Paraga Beach Mykonos: The Definitive Guide to the Beach with Two Souls
Are you ready to discover the secret, dual soul of Mykonos? Paraga is on everyone’s lips, but there is so much more to it than just the famous beats of Scorpios and SantAnna.
Is it possible to find a rare moment of morning serenity before the ‘party time’ takes over? Can you still enjoy the crystal-clear Aegean Sea without spending a fortune, or find hope in the often-overlooked free beach areas?
In this comprehensive guide, built from my raw notes on August 5, 2025, I’ll take you through the rhythm, the sand, and even the salt of this iconic cove. We’ll reveal its true identity—from the vibrant underwater world to the high-energy afternoons—giving you every verified detail and price to master your day at Paraga.
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 video directly on this page, or click here for viewing on YouTube (ideal for mobile users): https://youtu.be/ZIm7qNkKoTc.
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.
Table of Contents for Paraga Beach Mykonos
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.
Sunbeds & Umbrellas: Costs and Rules at Paraga Beach
Planning a day at Paraga Beach requires some “strategic” thinking. Based on my visit in August 2025, here is how the prices are structured:
- Most Affordable Option: The cheapest beach clubs offer a set of sunbeds and an umbrella starting from €30 to €45 per person. However, be aware that these places often require a minimum spend of €60 per person on food and drinks.
- Central Beach Clubs: Prices here start at a minimum of €80 per person for the back rows.
- Premium Beach Clubs (e.g., SantAnna Mykonos): In the most exclusive spots, prices can reach hundreds of euros per person, especially if you want to be in the front row facing the sea.
My Personal Advice: Beach life here isn’t simple—it’s not just about paying for a rental. You must be resolute and ask for every detail before sitting down. Don’t just ask about the sunbed price; ask if there is a minimum spend and if you are allowed to drink your own water or eat your own snacks.
I found that while the service is good, it isn’t always exceptional. These costs make a day at the beach not affordable for everyone, especially families with children where expenses multiply. It’s much better if you are a group of friends who can share the costs. In Mykonos, you often pay more for the ‘vibe’ and the location than for the actual service, so keep your eyes open to avoid expensive surprises!
What to Ask Before You Sit!
Beach life in Mykonos can be surprisingly complicated. You don’t just “rent an umbrella” and relax; every establishment has its own set of rules. Here is what I highly recommend asking before you commit:
- Is there a minimum spend? Sometimes you’re willing to pay more for the sunbed thinking you’ll bring your own snacks, only to find out you are still required to spend a certain amount at their bar.
- Can I bring my own water or food? Many places have strict policies against outside food or even a simple bottle of water brought from home.
- What does the price actually include? Don’t assume anything.
It’s not as simple as paying a high price and being done with it; you must be careful and stay informed. Mykonos is moving more and more toward a luxury-oriented model, and without checking the details beforehand, a relaxing day can easily turn into a very expensive misunderstanding.
Caffè Paraga Menu: A Price Summary (August 2025)
If you are planning a visit to Paraga Beach, here is a detailed breakdown of the costs for food and drinks. Keep in mind that these prices, combined with the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas, can make a day at the beach quite expensive:
| Category | Item & Price |
| Coffee | Espresso €3.50 | Cappuccino €5.00 | Frappé €4.00 |
| Water | Small Still Water €2.00 | Large Still Water €4.00 | Large Sparkling Water €7.00 |
| Soft Drinks | Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Iced Tea €4.50 | Fresh Juices from €11.00 |
| Beers | Mythos, Heineken, Stella Artois €7.50 | Corona €8.50 | Draft Beer (500ml) €8.50 |
| Cocktails | Mojito, Margarita, Gin Fizz, etc. €20.00 |
| Snacks & Food | Club Sandwich (Ham or Chicken) €14.00-€15.00 | Burger/Chicken Burger €17.00-€19.00 |
| Pizza & More | Margherita Pizza €12.00 | Special Pizza €14.00 | Greek Salad €15.00 |
My Honest Take on Costs: > The service here is good—similar to many other places in Mykonos—but not exceptional. When you add the cost of food and drinks to the sunbed and umbrella rentals, a full day here becomes quite a luxury. It is not affordable for everyone, especially for families with children where costs multiply quickly. However, if you are a group of friends and can divide the expenses, it becomes a much more manageable and enjoyable way to experience the beach.
