Faraggas Beach
Calm south coast bay, clear water and a beach bar feel
Faraggas (often written Faragas Beach) is one of the classic south coast spots in Paros. You get a sheltered sandy bay, turquoise water, one main beach bar and space further along the sand if you prefer a quieter corner. It is close to Aliki and works very well as part of a relaxed south coast day, especially on strong northerly meltemi days when the north side is wavy. Think of Faraggas Beach as a place where you can swim, eat, have a drink and still be back in your base in time for sunset in Aliki or Parikia. If you are using the wider best beaches in Paros guide, Faraggas sits in the “sheltered south coast bay” category.
Faraggas Beach at a glance
- Type: Sheltered south coast bay with sandy beach and turquoise water.
- Location: South side of Paros, a short drive from Aliki.
- Best for: Families, couples, small groups, people who like a mix of beach bar energy and quiet edges.
- Vibe: Relaxed during the day, more lively around the main beach bar in peak season.
- Wind comfort: Very good on northerly meltemi days, often much calmer than north coast beaches.
- Access: Car or scooter are best, there is no direct bus right to the sand.
- Facilities: Sunbeds and umbrellas in front of the beach bar, simple services, plus free sections of sand.
- Easy pairings: Aliki Beach, Piso Aliki, sunset and dinner in Aliki village.
- Good base choices: Aliki, Drios, or nearby south coast if you want to come often.
Where Faraggas Beach sits on the island
Faraggas Beach is on the south side of Paros, a short hop west of Aliki. It sits in a small, curved bay that faces roughly south southwest, looking out toward the open sea and, far in the distance, other Cycladic islands.
- Aliki to Faraggas: around 5 minutes by car, a bit more if you drive slowly on the last part of the road.
- Aliki to Faraggas on foot: possible if you like walking and heat, but most people drive.
- Parikia to Faraggas: roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car in normal traffic.
- Naoussa to Faraggas: around 30 to 35 minutes by car, depending on the route.
- Paros Airport to Faraggas: about 15 minutes by car, using the same road that leads to Aliki.
If you book your stay in Aliki or nearby, Faraggas Beach becomes an easy everyday option for a quick swim, lunch or a lazy half day by the sea.
How Faraggas Beach feels through the season
May and June: The bay feels calm and relaxed, with plenty of space on the sand. Water is clear and refreshing, and the main beach bar usually runs on a softer rhythm. Good time for couples, families with smaller kids and anyone who wants quiet.
July and August: This is peak season. Faraggas Beach becomes semi crowded, especially around the organised area in front of the beach bar. You still find quieter spots further along the bay if you walk away from the speakers. It is a classic choice on strong northerly meltemi days when north coast beaches are rough, and appears often in best beaches in Paros lists as a meltemi-safe option.
September and early October: Many locals will say this is the golden time. Warm sea, softer light and fewer people, with the beach bar usually still open. Great for long swims and relaxed days combined with an evening in Aliki or Parikia.
Wind and weather: On summer north winds, the bay is usually much calmer than the north side of the island, which is why Faraggas appears on many lists of the best Paros beaches for meltemi days. On rare strong south winds, it can feel more exposed and choppy, so you simply switch to the north coast.
Sea, sand and water at Faraggas Beach
Faraggas Beach has the kind of water people imagine when they think of the Cyclades. Turquoise close to shore, deeper blue further out, and usually very clear.
Sand: Soft, golden sand on the beach, easy to walk on and very child friendly.
Seabed: Mostly sandy with some scattered rock patches, especially near the edges of the bay. Great for easy swimming.
Entry: Gentle, shallow entry that works well for kids and nervous swimmers.
Depth: You can walk out gradually before it gets deep, which makes floating, playing and easy laps very comfortable.
Water colour: Classic south coast colours, especially bright on sunny days and calm seas.
If you like to mix swimming with a bit of snorkeling, the rocky ends of the bay are usually the best for fish and small underwater details, while the middle is all about soft sand and simple swims. It pairs nicely with quieter south-side coves and more natural spots in the Paros beaches guide if you want variety.
Facilities, food and practical tips at Faraggas Beach
Sunbeds and umbrellas: In front of the main beach bar you find organised rows of sunbeds with food and drink service. Prices vary by season and row, so check on arrival.
Free beach: Walk away from the beach bar and you find stretches of sand where you can lay your own towel and umbrella. This is where the vibe is quieter.
Food and drinks: The main beach bar serves meals, snacks, coffee and cocktails. Many people come here for a long lunch and then move back to the sea.
Parking: There is parking behind the beach, but in July and August it can fill, especially late morning. Arrive earlier or be ready to walk a little from your car.
Showers and toilets: Usually available through the organised area or beach bar for customers.
Access by bus: There is no regular bus that drops you right on the sand. Plan to arrive by car rental in Paros, ATV and scooter rentals in Paros, or private transfers in Paros.
Shops: For bigger supplies, many people stop in Parikia or Aliki before coming down to the beach.
For a smoother day, think of Faraggas Beach as a semi organised spot. You have the comfort of a beach bar and sunbeds, but you can still keep it simple and low cost by sitting on the free part of the sand.
Who Faraggas Beach works best for
- Families with kids: Shallow entry, soft sand and usually calm water on north wind days make Faraggas Beach very family friendly. Parents can relax while kids play at the waterline.
