Paraga Beach Mykonos: The Definitive Guide to the Beach with Two Souls

Are you ready to discover the secret soul of Mykonos? Paraga Mykonos is on everyone’s lips, but are you sure you truly know it? Is it just a “party time” beach, or does it hide a quieter side? Is it possible to enjoy the crystal-clear sea without spending a fortune? And for those looking for a spot without having to rent a sunbed, is there hope? In this comprehensive guide, based on our notes from August 5, 2025, we will reveal its dual identity, with all the details you need to make the most of your day at this iconic beach.

The information and prices in this article were verified on-site on August 5, 2025.

Video: 8K Paraga Beach Walk (August 2025): Mykonos Morning Serenity Before the Party

Take a peaceful morning walk with us on Paraga Beach, Mykonos, during the peak of the summer season in August 2025. Filmed in stunning 8K resolution, this video captures a rare moment of tranquility before the beach clubs like Scorpios and SantAnna come to life. It’s the perfect escape to the quiet, natural beauty of the Aegean Sea, offering a serene glimpse of Mykonos before the famous parties begin.

Watch the following video directly here or on YouTube at the link: https://youtu.be/ZIm7qNkKoTc. If you are reading this article on a smartphone, go to the bottom of the page and exit mobile mode to see it directly on this page.

Walk in 8K on Paraga Beach, Mykonos. Experience the morning tranquility in August 2025, before beach clubs like Scorpios and SantAnna come alive for the party. The serene side of the island, before the party begins.

The Beach and Its Seabed: A Natural Cove to Explore

Paraga Beach is a charming cove, nestled between two rocky outcroppings that create a natural inlet. The shore is a mix of sand and pebbles, which give the water an incredible clarity. The seabed is characterized by smooth, non-sharp rocks, making it safe and easy to explore. Unlike other beaches on the island, the rocky formation promotes a greater marine biodiversity.

Snorkeling in Paraga: A Rich Underwater World

Paraga Beach is an ideal place for snorkeling enthusiasts. Just a few meters from the shore, among the rocks, we spotted numerous fish of different species: tiny fish, larger specimens, and even some with unique shapes, like those with the “fish lips” typical of selfies. The experience was fun and full of discoveries, but it’s important to point out a sore spot: we noticed some trash on the seabed. It’s a real shame, as it spoils the atmosphere of an otherwise magnificent place that should be better preserved.

Free Beach: The Free Option, Often Overlooked

Despite its fame, Paraga Mykonos offers a portion of free beach, an uncommon opportunity on the island’s most renowned shores. In the morning, arriving around 11:00 AM, the free area is almost deserted, ensuring you’ll find a spot without any problems. It’s interesting to note that even in the early afternoon, unlike the equipped areas, the space remains uncrowded. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative and a space all to yourself, this is the perfect place, especially in the morning.

The Beach Clubs: From Exclusive to More Accessible Prices

Paraga is also famous for its beach clubs, which offer very different services and prices. It’s essential to ask for every detail before taking a seat.

• More Affordable Options: Sunbeds and umbrellas start at around €30 per person, but are often associated with a mandatory minimum spend that can reach €60 per person.
• Central Establishment: Prices go up here, with a minimum of €80 per person for the back rows.
• Exclusive Beach Clubs (e.g., Santana Mykonos): In the front rows, you can expect to spend hundreds of euros per person.

It’s always a good idea to ask if you’re allowed to bring your own food or drinks, even if you’ve paid a high price for the sunbed.

Caffè Paraga Menu: A Price Summary (August 2025)

Here is an overview of the prices for food and drinks, which are essential for meeting the minimum spend:

• Coffee: Espresso €3.50, Cappuccino €4.00.
• Water: Still (small) €2.00, Still (large) €4.00, Sparkling (large) €7.00.
• Soft Drinks: €4.50 (Coca-Cola, Fanta, etc.).
• Beers: Heineken, Corona €7.50; Draft beer 500ml €8.50.
• Snacks: Club Sandwich €14, Hamburger €17, Margherita Pizza €12.
• Cocktails: Mojito, Margarita, Long Island, and others at €20.

