Marcelo Beach
Turquoise bay, easy access and close to Parikia
Marcelo Beach sits on the north side of the Parikia bay, just around the corner from Krios Beach. Think clear turquoise water, soft sand and an easy “last day” beach, close enough to the port that you can swim, shower and still make an afternoon ferry without stress. It is organised but not wild, family friendly without feeling sleepy, and one of the most practical beaches near Parikia.
Marcelo Beach at a glance
- Type: Sandy, organised beach in the bay opposite Parikia.
- Vibe: Relaxed and social, a bit livelier than Krios Beach but still family friendly.
- Water: Very clear, classic turquoise colours, usually quite calm.
- Best for: Easy beach days near Parikia, couples, families and groups who like a mix of comfort and space.
- When: Great from May to October, with peak crowds in July and August.
- Partner beaches: Krios Beach, Parasporos Beach, Agia Irini Beach and Livadia / Parikia Beach.
Where Marcelo Beach sits on the island
Marcelo Beach lies on the north side of the bay of Parikia, facing back toward the town and the ferries. It is literally the “next bay along” after Krios Beach, a short hop by car or scooter from the port.
- From Parikia: Roughly 8–10 minutes by car or scooter in normal traffic.
- From Naoussa: Around 25–30 minutes by car, depending on season.
- From Paros airport: About 20–25 minutes by car.
In summer there are usually small boats from Parikia that shuttle people over to Krios and Marcelo, which makes this one of the easiest arrival and departure day beaches on Paros.
Sea, sand and layout at Marcelo Beach
Marcelo Beach is one long sandy curve with classic Cycladic colours: light golden sand and bright blue-green water.
- Sand & entry: Soft sand on the beach and mostly sandy seabed with a gentle, shallow entry, ideal for children and less confident swimmers.
- Depth: Stays shallow for a reasonable distance, then deepens enough for proper swimming.
- Organisation: Parts of the beach are covered by sunbeds and umbrellas from beach bars and cafés, with some free areas where you can put your own towel.
- Facilities: Showers, basic changing areas and beach service from the bars during the main season.
- View: Beautiful views across the bay toward Parikia, ferries arriving and leaving, and sunset colours later in the day.
Compared with Krios Beach, Marcelo can feel a little more social and lively in high season, while Krios stays slightly calmer. Many people simply walk between the two and pick whichever side matches the wind and mood that day.
Wind, weather & when Marcelo Beach works best
Because Marcelo Beach sits inside the large bay of Parikia, it is usually more protected than fully exposed north or west facing beaches.
- Northerly meltemi days: The shape of the bay helps soften the swell. You will still feel wind on strong meltemi days, but the sea is often calmer than on open north-facing beaches.
- Southerly winds: Marcelo is usually very pleasant, with small waves at most and great conditions for swimming.
- Calm days: Classic turquoise “swimming pool” water and easy floating for all levels.
- Time of day: Mornings are usually quiet and gentle, midday is the busiest and hottest, and late afternoon into sunset is the most photogenic.
If the wind turns completely wild, use the wider best beaches in Paros guide and flip to more protected south and east coast spots, but for a normal summer meltemi day Marcelo is often a safe, easy choice.
Access, parking & nearby services
Reaching Marcelo Beach is straightforward, especially if you are already in or near Parikia.
- By car or scooter: Short drive from Parikia along the coastal road toward Krios and Marcelo. The last stretch is on narrow local roads, but nothing extreme.
- Parking: Informal parking areas behind the beach and along the access road. In July and August they fill up, so come earlier in the day if you want an easy spot.
- By bus: In high season some buses from Parikia stop near the access road – always double check the latest timetable once you arrive.
- By boat: In summer there are often small boats from Parikia that drop you at Krios and/or Marcelo; a fun way to reach the beach without driving.
On and just above the beach you will find beach bars and tavernas for food and drinks. For bigger supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and more services, you simply pop into Parikia town before or after your swim.
If you prefer to keep driving minimal, consider a mix of local buses and pre-booked private transfers in Paros so getting to Marcelo stays easy even in peak season.
Who Marcelo Beach works best for
Marcelo Beach is a flexible, easy-going beach that works for many different travellers:
- Families with kids: Shallow entry, clear water and organised sections make it a simple choice for a safe, relaxed beach day close to Parikia.
- Couples: Lovely views and sunset colours with easy access to tavernas either at the beach or back in Parikia.