Lunch on the Sunbed: The Evolution of Luxury
There is a specific kind of relaxation that comes with having your lunch served directly under your umbrella. We spent our midday break with our plates balanced on the small wooden table between our sunbeds, with the warm sand of Paraga stretching out just beyond our feet.
While enjoying my burger and club sandwich while gazing at the turquoise sea, I couldn’t ignore the cost of this privilege: €17 for the burger and €14 for the sandwich, with water at €4. At Paraga, even a simple lunch becomes a statement of style and a significant financial commitment.
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 Mystery of Mykonos Camping: A Landscape in Transition
Since sharing my walk at Paraga Beach, many of you have asked: ‘What happened to Mykonos Camping?’ To be honest, during my walk, I didn’t see anything that resembled an active campsite, which struck me as unusual.
To be absolutely sure and provide you with the most accurate information, I went back to review my original photos and compared them directly with the official GPS maps.
The confirmation was clear: the exact spot where the camping should have been is the same area I photographed in August 2025.
What I saw wasn’t a place for tents or campers, but a construction site with unfinished concrete structures. It was quite a contrast to the ‘wild’ soul many remember. Looking at those images again, I realized why I hadn’t noticed a campsite at the time—it simply wasn’t there anymore in its traditional form.
As these observations are from August 2025, I cannot say for certain if the work is completed now in 2026 or what the final result looks like today. However, the transformation I witnessed was undeniable. Therefore, if you are looking for the campsite and cannot find it online or on-site, it is a clear confirmation of my observations: it is either gone for good or has been transformed into something entirely different.
The Changing Face of Mykonos: Between Luxury and Natural Beauty
The transformation of Paraga Beach and the disappearance of the traditional campsite didn’t entirely surprise me. Throughout the island, I noticed numerous construction sites and new projects; Mykonos is rapidly evolving into a destination almost exclusively oriented toward luxury, exclusive parties, and elegant evenings. While I truly enjoyed the beautiful beachfront restaurants and the stunning views—even if they require a significant financial commitment—I feel the island is slowly losing that authentic, wild Greek spirit.
Mykonos has a special place in my heart, and I would personally consider returning. However, being rational, after experiencing it once, it might be wiser to choose a different island for the next vacation—one that offers more variety and lower costs. While Gabriel is quite resolute about not returning, I remain more open to the idea, despite the contradictions.
I must confess that while filming these videos early in the morning, I felt a strange sense of guilt. I was capturing the most natural, peaceful side of the beach, yet I knew these shores are often valued more for their animated nightlife than their inherent beauty. For a moment, I felt like I wasn’t giving a “100% complete” view of what Mykonos has become, which felt unnatural and wrong.
But after that initial emotional unease, I realized how important it is—especially with current trends—to return to appreciating the natural beauty of the beach itself. Sadly, while snorkeling, I noticed trash on the seabed. It’s a real shame. Perhaps if we all focused more on the natural wonder of these places rather than just the parties, we would be more inclined to take better care of them.
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
Fragments of Emotions: My Raw Notes from August 5th – Sand, Rhythm, and Salt
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, 10:54 AM
Today we are at Paraga Beach, and it’s August 5th, 2025. Everything I’m telling you refers to today, and all prices have been verified on-site this morning.
Paraga is the famous beach where you’ll find the iconic Scorpios beach club. The shoreline is a mix of sand and pebbles. You’ll notice the pebbles even more once you get into the water because the seabed is full of smooth rocks. Just be careful not to slip when you’re getting in, but otherwise, it’s quite pleasant since the rocks aren’t sharp.
