Paraga Beach, Mykonos: The Complete Guide

Paraga Beach, Mykonos, is actually two beaches in one. You have one laid-back, casual side, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. And a couple of steps further, you have a livelier side, with beach bars like Scorpios, Kalua, and SantAnna. Paraga Beach sits on the southern part of Mykonos, only a short bus ride from the capital.

In this guide, we will talk about everything you need to know. How to go to Paraga Beach, how to spend a whole day there, the beach bars, practical details, and how it connects to other nearby beaches in Mykonos.

Where Is Paraga Beach and Why It’s Worth Your Time

You can find Paraga Beach only 6km away from Mykonos Town, squeezed between Platys Gialos and Paradise Beach. Do not confuse the latter with Super Paradise.

Paraga Beach consists of two coves. The left one is relaxed, with calm water and sunbeds. The right side attracts people looking for music, energy, and bars like Scorpios. Of course, nothing stops you from starting your day easily at the right cove, then moving to the left for the evening or night.

This is why Paraga Beach works so well for friends travelling together in Greece, attracting such a diverse crowd. Whether you are looking to relax or dance and socialise, Paraga’s got you covered.

How to Get to Paraga Beach from Mykonos Town

The easiest way to reach Paraga Beach from Mykonos Town is by public bus. The buses depart from the bus station at Fabrika in Mykonos Town and drop off near the beach entrance. The duration of the trip is approximately 15-20 minutes. During the high season, there are plenty of buses making the route to the beach, so you don’t have to worry about catching a specific one. The ticket cost is very low, so it is the best solution for people who don’t have a car.

Renting a car or ATVs and scooters is also an option, especially if you want to visit other beaches like Platys Gialos and Paradise. Parking near the beach fills up early in summer months, so go there early.

Water taxis are running seasonally from Platys Gialos and Ornos to the beach of Paraga. They travel along the coast, and they are ideal for people who are hopping from beach to beach by sea instead of by road.

A Day at Paraga, Hour by Hour

Paraga Beach has a rhythm to it throughout the day, worth knowing whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon or building it into a longer Mykonos stay. Once you have grasped this, you can plan your activities on the beach to suit. The quietest time for a swim would be early morning, as the water is calm, the sand is not yet crowded with sunbathers, and you can grab a space on the beach without paying for a sunbed- a good window for senior travellers in Greece looking to avoid the midday crowds. This is also the best time to take in the views of Delos as they are at their clearest.

Late morning is when Paraga is at its busiest, when all the sunbeds are taken, and the music from the bars on the beach is getting louder. You can also order food and drinks from the beach bars, Kalua and SantAnna, and get involved in the lively atmosphere of Paraga Beach.

As the day draws to a close and the sun sets over Paraga Beach, it transforms into a beautiful golden-hued scene. Paraga is not a sunset-watching spot, but you can find some magic in the sky when sitting at the rocky headland. As the light fades, the evening crowds start to arrive at the beach bars for a lively evening of food, drink, and fun.

The Best Beach Bars at Paraga Beach

Paraga Beach has gained a reputation thanks to its beach bars. Every one of them has its own character, and they all offer something special. Scorpios Mykonos bar is situated on the rocks above the eastern part of Paraga Beach. Here, you can enjoy the bohemian-luxury design of the bar, a selected choice of food and drinks, live music, and last but not least, a fantastic sunset. As Scorpios is the most popular beach bar of the lot, book a table in advance, especially on the weekends.

The other beach bars, Kalua and SantAnna, are located on the main part of Paraga Beach, offering comfortable sunbeds, a variety of food and beverages, and a great selection of music that increases in volume as the day goes on. Many groups of friends choose to spend their days here as it is so much more relaxed than Scorpios, and don’t need to book a table in advance for lunch.

Tasos Taverna, one of the oldest restaurants on Paraga Beach, is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for something to break up your time at the beach clubs. It serves a wide variety of traditional Greek dishes in a simple setting, without any frills. It is a nice change from the trendy beach clubs that line Paraga Beach. If beach days like this sound like your kind of trip, explore our Greece vacation packages or request one built around Mykonos and beyond.

What to Know Before You Go

A few practical details will help you plan your visit and avoid surprises once you’re on the sand.

• Sunbeds and umbrellas: Expect to pay for a sunbed and umbrella at the organized sections in front of the beach bars, with prices climbing at spots like Scorpios during peak season. The far left side of the beach stays unorganized and free if you’d rather bring your own towel.
• Minimum spend: Some beach clubs apply a minimum spend per sunbed, particularly on busy days and weekends, so it’s worth asking before you settle in.
• Nude sunbathing: The right side of Paraga, closer to the rocks, is known for informal nude and topless sunbathing. It’s not officially designated, but it’s a long-standing part of the beach’s laid-back culture.
• Swimming conditions: The water is generally calm and clear, but there are rocks scattered along parts of the shoreline, so water shoes can help, especially for kids, making this a manageable spot for family trips to Greece with a little preparation.
• No lifeguards: Like most beaches on Mykonos, Paraga doesn’t have lifeguard supervision, so keep an eye on children and swim within your comfort level.
• Peak crowds: July and August bring the largest crowds and loudest music, especially in the afternoon. Late May, June, and September offer a calmer version of the same beach.

Walking On: Agia Anna and the Southern Beach Chain

There are plenty of beaches around Paraga to choose from, all within walking distance of each other. To the right of the rocks, on the coastal path, is Agia Anna Beach. This is a small, peaceful cove even in the height of the season. It’s far enough from the action of Paraga Beach for you to relax and take a break from it.

Platys Gialos is a bit longer than Paraga, and it is fully organised, with hotels, restaurants, and water sports, a good area to know when deciding where to stay in Mykonos. After Platys Gialos, there is Psarou beach, where you can find a few upscale beach clubs. The beach is very nice, with clear waters, and it is easily accessible on foot. It forms part of one of the easiest beach-hopping routes on the island.

This section of the coast is great for a day of hopping between beaches to get a feel for each of them.

Where to Stay Near Paraga Beach

Staying near Paraga Beach is convenient because you can walk to the beach instead of having to follow a bus schedule or rent a car.

If you’re looking for a design hotel, which will also be suitable for families and for couples, then there are plenty of options a stone’s throw from the beach. Many of them have pools and wonderful views of the coastline. Others are directly on the beach, and near the bus stop. Couples on their honeymoon in Greece may prefer to opt for a hotel a bit further away, but quieter and without the music reverberating during afternoons and evenings from the beach bars.

Mykonos has a reputation as a party island, but couples looking for romantic moments will have no issue finding them here. Just see what Angela L. has to say about it in her review:

“The honeymoon of our dreams!!
Our honeymoon in Greece was absolutely perfect…serene destinations of Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos and Naxos. Each place offered its own magic, and all together they created the ideal mix of relaxation, culture, and breathtaking scenery…If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon (or any trip) that’s perfectly planned, beautifully balanced, and completely stress-free, look no further than Greece Insiders Travel”

Early booking is essential for July and August, as the best hotels near Paraga Beach fill up very early in peak season.

Conclusion

Paraga Beach, despite its size, suits many different types of people. Both those looking for peace and quiet and those in search of vibes, energy, and music. Bars like Scorpios and Kalua offer that social atmosphere, while the tranquil cove and relaxed tavern suit people who just want to spend a day taking it easy. Of course, you can always combine those two.

Ready to build the rest of your Mykonos itinerary around days like this? Greece Insiders can help you plan a trip that fits exactly how you want to experience the island, from where to stay near Paraga to which beaches, restaurants, and experiences to fit around it.