Kalogeros Beach
Clay cliffs, natural spa feeling and a calm meltemi-side bay
Kalogeros Beach is the natural clay beach of Paros, a small sandy cove where people cover themselves in clay from the cliffs and rinse off in clear, protected water. It feels more like a local secret than an organised resort: no big beach bars, just a simple bay, views to Naxos and the sound of waves. If you want something different from the classic sunbed scene, this is one of the most memorable beaches in Paros.
Kalogeros Beach at a glance
- Type of beach: Small sandy bay with clay cliffs and a natural, raw setting.
- Vibe: Relaxed, slightly alternative, a mix of locals, families and curious visitors.
- Best for: People who like quieter spots, natural clay, calm water on windy days and no heavy beach club infrastructure.
- Sea and sand: Sandy beach with mostly sandy seabed, some rock patches on the sides and at the edges.
- Wind and weather: One of the better Paros beaches for strong north meltemi winds, the bay is usually well protected.
- Organisation: Light or none, depending on the year, most people bring their own shade and supplies.
- Nearby: Molos Beach, Marmara, Marpissa, Lefkes and the wider east coast.
- Good to pair with: Quiet days at Molos, inland walks and village dinners from the Paros villages guide, plus soft-adventure experiences in Paros.
Where Kalogeros Beach sits on the island
Kalogeros Beach is on the east side of Paros, just north of Molos Beach and below Marmara village. It looks across the channel toward Naxos, with low hills and farmland behind.
- From Parikia: roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car in normal traffic.
- From Naoussa: around 20 to 25 minutes driving, depending on your route.
- From Lefkes: about 15 minutes by car down from the mountain village.
- From Piso Livadi and Logaras: usually 10 to 15 minutes by car.
- From the airport: around 30 to 35 minutes driving.
There is no bus stop directly on the sand. In summer you can bus to Marmara or another nearby village and then walk, but most visitors find it easier to reach Kalogeros Beach with car rentals in Paros or ATV and scooter rentals in Paros, especially if you want to combine it with Molos Beach and east coast villages in one day.
How Kalogeros Beach feels through the season
Kalogeros Beach never feels like a big resort. It stays fairly small scale all season, with more variation in numbers on weekends and very windy days when people escape the north coast.
- May and June: Quiet, almost all local and early season visitors. Perfect if you want space to play with clay and swim without many people around.
- July and August: Busier, especially on strong meltemi days when the bay is much calmer than the north side. Even then it usually feels more informal and spread out than famous beaches like Santa Maria or Kolymbithres.
- September and early October: Very pleasant. Warm sea, softer light and a slower rhythm, with more locals than high summer visitors.
The overall feeling is easy going and slightly adventurous, a place where people are happy to walk a bit further, bring their own umbrella and make a simple day out of swimming and clay.
Sea, sand and facilities at Kalogeros Beach
The main reasons to visit Kalogeros Beach are the clay cliffs and the protected water. This is not a polished resort beach, it is a natural bay that rewards people who like simple setups.
- Sea: Usually calm to gently rippled on northerly winds. Depth increases slowly, although it deepens a bit faster than Molos Beach. Water is clear and good for relaxed swimming.
- Sand: Sandy shore with mostly sandy seabed in the central part of the bay, more rocks and clay near the edges and cliffs.
- Clay: The cliffs beside the beach contain natural clay. People gently scrape small amounts, mix it with sea water, cover themselves, let it dry for ten to fifteen minutes and rinse off. Skin feels very soft afterwards.
- Showers and changing: Think “wild beach”, not a beach club. There are no formal showers, you simply use the sea.
- Shade and seating: Usually no big permanent sunbed lines. Many people bring their own umbrella or beach tent. Shade on the sand is limited, especially in the middle of the day.
- Food and drinks: There are no full beach bars directly on the sand. Plan to bring water and snacks, or eat before and after in Marmara, Piso Livadi or Lefkes.
When using the clay, be gentle with the cliffs, avoid digging large holes, and do not leave clay cakes on the rocks and paths. Treat it like a small natural spa, not a quarry, so that Kalogeros Beach stays special for everyone.
Who Kalogeros Beach works best for
- Couples and friends: Perfect if you want a fun, slightly different beach day with clay, photos and a quieter setting away from the big crowds.
- Families who like adventure: Children and teens usually love the clay, but it is best for families who are happy with a more natural beach and fewer formal facilities.
- Slow travellers and repeat visitors: If you have already done the “headline” best beaches in Paros, Kalogeros Beach feels like a bonus that many first timers miss.
- People who chase calm water: On strong north winds, Kalogeros is one of the better options, especially paired with nearby Molos Beach.
- Guests staying on the east and southeast coast: Bases like Marmara, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Drios and the Golden Beach area can plug Kalogeros into their plans very easily.
If you want a fully organised beach with loud music, waiter service and lots of people watching, then spots like Santa Maria, Golden Beach or Parasporos will match your style more than Kalogeros Beach.
