Room to breathe on the south coast, with real hotels and real restaurants
Elia is the eastern end of the sea-taxi route and the most spacious of the southern beaches: a long crescent of fine sand backed by low hills rather than buildings. It is organised — sunbeds, a couple of restaurants, water sports — but never as dense as Platis Gialos or Paradise, and the eastern end has long been a relaxed, clothing-optional and LGBTQ+-friendly stretch.
Several of the island's larger resorts sit on the slopes above the bay, which makes Elia a genuine base rather than just a day trip, especially for people who want a resort pool, a proper beach and a quiet night without being in town.
The trade-off is distance: town is a half-hour bus ride, and the last bus can be early. Hire a car or budget for taxis if you plan many evenings in Chora.
Beach
Long, sandy, organised at the western end and progressively quieter to the east. Sheltered from the north wind; some afternoon breeze.
Nights
Beach restaurants and resort bars. This is a beach for early nights and long lunches.
Getting around
Seasonal buses from the Old Port bus station in town; check current routes, as they change year to year. Sea taxis from Ornos and Platis Gialos end here. A car makes the area far easier.
