Most visitors to the south coast end up at Platis Gialos or push further toward Paradise. Kalo Livadi sits between the two and gets a fraction of the traffic — which is precisely why it’s worth knowing about. It’s one of the longest beaches on the island, organized without being overwhelming, and the tavernas at its eastern end serve some of the most honest food you’ll find this close to the sea on Mykonos.
The Beach
Kalo Livadi stretches for roughly 400 meters along a sheltered bay on the southeastern coast, about 12 kilometers from Chora. The sand is fine and golden, the water deepens gradually, and the bay’s orientation means it catches the morning sun fully and stays protected from the meltemi better than beaches further north.
The organized section covers the central stretch. The eastern end, near the small fishing settlement and the tavernas, is free and rarely crowded even in August. Water quality is consistently good — the bay sees relatively limited boat traffic compared to the more central south coast beaches.
Food at the Beach
The small cluster of buildings at the eastern end includes tavernas that have been feeding fishermen and locals long before the beach became a tourist destination: simple grilled fish, fresh salads, calamari. Prices are noticeably lower than the beach bars at the organized central section. Arrive hungry between 13:00 and 15:00, when the kitchen is in full swing and the tables under the tamarisk trees are at their best.
Getting There
The road to Kalo Livadi is paved and clearly signposted from the main southern coast road. A regular car handles it easily. Journey time from Chora is approximately 25 minutes. No direct bus service — the southern coast bus stops at Platis Gialos and Paradise. Parking above the beach is free but fills by midday in July and August; arriving before 10am solves the problem.
Practical Tips
- The free eastern section gets afternoon shade from the low headland from around 16:00 onward.
- Sunbed rental at the organized section runs approximately €15–20 for a pair in high season.
- Best on weekdays in June and September, when weekend crowds from Athens thin out considerably.
- Combine with a late afternoon drive up the southeastern coast toward Kalafatis — open country, good views, almost no traffic.
Why It Stands Out
Kalo Livadi has quietly maintained a character that most south coast beaches have lost. It’s organized enough to be comfortable, long enough to absorb visitors without feeling packed, and close enough to genuinely good food to make a full day here genuinely satisfying.