Travel in the Cyclades: the beaches of Paros

Différentes plages de Paros : New Golden Beach, Drios, Kolymbithres, Santa Maria et une crique près d'Ambelas © Laure M.

Paros is a Greek island which is part of the Cyclades archipelago. Touristy, it is appreciated not only by Greeks but also by foreigners. It is thus very popular. And we understand why: this island has a lot of charm with its small picturesque villages and its numerous monasteries. There are also trendy seaside resorts where the atmosphere is much less “bling-bling” than in Mykonos (with more reasonable prices). And the beaches of Paros are beautiful. There is a vast choice.

The island of Paros has a beautiful coastline with small coves and beautiful golden sandy beaches with turquoise waters. This island is also particularly well known for water sports, especially windsurfing. To rent a sail, kitesurf, dive (for beginners or advanced), or kayak… find a lot of nice activities here. Or let yourself be tempted by the discovery of the surroundings of Paros by sailboat, with or without a skipper.

We propose you to make a small tour of the different beaches of Paros. Whether you are looking for tranquility, water sports enthusiast, traveling with children, naturist… you will find your happiness in Paros!

The beaches of Paros : around Naoussa

Naoussa has become a chic seaside resort. There are some nice beaches in the vicinity which are served by small boats from the port (in summer). They are also accessible by road.

  • Naoussa beach : a small cove hidden behind the port of Naoussa, bordered by white houses. If it is not the most comfortable beach (little sand), we like nevertheless very much its secret side and its proximity with the port.
  • Langeri or Lageri : it is one of the quietest beaches, frequented by naturists. It is not fitted out. The water is clear, the sand fine, the atmosphere peaceful.
  • Kolymbithres: one of our favorites. A succession of beaches and small coves bordered by rocks with amazing shapes. It is true that there are many people in the summer. But try to go early for an early morning swim. It is then a true happiness!
  • Monastiri: a lively beach with taverns and sports activities. It has the advantage of being sheltered from the wind(meltem). It is an ideal beach for swimming with mask and snorkel.
  • Aliki Bay : a recommended place for windsurfers!

The beach of Kolymbithres
The beach of Kolymbithres – Laure M.

The beaches of Paros : on the east coast

  • Santa Maria, a beach where windsurfers meet, and Mikri Santa Maria for those who like to relax. On this beach is one of the most beautiful hotels on the island: the Seven Santa Marina Hotel.
  • Filitzi : a beach accessible by a dirt road. It has a wild character with small cliffs and beautiful coves.
  • Molos: a large unorganized beach that stretches between two white and blue chapels. The place is nice. Indeed, the fishing port and the churches give it a certain charm.
  • Pisso Livadi : a family beach, very popular with French tourists in summer.
  • Logaras: a beach of 400 meters long, hemmed with tamarisk trees, with a family atmosphere. The water is translucent and the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag label.
  • Pounda or Pounta (not to be confused with Pounta on the West Coast): a lively place frequented by a young clientele, happy to relax while listening to techno music coming out of the speakers. There is a club, a pool and a bar.
  • Messada: a naturist beach, very small, sheltered from the wind.
  • Chrissi Akti or Golden Beach : one of the most famous beaches of Paros, very trendy. It has been awarded the Blue Flag. Some people like it, others not so much. It all depends on what you are looking for. It is one of the largest beaches on the island. It is beautiful, with its fine sand and turquoise waters, but also very busy. It is a perfect place for windsurfers. It also hosts the international championships. And it is also the meeting place for fun-boarders.
  • Tserdakia, also called New Golden Beach (Nea Chrissi Akti): the landscape is somewhat reminiscent of the beaches of southwest France. This beach also has the Blue Flag label. Again, it is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. There are several surf and windsurf clubs along the beach. However, due to the number of boards, swimming is not easy.

Mikri Santa Maria Beach (top) and New Golden Beach (bottom) on the island of Paros, Greece
Mikri Santa Maria Beach (top) and New Golden Beach (bottom)
Laure M.

The beaches around Parikia and on the west coast of Paros

  • Krios: a pleasant beach with fine sand and crystal clear waters.
  • Livadia: this beach, located to the left of the landing stage, has the advantage of being easily accessible by foot from Parikia. And it has received the European Blue Flag ecolabel.
  • Parasporos: one of our favorite beaches in Paros. It is vast and offers beautiful waves on windy days. There are umbrellas, deckchairs, restaurants and taverns to eat.
  • Agia Irini : a beach accessible by a dirt road. Quiet and charming with its tiny blue and white chapel on the waterfront. Along the sea, there is a thin strip of sand, lined with tamarisk and some palm trees. Slightly set back, there are deckchairs and parasols as well as a tavern. The place is quiet.
  • Pounta (or Pounda): a beach exclusively dedicated to kitesurfers (and therefore unsuitable for swimming). If you do not practice kitesurfing, this beach is nevertheless worth a detour to come and admire the spectacle of dozens of colored sails floating in the sky.

The beach of Parasporos (left) and the kitesurfing beach of Pounta (right)
Beach of Parasporos (left) and the kitesurfing beach of Pounta (right) – Laure M.

The beaches of the south of the island of Paros

  • Aliki (not to be confused with Aliki Bay): a sandy and pebble beach located next to the eponymous fishing village. It is mainly attended by families. There are taverns, cafes and stores on the seafront.
  • Farangas: a nice beach accessible by a two kilometer track. It is lively and very busy. The place is pleasant because of its lawn, its bar with music, its taverns and its clear sea. We find a clientele “all public”: families with small children, children who play snowshoes on the beach, teenagers who bask in the sun, young people in search of music and animation.
  • Tripiti: I love this small, peaceful and undeveloped beach, which has a wilder side than its neighbors. The only drawback: there is little shade. To recommend to the amateurs of tranquillity.
  • Drios: a narrow beach of sand and pebbles, shaded by a few tamarisk trees. The water is transparent and you can eat in the taverns just above.

The beach of Tripiti in Paros
Beach of Tripiti – Laure M.

There are also many coves along the coast. So, if you have a means of transport, take advantage of it to stop there according to your desires!

Rent a car and/or a bike to go to the beaches of Paros

We recommend that you reserve your bike or car before you leave on vacation, especially if you are traveling during the high tourist season.

Here are two sites that we regularly use for our rentals.

BimBimBike to rent a bike (classic or electric). You don’t have to pay extra, booking online is quick and easy and you are sure to have your bike waiting for you on site (city bike, mountain bike, electric bike, child seat, etc).

RentalCars This car rental comparison service is also very practical. It lists the main international and also local rental companies. which allows for effective price comparisons.

How to get to Paros?

You will find all the information to go to Paros in the practical information under this article as well as in our article “Paros: how to go there, where to sleep“.

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If you are looking for accommodation in Paros, go to Booking. You will find hotels of course, but also villas, apartments, houses managed by individuals…

Finally, a little advice: if you are on vacation in Paros, don’t miss our article : What to do and see on Paros?

Laure M.

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