Paros has more than 30 named beaches wrapped around 120 km of coastline — sculpted granite coves in the north, kilometre-long golden sand in the southeast, wild pebble bays in the south. We drive past most of them every week, so here they are ranked honestly: the 15 best beaches in Paros, with how to reach each one and where parking actually is.
The top five
1. Kolymbithres — the icon
Smooth granite boulders divide the shore into a dozen sandy mini-coves; swimming between them feels like a natural water park. Across the bay from Naoussa: 10 minutes by car (free dirt lot, full by 11am in August), or the little taxi-boat from Naoussa port. Full guide: Kolymbithres Beach.
2. Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) — the all-rounder
700 metres of gold sand on the southeast coast, water-sports centres, tavernas, space for everyone even in August. The island's windsurfing capital. Easy paved access and ample parking. Full guide: Golden Beach.
3. Santa Maria — the clearest water
Northeast of Naoussa: shallow, sheltered, impossibly clear — the best family swimming on Paros, with a beach bar scene at one end and quiet sand at the other. 10 minutes' drive from Naoussa; parking behind the dunes.
4. Faragas — the south-coast escape
A trio of sandy coves tucked below cliffs on the south coast, sheltered when the meltemi blows the north ragged. Organised sunbeds in the first cove; walk on for peace. Paved then dirt road; a car (or quad) is essentially required.
5. Monastiri — the sheltered bay
Inside the Ai Giannis Detis peninsula park past Kolymbithres: calm, enclosed water, a beach bar, and the monastery-and-lighthouse walk above. Car or Naoussa taxi-boat.
The rest of the best
- Logaras — soft sand next to Piso Livadi's tavernas; the easy family default on the east coast.
- Marcello — Parikia's best swim, across the bay; summer shuttle boat or short drive plus walk.
- Krios — Marcello's quieter neighbour under the headland.
- Punda Beach — the party/kite hub facing Antiparos (not to be confused with Pounta ferry point).
- Kalogeros — the "spa beach": grey clay cliffs bathers use as a natural mud mask. Dirt-track access.
- Tripiti — locals' south-coast pick, two sandy coves, rarely busy.
- Lageri — a long thin dune-backed strip near Santa Maria; walk in from the track for near-privacy.
- Ambelas — small fishing-harbour beach with a great fish taverna; more lunch-with-swim than beach day.
- Aliki — village beach by the airport, shallow and calm, tamarisk shade.
- Agia Irini — palm trees and calm water south of Parikia; small, arrive early.
Which beach when the wind blows
The meltemi (July–August north wind) sorts Paros beaches into two lists. Windy day: go south — Faragas, Tripiti, Aliki, Agia Irini — or windsurf Golden Beach grinning. Calm day: the north shines — Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Santa Maria, Lageri. This flexibility is the single best argument for having your own wheels on Paros: the right beach is always a 20-minute drive away, whichever way the wind sits. See do you need a car in Paros? — or go straight to the fleet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Paros?
Kolymbithres for scenery and swimming between the granite rocks; Golden Beach for space, sand and facilities. Most first-timers' favourite ends up being Santa Maria for the water clarity.
Does Paros have sandy beaches?
Almost all of the list above is sand — Paros and next-door Naxos have the best sand in the Cyclades. Pebbles are the exception here, not the rule.
Which Paros beaches can you reach by bus?
Golden Beach, Logaras, Aliki and (seasonally) Santa Maria have summer bus service. Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Faragas, Kalogeros, Lageri and Tripiti effectively need a car, quad or boat.
Are Paros beaches free?
The sand is public everywhere. Organised sections charge for sunbed sets (€10–25/day); every beach on this list has a free stretch if you bring a towel and umbrella.
Cover image: brunobarbato, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.