Elia is one of the island's longest beaches and, together with the surrounding east coast, offers a more relaxed and spread-out alternative to the busy south-central spots. It suits couples and anyone wanting a quieter, scenic base, provided they don't mind being further from Mykonos Town.
The area is centred on the broad sweep of Elia Beach, with organised sections and restaurants but a generally calmer, more open feel than the south's beach-club density. Days are for swimming and unwinding, and evenings are quiet, so nightlife means travelling into town.
Getting around
Elia is served by seasonal buses and the south-coast sea-taxi, but it's further out, so a car or taxis make life much easier. Mykonos Town is a longer drive than from the south-central beaches, and the airport (JMK) is a moderate transfer away.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Spacious, scenic and comparatively peaceful.
- Watch out for
- It's away from town, so plan transport for dining and nightlife.
- Best for
- Couples and beach lovers who value calm over convenience.
Frequently asked
Do I need a car to stay at Elia?
It's strongly recommended — buses run seasonally and it's further from town, so a car or reliance on taxis makes getting around much easier.
Is Elia a good base for nightlife?
Not really; it's quiet in the evenings, so you'd travel into Mykonos Town for a night out.
Comparing areas? See the full Mykonos area guide →
An independent guide to Elia & the east coast, Mykonos — honest orientation, no invented data.