One of the largest beaches on Mykonos and the most gay-popular, Elia Beach is well-managed with many good quality sunbeds and shades for rent.

At the righthand end (assuming you're facing the sea), there's a rainbow flag. The area between the water sports rental section and the flag gets increasingly gay-popular. The sand quality above and below the waterline is at its best in this area.

Beyond the rocky outcrop towards the very end (beyond the rainbow flag) is a second beach that is almost entirely gay with some nudism. Further behind is a much smaller sandy cove that is mostly occupied by gay nude sunbathers.

Sunbeds and parasols are available for rent. Customers can expect efficient drinks and food table service. A selection of sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, salads are cooked to order at the nearby Arte & Mare Resort restaurant and, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, delivered by runners to your bed.

Buying food and drinks from the beach staff is a great way of securing front-row sun lounger reservations for the following day. There is also an excellent beach restaurant in the middle of the main beach, serving various fish and meat dishes.

Neither the at-seat or dine-in option is cheap. So, bring your own water, cigarettes, etc. However, our beach attendant (Erick) was a bronzed, smooth-talking Greek hunk who had us ordering from his menu every hour or so.

Elia Beach is generally quiet in the morning with people arriving around lunchtime and leaving in the evening. After 5pm, the rocky area beyond the beaches becomes very cruisy. The only privacy is behind stone walls, and even then you are definitely taking chances with the exceptionally prickly bushes that cover the rocks.

How to get to Elia Beach

a) Hire a car and drive. There is a car park at the beach. You can drive through the tarmacked car park and turn right into an informal car park that runs along the back of the beach. We think driving is the best option if you are in a group and plan to visit Elia most days.
b) Take a bus from the Northern Bus Station (close to the Old Port ferry quay), buses depart at regular intervals from 11am - check at the station for the current schedule.
c) Take a bus from the main Southern Bus Station to Plato Yailos, then catch a water taxi to Elia.

Read more: Water taxis in Mykonos.