Platia Ammos Beach
Wide wild bay, waves, dunes and big-sky views
Platia Ammos Beach (sometimes written Plateia Ammos) is the wide, exposed bay on the north side of Paros, just beyond Laggeri Beach and across from the islets at the mouth of Naoussa Gulf. It is wilder and less organised than Santa Maria Beach, with sand dunes behind, big sky in front and a strong sense of being “at the edge of the island”. When the meltemi calms down it is a beautiful, remote-feeling place for swimmers, walkers and people who like space more than sunbeds.
Platia Ammos Beach at a glance
- Type: Wide, wild bay with sand dunes and open sea views.
- Vibe: Remote, natural and low key, with a mix of locals, returning visitors and a few free campers in high season.
- Best for: People who like big open beaches, walking, photography and a wilder feel near Laggeri Beach and Santa Maria Beach.
- Not ideal for: Anyone who needs full services, easy stroller access or very calm water on strong meltemi days.
- Organisation level: Essentially non-organised, so you treat it as a bring-your-own-umbrella, water and snacks beach.
Where Platia Ammos Beach sits on the island
Platia Ammos Beach is on the far north of Paros, on the headland opposite Naoussa, just beyond Laggeri Beach and across the water from the small islets of Gaidouronisi and Tourlos at the mouth of the gulf.
- Naoussa to Platia Ammos: About 15 to 20 minutes by car or scooter, depending on traffic and the last dirt section.
- Parikia to Platia Ammos: Roughly 30 to 35 minutes by car.
- Paros Airport to Platia Ammos: Around 35 to 40 minutes by car.
The last part of the drive is on dirt tracks around the dunes. Most people park near the main Laggeri Beach parking and walk the final stretch to the wide bay of Platia Ammos.
How Platia Ammos Beach feels through the season
Because it is big, open and unorganised, Platia Ammos keeps a quiet, wild feel even in peak months.
- May, June, September and October: Platia Ammos feels very quiet and wild. You might share the whole bay with just a handful of other people, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- July and August: The beach sees more visitors, including locals, returning regulars and a few free campers tucked into the dunes, but it almost never feels packed because the bay is large and open.
- Windy days: On strong meltemi days the water can be wavier and more intense, so families with small kids often switch to more protected spots like Monastiri Beach or east-coast options such as Logaras from the best beaches in Paros guide.
There is a big difference between calm days, when the bay is gentle and inviting, and strong meltemi days, when it feels wild and energetic, with whitecaps and more serious waves.
Sea, sand and wind at Platia Ammos Beach
The character of Platia Ammos Beach comes from its open exposure, long sandy arc and dune backdrop.
- Sea and seabed: Mostly sandy with some small rocky patches near the sides of the bay. Entry is fairly gentle, but the open exposure means waves can build quickly when the wind picks up.
- Sand and shore: Long, wide arc of pale sand backed by dunes and low scrub, with plenty of room to spread out away from other people.
- Wind: Very exposed to the north. On strong meltemi days the bay can be rough and choppy, more suited to confident swimmers who like waves than toddlers playing in the shallows.
- Best conditions: Early mornings, late afternoons and calmer days when the north wind is lighter, or rare southerly days when the sea is beautifully flat.
- Temperature feel: Because it is big and open, Platia Ammos can feel cooler than sheltered beaches, which is a plus in high summer but worth remembering in shoulder season.
Services, food and parking near Platia Ammos Beach
Platia Ammos is essentially a non-organised beach, which is part of its appeal but means you need to plan a little.
- On the sand: No permanent sunbeds or umbrellas, no fixed beach bar or taverna and no lifeguard or water sports centre.
- What to bring: Your own shade, water, snacks and anything you want for a longer stay. Treat it as a picnic-style beach.
- Food and shops: The closest tavernas and shops are back towards Santa Maria Beach or in Naoussa, so plan supplies before you come.
- Parking: Usually on dirt clearings behind the dunes or near the Paralia Laggeri parking area marked on maps. In August the most convenient spots fill by late morning, but there is normally space if you do not mind a slightly longer walk.
If you prefer to arrive with maximum ease, you can combine a visit here with car rentals in Paros or pre-booked private transfers in Paros so you do not have to worry about finding the tracks in a hurry.
Getting to Platia Ammos Beach
Reaching Platia Ammos Beach is part of the adventure and one reason it stays quieter than nearby Santa Maria.
- By car or scooter: The realistic option for most visitors. Follow the road towards Santa Maria and Laggeri, then continue on dirt tracks for the final part. Drive slowly and avoid very low-clearance cars.
- By bus: There is no direct bus to Platia Ammos. The nearest practical bus stops are in Naoussa or the Santa Maria area, from where you would need a long walk, so it is not recommended for most people.
- On foot: Some visitors walk from Laggeri Beach over the low dunes to reach the wide bay of Platia Ammos. Allow time and bring footwear you are happy to use on sand.
