LUXURIOUS PARADISE OVERLOOKING THE PRISTINE WATERS OF ELIA BEACHN°001
Mykonos, Greece
Sea View
From $10,465 per night
Elia is a serene, upscale enclave on the south coast of Mykonos, home to the island's longest sandy beach. Renting a luxury villa in Elia means private pools, sweeping Aegean views and refined calm, with Mykonos Town and the party beaches a short drive away whenever you want them.
- Direct access to Elia Beach, the longest stretch of sand on Mykonos
- Hillside villas with private infinity pools and panoramic Aegean views
- Calmer, more residential feel than Mykonos Town yet close to the action
- Watersports, beach clubs and excellent tavernas on the shoreline
- Dedicated concierge for transfers, chefs, yacht days and reservations
Known forMykonos' longest sandy beach, calm upscale atmosphere and hillside villas with Aegean sea views
Best time to visitMay to early October; June and September offer warm seas with fewer crowds
Nearest airportMykonos Airport (JMK), roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car
Ideal forCouples, families and groups seeking a tranquil luxury base near Mykonos beaches
Perfect Vacation Luxury Rental Near The BeachN°002
Elia, Greece
Private PoolSea View
From $6,977 per night
Seaview Villa With Heated Infinity PoolN°003
Mykonos Town, Greece
Private PoolSea View
From $5,820 per night
Contemporary Luxury Near Elia BeachN°004
Mykonos Town, Greece
From $5,814 per night
ELEGANTLY DESIGNED CHARMING VILLA WITH SUPERB PANORAMIC VIEWSN°005
Elia, Greece
Sea View
From $5,756 per night
EXQUISITE FREE-STANDING VILLA WITH STATE OF THE ART INTERIORSN°006
Elia, Greece
Private PoolSea View
From $4,826 per night
46homes available
1–14bedrooms
up to 28guests
32with a pool
Events not to miss in Elia
- April or early May
Greek Orthodox Easter
Mykonos marks Holy Week with candlelit processions, midnight liturgies and lamb feasts in villages such as Ano Mera, inland from Elia. The island's most atmospheric tradition, before the summer season begins.
- 15 August
Feast of Panagia Tourliani
Ano Mera's sixteenth-century monastery, a short drive from Elia Beach, celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin with a panigiri of church services, food and music. A genuine island festival amid high summer.
- Late August
XLSIOR Festival
One of Europe's biggest summer dance festivals brings a week of international DJ parties to Mykonos's beaches and clubs. Plan around it, whether you are joining the party or prefer Elia's quieter end-of-season calm.
Elia through the seasons
- Spring (April – May)
Wildflowers and an island waking up
Mykonos greens briefly, Easter fills the churches and beach restaurants reopen at Elia. Mild days suit Delos excursions before the heat and crowds.
- Summer (June – August)
Full beach-club season at Elia
The island's longest sandy beach runs at full glamour, with warm meltemi-cooled days and celebrated sunsets. A hillside villa above the bay offers privacy steps from the scene.
- Autumn (September – October)
Warm seas, softer pace
The Aegean stays warm while the summer crowds ebb, leaving Elia's sands and tavernas relaxed. Many regulars call September the island's best month.
- Winter (November – March)
The quiet Cycladic off-season
Most beach venues close and Mykonos Town returns to its residents, with bright, blustery days for walks. Best for those seeking genuine seclusion.
The Area
Elia sits on the southern, sheltered coast of Mykonos, a hillside district draped above a long crescent of golden sand. It is one of the island's most prestigious residential pockets, prized for its privacy, fine sea views and easy distance from the buzz of Mykonos Town. The slopes are dotted with whitewashed villas in the classic Cycladic style, many positioned to capture sunset light over the Aegean. While the beach below draws daytime visitors, the surrounding hills remain quiet and exclusive. Elia balances seclusion with convenience, making it a natural choice for travellers who want luxury and calm without sacrificing access to Mykonos' celebrated beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
Where to Stay in Elia
Luxury villas in Elia are concentrated on the hillsides framing the bay, where elevation delivers the best sea panoramas and the most privacy. Expect contemporary Cycladic architecture, clean white lines, shaded terraces and private infinity pools overlooking the water. Properties range from intimate retreats suited to couples to expansive estates with multiple suites for families and groups travelling together. Many homes come with staff options, outdoor dining areas and direct or short access to Elia Beach. Staying here means waking to uninterrupted Aegean views and returning each evening to a tranquil setting, with Smiling House concierge on hand to arrange transfers, private chefs and everything in between.
Things to Do
Elia Beach is the centrepiece, a broad sweep of sand with calm, clear water, sunbeds and watersports including jet-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing. Beach clubs along the shore serve cocktails and long lunches in the sun. From Elia you can island-hop by boat to Delos, the sacred archaeological island, or charter a yacht to explore secluded coves. Mykonos Town, with its windmills, Little Venice and warren of boutiques and galleries, is a short drive away. Active guests can dive, paddleboard or simply walk the coastal paths, while wellness-minded travellers find spa and yoga options across the island.
Dining & Nightlife
Elia's shoreline offers relaxed beachfront tavernas and stylish beach clubs serving fresh seafood, Greek classics and Mediterranean plates with your feet near the sand. For a wider choice, Mykonos Town and Ano Mera deliver everything from traditional family-run tavernas to celebrated fine-dining rooms and international names. Sunset aperitivo in Little Venice is a Mykonos ritual, followed by the island's famous clubs and beach parties at nearby beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise. Elia itself stays calmer after dark, so you can choose lively nights out or quiet evenings on your villa terrace. Concierge can secure tables and club reservations during peak season.
When to Visit
The Mykonos season runs from May to early October. July and August are the warmest and liveliest months, with beach clubs in full swing and the island at its most glamorous, though also its busiest. June and September are ideal for many travellers, offering warm seas, long sunny days and a more relaxed pace. May and early October bring quieter beaches, pleasant temperatures and excellent value, perfect for couples and those seeking calm. Whenever you come, Elia's south-facing position gives reliable sunshine and sheltered swimming.
Getting There
Most visitors arrive via Mykonos Airport (JMK), which connects to Athens year-round and to numerous European cities directly through the summer. Elia is roughly fifteen to twenty minutes from the airport by car. Ferries also link Mykonos to Athens' ports of Piraeus and Rafina, as well as to neighbouring Cycladic islands such as Naxos, Paros and Santorini. Once on the island, a private car or villa transfer is the most comfortable way to reach Elia's hillside homes and to explore beyond. Smiling House concierge can arrange airport transfers, car hire and private drivers for your stay.