Parikia Beaches

Overview

Parikia, located in the heart of the Aegean in Greece, is an ideal base for your beach holiday. Many visitors appreciate its convenience and the typically clear, blue waters of the surrounding sea. You'll find easily accessible town beaches alongside options for quick trips to more tranquil shores.

A variety of beach experiences awaits near Parikia. Livadia Beach offers unparalleled convenience as the main town beach. For a unique natural spa, Kalogeros Beach provides therapeutic clay in a rugged setting. Consider a day trip to Antiparos via Paralia Psaraliki, or enjoy the lively atmosphere and clear waters at Santa Maria. The stunning, sculpted rock formations of Kolymbithres Beach are a must-see. Nearby, beaches like Krios and Marcelo are also popular for their picturesque scenery and are just a short trip across the bay.

The beaches around Parikia generally offer a relaxed to lively, family-friendly atmosphere, rather than an intense party scene. From Parikia, exploring the diverse coastal offerings of Paros is straightforward. Discover more about these and other beautiful spots in our comprehensive list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Can you swim at the beaches in Parikia, and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at the beaches in and around Parikia. The water is generally clear and blue, typical of the Aegean Sea. Beaches like Krios and Marcelo are particularly known for their clean waters. Livadia, the main town beach, is also swimmable, though its proximity to the port means some visitors prefer the slightly more secluded options.

Krios Beach

Livadia Beach

Which is better: Livadia beach or Krios/Marcelo beach near Parikia?

It depends on your priorities. Livadia is Parikia's main town beach, very convenient and long, with many amenities, but can be busier. Krios and Marcelo are just across the bay (accessible by a short boat taxi or road), often considered more picturesque with clearer water and a more relaxed vibe, though still organized with facilities.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach

How do I get to Krios and Marcelo beaches from Parikia town?

You can reach Krios and Marcelo beaches from Parikia town by a small water taxi that departs regularly from the port, offering a scenic 5-10 minute ride. Alternatively, you can drive, take a taxi, or even walk (around 30-45 minutes to Krios, a bit longer to Marcelo).

Krios Beach

Are the beaches in Parikia suitable for families with young children?

Yes, several beaches near Parikia are family-friendly. Livadia beach, being long and sandy with shallow waters in parts, is convenient. Krios beach is also popular with families due to its calm, shallow waters and soft sand. Many beaches offer amenities like sunbeds and nearby tavernas.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach

Is Parikia a good place to stay in Paros if I want a beach holiday?

Yes, Parikia is a convenient base for a beach holiday. It has its own town beach, Livadia, and several other popular beaches like Krios and Marcelo are easily accessible by a short boat trip or by road. You'll also find good transport links to explore beaches further afield on Paros.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach

When is the best time to visit Parikia for beaches, and how crowded do they get?

The best time for Parikia's beaches is from late May to early October. Peak season is July and August, when beaches are busiest, especially Livadia, Krios, and Marcelo. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider June or September. The Meltemi wind can be stronger in July/August, making sheltered beaches more desirable.

Krios Beach

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Parikia beaches, and are there beach bars or tavernas?

Yes, most popular beaches in and near Parikia, such as Livadia, Krios, Marcelo, and Parasporos, are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. You'll also find numerous beach bars and tavernas along these beaches offering food and drinks. Some beaches also have free sections if you prefer to bring your own setup.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach

Parasporos Beach

How do Parikia's beaches compare to those near Naoussa?

Parikia offers convenient town beaches like Livadia and easy access to sheltered bays like Krios and Marcelo. Naoussa is known for picturesque beaches like Kolymbithres with unique rock formations and Monastiri. Both have good options, but Parikia's beaches are generally closer to the main port and town center, while Naoussa's popular beaches might require a short drive or boat trip from Naoussa town.

Krios Beach

Kolympethres Beach

Monastiri Beach

People Also Ask

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Parikia?

While Parikia's main beaches can get busy, you can find quieter spots. Delfini (Souvlia) beach, south of Parikia, is smaller and often less crowded. Agia Irini, a bit further south, has two small sandy coves. Exploring coves around Krios and Marcelo beyond the main organized areas can also lead to more tranquil spots.

Delfini Beach

Paralia Agia Irini

Krios Beach

What's the general vibe of the beaches in Parikia? Are they party beaches or more relaxed?

The beaches around Parikia generally offer a relaxed to lively family-friendly atmosphere rather than a heavy party scene. Livadia has a bustling town beach feel with many amenities. Krios and Marcelo are popular and organized but maintain a more laid-back vibe. For dedicated party beaches, you might look at specific beach clubs on other parts of Paros, but Parikia's beaches are more about daytime relaxation and enjoyment.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach

Can I find hotels in Parikia with direct beach access or within easy walking distance to a beach?

Yes, there are several accommodation options in Parikia that offer direct beach access or are a very short walk from the beach. Many hotels and apartments are located along Livadia beach. Properties on the western side of Parikia bay also provide good access to Krios and Marcelo, sometimes with views across to them.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach

Are there watersports available at Parikia beaches?

Yes, some beaches in and near Parikia offer watersports, particularly during the peak season. Livadia beach often has options like paddleboarding or kayaking. Larger, more organized beaches on Paros, like Golden Beach or Santa Maria (accessible from Parikia by bus or car), have a wider range of watersports including windsurfing and diving centers.

Livadi Beach

Santa Maria

Which beaches near Parikia are best protected from the wind (Meltemi)?

The bay of Parikia generally offers good protection. Krios and Marcelo, being tucked into the western side of the bay, are often well-sheltered from the common northern Meltemi winds. Livadia beach, especially its southern part closer to town, can also be relatively calm. Beaches on the southern coast of Paros are generally more protected when the Meltemi is strong.

Krios Beach

Livadia Beach

Can I walk to any good beaches from Parikia town centre?

Yes, Livadia beach is directly accessible by foot from most parts of Parikia town centre, stretching along the northern part of the bay. You can also walk to Krios beach; it's a pleasant coastal walk of about 2.5-3 km (around 30-45 minutes) from the port, offering nice views. Marcelo is a bit further along the same path.

Livadi Beach

Krios Beach