- By sea: On calm days, small private boats and RIBs sometimes anchor in the bay as a quiet swimming stop away from the busier beaches, often as part of custom boat tours in Paros.
If you prefer not to drive, booking private transfers in Paros is the easiest way to be dropped near the access track and picked up later in the day.
Who Platia Ammos Beach works best for
- Couples and friends: Great for people who enjoy wild beaches, long walks and photography rather than bar service and music.
- Locals and repeat visitors: Ideal if you already know Santa Maria and Laggeri and now want something quieter and more natural in the same area.
- Confident swimmers: Suits those comfortable with waves and open water on breezier days.
- Independent travellers: Best for people with a car or scooter who are happy to drive dirt tracks and bring their own shade and supplies.
Platia Ammos is less ideal for visitors who absolutely need organised facilities, stroller-friendly access or ultra-calm water every day. For that style, beaches like Monastiri, Golden Beach or Aliki Beach usually work better.
Example easy days that include Platia Ammos Beach
- Wild bay and Naoussa evening: Morning swim and walk on Platia Ammos Beach, lunch back towards Santa Maria Beach, then sunset and dinner in Naoussa.
- Dunes and double-beach combo: Start at Laggeri Beach for a relaxed swim, then walk over the dunes to explore Platia Ammos in the afternoon before returning via Naoussa.
- Calm-day exploration loop: On a rare light-wind day, visit Platia Ammos, then drive down the east side to Molos Beach and finish with an inland village stroll in Lefkes or Marpissa.
- Boat and bay contrast: Spend a day on the water with one of the boat tours in Paros around Naoussa Bay and nearby islets, then pick a calm afternoon or evening for a quieter walk and swim at Platia Ammos.
What locals notice & love about Platia Ammos Beach
- The huge open curve of the bay, with uninterrupted views across sea and sky.
- The feeling of being far from everything even though you are still relatively close to Naoussa.
- The dunes and low hills behind the beach, which make it feel more wild than many other Paros bays.
- Sunrise and sunset light washing over the sand and hills, especially on calmer days.
- The way you can combine it with Laggeri Beach and still avoid the full beach-club scene of Santa Maria if you want something quieter.
Platia Ammos Beach, Paros: FAQs
Is Platia Ammos the same as Laggeri Beach?
No. They are neighbours on the same headland but not the same spot. Laggeri Beach is the more well known sandy strip closer to Naoussa, while Platia Ammos Beach is the wide, open bay further around the headland facing north.
Are there sunbeds, umbrellas or a beach bar at Platia Ammos?
At the moment Platia Ammos is essentially non-organised. Do not expect fixed sunbeds, umbrellas or a proper beach bar. Bring your own shade, water and snacks.
Is Platia Ammos safe for children?
On calm days, yes, the entry is fairly gentle and older children who like waves usually enjoy it. On strong meltemi days the sea can be rough and choppy, so families with small kids generally prefer more protected beaches such as Monastiri, Logaras or Golden Beach.
Can I reach Platia Ammos by bus?
Not directly. The practical way is with a car, scooter or private transfer. You can use buses to reach Naoussa or the Santa Maria area, but from there you still need a long walk or separate transport.
Is Platia Ammos a naturist beach?
The official stance is that it is a normal public beach. In practice, because it is remote and wide, you may see some people choosing more relaxed swimwear or naturist corners further away from the main access paths, similar to parts of Laggeri Beach. If you prefer a fully textile crowd, stay closer to where most people enter the beach.
Are there tavernas close to Platia Ammos?
Not right on the sand. For food you normally drive or walk back towards Santa Maria or Naoussa, where you have many tavernas, cafés and bars.
Is the dirt road to Platia Ammos difficult to drive?
It is usually manageable in a normal rental car if you go slowly and avoid after heavy rain, but it is still a dirt track with some ruts. If you are uncomfortable driving on rough surfaces, consider parking nearer to Laggeri Beach and walking the last stretch.
What To Do Next:
Use Platia Ammos Beach as part of a wider north-coast and Naoussa plan rather than your only beach:
- Best beaches in Paros – see how Platia Ammos compares with more organised options like Golden Beach, Monastiri and Santa Maria.
- Paros villages – match wild beach time with evenings in Naoussa, Lefkes or Marpissa for food and walks.
- Experiences in Paros – add a cooking class, wine tasting, stargazing in Paros or an FPV drone session in Paros to balance your beach days.
- Boat tours in Paros – spend one of your “sea days” on a boat trip around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko, not only on shore.
- Where to stay in Paros – choose a base such as Naoussa, Drios or Piso Livadi that makes reaching beaches like Platia Ammos easy.
- Day trips from Paros – when you want a change from the Naoussa gulf, look at island-hopping days to Antiparos, Naxos or the Small Cyclades.
- Car rentals in Paros and private transfers in Paros – decide how you want to reach more remote beaches like Platia Ammos and Laggeri without relying on buses.