These are not relaxation beaches. If you want to read a book in peace, go to Elia or Agrari. Paradise and Super Paradise exist to deliver a specific experience -- music, drinks, a crowd, and an atmosphere that builds through the afternoon into something closer to a nightclub than a beach. The question is which version of that you prefer.

Head-to-Head Comparison

A vibrant beach scene with people enjoying the sun and sea in Mykonos, Greece.
A vibrant beach scene with people enjoying the sun and sea in Mykonos, Greece.
Paradise Super Paradise
Vibe Mass-market party, young, loud Upscale party, sophisticated, intense
Music DJs from afternoon, very loud DJs, builds in the evening, pool party
Crowd 18-30, international backpackers and holidaymakers Mixed ages, LGBTQ+ friendly, more moneyed
Beach Long sandy stretch Smaller bay, crystal-clear water
Nudism No Sections are nude-friendly
Food Cafeteria-style, basic Upscale restaurants, cocktail bars
Sunbed cost Variable (lower end) Higher, VIP options available
Transport Bus from town Shuttle bus (~20 EUR) or taxi
Family-friendly No No
Peak time Afternoon into evening Afternoon, pool bar opens at night
Notable venues Paradise Beach Club, Tropicana Jackie O', Pinky Beach

Paradise Beach

A serene beach scene with clear blue waters and white sand on Paradise Beach, Mykonos.
A serene beach scene with clear blue waters and white sand on Paradise Beach, Mykonos.

Paradise is the original Mykonos party beach. It's been going since the 1960s when it was a hippie hangout, and over the decades it evolved into the island's most famous party destination. Today it's a long stretch of sand with multiple beach clubs, DJs playing from the afternoon, and a crowd that's predominantly young, international, and here for the party.

What to expect: - Loud music starting early afternoon, building to peak volume by 17:00-18:00 - A young crowd (18-30 predominantly) with a holiday-resort party atmosphere - Champagne spraying and the kind of group energy that's either infectious or exhausting - Cafeteria-style food -- functional rather than gourmet - Multiple clubs along the beach, each with its own vibe

Best for: First-time Mykonos visitors who want the "classic" party beach experience. Groups of friends. Budget-conscious partygoers (it's cheaper than Super Paradise). People who want a big, social, high-energy atmosphere.

Getting there: Regular bus service from Mykonos Town. The bus is the cheapest option and drops you close to the beach.

Super Paradise

Super Paradise is Paradise's more glamorous sibling. The beach is smaller but the water is clearer, the venues are more upscale, and the crowd skews older, wealthier, and more LGBTQ+. The beach club scene here is more polished -- think pool parties, VIP sections, and cocktails that cost accordingly.

What to expect: - A more curated atmosphere than Paradise -- less chaotic, more designed - The LGBTQ+ scene is a defining characteristic. Jackie O' is one of the most famous gay clubs in Greece. - A pool bar that opens in the evening, turning the beach into a club venue - Better food than Paradise -- actual restaurants rather than cafeterias - VIP sections and sunbed pricing that reflects the upscale positioning - Some sections are nude-friendly

Best for: LGBTQ+ travellers. People who want a party atmosphere but with better food, drinks, and production values. Couples. Anyone who finds Paradise too chaotic or too young.

Getting there: Shuttle bus (about 20 EUR) or taxi (about 20 minutes from town). There's no regular public bus service.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Paradise if: - You want the loudest, most energetic atmosphere - You're in your twenties and travelling with friends - Budget matters -- it's cheaper to eat, drink, and access - You want easy bus access from town - You don't mind a younger, more chaotic crowd

Choose Super Paradise if: - You want a party but with more polish - You're part of or allied with the LGBTQ+ community - You prefer a pool party and club atmosphere to a pure beach party - You're willing to pay more for better food and drinks - You want something a bit more exclusive

Choose neither if: - You want to relax - You're travelling with children - You hate loud music - You want a traditional Greek beach experience

Can You Visit Both in One Day?

Yes. They're adjacent beaches on the south coast, separated by a rocky headland. You can walk between them in about 15-20 minutes along a coastal path (some of it rough). Alternatively, the water taxi connects both beaches from Platis Gialos.

A reasonable plan: spend the morning/early afternoon at one, walk to the other for the late afternoon and evening. Start at Paradise (which gets going earlier) and finish at Super Paradise (which has the evening pool party).

What Should You Know Before Going?

  • Neither beach is family-friendly. The music, the crowds, and the atmosphere are not designed for children.
  • Sunbed prices vary. Both beaches have free sections of sand, but the clubs charge for sunbeds and sometimes enforce minimum spend requirements.
  • The party builds through the afternoon. If you arrive at 10:00, both beaches are relatively calm. By 16:00-17:00, they're at full volume. Plan accordingly.
  • Drink prices are Mykonos-level. Cocktails at either beach will cost 12-18+ EUR. Bring cash as well as a card.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings. Crowded party beaches are where things go missing.
  • Getting back to town at night can be tricky. Taxis are scarce after dark. Plan your transport home before you start drinking.
  • Both beaches are on the south coast. Sheltered from the Meltemi, so the water stays calm even on windy days. Good for swimming between rounds of partying.

Paradise Beach: loud, young, mass-market party, bus from town. Super Paradise: upscale, LGBTQ+ friendly, pool parties, shuttle or taxi. Both about 20 minutes from Mykonos Town. Neither is family-friendly. Choose based on your preferred party style.

Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Mykonos.