Anarina Villas & Suites Mykonos Elia Beach

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to Anarina Villas & Suites Mykonos Elia Beach, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect — the name’s a bit of a mouthful, right? But the moment you see this place perched above one of Mykonos‘ most gorgeous beaches, it all makes sense. This four-star property has that understated elegance that feels authentically Greek rather than trying too hard to impress. The whitewashed buildings cascade down toward Elia Beach in a way that’s both dramatic and somehow perfectly natural.

The Location Magic

You know what really sets this place apart? It’s right on Elia Beach, which — and I can’t stress this enough — is absolutely the best beach on the island if you want that perfect balance of beautiful sand and not being completely overrun by crowds. I mean, yes, it gets busy during peak season, but it’s got this long stretch that somehow absorbs people without feeling claustrophobic. The hotel sits just far enough back that you get privacy, but close enough that you’re literally a two-minute walk to some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen in the Aegean.

Accommodations That Actually Work

The suites here are what I’d call “thoughtfully designed” — not massive, but every inch feels purposeful. My room had this gorgeous terrace that looked straight out over the water, and honestly, I spent more time out there than inside. The interiors have that clean, modern Greek aesthetic with just enough traditional touches to remind you where you are. What I really appreciated was the attention to details — good water pressure, blackout curtains that actually work, and air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a freight train.

The Beach Club Experience

Here’s where things get interesting — the hotel’s beach setup is really well done. They’ve got their own section with comfortable loungers and umbrellas, plus a beach restaurant that serves surprisingly good food. I was expecting typical overpriced beach fare, but they actually put effort into the menu. The grilled octopus was fantastic, and their Greek salad used tomatoes that actually tasted like something. The service can be a bit slow during lunch rush, but that’s pretty standard for Greek island time, and honestly, you’re not in a hurry anyway.

Why Couples Keep Coming Back

I can see why this place gets such high marks from couples — there’s something about the combination of intimacy and space that really works. The pool area has these little nooks where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over music or kids splashing around. Evening drinks on your terrace while watching the sunset over the water? It’s almost ridiculously romantic without being cheesy about it. Plus, you’re close enough to Mykonos Town (about 15 minutes by car) for dinner or nightlife, but far enough away that you can actually sleep at night. The whole setup just feels like it was designed by people who understand what makes a beach vacation actually relaxing.