Example easy days that start or end at Kalogeros Beach
- Kalogeros and Molos classic combo: Start the morning at Molos Beach for a relaxed swim, then move to Kalogeros Beach late morning for clay and a second swim. Eat in Marmara village or Piso Livadi on the way back.
- East coast and villages loop: Swim at Kalogeros, then continue to Logaras and Piso Livadi Beach for lunch and a coffee. Finish the day with a walk and dinner in Marpissa or Lefkes.
- Windy day rescue plan: When the north coast is rough, skip exposed spots like Santa Maria and come to Kalogeros Beach or Molos, then use the afternoon for exploring inland villages from the Paros villages guide.
- Slow local day: Late start, swim at Kalogeros, simple picnic on the beach, then sunset in Lefkes or dinner by the sea in Piso Livadi.
These combinations are easiest if you have your own wheels, for example with car rentals in Paros or ATV and scooter rentals in Paros, so you are not tied to bus timetables.
What locals notice and love about Kalogeros Beach
- The clay cliffs: The natural clay gives Kalogeros Beach a playful, spa like character that is completely different to a normal beach day.
- The protection from wind: On strong meltemi days the bay is often much calmer than the north coast, which is why you will see locals here when the wind is up.
- The small, enclosed feel: The shape of the bay, with cliffs and low hills around it, makes the space feel intimate without being cramped.
- The lack of heavy build up: No big hotels on the sand, no massive beach clubs. Just a handful of houses and fields behind the beach.
- The easy pairing with Molos: Locals often think of Kalogeros and Molos as a pair, one for clay and slightly deeper water, one for long shallow sand and open views.
Kalogeros Beach, Paros: FAQs
Where exactly is Kalogeros Beach on Paros?
Kalogeros sits on the east side of Paros, just north of Molos Beach and below the inland village of Marmara. It is easiest to reach with a car or scooter rental in Paros, following signs toward Molos and then the short turnoff to Kalogeros.
Is Kalogeros Beach really good in the meltemi?
Yes, it is one of the more meltemi-protected beaches in Paros. The bay faces roughly southeast, which keeps the water much calmer than exposed north-coast beaches when the summer wind blows.
How do I use the clay safely?
Gently scrape a small amount of natural clay from already exposed parts of the cliff, mix it with seawater in your hands, spread a thin layer on your skin and let it dry for 10–15 minutes before rinsing off. Avoid your eyes and sunburned skin, do not over-dig into the cliff and always wash the clay off completely in the sea.
Are there sunbeds and a beach bar at Kalogeros?
No. Treat Kalogeros as a mostly non-organised beach. Bring water, snacks, and shade if you need it.
Is Kalogeros Beach good for children?
It can be, especially for slightly older kids who will enjoy the clay and shallow entry. Just keep them away from the higher parts of the cliffs, watch them around any rocks and remind them not to dig deep holes in the clay walls.
Can I reach Kalogeros Beach by bus?
There is no bus that drops you right on the sand. You can usually take a bus toward Marmara or Marpissa, then use a car, scooter, taxi or a decent walk to get closer. If you want easy access, consider combining Kalogeros with a private transfer in Paros or a local experience in Paros that includes transport.
What should I bring to Kalogeros?
Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and maybe a small container or cup to mix clay with seawater. Plan as if you are going to a wild beach in Paros.
Can I spend a full day at Kalogeros Beach?
You technically can, but most people treat it as part of a beach-hopping day. A classic option is clay and swims at Kalogeros, then a few hours at Molos, finishing in Marpissa, Piso Livadi or Lefkes for food and a walk.
Is Kalogeros Beach accessible for people with mobility issues?
There is a short dirt track and a slope down to the sand, so it is not the easiest beach on Paros. For very easy access, a flatter option like Golden Beach or Logaras might work better.
Do I need to worry about waves from ferries?
On some days you may notice a set of larger waves reaching the shore after big ships pass offshore. They usually last only a minute or two, but it is smart to keep bags and towels a bit higher on the sand so they do not get wet.
What To Do Next:
If Kalogeros Beach is on your list, here is how to connect it with the rest of your planning:
- Use the best beaches in Paros guide to see how Kalogeros compares with nearby spots like Molos, Logaras and Golden Beach.
- Check the Paros villages guide to pick a base in Marpissa, Piso Livadi or Lefkes that makes it easy to reach Kalogeros by car or scooter.
- Browse things to do in Paros to add a cooking class in Paros, a pottery workshop in Paros or an FPV drone adventure in Paros around your beach days.
- Plan logistics with car rentals in Paros, ATV and scooter rentals in Paros or private transfers in Paros so you are not dependent on buses for the east coast.
- If you want more sea time, pair a clay day with one of the boat tours in Paros, then mix in a slower evening in Naoussa or Parikia for a complete, balanced itinerary.