A Day at SantAnna Beach Club, Mykonos

There is a particular rhythm to summer on Mykonos. Mornings begin slowly, afternoons stretch out beside the water and evenings have a habit of continuing long after sunset. Few places capture that changing mood quite like SantAnna, the celebrated beach club on Paraga Beach, where laid-back Mediterranean living meets the island's famously glamorous social scene.

Set along one of the southern coast's most inviting bays, SantAnna has established itself as much more than somewhere to reserve a sunbed. It is a destination in its own right, bringing together an expansive saltwater swimming pool, private cabanas, sophisticated dining, restorative spa treatments and an entertainment programme that has attracted some of the biggest names in electronic music.

Yet for all its scale and reputation, much of SantAnna's appeal lies in the freedom to experience it at your own pace. One guest might arrive for a peaceful morning swim and a leisurely lunch, while another has an afternoon of cocktails and music firmly in mind. Some come for the beach, others for the food and many for the unmistakable atmosphere that develops as the day unfolds.

It's this ability to move effortlessly between relaxation and celebration that makes SantAnna such a distinctive part of the Mykonos experience. Here, a day beside the sea can become an occasion without ever feeling that it needs to follow a particular schedule.

Life Around the Pool

The centrepiece of SantAnna is its spectacular lagoon-shaped saltwater swimming pool, an expansive stretch of shimmering blue surrounded by sun loungers, shaded cabanas and private spaces designed for spending long, unhurried hours outdoors. With the bright Cycladic sunshine reflecting across the water and the sea just beyond, the setting feels unmistakably Mykonian.

Early in the day, the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Guests arrive gradually, settling into comfortable loungers with morning coffees, taking a refreshing swim or simply enjoying the sunshine before the afternoon becomes busier. Despite the club's impressive proportions, there are quieter corners where it's easy to find a little privacy and settle into the slower pace of island life.

As the morning progresses, the poolside begins to take on a livelier character. Groups gather around their cabanas, chilled drinks arrive and the music provides a gentle backdrop to the conversation. The experience is deliberately flexible, with different seating areas offering varying degrees of privacy, space and proximity to the action.

For those looking to make an occasion of their visit, the more exclusive cabanas and floating islands provide an especially indulgent setting. Positioned around the pool, these private areas offer a sense of separation while remaining connected to the atmosphere of the club. They are particularly appealing for couples, groups of friends and anyone celebrating something special.

SantAnna has also become known for its unusual private accommodation beneath the swimming pool. Among its most distinctive spaces is Royal Island, an underwater suite featuring a window looking directly into the pool. It's an extravagant expression of the club's approach to privacy and luxury, adding another dimension to an already remarkable setting.

Beyond the pool, Paraga Beach offers a more traditional taste of the island. Its sheltered bay, clear waters and gently curving shoreline make it a lovely place for a swim, particularly when the summer heat is at its strongest. The beach provides a natural contrast to the activity around the pool, with the Aegean stretching out beyond the sunbeds and cabanas.

There is something particularly appealing about being able to move between the two. A morning might begin with a swim in the sea, continue with an afternoon beside the pool and end with a cocktail as the music begins to build. Nothing feels especially hurried, which is precisely how a day on Mykonos should be enjoyed.

During July and August, the most desirable loungers, cabanas and private areas can be in considerable demand. Reserving in advance is sensible, particularly for larger groups or anyone hoping to secure a particular position beside the water.

A Peaceful Interlude by the Sea

For all its reputation as a lively beach club, SantAnna also understands the appeal of doing very little. Its beachside spa offers a welcome opportunity to escape the sunshine for a while, exchanging the activity around the pool for a quieter, more restorative experience.

Developed in partnership with BeautyWorld by Despina Gavala, an established name in Mykonos beauty and wellness, the spa takes a holistic approach to relaxation. Treatments are intended to ease tension, restore a sense of balance and provide a little indulgence during a day otherwise spent enjoying the sea and sunshine.

The offering includes aromatherapy, massage and reflexology, with treatments tailored to individual preferences. Whether it's a soothing massage after a morning of swimming or a longer session designed to encourage complete relaxation, the experience provides a gentle contrast to the livelier atmosphere elsewhere in the club.

Its location is part of the attraction. With the beach just moments away, a spa appointment feels like a natural extension of the day rather than a separate excursion. Guests can slip away from their loungers, enjoy an hour of quiet and return feeling refreshed, ready for lunch or another afternoon beside the water.

It's also a reminder that Mykonos doesn't have to be experienced at full speed. Behind the island's glamorous reputation are simple pleasures that remain just as appealing: the warmth of the sun, the sound of the sea and the luxury of having nowhere else you need to be.

Long Lunches and the Flavours of Greece

Food is central to the SantAnna experience, and the club's approach to dining reflects the relaxed, sociable spirit of a Mediterranean summer. Rather than treating lunch as a brief interruption between swimming and sunbathing, the emphasis is on good ingredients, generous flavours and meals that can unfold over several leisurely hours.

The culinary offering has been shaped by the founders' connection with the Athens-based Nice n Easy hospitality group, whose philosophy places considerable importance on fresh, seasonal produce and carefully sourced ingredients. Local farmers and organic products play an important role, bringing the flavours of the Cyclades into dishes that feel both familiar and thoughtfully prepared.

Breakfast offers a gentle introduction to the day. Fresh fruit, creamy Greek yoghurt, good coffee and simple dishes made with quality ingredients are particularly enjoyable beside the water, when the pool is still quiet and the heat of the afternoon has yet to arrive.

