Livadia Beach
Town beach in Parikia with shallow water and easy days
Livadia Beach is the main Parikia town beach, the strip of sand you see as you walk along the waterfront toward the marina. It is not the wildest or most remote bay on the island, but it is extremely practical, especially on arrival and departure days or if you have small children and do not want to drive. You get sand, shallow water, cafés and tavernas all within a few minutes’ walk of the port in Parikia.
Livadia Beach at a glance
- Type: Town beach in Parikia with sand, shallow water and full facilities.
- Vibe: Lively and practical, a mix of locals and visitors, busiest in the afternoon.
- Water: Generally calm, shallow and easy, with views across the bay and ferries in the distance.
- Best for: Arrival and departure days, families with small kids, visitors who do not want to rent a car.
- When: Good from May to October, with peak crowds in July and August.
- Partner beaches: Krios Beach, Marcelo Beach, Parasporos Beach and Agia Irini Beach.
Where Livadia Beach sits on the island
Livadia Beach stretches along the north side of the Parikia bay, starting just beyond the main port area and running toward the marina and camping zone.
- From Parikia port: Around 5–10 minutes on foot, depending on where you start.
- From the bus station: Just a few minutes’ walk along the waterfront.
- From Paros airport: Around 20 minutes by car or taxi.
- From Naoussa: Roughly 20 minutes by car in normal traffic.
Because Livadia sits right in town, you can combine a proper swim with shops, errands and sunset walks on the Parikia promenade without ever getting in a car.
Sea, sand and layout at Livadia Beach
Livadia Beach is a long, gently curving strip of sand with trees and buildings behind it and the bay opening out in front.
- Sand and entry: Sandy beach with mostly sandy seabed and a very gentle, shallow entry that suits small children and less confident swimmers.
- Depth: Stays shallow close to shore, perfect for paddling and playing, then gradually deepens for proper swimming.
- Organisation: Several sections with sunbeds and umbrellas from cafés, bars and hotels, plus free areas where you can drop your own towel.
- Facilities: Easy access to showers, toilets and changing facilities via the beach bars and nearby accommodation.
- Atmosphere: Clear town-beach feeling, a mix of locals, families and travellers doing a quick swim before or after exploring Parikia.
It is not a wild, remote bay like some of the more famous beaches in Paros, but it is much better than many “port beaches” in Greece and very useful when you want zero logistics.
Wind, weather & when Livadia Beach works best
Because Livadia Beach sits inside the bay of Parikia, it is usually quite forgiving in different wind directions.
- On northerly meltemi days: You will feel the breeze, but the bay shape keeps the sea reasonably manageable for swimming compared with fully exposed north and west coasts.
- On southerly winds: Livadia is generally calm, with only small chop on stronger days.
- Time of day: Mornings are calmer and cooler, afternoons are busiest and warmest, and evenings bring softer light with people swimming before sunset.
If the meltemi is wild and you want extra shelter, you can always switch to more protected south and east coast spots from the wider Paros beach guide, but for a quick, no-planning swim, Livadia works very well.
Access, parking & nearby services
Access is the main strength of Livadia Beach. You can be in the water minutes after leaving your room or stepping off a bus.
- On foot: If you are staying in or near Parikia, you will probably walk. The beach runs directly alongside the waterfront road.
- By car or scooter: You can drive along the seafront and look for spots on side streets. In July and August, parking can be tight in the immediate beachfront zone.
- By bus: Most lines end or pass through Parikia. From the bus station it is just a short walk to the sand.
- By taxi or private transfer: Very easy, especially for arrival or departure day swims. You can combine private transfers in Paros with a quick stop at Livadia before your ferry or flight.
Behind the beach you have almost everything: supermarkets, cafés, tavernas, bakeries, shops, pharmacies and ATMs. For errands, you are already in the heart of Parikia, which makes Livadia feel like a very comfortable base beach.
Who Livadia Beach works best for
Livadia Beach is not the most dramatic beach on Paros, but it suits several types of traveller really well:
- Families with small children: Shallow water, soft sand and zero driving make it easy to manage naps, snacks and shade.
- Visitors without a car: If you are relying on buses and walking, Livadia gives you a default beach day right in Parikia.
- Short stays and late ferries: Perfect for one last swim, shower and meal before an evening departure.
- Digital nomads and long stays: You can work in town, then take a quick dip in the sea without planning a full excursion.
