Santa Maria Beach to Monastiri Beach Paros
A stunning white sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for water sports and family fun, offering a vibrant beach club atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Santa Maria Beach to Monastiri Beach Paros
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning white sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for water sports and family fun, offering a vibrant beach club atmosphere.
"This is our favorite beach in all the Cyclades we've visited. The crystal-clear water is perfect for kids."
💰 Sunbed Savings
Bring your own umbrella and chairs to avoid high rental costs (€40-€60).
💧 Water Quality Check
While usually beautiful, be aware of occasional unusual water conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Waters
Santa Maria Beach
Perfect for swimming and water sports, with shallow areas ideal for families.
Monastery Views
Monastiri Beach
Explore the historic Monastery of St. John overlooking the bay.
Unique Rock Formations
Kolymbithres Beach
Discover stunning natural rock sculptures carved by the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Costs
Sunbed Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Sunbed Savings
Bring your own umbrella and chairs to avoid high rental costs (€40-€60).
💧 Water Quality Check
While usually beautiful, be aware of occasional unusual water conditions.
🎶 Music Levels
Music can get loud in the afternoon; visit earlier for a quieter experience.
🚗 ATV/Bike Rental
Rent an ATV or bike to easily explore nearby beaches like Agia Irini.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Sunbed Savings
Bring your own umbrella and chairs to avoid high rental costs (€40-€60).
💧 Water Quality Check
While usually beautiful, be aware of occasional unusual water conditions.
🎶 Music Levels
Music can get loud in the afternoon; visit earlier for a quieter experience.
🚗 ATV/Bike Rental
Rent an ATV or bike to easily explore nearby beaches like Agia Irini.
🏖️ Beach Bar Vibe
Enjoy the good vibe and amenities at the beach bar and bistro.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Santa Maria Beach is praised for its beautiful, clear waters and sandy shores, making it a favorite for swimming and family fun. However, visitors often find the sunbed rentals and drink prices to be quite high, and the atmosphere can become very lively and loud in the afternoons. Some have also noted occasional unusual water contamination.
"The beach and the water were beautiful a few days ago, but yesterday the water was contaminated with something strange and white that no one could explain. It resembled styrofoam but dissolved between the fingers."
Ivana Vladisavljevic
"Nice sandy beach. We were on Saturday in August and it wasn’t crowded. One Star less due to overprized seats (€50 per one set umbrella+2 seats, or €60 in first row).
Good vibe. Bar + Bistro."
Tomasz Kawnik
"Great beach but bring your own umbrella because it'll cost you €40 and €50 for a seat + shade. Also bring your own beer because that'll be €8 at the beach bar."
Robert Franklin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Santa Maria Beach by bus, taxi, or by renting an ATV or scooter. Buses are a budget-friendly option, while taxis offer convenience. Renting a vehicle gives you the most flexibility to explore other nearby beaches like Monastiri and Kolymbithres.
Yes, Monastiri Beach is accessible by car or ATV. It's often recommended to visit this beach in conjunction with Santa Maria Beach due to their proximity.
Local buses do service the Santa Maria Beach area, making it an accessible option for travelers without their own transportation. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Renting an ATV or scooter is highly recommended for exploring various beaches like Santa Maria, Monastiri, and Kolymbithres at your own pace.
Taxis are available on Paros and can take you to Santa Maria Beach. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, or ask your accommodation for assistance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Santa Maria Beach itself is free to enter. However, there are costs associated with renting sunbeds and umbrellas.
Sunbeds at Santa Maria Beach can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from €40 to €60 for a set, especially for front-row locations.
Monastiri Beach does not have an entrance fee. The main attraction is the nearby Monastery of St. John, which may have its own visiting hours or small donation requests.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own umbrella and beach chairs to Santa Maria Beach to save on rental costs.
The Monastery of St. John at Monastiri Beach typically has visiting hours, but it's best to check locally upon arrival as these can vary.
🎫 🏖️ Beach Experience
Santa Maria Beach offers opportunities for diving and various water sports. The clear waters are also perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Yes, the crystal-clear water with shallow areas makes Santa Maria Beach a great choice for families with children, ensuring safe play.
In the afternoon, Santa Maria Beach can become busy with a younger crowd, and the music from beach bars can get quite loud.
Yes, Santa Maria Beach has a beach bar and bistro offering food and drinks. However, prices for beverages can be high.
Monastiri Beach is known for its beautiful setting and the nearby Monastery of St. John, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural interest.
While Santa Maria Beach offers amenities and water sports, Monastiri Beach is often noted for its calmer waters and the historical monastery. Some travelers found Monastiri less crowded than Santa Maria.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the stunning turquoise waters, the stretch of white sand, and the beach bars for vibrant shots. Early morning light offers softer, more picturesque scenes.
Experiment with different angles to highlight the unique shapes of the rocks. Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) can create dramatic lighting.
Morning light is ideal for photographing the monastery and the bay. The calm waters in the morning also provide excellent reflections.
Consider finding slightly elevated spots along the coast to capture panoramic views of Santa Maria Beach and its surroundings.
Focus on capturing the clear blue water, the golden sand, and the unique geological features. Drone shots can offer incredible perspectives if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby Monastiri Beach also offers calm waters and a more relaxed setting, which can be a good alternative or addition to your beach day.
Renting an ATV or scooter can make it easier to navigate between beaches with little ones, allowing for flexibility in your itinerary. 💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during weekdays to potentially find better deals or less crowded spots. Exploring beaches like Monastiri or Kolymbithres, which might have fewer commercial amenities but offer stunning natural beauty, can also be a more budget-friendly approach.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Paros' Coastal Gems
Just a short distance away, Monastiri Beach offers a different charm. It's known for its calm waters and the picturesque Monastery of St. John overlooking the bay, providing a blend of natural beauty and historical interest.
While Santa Maria can get busy, some travelers found Monastiri to be a more relaxed alternative, especially if Santa Maria is overrun with tourists. For a truly unique experience, Kolymbithres Beach is a must-visit. Famous for its striking rock formations sculpted by the sea, it offers a visually stunning landscape.
Renting an ATV or scooter is a fantastic way to hop between these beaches, allowing you to experience the diverse coastal offerings of Paros at your own pace. Navigating Beach Amenities and Costs
The beach bar and bistro at Santa Maria offer food and drinks, contributing to the overall beach club experience. However, be aware that beverage prices can also be high, with beers costing around €8.
It's also worth noting the shift in atmosphere as the day progresses. While mornings are generally more relaxed, the beach can become quite crowded and the music louder in the afternoon, catering to a younger demographic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit