9 Best Beaches in the Cyclades: A Local Guide

The Cyclades are home to some of the most beautiful and distinctive beaches in Greece. Across Paros, Naxos, Milos, Koufonisia, Mykonos, Santorini and Amorgos, you will find everything from long sandy bays and turquoise swimming spots to dramatic volcanic coastlines.

Some beaches are perfect for families and relaxed swimming, others are known for watersports, while a few are worth visiting simply for their extraordinary landscapes.

Based in Paros, Paros Voyages helps travellers discover Paros and the surrounding Cyclades by sea. If you want to go beyond the beaches accessible by road, explore our private boat trips from Paros for secluded coves, island-hopping and swimming stops throughout the Aegean.

Here are 9 of the best beaches in the Cyclades to add to your Greek island itinerary.

Best Beaches in the Cyclades at a Glance

1. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Best for: Photography, landscapes and swimming

Sarakiniko is one of the most recognizable beaches in the Cyclades.

Instead of the golden sand found on many Greek beaches, Sarakiniko is surrounded by smooth white volcanic rock formations shaped over time by wind and sea.

The brilliant white landscape creates a striking contrast with the deep blue Aegean and gives the area its almost lunar appearance.

It is one of the defining natural sights of Milos and an excellent choice for travellers who enjoy dramatic landscapes as much as swimming.

Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you would like to experience Sarakiniko before the busiest hours.

2. Pori Beach, Koufonisia

Best for: Turquoise water, swimming and a relaxed beach day

Located approximately 3.5 km from Chora on Ano Koufonisi, Pori Beach is a beautiful sandy bay with remarkably clear turquoise water.

Its broad, curved coastline and shallow water make it particularly attractive for swimming and spending a long summer day by the sea.

Around the coast near Pori, visitors can also discover interesting rock formations, small coves and sea caves.

The natural surroundings and intense colour of the water make Pori one of the most memorable beaches in the Small Cyclades.

Visit Koufonisia from Paros

Koufonisia is particularly rewarding when approached by sea. On selected private day cruises from Paros, you can combine the Small Cyclades with swimming stops around Kato Koufonisi, southern Naxos and Schinoussa, depending on the chosen itinerary and sea conditions.

3. Kastraki Beach, Naxos

Best for: Quiet swimming, couples and relaxation

Kastraki Beach is located on Naxos, south of Mikri Vigla.

Its long stretch of pale sand, clear water and relatively peaceful atmosphere make it a good alternative to some of the island’s busier beaches.

Kastraki is particularly appealing to travellers who prefer space and tranquility rather than a crowded beach-club environment.

There are organised sections and places to eat nearby, while other parts of the coastline retain a quieter character.

Best for: Swimming, relaxing and exploring the southwestern coast of Naxos.

4. Golden Beach, Paros

Best for: Windsurfing, watersports and long beach days

Known locally as Chrissi Akti, Golden Beach is one of the best-known beaches on the east coast of Paros.

The beach features a long stretch of golden sand and clear Aegean water. Its exposure to the summer winds also makes it one of the island’s most popular locations for windsurfing and other watersports.

Restaurants, accommodation and beach facilities are available nearby, making Golden Beach an easy choice for visitors who want to spend several hours beside the sea.

Paros Voyages Tip

Beach conditions around Paros can vary significantly depending on the day’s wind direction. When one side of the island is windy, another coastline may offer much calmer conditions.

This is also one of the advantages of exploring Paros on a private boat trip: the itinerary can be planned around the conditions at sea.

5. Kolymbithres Beach, Paros

Best for: Families, unusual scenery and swimming

Few beaches are as closely associated with Paros as Kolymbithres.

Located across the bay from Naoussa, the coastline is divided into a series of small sandy coves surrounded by enormous rounded granite formations.

The combination of turquoise water, smooth rocks and compact beaches creates one of the island’s most recognizable landscapes.

Several sections offer sunbeds and nearby tavernas, while the naturally protected coves can be particularly appealing to families.

Kolymbithres can be reached by road and is also easily recognizable from the water when cruising around Naoussa Bay.

Paros Voyages tip: The granite coastline is especially impressive when viewed from the sea.

6. Red Beach, Santorini

Best for: Volcanic scenery and photography

Located near Akrotiri, Red Beach is one of Santorini’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.

The beach takes its name from the dramatic red and rust-coloured volcanic cliffs surrounding the shoreline. Against the blue Aegean, the colours create one of the most unusual views in the Cyclades.

Red Beach is more about the scenery than a traditional long sandy beach experience.

The surrounding cliffs are naturally unstable, so visitors should always respect local warning signs, barriers and access instructions when visiting the area.

For many travellers, simply seeing the volcanic coastline is the highlight.

7. Psarou Beach, Mykonos

Best for: Luxury, beach clubs and a cosmopolitan atmosphere

If your idea of a Cycladic beach includes luxury yachts, premium service and a fashionable summer atmosphere, Psarou Beach is one of the classic choices in Mykonos.

The sheltered bay is known for its organised beach experience, restaurants, stylish sunbeds and high-end summer scene.

It is very different from the quiet, undeveloped beaches found elsewhere in the Cyclades, but that is precisely part of its appeal.

Psarou is best suited to travellers looking to combine swimming with lunch, drinks and the cosmopolitan side of Mykonos.

Paros to Mykonos by Private Boat

Paros Voyages also offers full-day routes toward Rineia, Delos and Mykonos, allowing guests to combine the famous atmosphere of Mykonos with quieter swimming spots away from the island’s busiest beaches.

Explore our private day cruises from Paros.

8. Agios Pavlos Beach, Amorgos

Best for: Peaceful scenery and views of Nikouria

Agios Pavlos Beach offers a very different experience from the lively beaches of Mykonos and Paros.

Located on Amorgos opposite the small island of Nikouria, the coastline combines pebbles, clear blue water and rugged Cycladic scenery.

The views toward Nikouria are one of the main attractions, and small boats operate crossings toward the islet during the season.

It is an excellent choice for travellers who appreciate natural landscapes and a quieter atmosphere.

9. Marcello Beach, Paros

Best for: Swimming, families and easy access from Parikia

Just across the bay from Parikia, Marcello Beach — also written as Marchelo or Martselo — is one of the most convenient beaches for visitors staying near the island’s capital.

The long sandy coastline offers clear water and excellent views across the bay toward Parikia.

Marcello can be reached by road or seasonal boat services, making it an easy choice for a relaxed beach day without travelling far across the island.

Its combination of sand, clear water and proximity to Parikia makes it one of the best all-round beach choices in Paros.

Which Cyclades Island Has the Best Beaches?

There is no single answer because each island offers something different.

Paros is one of the most versatile choices, combining sandy beaches, watersports, family-friendly coves and distinctive landscapes such as Kolymbithres.

Naxos is particularly good for travellers who love long sandy beaches and plenty of space.

Milos stands out for extraordinary geological landscapes and unusual coastal formations.

Koufonisia is famous for clear turquoise water and the relaxed atmosphere of the Small Cyclades.

Mykonos combines beautiful bays with luxury beach clubs and a lively summer scene.

Santorini offers some of the Cyclades’ most unusual volcanic coastal scenery.

The best island ultimately depends on whether you prioritise swimming, scenery, watersports, nightlife, luxury or quiet surroundings.

What Are the Best Beaches in Paros?

If you are staying in Paros, three beaches from this list are particularly worth visiting.

Kolymbithres

Best for unusual granite scenery, small coves and families.

Golden Beach

Best for windsurfing, watersports and a long sandy coastline.

Marcello Beach

Best for an easy beach day close to Parikia.

Paros also has countless smaller bays and swimming spots that are easier to discover from the sea.

If swimming in secluded coves is one of your priorities, compare our private half-day cruises in Paros and full-day cruise options.

Can You Visit Cyclades Beaches by Boat From Paros?

Yes, although the right itinerary depends on the island, selected vessel, weather and sea conditions.

From Paros, private day cruises can explore Paros, Antiparos, Despotiko, Naxos, Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Rineia and Mykonos, depending on the route.

Travelling by private boat gives you the opportunity to discover secluded coves and swimming locations away from some of the busiest organised beaches.

For destinations farther from Paros, a longer island-hopping journey may be more appropriate than trying to cover too much in a single day.

If you want to explore several Cycladic islands at a slower pace, discover our multi-day yacht charters from Paros.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Beaches in the Cyclades

What are the best beaches in the Cyclades?

Some of the most distinctive beaches in the Cyclades include Sarakiniko in Milos, Pori in Koufonisia, Kastraki in Naxos, Golden Beach and Kolymbithres in Paros, Red Beach in Santorini, Psarou in Mykonos and Agios Pavlos in Amorgos.

Which Cyclades island is best for beaches?

It depends on what you want. Naxos is excellent for long sandy beaches, Milos for dramatic landscapes, Koufonisia for turquoise water, Mykonos for luxury beach clubs and Paros for a combination of sandy beaches, swimming, watersports and easy island exploration.

What is the most unusual beach in the Cyclades?

Sarakiniko in Milos is one of the most unusual because of its bright white volcanic formations. Red Beach in Santorini and Kolymbithres in Paros also stand out for their distinctive geology.

Which beaches in Paros are good for families?

Kolymbithres is a popular option because of its small coves and shallow areas. Marcello is another convenient choice for families staying near Parikia.

Which beach in Paros is best for windsurfing?

Golden Beach, or Chrissi Akti, is one of the best-known areas of Paros for windsurfing and other wind-dependent watersports.

Can I visit Naxos and Koufonisia by boat from Paros?

Yes. Private day-cruise itineraries from Paros can include Naxos, Kato Koufonisi and nearby Small Cyclades destinations, depending on the vessel, itinerary and sea conditions.

Is it better to explore the Cyclades by boat?

A boat gives you access to coves, swimming spots and smaller islands that can be difficult or impossible to experience by road alone. It also allows several destinations to be combined into one itinerary.

For shorter experiences around Paros and Antiparos, see our private half-day cruises. For longer routes toward Naxos, Koufonisia or Mykonos, explore our private day cruises from Paros.

Explore the Cyclades From Paros

Beaches are only one part of what makes the Cyclades special. Some of the most memorable places are hidden bays, sea caves and small islands that are best experienced from the water.

Paros is particularly well positioned for exploring Antiparos, Despotiko, Naxos, Koufonisia and the surrounding Cyclades.

Explore private boat trips in Paros or plan a multi-day yacht charter through the Cyclades with Paros Voyages.