When planning a holiday in Greece, Paros is an easy pick. Aside from the late-night partying in Naoussa, the island revolves around a quiet pace of life. It’s not quite as bolshy as Mykonos or touristy as Santorini. Instead, the Cycladic island flaunts whitewashed villages with blue-painted shutters and — of course — beautiful beaches.
The circumference of Paros is lined with a varied 120 km of coastline. There are long beaches with exposed conditions for breezy sunbathing or indulgence in watersports. While, for novelty, head to Kalogeros, where tourists-in-the-know rush to slather on healing clay from its cliffs. A real seller is the cleanliness; Paros beaches have a glowing reputation for their clean-freak status. The island is synonymous with beach breaks, and it’s simple to see why.
This guide has the best beaches in Paros lined up for you. Whittling down the countless contenders was no easy feat, but these 12 represent the top choices. Grab a car rental from Paros Airport, and pack a trusty beach towel; you’re in for a sun-soaked stay.
What Makes Paros a Top Beach Destination?
Simply put, Paros is seen as a top beach break because of how well it ticks multiple boxes. Does it have the most dramatic beaches? No. Instead, it pioneers a laidback simplicity, something tourists desperate to experience the Cyclades lap up enthusiastically.
Paros is perfectly unproblematic. It has sunny summers with barely any rain and mild winters that quickly step aside for flexible shoulder seasons. Everything is clean and accessible without being boring (there are a few secluded curveballs like Kalogeros for those wanting more adventurous beaches).
Better yet, it does all that without the crowds of Mykonos or Santorini. No wonder those with insider knowledge are rushing to book Paros luxury villas — it’s a dreamy destination for back-to-back beach days.
Best Beaches in Naoussa, Paros
Naoussa is a harborside village in the northeast of Paros. It has a sleepy pace that only really jolts into action with peak season nightlife — quickly dropping back into a wintery slumber.
It’s most famed for its sugar cube buildings. These cuboid rows of whitewashed houses line the rocky coastline in uniform formation. However, its main official attraction is the ruins of a Venetian Castle, which dramatically overlooks the harbour. Once you’ve visited the castle, days in Naoussa are best spent snapping aesthetic photos of the Cycladic architecture and visiting its nearby beaches.
Without a doubt, you need to know the best beaches in Naoussa, Paros.
Piperaki Beach
Location: 1 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: A rocky, secluded aesthetic just a 15-minute walk from Naoussa’s center.
Small but mighty, Piperaki Beach is only a 15-minute stroll from central Naoussa. The rockiness and secluded feel sets it apart from Naoussa’s other two beaches; it’s where to head for a slice of secrecy. That is, at least in shoulder seasons. Piperaki Beach does get busier in summer; get there early to bag a place for your towel.
Agioi Anargyroi
Location: 1.5 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: A longer beach with sun loungers to rent.
Agioi Anargyroi is a mid-sized beach with great accessibility, located just a 15-minute walk east of Naoussa. The calming atmosphere is boosted by the formality of sun loungers (rented for 10-30 Euros depending on time frame). But, equally, the sparse row of beachfront trees offers much-appreciated shade for those avoiding the surcharge.
The beach is backed by Parostia and RADA Restaurant, both selling sophisticated meals and refreshing drinks.
Piperi Beach
Location: 1 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: As central as central can get, located in the middle of Naoussa.
Piperi Beach is the village’s most famous. Inherently walkable from anywhere in Naoussa, Piperi is the ‘main beach’ and subsequently racks up the greatest crowds — especially in peak seasons. Sociable with a gorgeous backdrop of classic Cycladic houses, Piperi Beach has an authentic residential atmosphere.
Controversially, while acknowledging these major positive qualities, we’d suggest skipping Piperi where possible. If convenience calls, Piperi Beach is an easy winner, hence why it scored a spot amongst the best Paros beaches.
However, if you can, it’s worth venturing a little further. In windy weather and busy spells, Piperi can struggle with litter and crowds. It’s not the best reflection of the beautiful, clean Paros beaches that the rest of the island experiences.
Best Beaches in Paros for Families
Casting your gaze away from the realm of Naoussa, Paros has some spectacular family-friendly beaches. The windy conditions create exciting opportunities for watersports for families with older teens, while covered coves are perfect for younger children. From sedate sandcastle-building to sporty adrenaline-seeking, these are the best beaches in Paros for families; the island has lots to offer.
