Paradise Beach is the beach that made Mykonos famous with a certain crowd, and it is more varied than its reputation suggests. It lies on the south coast, a short ride from Mykonos Town, in a wide bay of golden sand where the sea is clear and the bottom shelves gently. Two beach clubs, Paradise Beach Club and Tropicana, run the sunbeds, bars and sound systems, and in the summer season the party builds in the late afternoon and runs well past midnight. Just over the headland is Super Paradise, a smaller and glossier cove with its own clubs and an even livelier reputation. Neither beach is only a party. In the morning the clubs open for sunbathing and swimming, the water is calm, and couples, families and friends who arrive early have a quiet stretch of sand and a long swim before the music begins. You can lay a towel on the free part of the sand, while sunbeds and umbrellas at the clubs are paid. A beach break with sunbeds is the simple way to secure a spot for the day without queuing at the gate.
How it works
You choose a date, reserve your sunbeds and make your own way to the beach, or ask your hotel or the tour operator for the exact meeting and arrival details. Public buses run from the Fabrika bus station in Mykonos Town to Paradise Beach about every half hour in high season and take around a quarter of an hour.
Water taxis also run from nearby Platis Gialos, and taxis and rental cars are the other options, although parking near the beach fills up quickly in July and August. Bring cash or a card for drinks and food, because everything on the sand is sold by the clubs.
Choosing your spot
Paradise Beach is the larger and more mixed of the two. Sunbeds in the front rows sit closest to the water, the back rows are cheaper and further from the speakers, and some clubs let you reserve tables in advance. Super Paradise is more compact and dressy, and the atmosphere is more nightlife than beach day.
If you want a calmer stretch of sand, walk to the edge of the bay away from the club speakers, or go early in the day. Children are allowed everywhere and the sea is gentle, but the club atmosphere suits adults better, so families usually prefer a morning visit and move on before the afternoon music starts.
Season and weather
This is a summer beach. The clubs open for the season from about May and are at full strength from June to September, with the biggest crowds and the loudest music in July and August. Outside the season the sand is still there, but the bars and sunbeds are closed and the south coast can be windy.
In summer the meltemi, the strong north wind, mostly blows across the north of the island, and the south coast is often more sheltered, although a strong wind can still raise waves and blow sand, so check the forecast before you go.
Making the most of it
Take sun cream, a hat and water shoes for the rocky edges of the bay, and keep valuables to a minimum. Go in the morning for swimming and the best light, stay for a long lunch under an umbrella, and leave before the evening crowd if you prefer quiet.
If you want a more secluded day, pair a visit with the quieter beaches on the north coast, and for a view of the whole south coast from the water, combine it with a cruise. Respect the posted rules on glass, music and nudity, which vary between clubs and stretches of sand.
What to expect
The experience
A day on a sandy south-coast beach with a reserved sunbed, clear water for swimming and bars and restaurants on the sand, with music building in the afternoon.
Best time
A morning in June, September or early October for calm water and fewer people, or the late afternoon in July and August if you want the full party.
How long
Plan on three to five hours for a relaxed beach day, longer if you stay for the evening.
Tips
Arrive early in high season, bring water shoes and sun cream, carry some cash or a card for drinks, and check the wind forecast before you set off.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sun-and-sea travellers, groups of friends and anyone who wants to see the famous party beaches at least once.
- Families
- Go in the morning when the beach is calm and the music is low, and move on before the afternoon crowd arrives; Platis Gialos and Ornos are quieter family alternatives.
- Couples
- An early swim and a long lunch under an umbrella works well, and a late-afternoon drink with the sun going down is the classic Paradise moment.
- Pair with
- A catamaran cruise along the south coast on another day, and a quieter beach on the north coast when you want some peace.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full beach day.
Good questions
How do you get to Paradise Beach from Mykonos Town?+
Public buses leave from the Fabrika bus station in Mykonos Town about every half hour in high season and take around fifteen minutes. Water taxis run from Platis Gialos, and you can also take a taxi or drive.
What is the difference between Paradise and Super Paradise?+
They are neighbouring coves on the south coast. Paradise is the larger, more mixed beach, while Super Paradise is smaller, glossier and more nightlife-driven.
Is Paradise Beach suitable for children?+
The sea is gentle and children are allowed, but the club atmosphere suits adults better. Families usually go in the morning, before the music builds, or choose a quieter beach such as Platis Gialos or Ornos.
When does the beach season run?+
The clubs are open from about May to September or early October, and busiest in July and August. Outside the season the sand is open but the bars and sunbeds are closed.
Do I need to reserve a sunbed?+
In July and August it is wise to reserve ahead, especially for front-row sunbeds. In early summer and September you can often find space on arrival, and you can always lay a towel on the free part of the sand.
