Elia Beach and the beaches of south-east Mykonos

After the big resorts with swimming pools of Psarou and Platis Gialos, then the night-and-day party beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise, Mykonos gradually changes its face as you venture further east.

On this side of the island, the south coast still holds all its promises. Perfectly oriented to face the sun all day, and sheltered from the powerful Meltem, that northerly wind capable of peeling an ox's hide on certain summer days, this part of the island is a succession of beautiful sandy bays, bordered by the idyllic waters of the Aegean Sea.

The south-eastern part of the island still retains an agricultural aspect inherited from Mykonos' past, before the hordes of tourists. Small plots of land enclosed by low dry stone walls, old collapsed terraces, a few goats, lots of little white chapels - you'll find here the typical decor of the Cyclades islands, peeled by the sun.

Except that in Mykonos, no area is really deserted, unless you venture out onto the ungrateful north-east coast. But here, unlike in the west of the island, construction is more sparse and discreet. A few hotels, lots of studios and rented flats, those who appreciate a more serene Mykonos make their home here, in the eastern part of the island.

Let's take a tour of the best beaches in south-east Mykonos:

This is the first major beach after Super Paradise, reputed to be one of the most attractive in Mykonos. Bordered by a few hotels, Elia is partly covered by the inevitable deckchairs and parasols, and reveals all its charms out of season. Part of the beach is naturist, as is the neighbouring Agrari beach, which is also well worth a visit and a swim.

Less than 2 kilometres from Elia (but more by road), the beach at Kalo Livadi is in some ways a carbon copy: the same blonde sand, the same calm, crystal-clear sea, the same deckchairs and parasols belonging to the few hotels and beach bars that line the beach. In the end, the main difference at Kalo Livadi is that naturism is not possible.

Kalo Livadi is a lively place in high season, ideal for a family beach day or for relaxing by the water on your own. You can even put your towel down on the sand, as there are no deckchairs in certain sections.

Things are changing fast in Mykonos: for a long time, Kalafatis had the reputation of being a beach away from the world, but this is no longer really the case. A large sandy beach lined with tamarisk trees for shade, you can relax directly on the sand, even if the deckchair-parasol duo is gaining ground all the time. There are a few tavernas where you can grab a bite to eat with a view of the sea...

Kalafatis specialises in water sports, with a windsurfing base right in the middle of the beach.

Further east, the small country road leading down to Lia leads you to believe that you are about to come upon a deserted beach, but this is not the case: in Mykonos, fine sand is a commodity that is exploited!

As a result, the little Lia has no trouble filling up in summer. Parasols and deckchairs cover the beach to varying degrees depending on the season, and the restaurant and beach bar give the beach an atmosphere in keeping with Mykonos.

For a chance to get away from it all, a footpath leads to the secret beach of Tsagari, or you can push on to Frangias beach: this is the beginning of a totally unexploited Mykonos!