Kolympithres
Location: 4.1 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Lunar-like rocks and the allure of being Paros’ most famed beach.
Sometimes, the most popular spots are justified. Kolympithres is a prime example of popularity for a good reason — the scenery promises to be memorable for all the family. The lunar landscape comprises uniquely shaped granite, polished into low-lying cliffs of bulging bubbles and undulations with pockmarks.
Beachgoers don’t just stick to the sands; sunbathers clamber onto the rocks to find comfortable spots to throw down a towel. It’s possible to avoid gritty sandals entirely by entering the water straight from the rocks instead. Alternatively, stick to the traditional route and splurge on a sunboard and lounger. There are watersport rentals, too.
Kolympithres is easy to access. Organize a taxi, water shuttle, bus, or rent a car to make the 10-minute journey from Naoussa.
Molos Beach
Location: 9.7 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Sheltered for calmer waters.
Paros gets windy, there’s no two ways about it. Yet while Kolympithres is scenic with watersports entertainment, Molos Beach is better suited to those with younger children in tow. Flanked by two huge hills at either end, it’s protected from the worst winds that hit Paros. It is semi-secluded — parents fly strictly solo on lifeguard duty — but the spacious sands and calm conditions are perfect for a relaxing beach day.
The shallow waters are the right depth for inexperienced swimmers to tackle new strokes under supervision. Getting there is simple, too. Be prepared for a bumpy access road, but the beachfront parking is ideal for convenient nappy changes and tired legs.
Golden Beach
Location: 14 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Sought-after for watersports.
Golden Beach goes by two names; it’s also known as Chrissi Akti. The pristine sands stretch for almost a kilometre, providing ample space for larger families to set up camp. Golden Beach has everything on its doorstep, from restaurants to watersports centres and loungers. As a family of mixed ages, having that balance and plentiful amenities makes life easier. And who wouldn’t want a relaxed beach day on Paros?
The beach’s biggest claim to fame is that the Professional Windsurfing World Cup is just minutes away. If you don’t find a breeze off-putting, it’s a winning choice for families of mixed ages and interests.
Best Sandy Beaches in Paros
Amidst its spectacular array of beaches, Paros does have mixed terrain. Take Kolympithres for example, with its unique granite sunbathing spots.
Rocky beaches are a fun novelty, but it’s impossible to beat the classic allure of fine-grained sands that patter underfoot. So, where do you go for the best sandy beaches in Paros? These are the cleanest, most beautiful sand beaches Paros has to offer.
Monastiri Beach
Location: 6.1 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Soft-sanded beach underneath the scenic watch of St John Monastery.
Don’t let the dramatic rocky surroundings fool you; Monastiri Beach has some of the softest sands on the island. This section of coastline takes its name from St John Monastery, which keeps a watchful eye on the seaside happenings from its headland perch. The light-green waters play home to some of the shallowest swimming on Paros; clean, rock-free, and gradually sloping.
Access is best tackled by rented car. Alternatively, catch a water shuttle from Naoussa — a better option for those planning to party at the beach’s regular summer concerts and social events.
Lolantonis
Location: 18 km from Naoussa
Dreamiest Feature: Secluded with white sands.
White-sanded Lolantonis has an aesthetic only describable as snap-worthy. The light-coloured beach is beautiful (and worth bringing an underwater camera for since it’s snorkelling-friendly). On the shore, the fine grains of sand make for soft steps and comfortable sunbathing. In the water, the rocks you do encounter are small pebbles; it’s easy underfoot rather than constant toe-stubbing.
Lolantonis is serene — an impression aided by its secluded location on the quiet south coast of Paros. Rent a car to venture to this beach; it’s a 30-minute drive from Naoussa and inaccessible by public transport.
Agia Irini
Location: 17 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Narrow sands backed by two beach bars.
For a more intimate experience than the stretching sands of Lolantonis, Agia Irini has a narrow but cute appeal. The soft white sands are lined with gigantic palm trees, providing so much natural shade that they render the dozens of sun lounger rentals entirely optional. It’s a prime spot to chase the sunset. Laris Beach Bar and Palm Beach Paros serve cocktails well into sundown.
Not feeling like a 25-minute daily drive from Naoussa? Stay local; Agia Irini is just minutes from one of the prettiest six-bed Paros villas on the island.
