In the heart of the Cyclades Islands, Paros, with 10,000 inhabitants and 120km coastline, is a whole world fulfilling everybody's dream of an Aegean Island.

Serene landscape with fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches and monasteries, endless sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters, famous monuments from the lands rich ancient and medieval past, picturesque white villages bathed in the unique, dazzling Aegean light.

For all that reasons, the island has become one of the most popular destinations of the Cyclades...
The island of Paros is also known for the perfect weather conditions it offers to windsurfers. Paros has countless beaches, ranging from long to very small, from sandy to pebbled, crowded ones and more isolated ones, featuring beach clubs, umbrellas and sun beds or offering unspoiled natural beauty. Here are some of our favorite beaches:

Beaches close to Parikia:

Livadia: This long wide stretch of white sand lies at the northern end of the bay, an easy 10 minutes walk from the port. Here you’ll find many amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants and beach bars and a sailing school. Not exactly one of our favorites but undoubtedly convenient due to its position.
Martselo: This is arguably the area around Parikia’s finest beach, a long wide expanse of golden sand with crystal clear waters fed by underground springs. From the beach there is a great view across the bay to Parikia. It is accessible by car, by bus and also by 10 minutes boat from the port. Marcello is fully developed, with beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas.

Parasporos: This is a big wide stretch of sandy beach. It can be very windy here but on days when the Meltemi is blowing straight in, it’s perfect for body surfing as the waves can get extremely high. On calm days Parasporos is a beautiful place to relax with a view out to the small islet of Agios Spiridon. The beach is fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. It’s around a 20 minute walk from Parikia or 10 minutes on the bus from Parikia.

Agia Irini: Here you’ll find two small beaches, one lined with palm trees and the other shaded by tamarisks. Both beaches which sit at opposite ends of a small semi- enclosed bay have tavernas. Is a favorite, spending a whole day at this isolated beach under the sun and coming back to town in the late afternoon. The usual visitors here are small groups who like a quiet swim. Agia Irini is accessible only by private transport.

Rest of the island:

Faragas: It is a well protected sandy beach clsoe to Alyki village.It is well organized with facilities for swimming and sunbathing (sun beds, umbrellas), but the most important advantage of the beach is the fascinating landscape. The sea is crystal clear and the beach has nice rocks, secluded parts, fine sand and dunes beside the sea. Thus, it is not without reason that it is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of the island.

Kolimbithres: It is a separate beach in the western part of Naoussa. You can go there either by boat from the port of Naoussa or by car. This beach is unique because it is full of smooth rocks, which create independent sections. It is a quiet beach, well organised with a couple of restaurants near by and umbrellas. The scene is rocky and quite different from the sandy beaches you would normally expect in Paros. Well worth the visit.

Monastiri (St. John): It is located 2 kilometers from Kolympithres, west of Naoussa. the beach is very well organized, it has crystal clear very clean sea, thick sand and interesting rock formations that form a fascinating landscape. The water is very shallow so it is suitable for snorkeling. Sun beds and umbrellas can be rent from the huge tavern overlooking the beach and water sports facilities are also available. In summer, various events are organized on Monastiri Beach such as concerts, beach parties, various contests, etc...

Kalogeros: This small beach is absolutely one of our favorites. Not organized and never too crowded. The shore is partly sandy and partly pebbled and the water is always crystal clear. This beach is rounded from small hills whitch are made of argil so you will have the opportunity to make argil beauty masks to your whole body and face, taking also some funny pictures of you and your travelmates. The afternoon is magical on this beach.

Ambelas: It is the beach of the omonymous fishing village. Small sandy beach with crystal clear water. It is not an organized beach but it is a nice place for those who prefer the tranquil locations especially families with kids. The sea front taverns and the traditional restaurants offer some of the greatest fish food on Paros.

Golden Beach: It is considered one of the best beaches of Paros and you can visit it by bus or by car. It is a very long and wide sandy beach, with spotless waters. It became famous because it offers ideal weather conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing. Here every summer the World Cup of Professional Windsurfing takes place and for this reason it is well organized. You can find equipment for windsurf, taverns, hotels and rented apartments near by.

Santa Maria: Santa Maria is located near Naoussa and is a long coastline divided in two soft, golden sandy beaches which offer a beautiful view on the island of Naxos and crystalline emerald waters. The first is commonly known as ‘Santa Maria Camping’ due to the nearby site. They both face onto Aliki Bay. The second is about a kilometer beyond the first and is on the right side of the road. It is a nice bay with good views.
The snorkeling here is recommended and there is also a diving school. The first Santa Maria Beach is a bigger affair with a perfect view of Naxos. The beach is long with some loungers and in its centre you will find the diving and windsurf centre. The water is perfect and clear and the sun drenched sand whiter than you will find on other parts of the island. It is fully organized, with sun beds, umbrellas and water sports facilities such as windsurf, scuba diving, paddle boats, etc... The beach of Santa Maria in Paros can be reached by local bus.

Pounda (opposite Antiparos): To the south of Pounda lies a long long expanse of soft yellow sand but it’s mainly a beach for watersport enthusiasts. The school here is renowned throughout Greece as one of the best places for kite and windsurfing. A dive school also operates from the port of Pounda from where you can catch the ferry to the neighbouring island of Antiparos.

Paros offers a wide range of activities suitable to everyone. Worth trying some!

Boat Cruises

http://www.mzeppos.gr/en/
http://www.rofos-paros.gr/
http://www.parosweb.com/sailingtrips/?c=activities

Windsurf

http://www.force7paros.gr/    (Golden Beach)
http://www.parosurf.gr/          (New Golden Beach)

Scuba

Water Park

http://www.karmaportoparos.com/374/en/Aqua-Paros-Water-Park-in-Paros/ (Kolimbithres)

Horse Riding Tours

Parikia
Archaeological Museum of Parikia, behind the church of Ekatontapiliani. Exhibits of 6000 years old artifacts, like: 'The Fat Woman of Saliangos', Cycladic idols, statues (Niki 5th BC, Gorgon 6th BC, Parian Chronicles - marble inscriptions of the 3rd BC, and more).

Ekatontapyliani or Katopoliani, 4th cent. BC. The landmark of Paros. It is one of the most significant Early-Christian monuments in Greece. On the southern side there is the marble baptismal font, the oldest and best preserved of its kind in all of the eastern Orthodox countries. There are various myths connected with this church. It celebrates its patron, the Virgin Mary, on the 15th of August with the most spectacular festivities of the year. (www.ekatontapyliani.org)

Byzantine Museum, at Ekatontapiliani Church. Exhibits rare icons and priceless artifacts.
Monastery Agii Anargiri, on a nearby hill overlooking Parikia with spectacular sunset views.
Monastery Agios Arsenios, Butterfly Valley.
Monastery Logovarda (men visitors only).
Monastery Thapsana (women visitors only).
Anthemion Collection, at Sarakiniko. Exhibits historic artifacts of Paros.

Naoussa
Byzantine & Post Byzantine Icons inside the church of Agios Athanasios.
Folklore Collection “Othona Kapari”, near the central square: old books and artifacts.
Folklore Collection by the Music & Dance Group of Naoussa, 200m from the central square. Traditional folk costumes.

Lefkes
Yria Folklore Museum, with hand-made textiles and other everyday objects of Parian life.
Museum of Aegean Folklore with old furniture, tools and other important exhibits.

Marpissa
Folklore Museum, in the centre of the village. Traditional objects of local residents.
Perantinos Museum with 192 statues of this famous marble sculptor.
Byzantine Art Gallery with priceless icons.