- Couples: Good mix of clear water, a bit of energy at the beach bar and romantic evenings if you combine with dinner in Aliki.
- Groups of friends: Perfect if some of you like organised beach club style and some prefer simpler towel-on-sand time. Everybody can find their corner.
- First timers based in Aliki: If you book in Aliki and want a south coast day without driving far, Faraggas fits very well.
- People escaping the meltemi: On strong northerly days, this is one of the safer bets for calmer sea and fewer waves compared to the north side of the island.
- Not ideal for: People who want very wild, unorganised, no music at all. The beach bar does play music, especially in high summer, so choose the quieter edges of the bay if you want that style.
Example easy days that start or end at Faraggas Beach
Use Faraggas Beach as a relaxed anchor for south coast days. Here are simple combinations that work in real life:
Half day from Aliki: Morning swim and coffee in Aliki, short drive to Faraggas Beach for late morning to early afternoon swims and lunch, then back to Aliki for a sunset walk and seaside dinner.
South coast trio: Start at Makria Miti for a quieter swim, move to Faraggas for lunch and beach bar time, finish with a stroll and ice cream in Aliki or Piso Aliki.
Calm meltemi day: When north winds are strong, skip the north shore, come to Faraggas Beach, then visit Piso Aliki and the tavernas of Aliki in the evening.
Parikia to south coast: Morning sightseeing in Parikia, lunch in town, afternoon drive to Faraggas for swims, then sunset on the way back or dinner again in Parikia.
Beach day from Drios or Golden Beach: Start with a quick swim at Golden Beach, drive across to Faraggas for a change of scenery, then finish the day with dinner in Piso Livadi or Drios.
What locals notice and love about Faraggas Beach
- The contrast between the lively central beach bar area and the quieter edges of the bay where you can still feel like you have your own corner.
- The classic south coast water colours, turquoise and clear, that look impressive in photos but feel even better when you are actually in the sea.
- How well Faraggas Beach works on strong meltemi days when many north side beaches are too rough or full of sand blowing in the wind.
- The simple combination of a long lunch, a couple of swims, and then an easy sunset transfer back to Aliki or Parikia.
- The way it fits into a south coast day with Aliki Beach, Piso Aliki and nearby coves if you are willing to explore a little.
Faraggas Beach, Paros: FAQs
Is Faraggas Beach good when the meltemi wind blows?
Yes. Faraggas Beach is on the south side of Paros, so it is usually much more protected on strong northerly meltemi days than the north coast. You may still feel breeze, but the sea is normally calmer and more comfortable for swimming.
How do I get to Faraggas Beach without a car?
There is no bus that drops you directly on the sand. The usual options are to come with car rentals in Paros, ATV and scooter rentals in Paros, or to pre-book private transfers in Paros from your base. From Aliki it is a very short taxi or transfer ride.
Does Faraggas Beach have sunbeds and umbrellas?
Yes. In front of the main beach bar you will find organised rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, with food and drink service. Further along the sand there are free sections where you can use your own towel and umbrella.
Is Faraggas Beach suitable for children?
Very much so. The sand is soft, the entry into the water is gentle and shallow, and on typical summer north winds the bay stays relatively calm. As always, keep an eye on kids near the water, especially in busier August days.
Is there food at Faraggas or should I bring my own snacks?
The main beach bar serves meals, snacks, coffee and drinks. Many people still bring some water and fruit, but you can easily plan lunch at the beach and keep the day simple.
How crowded does Faraggas Beach get in July and August?
In high season it is semi crowded. The organised section near the beach bar fills quickly, especially late morning to mid afternoon. If you come earlier or walk further away from the central area, you can usually find more breathing room.
Can I visit Faraggas as a quick stop from Aliki?
Yes. If you book in Aliki or nearby, Faraggas Beach is a very easy quick swim or half day option. Many people split their time between Aliki Beach, Piso Aliki and Faraggas during a single stay.
Is Faraggas a party beach?
It is more of a relaxed beach bar spot that can feel lively in August, especially around the central organised area. It is not a full party beach like some places on other islands. If you want total quiet, walk away from the speakers and sit on the free part of the sand.
What To Do Next:
Use Faraggas as one more south-coast card in your deck, then plug it into the rest of your Paros plan:
- Best beaches in Paros: see how Faraggas Beach compares with other south coast spots like Aliki Beach, Makria Miti and Piso Aliki, and decide which ones deserve a repeat visit using the full beaches guide.
- Aliki village guide: pair a few hours at Faraggas with an easy walk-and-dinner evening in Aliki village, one of the most relaxed fishing villages on Paros.
- Boat tours in Paros: look at boat tours in Paros if you want to swap one of your Faraggas days for a full day on the water around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko.
- Things to do in Paros: mix Faraggas with nearby family-friendly ideas and slower experiences from the main things to do in Paros guide.
- Where to stay in Paros: compare staying in Aliki, Drios or Piso Livadi if you like the south and east beaches but do not want to be too far from other villages, using the main where to stay in Paros page.
- Paros travel logistics: check car rentals in Paros, ATV and scooter rentals and private taxi transfers so you can reach south coast beaches like Faraggas without worrying about bus timetables.