As lunchtime approaches, the menu becomes more substantial. Traditional Greek favourites sit alongside fresh seafood, grilled meats and dishes designed for sharing. Flambéed saganaki brings the rich, salty flavours of Greek cheese to the table, while tender meatballs, beautifully prepared octopus and seasonal accompaniments offer a taste of the country's generous culinary traditions.

For those in the mood for something more elaborate, dishes such as lobster and grass-fed ribeye bring a more indulgent element to the experience. The combination of familiar Greek cooking and international influences feels entirely appropriate for Mykonos, an island that has long attracted visitors from around the world without losing its distinctive character.

The sushi and raw bar provides another appealing option, particularly during the warmest part of the afternoon. Light, refreshing dishes offer a welcome alternative to a long restaurant lunch, whether enjoyed with a chilled glass of wine or ordered as part of a selection of plates shared between friends.

One of the pleasures of dining at SantAnna is that guests aren't necessarily required to leave their chosen spot beside the pool. Food and drinks can be enjoyed across the property, allowing lunch to become part of the wider day rather than a formal change of setting.

Of course, there's something equally enjoyable about taking a proper table and settling in for a leisurely meal. A long Greek lunch, with several dishes arriving gradually and conversation continuing over another glass of wine, is one of the great pleasures of travelling in the Mediterranean.

As the afternoon moves towards evening, dining takes on a slightly different character. A few shared plates might accompany drinks before the entertainment begins, while others prefer to make dinner the centrepiece of their visit. The flexibility is part of SantAnna's charm, allowing the food to complement the occasion rather than dictate it.

Ultimately, the appeal lies in a straightforward idea: excellent ingredients, carefully prepared dishes and the freedom to enjoy them without watching the clock. It's a philosophy that suits Mykonos particularly well.

From Sunset Drinks to Mykonos Nights

There comes a moment during the late afternoon when the atmosphere at SantAnna begins to change. The sunshine softens, the music becomes more prominent and the relaxed conversations of the day gradually give way to the anticipation of the evening ahead.

It's a transformation that happens naturally. Guests who have spent the afternoon beside the pool begin preparing for the night, fresh arrivals join friends at their tables and the energy across the club steadily builds. What began as a peaceful morning by the water becomes something altogether more animated.

Music has played a defining role in SantAnna's identity, with the club attracting internationally recognised DJs and performers to its summer events. Previous line-ups have included artists such as Tale of Us, ARTBAT, ANOTR, PAWSA and Marco Carola, helping establish the venue as an important part of the island's electronic music scene.

Black Coffee's celebrated Monday residency became particularly associated with SantAnna, drawing an international crowd and contributing to the club's reputation for memorable summer nights. These events have helped place SantAnna firmly on the itinerary of visitors who travel to Mykonos as much for its music as for its beaches and beautiful hotels.

What distinguishes the experience from a conventional nightclub is the setting. The swimming pool, cabanas and open-air spaces remain part of the evening, creating an atmosphere that feels connected to the sea and the island rather than enclosed within a traditional venue.

There is also a distinctly international character to the crowd. Mykonos has always been a meeting place for travellers from different countries and backgrounds, and SantAnna reflects that cosmopolitan spirit. Groups of friends gather around tables, couples enjoy drinks beneath the evening sky and music brings everyone together as the night progresses.

Despite its reputation for glamour, the atmosphere is intended to feel welcoming and free-spirited. Guests can immerse themselves in the music, enjoy the company of friends or simply take in the spectacle of a Mykonos summer evening.

For visitors who enjoy electronic music, planning a visit around a particular performance can make the experience even more memorable. The entertainment programme varies from season to season, so checking the current schedule and arranging reservations ahead of time is advisable, especially for major events.

Even without a headline DJ, however, there is something memorable about the transition from day to night. The changing light, the sound of music drifting across the water and the collective excitement of an evening beginning capture a side of Mykonos that has made the island famous around the world.

The Spirit of SantAnna

Mykonos has no shortage of beautiful beach clubs, stylish restaurants and glamorous places to spend a summer afternoon. What makes SantAnna particularly interesting is the way it brings several different experiences together, allowing guests to enjoy the island's contrasting personalities without travelling from one venue to another.

The concept reflects the vision of its Greek founders, Dimitris Christoforidis and chef Christos Athanasiadis, who wanted to create somewhere that felt connected to the island's character while offering a complete day of hospitality. Their approach brings together the simplicity of Mediterranean living and the sophistication expected of one of Europe's most fashionable summer destinations.

That balance is apparent throughout the experience. The natural beauty of Paraga Beach provides the setting, the pool and private cabanas offer comfort and indulgence, the restaurant celebrates the pleasures of Greek food and the evening entertainment introduces the energy for which Mykonos is so well known.

Importantly, visitors don't need to experience every element to appreciate the place. For some, the attraction will always be a comfortable lounger, a refreshing swim and a leisurely lunch. Others will come specifically for the music, the atmosphere and the opportunity to spend an unforgettable evening with friends.

There is room for both, and that's perhaps the clearest expression of what SantAnna is trying to achieve. It offers an experience that can be as relaxed or as lively as the occasion demands, with the beauty of the island providing a constant backdrop.

For anyone planning a summer escape to Mykonos, SantAnna is worth considering as more than a brief stop on a beach-club itinerary. Set aside an entire day, arrive without too many plans and allow the experience to unfold. You might come for a morning beside the pool and find that, by sunset, you're in no particular hurry to leave.