Ask ten Paros regulars to name the island’s best beach and you will get ten different answers which is precisely the point. Paros is blessed with an extraordinary variety of coastline: sheltered golden bays in the south, wind-swept sports beaches in the east, sculpted granite coves in the north. The right beach exists for every mood; you simply need to know where to look.
Here are our ten favourites, and who each one suits best.
1. Faragas – The South’s Golden Secret
We may be biased it is our home beach but Faragas earns its reputation honestly. Fine golden sand, remarkably clear turquoise water, and natural protection from the summer meltemi winds make it one of the most reliable swimming spots on the island. Sunbeds, umbrellas and a very good beach restaurant complete the picture, while the small rocky coves next door offer near-private swimming for those who wander a few minutes further. Best for: almost everyone families, couples, and anyone who wants calm, beautiful water all day long.
2. Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) – The Windsurfer’s Stage
The island’s longest beach, a sweeping ribbon of sand on the east coast, is world-famous for windsurfing it has hosted international competitions for decades. Even if you never touch a board, the spectacle of a hundred sails against the blue is worth the trip. Best for: windsurfers, active travellers, and long beach walks.
3. Kolymbithres – Nature’s Sculpture Garden
On the bay of Naoussa, smooth granite formations divide the shore into a chain of small sandy coves one of the most photographed landscapes in the Cyclades. Arrive early in high season; each little cove fills quickly. Best for: photographers, families with children who love exploring, first-time visitors.
4. Monastiri – The Sheltered Cove
Tucked beneath a headland at the edge of Naoussa bay, beside a small monastery and the Paros Environmental Park, Monastiri offers calm, shallow, brilliantly clear water even on windy days. Walking trails above the beach lead to a lighthouse with superb views. Best for: families, swimmers, and anyone combining beach with a gentle hike.
5. Santa Maria – Style and Shallow Blue
On the island’s northeast tip, Santa Maria pairs shallow crystalline water with a stylish beach-bar scene and views across to Naxos. Water sports are available for the energetic. Best for: younger crowds, groups of friends, and fans of a livelier beach day.
6. Logaras – The Easy All-Rounder
Neighbouring the fishing harbour of Piso Livadi, Logaras is a friendly, sandy, well-organised bay with tavernas within barefoot distance. Unpretentious and reliably pleasant. Best for: families and lazy lunch-centred beach days.
7. Lageri – The Quiet Dune Beach
A long, thin stretch of pale sand backed by low dunes and cedars near Naoussa, reached by a short walk which keeps the crowds mercifully thin. No facilities, no noise; bring water and an umbrella. Best for: peace-seekers and couples.
8. Kalogeros – The Natural Spa
A small beach below clay cliffs near Molos, where visitors coat themselves in the natural grey clay, let it dry in the sun, and rinse off in the sea. Great fun, oddly effective, and completely free. Best for: families with teenagers, and anyone who enjoys a beach with a party trick.
9. Aliki – The Village Beach
The sandy town beach of our neighbouring fishing village is calm, shallow and wonderfully convenient: you step off the sand straight into some of the best waterfront tavernas in southern Paros. Best for: families with small children, and long taverna lunches with a swim between courses.
10. Pounta – The Kitesurfing Channel
The narrow channel between Paros and Antiparos generates steady wind that has made Pounta a kitesurfing mecca, with schools catering to all levels. The atmosphere is young, international and infectious. Best for: kitesurfers and anyone tempted to finally try.
How to Choose Your Day’s Beach
The secret to Paros beach life is the wind. On calm days, the whole island is yours. When the meltemi blows from the north as it often does in July and August head south: Faragas, Aliki and the south-coast bays stay beautifully sheltered while the north churns. It is no coincidence that seasoned visitors choose to stay on the southern coast: the best-protected water on the island is right there, every single day.
From Villa Azzuro, Faragas is a two-minute stroll, Aliki five minutes by car, and every beach on this list within easy reach. Your base for all ten awaits.
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