Paraga Beach

From Mykonos Town (Fabrika Square), buses run every 30 minutes and reach Paraga in about 15 minutes; from the Old Port, hourly buses cover the same journey. Taxis are faster — roughly 7 minutes from Mykonos Town or 10 minutes from the port. You can also arrive by water taxi from Platis Gialos or Ornos, or walk the 10-minute coastal path from Paradise Beach. Parking is available on-site: some free spaces are reserved for customers of tavernas and beach bars, while paid parking is an option when those fill up.

Paraga is a short taxi or bus ride from some of Mykonos's most photographed landmarks: Little Venice, with its cantilevered houses over the sea, is about 4.7 km away and best visited at sunset. The Melpo Axioti Statue, honouring the celebrated Greek writer, is 4.6 km from the beach and worth a quick stop. For something more contemplative, the monastery of Moni Panagias Tourlianis lies 5.8 km inland and offers a quiet contrast to the beach-club energy.

Nicolas Tavern, just 0.2 km away, serves straightforward Greek food and is the go-to for a no-fuss meal close to the sand. Scorpios, also 0.2 km, doubles as a restaurant and is the obvious choice if you want the full luxury beach-club experience with your lunch. For a wider range of options, Alesta Restaurant is 2.2 km away with more Greek cooking on offer.

Kamari is the closest option at 1.2 km, a practical base for repeat beach days. Amyth of Mykonos Super Paradise and Namas Villas are both within 2 km if you want something with a bit more character. Super Paradise Suites & Rooms and VILLAEVI round out the choices within 2.1 km, covering a range of styles.

The rocky divide between the two coves makes a natural foreground for wide shots — position yourself on the outcrop at golden hour for the best light on the turquoise water and golden sand. Early morning, before the beach bars set up fully, gives you clean compositions with the Cycladic hills as a backdrop.

Watch for rocks along the shoreline — wear water shoes if you plan to wade near the edges of the cove. The split-cove layout means the two bays have slightly different exposure, so scout both before settling. Scorpios operates its own reservation system; if you want a sun lounger there, plan ahead rather than showing up and hoping. Arriving before 10 a.m. gives you the best pick of free sand and calmer water before the day-trippers roll in.