- Groups of friends: Enough music and atmosphere to feel social, with nearby bars in town if you want to continue later.
- Short-stay visitors: Ideal as a first or last day beach when you do not want to drive far from the port or your ferry.
If you are chasing completely wild coves or heavy water sports, Marcelo is not that. It is more of a comfortable all-rounder, especially strong for people basing in or near Parikia.
Example easy days that include Marcelo Beach
- Arrival or departure day: Drop bags at your hotel in Parikia, head over to Marcelo Beach for a few hours of swimming and sun, then return to town for sunset and dinner before your ferry.
- Parikia and bay loop: Morning coffee and walk through Parikia old town, midday swim at Krios Beach and Marcelo, then sunset drinks back on the Parikia promenade.
- West coast hop: Start at Marcelo Beach, then drive or bus to Parasporos Beach or Agia Irini Beach for a different feel and finish with sunset in Parikia.
- Calm beach day with kids: Base yourselves at Marcelo, combine shallow swims, sandcastles and an easy lunch at a beach taverna, then a short evening walk in town for ice cream.
What locals notice & love about Marcelo Beach
- The colours: That bright turquoise band of water with white boats and Parikia framed in the background.
- The bay shelter: Even on many meltemi days, Marcelo stays surprisingly swimmable compared with more exposed north coast beaches.
- Port-side convenience: You can have a real beach day without ever driving far from the ferry, which is rare on many islands.
- The easy pairing with Krios: Two very nice beaches side by side, each with a slightly different energy, so you can switch just by walking.
Marcelo Beach, Paros: FAQs
Is Marcelo Beach good for families with children?
Yes. Marcelo has soft sand, a gentle, shallow entry and mostly calm water thanks to the sheltered bay of Parikia. Organised sections with sunbeds and nearby tavernas make it very convenient for families.
How does Marcelo compare with Krios Beach?
Both sit in the same bay and share similar water and sand. Krios Beach feels slightly quieter and more compact, while Marcelo Beach can have a bit more space and social energy in peak season. Many visitors simply use both on the same day.
Do I need a car to reach Marcelo Beach?
A car or scooter makes life easier, but in summer you can often reach Marcelo by small boats from Parikia or by local bus. Taxis and private transfers in Paros are another option if you prefer not to drive.
Is Marcelo Beach windy during the meltemi?
You will still feel the breeze, but the bay shape usually keeps the sea more manageable than fully open north or west facing beaches. If the meltemi is extremely strong, you can always switch to more protected south or east coast spots from the best beaches in Paros list.
Are there tavernas and bars at Marcelo Beach?
Yes. There are beach bars and tavernas behind the sand, where you can get drinks, snacks and proper meals. For a wider choice, you can head back into Parikia before or after your swim.
Can I walk between Krios and Marcelo?
Yes. A simple coastal path connects Krios Beach and Marcelo Beach, so you can easily wander between them and choose the stretch you like best on the day.
Is Marcelo a good spot for my last day on Paros?
Definitely. Many visitors plan their final day around Marcelo or Krios Beach because they are so close to Parikia and the port. You can relax, swim, shower and still reach your ferry without a long drive.
Can I combine Marcelo Beach with other activities?
Yes. Marcelo works very well with a morning or evening stroll in Parikia, a visit to the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, or even an afternoon boat tour in Paros departing from the port.
What To Do Next:
If Marcelo Beach feels like your kind of place, these next steps will help you plug it into the rest of your Paros planning:
- Best beaches in Paros – see how Marcelo Beach compares with other bays like Krios Beach, Golden Beach and Santa Maria Beach so you can balance busier days and quieter spots.
- Villages of Paros – pair Marcelo with an evening in Parikia old town or a trip to hill villages like Lefkes for a full sea-and-village day.
- Experiences in Paros – mix your Marcelo beach time with things like a Greek cooking class, a pottery workshop or an FPV drone adventure in Paros for a special day.
- Boat tours in Paros – plan at least one day on the water around Parikia, Antiparos and Despotiko to see cliffs and coves you cannot reach by car.
- Day trips from Paros – if you are using Marcelo as your base near the port, add one longer island-hop by ferry to places like Antiparos or Naxos.
- Where to stay in Paros – decide whether to base yourself in Parikia for maximum convenience to Marcelo or in calmer seaside villages like Drios or Aliki.
- Car rentals in Paros, ATV and scooter rentals in Paros and private transfers in Paros – check transport options so getting to Marcelo and back is always easy.