Monastiri Beach
Sheltered bay, shallow water and Paros Park walks
Monastiri Beach is a small, sheltered bay on the north side of Paros, just a short hop from Naoussa and right at the entrance of Paros Park. The water is very shallow for a long way out, which makes it one of the safest swimming spots on the island for kids and anyone who just wants to float and relax. In summer you have a fully organised setup with sunbeds, a beach bar, music, water sports and easy access to coastal walking paths and viewpoints in Paros Park. It is busy in July and August, but if you pick your time of day it works very well for calm, wind-safe beach days and simple plans that combine sea, food and a small walk.
Monastiri Beach at a glance
- Type of beach: Small, sheltered sandy bay inside the entrance to Paros Park, with shallow water and a very organised setup.
- Location: North coast of Paros, in Naoussa Bay, about 5 km from Naoussa village and around 2 km from Kolymbithres Beach by road.
- Vibe: Family friendly, social and lively in high season, with a strong “beach club plus nature park” feeling rather than a wild cove.
- Best for: Families with children, mixed groups, people who want very shallow water and a safe choice on windy meltemi days.
- Wind and sea: One of the most protected bays on the island, usually calm when north winds are strong, with clear, warm water.
- Facilities: Organised beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bar and restaurant, showers, changing areas, water sports and event space.
- Access: Easy by car or scooter with parking above the bay, and in season by small boat from Naoussa as part of local sea taxis or boat trips in Paros.
Where Monastiri Beach sits on the island
Monastiri Beach is tucked into the northern side of the large bay of Naoussa, at the edge of the Paros Park peninsula. It sits roughly:
- About 10–15 minutes by car from Naoussa (around 5 km).
- About 25–30 minutes from Parikia, the main port.
- Roughly 40–45 minutes from Paros airport, depending on traffic.
The last stretch is a simple paved road that turns into a short dirt section closer to the bay. Parking is usually on the slope above the beach or in small informal parking areas that also serve Paros Park and its walking paths.
From Naoussa, you can also reach Monastiri Beach by small boats that run in high season, which can be a fun way to arrive and combine the bay with other spots like Kolymbithres.
How Monastiri Beach feels through the season
- In May and June, Monastiri Beach feels relaxed and spacious, with the organised area usually open but not yet full. The sea warms up quickly thanks to the shallow depth, so it is an early season favourite for families and anyone who dislikes cold water.
- In July and August, the beach becomes one of the busiest and most reliable choices when the meltemi blows. The bay is sheltered by rock formations and the shape of the coastline, so the water usually stays flat and comfortable even when wind is strong in other parts of the island. Expect a lively scene with music from the main beach bar, events on some evenings and a lot of people in high season.
- By September and early October, the energy drops back to a more local, slow pace. The weather is still warm, the sea is at its best, and there is more space between sunbeds. It is a great time if you want the full setup of Monastiri without the peak crowds.
Day to day, mornings tend to be calmer, with families and swimmers. Afternoons are busier, especially on very windy days when people escape from north-facing beaches. Evenings sometimes feature events or live music connected to Paros Park and the open-air venues nearby, which you can pair with ideas from things to do in Paros.
Sea, sand and facilities at Monastiri Beach
The main reason to pick Monastiri Beach is the combination of shallow water, soft sand and a very protected bay. The seabed is sandy with a gentle, almost pool-like entry that stays shallow for quite a long distance. This makes it ideal for younger children, nervous swimmers and anyone who likes to stand and float rather than deal with sudden depth changes.
- Sand and water: Fine sand on the beach, mostly sandy seabed and very clear, calm water on typical summer days.
- Depth: Extremely shallow for a good distance from shore, which keeps the water warm and comfortable.
- Organisation: Large organised zone with sunbeds and umbrellas, serviced by a beach bar and restaurant, plus more informal areas for people who prefer their own towel and umbrella.
- Food and drinks: A main beach bar / taverna serves meals, snacks and drinks all day and into the evening. This is where you can usually reserve sunbeds or check availability.
- Facilities: Showers, toilets, changing areas and easy paths to the parking level above the bay.
- Activities: Depending on the season, there may be a water sports operator offering pedal boats, SUP and other light activities, plus occasional concerts or events connected with Paros Park and wider experiences in Paros.
If you like a more low key setup, you can sit toward the edges of the bay or slightly back from the main front rows where the music is softer and the atmosphere feels calmer.
Who Monastiri Beach works best for
- Families with children: The shallow, protected water makes Monastiri Beach one of the easiest places on Paros for kids. Parents can relax more because there are no big waves or sudden drops.
- First time visitors: If you want at least one “no stress” beach day near Naoussa, this is a safe pick, especially on windy days when other north-side beaches are rough.
- Couples and small groups: Good if you like organised comfort, want to combine swimming with a proper lunch and maybe a short walk in Paros Park, then an evening in Naoussa.
- Visitors without a car: In high season, you can often reach Monastiri by boat from Naoussa or by arranging private transfers in Paros. With a car or scooter it is much easier, but it is still realistic without one if you plan around local transport.
- People planning events or special days: The setting of Paros Park, plus the organised facilities, makes Monastiri a popular place for parties, weddings or group meetups that can be arranged through local providers and featured experiences in Paros.
If you dislike organised beaches, music and crowds, you may prefer simpler bays like Molos, Tripiti or quieter corners of the south coast instead.
