Beaches
Relax and restart. Enjoy your stay in Paros by having fun at the most popular beaches in Greece. Kolymbithres, Chrissi Akti, Santa Maria beach and many others are waiting for you to discover.
Kolymbithres beach
Chrissi Akti beach
Like most Cycladic islands, Paros sees a fair share of wind. And so does Chrissi Akti (or Golden Beach), one of the main windsurfing hubs on the island. This is the biggest of Paros’ beaches and definitely one of the most popular as it is favoured by everyone for its amazing blue waters (it has a Blue Flag certificate) and extensive water sports opportunities, with kite- and wind-surfing being the most popular. Several water sports schools operate within its shores for beginners. While it’s a family-friendly beach, it’s best to avoid when windy. Look out for the small, yet enchanting nearby Nea Chrissi Akti beach as well as cosy Lolantonis beach (10mins away), which offers chills, cocktails and a nice restaurant.
Santa Maria beach
The white-sanded shores and green waters of Santa Maria beach are heavenly. It is one of the most famous beaches in Paros, for good reason. Mikri Santa Maria is a smaller adjacent beach, with some neat little tavernas. If you fancy your privacy, head for the smaller one. The bigger one attracts more people and is home to several water sports schools, allowing you to spend a carefree day diving or kite- or wind-surfing, if that’s your thing. And if you fancy partying, there’s dance music in the beach bars. Meanwhile, nearby Lageri beach is another fine option if you want to get away from the crowds (it’s also nudist-friendly) but come prepared as there are no facilities. Take your pick.
Indoor & Outdoor Infinite Pool
Opening Hours: 10:00 until 19:00
Monastiri beach
One of the prettiest beaches in Paros. Monastiri is located in a secluded cove and measures a mere 200m, taking its name from the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis at its eastern edge. It is cosmopolitan but with a quiet side, allowing you to sip your cocktail in tranquility or take it up a notch at the beach bar, according to your mood. The beach itself is a glowing patch of yellow-white sand, with turquoise waters extending waist deep for about 100m, making it great for kids, too. If you feel compelled to catch up on local culture and history, make sure to visit the monastery as well as the Paros Environmental and Cultural centre (with a museum and theatre) where the annual ‘Festival in the Park’ event takes place every summer.
Marcelo beach
Also known as Krios, Marcelo beach and its green-blue waters are surrounded by a long, craggy bay that is just perfect if the wind is up. Endowed by an expanse of fine yellow sand, it allows you to spend your time frolicking its shallow waters or exploring its coves. It’s fully organised and even boasts a beach volleyball court if that’s your thing. Popular with families and youngsters alike, Marcelo will enchant you. It’s especially convenient if you’re stationed in Parikia. Livadia beach, on the edge of town, is equally convenient and great for families with its extensive amenities.
Faragas beach
Easy on the eye and chilled, Faragas is as pretty as beaches in Paros come. Flanked by a green canopy of pine trees and shrubs, the emerald-green waters of Faragas are quiet and clean. Its fine golden sand is as dreamy and its family-friendly credentials are solid. This is a postcard-perfect setting, and what’s more, its location affords the necessary protection from the strong winds.
Divided into three small coves, this beach also allows you to rent kayaks and SUPs to explore the coastline. Meanwhile, if you feel like working up a sweat, make time to explore the nearby secluded Tripiti beach. And if that’s not enough, Glyfa beach offers off-grid beauty with tamarisk trees for shade and outstanding traditional food at the resident taverna.
Kalogeros beach
Surrounded by massive rock faces, Kalogeros (monk in Greek – from the priest who, legend has it, jumped to his death from the rocks) is reached by foot from nearby Molos beach. Once there, nature provides. Secluded and quiet, it offers total serenity. And argyle. Lots of it, for the sand is made up of clay, so a day here doubles as a day at the spa (the seawater rinse is on tap). Bring your goggles if you fancy exploring the sea bed, or just bring your book and enjoy a quiet day at the beach. And make sure to come prepared. The nearest taverna is at Molos beach.