Separate Commercial Activities: A Detail Not to Be Overlooked

A practical tip: don’t assume that all the businesses on the beach are connected. For example, the Tasos taverna and the beach bar are two distinct commercial activities. You cannot order food from the taverna and eat it on the sunbeds from the bar. It’s a rule to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant misunderstandings.

From Serenity to Party: The Afternoon Transformation

If the morning is the realm of tranquility, the afternoon is the temple of celebration. From 10:00 AM, the beach gradually fills up, but the real explosion of energy happens after 3:30 PM. The music turns up to a nightclub volume, and the beach fills with young people and groups of friends ready to dance on sunbeds and tables. If your goal is to read in peace or make a work call, this is the wrong place. But if you love dance music and want to experience the famous Mykonian “party time,” Paraga Mykonos is the perfect destination for you.

Conclusion: Paraga, a Matter of Style

Paraga Mykonos is a beach with two souls. It is an unmissable destination for those looking for a complete experience: a clean and inviting sea in the morning, and a wild party atmosphere in the afternoon. The only drawback is the cleanliness, which in some areas could be improved. Nevertheless, it is a beach that perfectly embodies the spirit of the island and offers an unforgettable experience, provided you choose the right time to enjoy it.

Can I visit the renowned beach clubs Scorpios and Kalua in Mykonos just for a drink without an advance reservation?

Short Answer: Yes, it is theoretically possible to go to beach clubs like Scorpios and Kalua (both located on Paraga Beach) just for a drink at the bar or in the lounge area, without a specific reservation for sunbeds or a table.

However, especially during high season (July and August), it is essential to keep a few things in mind regarding timing:

Time and Crowds:

For a drink or an aperitif, the best opportunities arise in the morning, when the atmosphere is relaxed. An excellent alternative is the very early afternoon, a perfect transition time for a post-lunch drink, before the real party begins and the energy becomes “explosive.” During these hours, it is easier to find a spot at the bar and in the common areas.

Greater Difficulty: Towards sunset at Scorpios (famous for its “Sunset Rituals”) and during peak party hours at Kalua (late afternoon/evening), access can become very difficult or impossible without a reservation. There is often a selection at the entrance, waiting lists, or simply the venue reaches capacity.

Minimum Spend/Selection:

Even if you don’t have a reservation for a table, you might have to wait, or in cases of extreme crowds, entry might be limited to those with reservations or those expected to make a significant purchase. This is not a fixed rule “at the entrance,” but it is part of their customer flow management.

The prices for drinks are high anyway, so even just “having a drink” will have a significant cost.

Priority: Customers with reservations (for sunbeds, cabanas, restaurant tables, or the VIP area) will always have priority for access and service.

In Summary:

• Yes, it is possible to try to go just for a drink without a reservation.
• It depends heavily on the time of day and the day of the week. Avoid absolute peak hours if you haven’t booked.
• Access is not guaranteed, especially in high season. You might find a queue or the entrance blocked for capacity reasons.
• If your goal is just to “take a look” or have a quick drink outside of peak hours, you have a better chance. If you want to experience the height of the party, a reservation is almost essential.

My advice is to try, perhaps not on a weekend in the middle of August at sunset, and be prepared for the idea that you might not be able to get in.

For Paraga Beach (specifically for the most famous beach clubs like Scorpios and Kalua):

Advice for High Season (Without Reservation): For the famous Paraga beach clubs like Scorpios and Kalua, even though the beach itself has freer areas, the strategy of arriving in the morning does not guarantee access to sunbeds or club services. These establishments are extremely popular and an advance reservation is almost always necessary, especially in high season, given their popularity and often their minimum spend policies. You might find space in the portion of the beach not directly managed by the clubs, but for the full experience offered by Scorpios or Kalua, a reservation is essential.

The Beaches of Mykonos: The Definitive Guide with an Interactive Map to Experience Them at Their Best

Discover all the essential information about the beaches of Mykonos and fully enjoy the seaside experience thanks to the included interactive map. For more details, see the complete article!

Mykonos Beaches: The Ultimate Guide with an Interactive Map to Make the Most of Your Trip