The 10 best beaches in Paros.

Choosing the most beautiful beaches on an island that has about forty is necessarily subjective. Our ranking combines beauty, water quality, atmosphere, and ease of access. We've swum at all of them as a family, and each has its perfect moment in the day and the season.

01Kolymbithres

The absolute icon of Paros. Kolymbithres, on Naoussa Bay, is famous for its rock formations sculpted by wind and waves — light grey granite forming natural "pools" between which you can swim in translucent water. Highly photogenic, but expect crowds in July–August.

02Santa Maria

A long beach of fine white sand on the north-east coast. Santa Maria has a younger, more active vibe than Kolymbithres: beach bars, paddle, snorkelling, water sports. Shallow water on the first metres, ideal for kids.

03Monastiri

Monastiri, in the Paros National Park to the north-west, is one of the island's most beautiful coves. Crystal-clear water, a small white chapel perched on the cliff, preserved atmosphere. Accessible by car (then 5 min walk) or boat-taxi from Naoussa. Our favourite.

04Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti)

On the east coast, Golden Beach is the world-class spot for kitesurf and windsurf thanks to the meltemi wind that blows regularly in summer. Wide beach, golden sand, several kite schools and cool bars. If you don't do water sports, choose the southern end where it's quieter.

05Faragas

In the south of the island, Faragas is a magnificent cove often forgotten by guides. Translucent water, fine sand, white cliffs. The Faragas Beach restaurant is excellent. Quieter than the northern beaches.

06Laggeri

Wild and preserved beach near Santa Maria, accessible in 10 minutes' walk on a path (or by boat). Laggeri is still relatively unknown: no sun loungers, no bar, just sand, dunes and the sea. Bring your picnic.

07Marcello (and the secret beach of Isterni)

Small quiet beach near Naoussa, Marcello has a family-friendly side. There's also a secret little beach nearby, accessible by walking 10 minutes from Isterni — one of the reasons we chose this location for our villa. Sand, translucent water, almost always empty.

08Pounta

Pounta, on the west coast facing Antiparos, is mainly known for its ferry port to Antiparos. But the beach next to it is nice, more windy, with a great trendy beach bar (Pounta Beach). Alternative kitesurf spot to Golden Beach.

09Krios

Just north of Parikia, Krios is accessible by boat-taxi from Parikia port (10 min). Nice sandy beach, view over Parikia, decent restaurant. Good plan if you stay in Parikia without a car.

10Tserdakia

Lesser-known beach next to Santa Maria, Tserdakia is a preserved alternative for kitesurfers and beach-goers seeking calm. No bar, just the beach and the wind. Car access.

Practical tips for enjoying the beaches

• Go early in July–August: the best beaches fill up by 11am. Arriving at 9–10am guarantees you a sun lounger near the water.
• Rent a car: buses serve the main beaches but are infrequent and uncomfortable. Freedom makes all the difference.
• Sunscreen and hat: the sun is strong in summer (UV index 9–10).
• The meltemi wind blows regularly from May to September, especially on the east side. Look for sheltered coves if you can't stand the wind.
• Off-season (May, June, September, October): you'll have most beaches almost to yourself, at half the price.

"Our typical beach day: early to Kolymbithres for a morning swim, lunch at Monastiri, nap at the villa, sunset drinks at the old harbour of Naoussa. Repeat for 7 days."

To go further, read our complete Paros guide and our Naoussa vs Parikia comparison.