Kolymbithres is the beach that sells Paros: giant granite boulders, smoothed into sculpture by millennia of wind and sea, divide the shore into a string of sandy mini-coves with shallow, gin-clear water between them. It's the island's most photographed spot — and with a little timing, it still feels like a discovery. Here's the complete guide.
What makes it special
Geologically, Kolymbithres (Κολυμπήθρες — "baptismal fonts") is a rare granite landscape in a mostly marble-and-schist archipelago. Practically, it means every 20 metres of shore is its own tiny beach: pick a cove for two, scramble a boulder, dive into water that stays waist-deep for ages. Kids treat it as a playground; photographers treat it as a set.
How to get there
Kolymbithres sits on the western arm of Naoussa's big bay, about 4 km from Naoussa town and 9 km from Parikia.
- By car or quad (easiest): 10 minutes from Naoussa, 15 from Parikia, on paved road all the way. Free informal parking behind the beach — full by about 11am in July–August, so come before 10 or after 4. Rental options here.
- By taxi-boat from Naoussa: small shuttles cross the bay from the old port every half hour or so in season — a lovely 10-minute ride that also serves Monastiri beach.
- By bus: a seasonal service loops the bay a few times daily; check the current timetable and don't build a day around it.
On the beach
- Sunbeds: two or three of the coves have organised sets (€15–25 for two); the rest is bring-your-own-towel on sand or warm flat granite.
- Food: a couple of tavernas and beach bars sit directly behind the coves, with more choice five minutes away toward the Porto Paros complex.
- Water: shallow, calm and slow-shelving in the coves — outstanding for small kids — with deeper diving spots off the outer rocks.
- Shade: almost none unorganised; bring an umbrella or rent a bed.
Make a day of it: the Ai Giannis Detis peninsula
Kolymbithres is the gateway to Paros's best half-day micro-roadtrip. Continue past the beach to Monastiri (sheltered swimming, beach bar), then into the environmental park on the Ai Giannis Detis peninsula: a 17th-century monastery, a cliff-path walk to the Cape Korakas lighthouse, and sunset views back over the whole bay to Naoussa. Finish with dinner in Naoussa's old port, 10 minutes away. This loop is pure car-or-quad territory — see the quad guide if you want the open-air version.
When to come
Best hours: before 10am (still, glassy water; photographers' light) or after 5pm (warm rocks, low sun, crowds gone). Best months: June and September — see the month-by-month guide. On strong meltemi days the bay stays calmer than the open north coast, but the southern beaches like Faragas are calmer still — compare in the beach ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kolymbithres good for children?
One of the best beaches in Greece for them: shallow, sheltered, sandy-bottomed coves with rocks to clamber. Watch little ones on the deeper outer boulders.
How long should I spend at Kolymbithres?
Half a day pairs perfectly with Monastiri and the lighthouse walk; a full day works if you settle into a taverna lunch.
Is Kolymbithres free?
Yes — parking and most of the shore are free, with paid sunbeds in a few coves only.
Kolymbithres or Golden Beach?
Different sports: Kolymbithres for scenery, coves and calm swimming; Golden Beach for space, long-beach walking and water sports. Do both — they're 30 minutes apart by car.
Cover image: rene boulay, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.