If you want remote, quiet coves or heavy water sports, you will probably use Livadia as a backup and spend your main beach days at places like Golden Beach, Molos Beach or Santa Maria Beach.
Example easy days that include Livadia Beach
- Arrival day: Check in, grab a light lunch, then walk to Livadia Beach for a first swim and sunset on the Parikia promenade.
- Town and beach loop: Morning visit to the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and Parikia old town, then an afternoon at Livadia, finishing with dinner on the waterfront.
- Easy family day: Breakfast in Parikia, a few hours on Livadia with shallow swimming for kids, afternoon ice cream and a relaxed early night.
- Last day plan: Check out, leave bags with your hotel or at the port, spend a few hours at Livadia Beach, shower at a nearby room or beach bar, then walk to your ferry.
What locals notice & love about Livadia Beach
- The convenience: Being able to finish errands in Parikia, then be in the sea five minutes later.
- The mix of people: Locals on their lunch break, families, travellers with backpacks, all sharing the same town beach.
- The flexibility: If you wake up tired or have limited time, Livadia still gives you a real swim without planning a full outing.
- The connection with town: You can go straight from the sand to a coffee, a gyros or a sunset walk past the old harbour and castle.
Livadia Beach, Paros: FAQs
Is Livadia Beach good for children?
Yes. Livadia has soft sand and a very gentle, shallow entry, which makes it ideal for small children and anyone who prefers easy, calm water close to Parikia and services.
How busy does Livadia get in summer?
In July and August, Livadia is busy, especially in the afternoon, because it is the main Parikia town beach. Mornings and early evenings are usually quieter and more relaxed.
Is the water clean near the port?
The beach is a designated swimming area and is used daily by locals as well as visitors. You can still see ferries in the distance, but the swimming zone at Livadia Beach is separate from the harbour itself.
Do I need a car to visit Livadia Beach?
No. If you stay in or near Parikia you will probably walk. Even if you stay elsewhere, you can reach Livadia by bus, then walk a few minutes from the station to the sand.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas on Livadia?
Yes. Several cafés, hotels and beach bars on the seafront offer organised sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, along with food and drinks. There are also free areas where you can use your own towel.
How does Livadia compare with Krios and Marcelo?
Krios Beach and Marcelo Beach feel more like classic beach bays across the water from Parikia, reached by car, scooter or small boats. Livadia Beach is the more urban, in-town option, perfect when you do not want to travel at all.
Is Livadia a good choice for my first or last day on Paros?
Definitely. Many people build arrival and departure days around Livadia because it is so close to the port. You can swim, eat and relax without worrying about traffic and long drives before your ferry.
Can I combine Livadia with boat tours or other activities?
Yes. You can swim at Livadia Beach before or after a boat tour in Paros from the port, visit the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, or join other experiences in Paros like walking tours and food stops in town.
Is Livadia protected when the meltemi wind blows?
Livadia sits in the bay of Parikia, so it usually remains swimmable in typical meltemi conditions, even if you feel the breeze. For stronger winds you can always cross-check other options in the best beaches in Paros guide.
Is Livadia Beach a good base area to stay?
If you want to stay in Parikia for easy access to ferries, buses and shops, the Livadia area is one of the most convenient places to book, especially for visitors without a car or those planning many day trips from Paros.
What To Do Next:
If Livadia Beach sounds like your kind of easy, town-side swimming spot, use these pages to connect it with the rest of your Paros planning:
- Best beaches in Paros – see how Livadia compares with nearby Krios Beach, Marcelo Beach, Parasporos Beach and more remote bays around the island.
- Villages of Paros – combine Livadia and Parikia with trips to inland villages like Lefkes, Marpissa and Prodromos for a mix of town and traditional atmosphere.
- Experiences in Paros – add soft adventures like village walks, food tastings or an FPV drone adventure in Paros around your Livadia-based days.
- Boat tours in Paros – plan at least one day on the water from Parikia, exploring Antiparos, Despotiko and nearby coves as a contrast to the town beach.
- Day trips from Paros – use Livadia and Parikia as your base for island hops to places like Antiparos and Naxos.
- Where to stay in Paros – decide whether a Parikia and Livadia base suits your style, or if you prefer calmer seaside villages like Drios, Aliki or Piso Livadi.
- Car rentals in Paros, ATV and scooter rentals in Paros and private transfers in Paros – check how to move between Livadia and other parts of the island as smoothly as possible.