Nearby Beaches
Kato Gialos: Often referred to as the town beach, here you'll find a long wide stretch of golden sand backed by numerous cafes, bars and shops, so refreshments are not a problem. Shade is provided by a long line of tamarisk trees and there are a few (free) umbrellas. It's probably best to mention that on windy days, as Kato Gialos is not at all sheltered, it can be quite an unpleasant place to sit. Also the water is not the cleanest.
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.
Krios: Krios is a small sandy beach on the other side of the bay from Parikia, sheltered from the at times, strong summer Meltemi winds. The beach is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and backed by a beach bar / restaurant. It is accessible by small boat from Parikia’s port (1st stop), or around a 30 minute cliff-top walk from Parikia.
Marcello: 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. The sea is noticeably cooler here so perfect for sweltering mid-summer afternoons. The jetty at the end of Marchello is the second stop if you catch the small ferry from Parikia,, or you can walk. (Around 35 minutes from the port along the same route as for Krios beach.)
Marcello is fully developed, with beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas, and if you’re lucky an old man who will try and sell you “froo-its, grapes, froo-its.” To the left of where the ferry docks are the two small undeveloped beaches of Kaminia with no amenities but they are well shaded and less crowded during the peak season. Further on still is Agios Fokas. Here there is no real beach to speak of but there are a few secluded coves, although these tend to be clogged with mountains of seaweed. The area itself though is very beautiful and well worth the walk from one of the other nearby beaches.
Germanika: Just out of Parikia, at the bottom of a thickly wooded hillside lies the thin pebble beach of Germanika. Even at the height of summer Germanika is usually uncrowded but due to it's position it can, at times when the north wind is blowing, become quite cluttered with seaweed.
Souvlia: Also known locally as Deplhini this beach is perfect for days when the south wind or Sirocco is blowing. Around 500 metres from the shore are a group of rocks with a small underwater cave. It’s a relaxed and friendly beach, popular with locals and backed by two restaurant/ bars with very different cuisines. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available. Souvlia is around a 15 minute walk south of Parikia or 10 minutes by bus from the port.
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 at one end near the bar and restaurant while the southern half, after the taverna is more tranquil with tamarisk trees providing shade. 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. Agia Irini is accessible only by private transport. Or a long walk.
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.
This is just a small guide to the most popular beaches near Villa Katerina Rooms & Apartments in Parikia. Less known swimming spots are there for you to discover and get the best out of your summertime in Paros, Greece!