Elia Beach stretches along the southern coast of Mykonos as the island's longest sandy shore, a discreet cove turned into a long-standing meeting point for LGBTQ+ travellers from across the Mediterranean. Sheltered by arid hills and lapped by translucent water, this enclave pairs daytime sunbed culture with relaxed beachfront tavernas and a short walk to the historic gay section at its eastern end. Choosing a gay-friendly hotel here means waking up minutes from the sand, away from the bustle of Chora yet within easy reach of its nightlife.
Elia Beach Show the map
21 rooms 
Elia Beach Show the map
21 rooms 
Elia Beach Show the map
20 rooms 
Elia Beach Show the map
41 rooms 
Elia Beach Show the map
37 rooms 
Elia Beach Show the map
7 rooms 
Elia Beach Show the map
4 rooms 
Neos Marmaras Show the map
16 rooms 
Vourvourou Show the map
38 rooms Elia has been part of the Mykonos LGBTQ+ map since the 1980s, when its eastern stretch became an informal gathering spot for gay sunbathers seeking calmer waters than Paradise or Super Paradise. Today the cove keeps its mixed, welcoming character, with sunbed concessions where same-sex couples are simply part of the scenery. Staying nearby allows guests to settle into a slower rhythm, alternating long swims, lunches by the shore and sunset cocktails without the constant taxi shuttles required from town.
The hotels lining the slopes above the bay range from boutique retreats with private pools to villa-style properties shaded by bougainvillea. Most welcome LGBTQ+ guests as a matter of course and offer the kind of discreet, attentive service that matches the island's premium standards.
The bay itself is divided into several organised sections, with restaurants and beach clubs offering loungers, parasols and table service from late morning to sunset. Elia Beach Restaurant has historically anchored the gay-frequented eastern end, a tradition that continues with a relaxed daytime crowd, music sets and an easy mix of locals and international visitors. Snorkelling along the rocky edges, paddleboarding and short hikes over the headland to neighbouring Agrari add quieter alternatives to sunbed life.
For after-dark energy, the legendary venues of Chora remain the heart of Mykonos nightlife. Jackie O' Town Bar, Babylon and the bars clustered around Little Venice are reachable in about twenty minutes by car or shared transfer, allowing Elia guests to enjoy late nights and still return to a peaceful seaside base.
Beyond the beach, Mykonos rewards exploration with whitewashed lanes, Cycladic chapels and the iconic windmills of Kato Mili overlooking the harbour. The maritime quarter of Little Venice, with its balconies hanging over the water, is a classic spot for sunset, while the archaeological site of Delos, a short boat ride away, reveals one of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient Greek world. Inland villages such as Ano Mera offer monasteries, traditional tavernas and a glimpse of island life beyond the coastline.
Food lovers will find Elia and its surroundings dotted with seafood restaurants serving grilled octopus, sea urchin pasta and Cycladic cheeses, often paired with Aegean wines from small producers.
The season runs roughly from late April to mid-October, with beach clubs in full swing from June onwards. XLSIOR Mykonos, the island's flagship LGBTQ+ festival, takes place in late August and transforms the entire south coast, including Elia, into a hub of pool parties and beach events. June and September offer warm seas with a calmer atmosphere, ideal for travellers who prefer long lunches and quiet swims to peak-season crowds.