Elia Holidays

Elia is a relaxed beach resort on the south coast of Mykonos, best suited to travellers who want a quieter base with easy access to the island’s livelier areas. The resort centres on Elia Beach, one of the longest sandy beaches on Mykonos, with clear Aegean water, organised sunbeds and a more spacious feel than some of the island’s busier party beaches.

Holidays in Elia are mainly about beach days, swimming and laid-back meals by the sea. The beach is well set up in summer, with sun loungers, beach service and watersports usually available in season. Parts of the beach are popular with LGBTQ+ travellers, and there are also quieter sections towards the edges, including areas where naturism is sometimes seen. The overall atmosphere is calm and stylish rather than noisy or heavily built up.

Dining in Elia is convenient but fairly limited compared with Mykonos Town. You’ll find beachfront restaurants, hotel restaurants and relaxed places for Greek and Mediterranean food, with seafood, salads and grilled dishes commonly on menus. For a wider choice of restaurants, cafés and bars, nearby Ano Mera and Mykonos Town are easy options by car or taxi.

Elia is not a major nightlife resort. Evenings tend to be low-key, with drinks by the beach or dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant. If you want Mykonos’ famous nightlife, you can head to Mykonos Town, Paradise Beach or Super Paradise, then return to a quieter base afterwards.

Things to do from Elia include walking or taking a short transfer to neighbouring Agrari Beach, exploring the traditional village of Ano Mera, or visiting Mykonos Town for its whitewashed lanes, windmills and waterfront bars. Boat trips to the ancient island of Delos usually depart from Mykonos Town and make a worthwhile day out for anyone interested in history. In high season, beach transport and seasonal buses can make getting around easier, but hiring a car, ATV or arranging taxis is often the most flexible way to explore the island.