Every island has one beach that the locals mention with a small, knowing smile. On Paros, that beach is Faragas. Tucked into the southern coast between Aliki and Drios, it has somehow kept a low profile while quietly being one of the most beautiful and reliable beaches on the island. This is our home beach, the one we see every morning, so consider this the insider’s guide: how to enjoy Faragas properly, when to come, and the small details that make a good beach day a perfect one.
What Makes Faragas Special
Three things, in our view.
The water. Faragas faces south, sheltered by the folds of the coastline, which means the sea here stays calm and astonishingly clear even when the meltemi wind churns up the northern beaches in July and August. The seabed is soft golden sand, sloping gently, so the shallows glow a pale turquoise that deepens to sapphire further out. On a still morning, you can count the pebbles at swimming depth.
The setting. Low golden rocks and dunes frame the main sandy bay, with a scattering of cedars and the dry, honey coloured hills of southern Paros behind. There is no road noise, no strip of shops, no jet ski chaos. Just sand, rock and sea.
The size. Faragas is intimate. This is not a two kilometre super beach; it is a golden cove with room to breathe, plus smaller neighbouring coves for those who want even more privacy. It never feels industrial, even in August.
The Main Beach
The central bay is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, arranged with enough space between them to preserve the sense of calm. Service reaches you on the sand: a coffee, a cold freddo espresso, a snack at midday. The atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly, with music kept low. Water shoes are unnecessary; the entrance to the sea is pure soft sand, ideal for small children and for long, lazy swims.
The Hidden Coves
Walk a few minutes over the low rocks to the west and you will find what regulars love most: a series of small rocky coves with patches of sand, perfect for couples, readers and anyone seeking a private corner. Bring an umbrella and water, as these coves are unorganised. Snorkelling along the rocky edges here is the best on this stretch of coast; expect shoals of silver fish, the occasional octopus, and remarkable visibility.
The Beach Restaurant
The taverna above the main beach is a genuine reason to visit in itself. Fresh salads with local Parian cheese, grilled fish, seafood pasta and cold wine, served on a terrace overlooking the bay. Lunch here, barefoot and salty, watching the light play on the water, is one of the simple great pleasures of southern Paros. In high season, book a table for lunch or arrive before 13:30.
When to Come
Morning (9:00 to 11:00): the beach at its most serene. Glassy water, soft light, the first swim of the day. Our favourite hours.
Midday to afternoon: liveliest but never chaotic. This is prime sunbed and lunch territory.
Late afternoon (after 17:00): day trippers leave, the light turns golden, and the water holds its warmth. Magical for a final swim.
Sunset: Faragas faces south rather than west, so for the full sunset spectacle, walk up to the higher ground above the beach or enjoy it from a west facing terrace nearby. The colours over the Aegean are extraordinary either way.
Practical Details
- Getting there: Faragas is about 2 km from Aliki and roughly 15 minutes by car from Parikia. The access road is signposted from the main southern road. Parking is free above the beach.
- Facilities: sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurant, and that is deliberately all. No water sports centre, no beach bars with DJs. Faragas protects its peace.
- Families: among the best beaches on Paros for young children thanks to the shallow, calm, sandy entrance.
- Bring: snorkelling gear for the coves, and reef safe sunscreen. The Aegean will thank you.
Our Local Tip
Come twice. Once at midday, for the full beach day with lunch at the taverna. And once at 8 in the morning, when the bay belongs to nobody: swim out, float on your back, and understand in about thirty seconds why people fall in love with southern Paros.
Villa Azzuro sits just 200 metres above Faragas Beach. Our guests walk down in the morning with a towel over the shoulder and walk back up for lunch by the pool. If that sounds like your kind of holiday, come and live it.
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