Hidden and Secluded Beaches in Paros
‘Hidden’ might be a stretch, but Paros certainly has a strong hand for secluded beaches. The nooks and crevices of its coastline are only sparsely dotted with fishing villages — leaving plenty of remote spots with culture and experiential allure. It’s worth scratching beneath the surface.
By these standards, here are the top hidden beaches in Paros. Dig deeper, and you’ll discover where they come into their own.
Tripiti Beach
Location: 21 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Minimal crowds and a secluded south coast location.
Wedged inconspicuously between two sections of rocky headland, Tripiti Beach is a slight windtrap of a secluded beach on the south coast of Paros. Fed up with the crowds of the more well-trodden beaches, it’s a deep-watered retreat for cliff jumpers and strong swimmers. Small but tourist-sparse, Tripiti Beach never really experiences the brunt of peak season. And that’s exactly how its biggest fans like it.
Buckle up for an approximate 30-minute drive from Naoussa; a car rental is non-negotiable for secluded Tripiti.
Makria Miti Beach
Location: 24 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Crowd-less with views towards Antiparos.
Makria Miti is a closely guarded secret amongst lucky strayers. Call it a pleasant surprise. The southwest beach sits peacefully blocked from northern winds with gorgeous ocean views overlooking the neighbouring island of Antiparos. Yet, no matter the season, crowds just don’t come. Makria Miti is the definition of hidden in plain sight.
A little rocky but perfect for snorkelling, Makria Miti is worth a trip for adventurous beachgoers. Get there by hire car; the quickest route is a scenic 30-minute drive through Parikia.
Kalogeros Beach
Location: 12 km from Naoussa.
Dreamiest Feature: Clay cliffs used for natural mud masks.
Do you remember the clay-cliffed beach we mentioned in our introduction? It’s been quite the wait, but we’ve saved the best until last. As promised, Kalogeros Beach offers a secretive coastal escape with the added novelty of natural spa amenities. Simply dampen the clay cliffs with a little seawater and watch the surface transform before your eyes. The result? A natural mud mask.
Perhaps one of the quirkiest beaches on Paros, Kalogeros is unmissable for anyone craving an experiential beach day. Just a 20-minute drive from Naoussa, the eastern section of the coastline is an easy addition to most self-drive itineraries.
Best Time to Visit Paros Beaches
Envisioning empty beaches in dry Grecian heat? Despite its enamouring reputation as an alternative Cycladic island, Paros still has considerable crowds to contend with — particularly during the peak summer season.
From a seasonal perspective, the best time to visit Paros beaches is when crowds are at a minimum, but temperatures are still high. This means avoiding the heaviest crowds in July and August, instead sticking to shoulder months like May and September, which are spared the touristic rod. The fewer crowds promise a more peaceful (and spacious) experience.
On a day-to-day basis? At the risk of sounding predictable, it’s best to apply the universal rule of ‘early mornings and late afternoons.’ These times tend to be quieter than the midday rush and, equally, are healthier from a UV perspective.
If you’re truly tied into a midday visit in peak season, don’t despair. Prioritize quieter spots like Makria Miti and Tripiti Beach; neither of these clock up anywhere near the crowds of Piperi or Golden Beach. On busier beaches, budget extra to purchase sunbeds with umbrellas, too — arriving early to secure a spot in exchange for a premium full-day rate.
How to Get Around Paros to Explore the Beaches
A car rental is the smartest choice, granting ultimate freedom to experience the best Paros beaches. It provides an unbridled ability to just pack up and go, exploring the most remote-laying beaches across the island. The cost of rental can be as little as €30 per day; barely a splash in the water when split between a group. Simply pick it up from the airport and start as you mean to go on.
That said, a well-chosen hotel with walkable beach access (think Naoussa or Agia Irini) provides a solid base for non-drivers. There’s a reasonably well-connected bus route circling the coastline; it’s possible to catch public transport to the more popular beaches. If you’re content paying higher fees, taxi hire is another possibility. It just requires a working SIM, pre-saved numbers, and a few reliable contacts. While, of course, those staying in Naoussa also benefit from water taxi services to spots like Kolympithres.
Dreaming of tapping into even more freedom and adventure in Paros? Why not consider renting a scooter? The rate per day is lower, and parking is simpler.
There are dozens of options when travelling around the island. Ultimately, the best way to get around Paros depends on how far you’d like to spread your wings. It’s only the most far-flung Paros beaches that require a rental car.