agrari represents the quieter side of this stretch of coastline, Elia Beach is its larger, more organised and more cosmopolitan counterpart.
Elia is one of the longest sandy beaches in Mykonos and is widely popular for combining natural beauty with a broad range of services. It offers a long stretch of pale sand, the clear Aegean water and a selection of restaurants, tavernas, beach bars, hotels and sunbeds. The beach also offers a range of water sports, including water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing.
The atmosphere at Elia is lively and attracts a remarkably diverse mix of visitors, including couples, families, honeymooners, international travellers, celebrities and LGBTQ+ visitors.
Like other beaches on Mykonos, Elia also has a history of welcoming naturists. However, the beach is now much more mixed, with clothed and naturist visitors sharing different areas.
Agrari or Elia: Which Beach Should You Choose?
The choice between Agrari and Elia Beach largely depends on the kind of day you want.
>Choose Agrari if your priority is tranquillity, swimming, a more natural atmosphere and a break from the busiest parts of Mykonos. It is particularly appealing if you want to combine relaxation with water sports without spending the day surrounded by large crowds.
Choose Elia if you prefer a longer beach with more facilities, restaurants, organised sunbeds and a greater variety of activities. It is also the better choice if you are travelling with a group of people who have different expectations of a beach day.
The good news is that there is no need to choose permanently. Because the two beaches are so close, one of the best ways to experience this part of Mykonos is to spend part of the day at Elia and then walk or travel to Agrari for a quieter afternoon.
How to Get to Agrari and Elia Beaches
Getting to Elia Beach from Mykonos Town (Chora) is relatively straightforward. The beach is about 10 kilometres from the island’s capital and can be reached by road. Sea transport is another attractive option: water taxis serving the southern coast connect Elia with other popular beaches, including Platis Gialos and the beaches in between.
Agrari is slightly less convenient by public transport, which is part of the reason it tends to remain quieter. The beach can be reached by car, scooter or taxi, while travelling by boat is another possibility. From Elia, visitors can also reach Agrari on foot along the coastal path, turning the journey between the two beaches into a small scenic hike.
For visitors staying in Ano Mera, the two beaches are also conveniently by road without first having to travel through Mykonos Town.