This beach is basically a cove, tucked between two rocky outcrops that stretch into the sea. They aren’t huge cliffs, just rocky points a few dozen meters long that frame the water.
Paraga Beach really offers something for every budget. While Scorpios is the most exclusive spot, there are other beach clubs with prices more in line with the rest of the island—around €60, €70, or €90 to €100 for two sunbeds and an umbrella.
Surprisingly, for a famous beach in Mykonos, there is a good-sized free area (spiaggia libera). It’s 11:00 AM on August 5th, and right now, the free section is almost empty; you’ll have no trouble finding a spot.
We arrived without a reservation and found plenty of sunbeds available at the clubs as well. As I always say: in Mykonos, the “race for a sunbed” isn’t that crazy in August if you show up in the morning. Most clubs don’t even get going until 10:00 AM, so there’s no point in arriving at dawn. The real energy starts in the afternoon.
Right near the shore, you can see tiny fish and some larger ones too. The rocks definitely bring more variety, making this a great spot for snorkeling.
We went snorkeling near the big central rock a few dozen meters out. It’s a cool spot—we saw small fish, big fish, colorful ones, and even some with that funny “fish-gape” mouth, looking like they were ready for a selfie! The only downside: I noticed quite a bit of trash on the seabed. It’s a real shame because this natural setting is stunning and deserves better care.
Regarding the free beach: even at 1:30 PM, it stayed pretty quiet. It seems like most people don’t come here to sit on the sand for free. By noon, however, the beach clubs were packed, and finding a sunbed became much harder.
Sunbed & Umbrella Costs (August 2025):
- Budget option: Beds start at €30–€45 per person, but often come with a minimum spend of €60 per person.
- Central Beach Club: Prices start at €80 per person for the back rows.
- Exclusive Clubs (like Santana): You can spend hundreds of euros per person for the front row.
Pro tip: ask about everything before you sit down. Don’t just ask the price of the bed, but ask if there’s a minimum spend and if you’re allowed to drink your own water. Life here is complicated; sometimes you pay a high price for the bed but still aren’t allowed to eat your own sandwich.
Paraga Coffee Menu Prices (August 2025):
- Coffee: Espresso €3.50, Cappuccino €4.00.
- Drinks: Sodas €4.50, Small Water €2.00, Large Water €4.00.
- Beer: Heineken/Corona €7.50, Draft 500ml €8.50.
- Food: Margherita Pizza €12, Club Sandwich €14, Burger €17.
- Cocktails: Mojito, Margarita, etc. €20.00.
Keep in mind that separate businesses operate here. For example, Tasos Taverna and the beach bar are different. You can’t order food from the taverna to eat on the bar’s sunbeds.
One note on cleanliness: in the area around the Paraga Bar beds, the beach wasn’t very clean—cigarettes, paper, straws. For such a famous beach, the service isn’t exactly “five-star.” Even though the sea is beautiful, seeing trash makes you not want to come back the next day. Tomorrow, we’ll try somewhere else.
In the afternoon, the vibe completely flips. The music starts—sometimes live—and it gets very high-energy. It’s definitely not the place for a quiet read or a work call after 3:30 PM. If you love dance music and a loud party vibe, this is your spot. By 6:00 PM, people are dancing on the sunbeds and tables everywhere.
A Reflection from the Future: January 27, 2026
Looking back at these notes today, January 27, 2026, I still remember Paraga Beach fondly. Despite the downsides I noted at the time, I truly had a great day there. However, if I’m being completely honest, it isn’t a beach that stayed in my heart like Ornos Beach or others I’ve visited. It is undoubtedly a beautiful beach, but it didn’t leave that indelible mark on my soul. It was a wonderful human experience, but perhaps not a life-changing one.
If you want to discover the beach that truly captured my heart, don’t miss my deep dive into Ornos Beach—check out the full guide and price breakdown here! Ornos Mykonos Guide