Psarou and Platis Gialos: luxury and idleness in Mykonos

Psarou is the first sandy beach on the south coast of Mykonos. Platis Gialos is just a 10-minute walk down the bay from Psarou.

While the beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise are renowned for their night-and-day fiestas, Psarou is in a slightly different league. Here, the atmosphere is more chic, and people come to see and be seen, in this small resort which claims to be the most upmarket on Mykonos. The number of yachts anchored in the bay, or the helicopter pad, are all clues to the recurring presence in Psarou of stars, members of the jet set and other wealthy holidaymakers.

This impression is confirmed by the luxury boutiques with top brand names in Nammos Village, which occupies the heart of the resort. Perfect for a top-of-the-range shopping session before heading down to the beach for the famous restaurant of the same name, Nammos, one of the most famous and sought-after on the island!

There are, of course, a number of luxury hotels in Psarou, but more modest accommodation is also available in the surrounding area. Psarou offers direct access to both Chora and Mykonos airport, making it a highly sought-after base on the island.

The next dreamy bay after Psarou is called Platis Gialos: the two resorts merge, with a discontinuous parade of hotels and holiday rentals joining them along the small road that connects them.

The spirit of the two beaches remains the same, perfectly emblematic of Mykonos, Platis Gialos probably a little less chic than Psarou, and a little more family-friendly... but it all depends on when you travel to the island.

A series of beach bars and restaurants line the beach, providing food, drinks, sun loungers and parasols for the many holidaymakers who fill Platis Gialos every day in season. Platis Gialos is the beach to relax on and spend hours basking in the sun, although you can also try your hand at some of the local water sports, including jet skiing and water skiing.

Platis Gialos is also a very convenient base for staying in Mykonos. It is just as close to Chora and Mykonos airport as Psarou, but also serves as the departure point for the small caiques that take tourists by sea to the other mythical beaches of Mykonos: Paradise and Super Paradise, the most exhilarating, or the wiser beaches of Elia or Kalo Livadi...

Following the coast from Platis Gialos, it's easy to reach another beach, Paranga, renowned for being home to one of Mykonos' most emblematic restaurants, Scorpios. Chic, relaxed, festive and expensive, this is the spirit of Mykonos incarnated by the sea!