Kolymbithres Beach
Sculpted rocks, shallow coves and easy days near Naoussa
Kolymbithres is one of the most iconic beaches in Paros, a shallow bay of turquoise water wrapped around smooth granite rocks that look almost lunar. It sits just across the bay from Naoussa, close to Monastiri Beach and Paros Park, and works especially well for relaxed swims, rock-hopping with kids, and easy half days that start or end in Naoussa or fit into a wider plan built from the best beaches in Paros guide.
Kolymbithres Beach at a glance
- Type of beach: small sandy coves between smooth granite rocks, very shallow and family friendly.
- Location: north side of Paros, in Naoussa Bay, a short drive or boat hop from Naoussa.
- Best for: relaxed swimming, kids, photos, rock pools and combining with Naoussa evenings and walks at Paros Park / Monastiri.
- Vibe: busy in high season but playful and cheerful, more “day out” than party beach.
- Water: very shallow near shore, clear turquoise, usually calm inside Naoussa Bay.
- Sand: mix of sand and smooth rock platforms, with small sandy pockets between the boulders.
- Wind: often more protected than open north-coast beaches thanks to the shape of the bay.
- Facilities: sunbeds in some areas, a couple of beach bars / tavernas, basic showers in season.
- Access: by car, scooter or boat from Naoussa; short walks between the different coves, easy if you are comfortable on rocks.
- Good to pair with: Monastiri Beach, Paros Park trails and sunset or dinner in Naoussa.
Where Kolymbithres sits on the island
Kolymbithres Beach sits inside the large bay of Naoussa on the north coast of Paros, just across the water from the village of Naoussa.
- Naoussa to Kolymbithres: about 7–10 minutes by car or scooter, a bit longer in peak traffic.
- Parikia to Kolymbithres: around 20–25 minutes in normal conditions from Parikia.
- Paros airport to Kolymbithres: about 30–35 minutes by car.
In summer, you can also reach Kolymbithres by small boats that run between the harbour of Naoussa, Kolymbithres and Monastiri Beach. This can be more relaxing than driving and parking on very busy days, especially if you do not have your own wheels from car rentals in Paros or private transfers in Paros.
How Kolymbithres feels through the season
- From late May to June, Kolymbithres Beach feels relaxed and playful. The water is already clear, the rocks are warm by midday and there is space to move between coves without feeling squeezed.
- In July and August, it becomes one of the most popular beaches in Paros. Expect more people around each cove, families setting up in the shallow areas and plenty of small boats and water taxis crossing Naoussa Bay.
- It is still fun, but in peak weeks it helps to arrive earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want quieter swims and more freedom for photos.
- By September and early October, Kolymbithres returns to a softer pace. The sea is warm, the light is beautiful and there is more room to enjoy the rock pools and viewpoints without crowds, especially if you slot it between other plans from Things to do in Paros or day trips from Paros.
Sea, sand and facilities at Kolymbithres
The big reason to come to Kolymbithres is the combination of shallow turquoise water and sculpted granite rocks. Erosion has carved the boulders into curves, shelves and mini “pools” that feel almost like a natural water park.
- Water: usually very clear and shallow for a long way out, ideal for kids and nervous swimmers.
- Bottom: mix of sandy patches and smooth rock; water shoes can be helpful but are not essential for most people.
- Sand & rocks: small sandy pockets between the rocks where you can lay a towel, plus smooth platforms for sunbathing.
- Shade: limited natural shade, so bringing your own umbrella or hat is a good idea, especially in July and August.
Facilities change slightly from year to year, but typically you will find a few sunbed and umbrella setups on the main coves, at least one beach bar or taverna behind the beach for simple meals and drinks, and basic showers during high season. For a more natural feel you can walk further along the rocks to quieter coves, then head to Naoussa later for a proper meal.
Food, drinks and nearby services
Right behind parts of Kolymbithres Beach you will find small tavernas and beach bars offering simple Greek dishes, salads, sandwiches, coffee and drinks – perfect for a light seaside lunch without moving the car.
For a wider choice, most people pair Kolymbithres with a visit to Naoussa:
- Fish tavernas and modern restaurants on the harbour.
- Cafés, bakeries and gelato for a late afternoon stop.
- Mini markets, pharmacies and ATMs for practical needs.
If you want a more village-style evening, you can also drive up to Lefkes or Marpissa for a traditional walk and dinner after your swim, then return to your base chosen from where to stay in Paros.
Water sports and experiences at Kolymbithres
Because Kolymbithres sits inside Naoussa Bay, it tends to be calmer than more exposed north-coast beaches, which makes it great for gentle water fun rather than extreme sports.
- Snorkeling: clear water and rocks create small spots to explore with fish and sea life.
- SUP and kayaking: pleasant on light wind days, especially if you stay close to shore.
- Photography: the granite formations, shallow pools and views across the bay make it one of the most photogenic Paros beaches.
More intense water sports such as windsurfing, kite or wing foil usually happen on beaches like Golden Beach and New Golden Beach, but you can easily build a trip that mixes those with softer days at Kolymbithres.
If you want organised activities, check experiences in Paros and boat tours in Paros for options that include Naoussa Bay, Kolymbithres and Monastiri Beach, or even private photo and drone-friendly sessions that use the rocks as a backdrop.