Example easy days that start or end at Monastiri Beach
- Classic Naoussa and Paros Park day: Morning coffee in Naoussa, boat or drive to Monastiri Beach, long swim and lunch at the beach bar, then a short Paros Park walk to a viewpoint before heading back to Naoussa for the evening.
- Kolymbithres plus Monastiri combo: Start at Kolymbithres to explore the rock pools, then move over to Monastiri when the wind picks up. Finish with sunset views and dinner in Naoussa.
- Windy family day: When the meltemi is strong, skip exposed north beaches and go straight to Monastiri Beach. Let kids play in the shallows, have lunch on site and then do an early evening stroll in Naoussa or a gelato walk.
- Park and cinema evening: Swim and relax at Monastiri, then follow one of the short Paros Park trails in the late afternoon and, if there is a screening or concert, stay for an open air event before returning to your base.
- Mixed activity day: Morning water sports at Golden Beach or New Golden Beach, drive north for a late lunch and lazy swim at Monastiri, then finish with drinks in Naoussa.
All of these work easily if you base yourself in Naoussa. From other parts of the island, you can still combine Monastiri Beach with a bigger north coast loop that includes Kolymbithres and Naoussa town, or even one of the day trips from Paros on a different day.
What locals notice and love about Monastiri Beach
- The way the bay stays calm and flat when the north wind is howling on other parts of Paros.
- The very shallow water, which warms up quickly and is perfect for children and long, lazy swims.
- The contrast between the organised beach and the natural paths of Paros Park just behind it, you can be in the water and on a coastal trail within minutes.
- Late afternoon light on the rocks around Monastiri, which makes the whole bay feel like a small amphitheatre facing the sea.
- Summer events in Paros Park, open air cinema and occasional concerts that turn a simple beach day into a longer experience.
- The ease of combining Monastiri Beach with Naoussa for food, shopping and nightlife without doing long drives.
Monastiri Beach, Paros: FAQs
Is Monastiri Beach good on windy meltemi days?
Yes. Monastiri Beach sits inside a sheltered cove on the north side of the bay, with rock formations and the Paros Park peninsula protecting it from the worst of the wind and waves. It is one of the safest options on very windy summer days when other north-facing beaches can be rough.
Is Monastiri Beach good for small children?
For many families, this is one of the best beaches in Paros for kids. The water is very shallow for a long distance, the seabed is mostly sandy and there are no big waves on normal days. You also have easy access to food, shade and toilets, which makes life simpler with younger children.
How do I get to Monastiri Beach from Naoussa?
From Naoussa you can reach Monastiri Beach either by car or scooter in about 10 minutes, or in high season by small boats that go from Naoussa harbour to beaches like Kolymbithres and Monastiri. If you prefer not to drive, you can also book a private transfer in Paros and combine the beach with a visit to Paros Park or Naoussa village.
Is Monastiri an organised beach or can I sit on my own towel?
It is primarily an organised beach, with a large area of sunbeds and umbrellas serviced by a beach bar. You can still sit on your own towel, usually toward the edges or slightly away from the main front rows. In peak season the organised zone takes up a big part of the bay, so arrive earlier if you want more freedom to choose a spot.
Are there walking paths or hikes from Monastiri Beach?
Yes. Monastiri Beach is the gateway to Paros Park, which has signed walking paths of different lengths. You can follow trails to viewpoints, small coves and the lighthouse, then come back for a swim or a drink. It is one of the easiest ways to combine light hiking and sea time on Paros.
Do I need a car to visit Monastiri Beach?
A car or scooter makes things very easy, especially if you want to combine Monastiri with other spots like Kolymbithres or evening plans in Naoussa. Without a vehicle, you can still get there by summer boats from Naoussa or by arranging private transfers in Paros that drop you at the parking area above the bay.
Is Monastiri Beach crowded in July and August?
Yes, it can be very busy in the peak weeks, especially during the middle of the day and on windy days when people escape rougher beaches. If you prefer more space, aim for mornings, later afternoons, or shoulder months like June and September, or choose calmer beaches such as Molos, Lolantonis or some of the south coast bays.
Can I combine Monastiri with a boat tour?
Several boat tours in Paros and small sea taxis work from Naoussa, and some routes pass close to Monastiri, Kolymbithres and the Paros Park coastline. It is easy to spend a relaxed day at Monastiri, then book a separate boat tour on another day to see more of the bay and nearby coves.
What To Do Next:
Once you know how Monastiri Beach works with wind, crowds and your travel style, it is much easier to plan the rest of your days around it. These guides will help you connect this bay with villages, other beaches and experiences:
- Use best beaches in Paros to compare Monastiri Beach with spots like Golden Beach, Kolymbithres, Aliki and Molos.
- Read the Paros villages guide to decide whether to base yourself in Naoussa, Parikia, Drios, Aliki or one of the inland villages like Lefkes.
- Check boat tours in Paros if you want to spend a day on the water around Naoussa Bay, Paros Park and nearby coves.
- Browse experiences in Paros for things you can pair with a Monastiri day, such as cooking classes, pottery workshops or an FPV drone experience.
- Use where to stay in Paros to see how a base in Naoussa or the north side fits with your plans for Monastiri and other beaches.
- Look at day trips from Paros if you plan to keep one or two days for islands like Antiparos, Koufonisia or Polyegos, and build your Monastiri days around those.