Who Kolymbithres works best for
- Families with kids: the shallow water and rock pools make Kolymbithres one of the most family-friendly entries in the best beaches in Paros guide. Just keep an eye on slippery rocks.
- Couples: plenty of photogenic corners and little coves where you can sit together and watch Naoussa Bay, especially early or late in the day, before heading into Naoussa for dinner.
- First-time visitors: if you only see a handful of beaches, Kolymbithres should be high on the list thanks to its unique rock formations and easy pairing with Naoussa and Paros Park / Monastiri.
- Friends and small groups: fun for climbing, swimming, and exploring together, then continuing to Naoussa or into the inland villages of Paros villages for food.
- People with limited mobility: reaching the water can be tricky due to rocks and uneven surfaces. If accessibility is a priority, consider more regular sandy entries like Golden Beach, Aliki Beach, or Logaras Beach.
Example easy days that start or end in Kolymbithres
- Classic Naoussa Bay loop: morning swim at Kolymbithres, simple lunch at a beach taverna, short hike and second swim around Monastiri Beach and Paros Park, then sunset and dinner in Naoussa.
- Family rock and sand day: arrive early, claim a sandy pocket between the rocks, let kids explore the shallow pools, then head back to a calmer base in Drios, Aliki or Piso Livadi for a quiet evening.
- Mixed beach and village: swim at Kolymbithres until early afternoon, drive up to Lefkes for an evening village walk and taverna dinner, then return to your accommodation chosen from where to stay in Paros.
- Boat and beach combo: take the small boat from Naoussa to Kolymbithres and back, then stay in Naoussa for a late dinner and drinks, or save another day for a longer cruise picked from boat tours in Paros or day trips from Paros.
What locals notice and love about Kolymbithres
- Natural sculpture park feeling: it looks like a granite art gallery at the water’s edge, which is why Kolymbithres appears in almost every “must-see” list of Paros beaches.
- Light on the rocks: early morning and late afternoon light on the boulders and shallow water in Naoussa Bay is a big part of the magic.
- Quick reset swims: many locals use Kolymbithres for short, happy dips and a mental reset on the way to or from Naoussa.
- Hidden calmer corners: even on busy days, you can usually find a quieter spot if you walk along the rocks and away from the main sunbed areas.
- Playful, not chaotic: in high season, it is busy but still playful and friendly rather than a heavy party beach, which makes it easy to recommend to families and couples.
Kolymbithres Beach, Paros: FAQs
Is Kolymbithres worth visiting on a short trip to Paros?
Yes. If you are only here for a few days, Kolymbithres Beach is one of the top places to see because it combines unusual rock formations, shallow clear water and easy access from Naoussa. You can treat it as a half day beach stop and still have time for Naoussa or another village on the same day.
How do I get to Kolymbithres from Naoussa?
You can reach Kolymbithres by car, scooter, taxi, private transfer or by the small boats that run from the harbour of Naoussa in summer. Driving takes around 7–10 minutes. The boats are a fun option if you prefer not to worry about parking.
Is Kolymbithres good for children?
Yes, Kolymbithres Beach is very popular with families. The water is shallow for a long way out and there are plenty of small rock pools to explore. Just be careful on slippery rocks and keep an eye on kids climbing higher on the boulders.
When is Kolymbithres busiest?
The busiest time at Kolymbithres is usually from late morning to late afternoon in July and August. For a calmer experience, come early in the day, after 17:00, or outside the absolute peak weeks. May, June, September and early October are much softer.
What should I bring to Kolymbithres?
Bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, water and a small bag for your things. Water shoes can help if you do not like stepping on rock. If you prefer natural shade, consider a small beach umbrella, as there are not many trees on the beach itself.
Can I combine Kolymbithres with other nearby beaches?
Yes. Many visitors combine Kolymbithres with Monastiri Beach and short walks in Paros Park. You can also do a quick swim here and then continue to other north-coast spots around Naoussa Bay or simply focus on Naoussa itself for food and evening drinks.
Is there parking at Kolymbithres?
There are small parking areas close to Kolymbithres, but they fill up quickly in July and August. If you arrive later in the day, expect to park a little further away and walk, or consider using the small boats from Naoussa instead.
Can I visit Kolymbithres without renting a car?
Yes. In summer you can use buses to reach the area or take the small boats from Naoussa. If you are staying in Naoussa itself, the boat option is often the most relaxed way to visit Kolymbithres Beach.
What To Do Next:
- Compare coasts: use the full best beaches in Paros guide to decide which south and east coast bays (like Golden Beach or Aliki) you want to combine with Kolymbithres.
- Plan Naoussa evenings: read Naoussa, Paros to organise dinners, bar hopping and relaxed nights after a day in Naoussa Bay.
- Add Paros Park: check Monastiri Beach for details on Paros Park, short hikes, viewpoints and another protected swimming spot in the same bay.
- Layer in activities: browse things to do in Paros and our curated experiences in Paros to add cooking classes, pottery workshops or FPV drone adventures around your Kolymbithres and Naoussa days.
- Get on the water: use boat tours in Paros and day trips from Paros to plan at least one bay-cruising or island-hopping day that includes Naoussa Bay from the sea.
- Choose your base: look at where to stay in Paros if you want a base near Naoussa, or prefer to stay on the east or south coasts and visit Kolymbithres as a day trip, using car rentals or private transfers in Paros to keep moving simple.