Paros is one of the best Greek islands for clear-water snorkelling. Thanks to sheltered bays, rocky coves, calm beaches, and excellent visibility, the island offers great underwater experiences for beginners, families, and confident swimmers. This guide highlights the best snorkelling spots in Paros, showing you where to go, what to expect, and how to enjoy safe, relaxed adventures in the Aegean Sea.
Whether you’re exploring shallow rock formations at Kolymbithres or diving into the deeper blue of Faragas and Santa Maria, Paros has something for every snorkeller.
1. Kolymbithres – Best Snorkelling for Beginners
Kolymbithres is one of the best snorkelling spots in Paros for beginners and families. The beach is famous for smooth granite rock formations that create natural pools and sheltered pockets.
Why Kolymbithres is great for snorkelling
- Calm, shallow water
- Excellent visibility
- Easy entry points
- Plenty of small fish around the rocks
- Fun rock formations for kids to explore
Snorkelling here is relaxing and safe. You’ll find most of the marine life near the rocky edges and around the natural water pockets.
What you’ll see
- Small sea bream
- Wrasse
- Tiny schools of fish near the rocks
- Interesting underwater rock shapes
Best time
Early morning offers the clearest water and the fewest swimmers.
2. Monastiri Beach & Cliffs – Calm Water and Clear Visibility
Monastiri is located inside a sheltered bay, making it one of the safest and most enjoyable snorkelling locations on the island. Even on windy days, the water remains calm.
Why it’s one of the best snorkelling spots in Paros
- Very clear and still water
- Gentle depth changes
- Long coastline to explore
- Rocky sides full of fish
- Perfect for children and beginners
What to look for
The left side of the bay has more rocks and underwater life. The right side is shallower but still interesting.
What you’ll see
- Small starfish (occasionally)
- Rock-dwelling fish
- Sea grass areas
- Crabs and small urchins near the cliffs
Safety
Avoid touching any rocks with black spines — they may have sea urchins.
3. Faragas Beach – Deep Blue Water With Rocky Reefs
Faragas is one of the clearest-water beaches on the island, and its rocky sides offer great snorkelling for confident swimmers.
Why snorkellers love Faragas
- Very clear water
- Rocky reefs on both sides
- Quiet coves around the edges
- Deeper water for more advanced snorkelling
What you’ll see
- Larger fish near the reef
- Sea bass
- Octopus in rocky holes (if lucky)
- Colorful sponges
Best section
The right-hand side (looking at the sea) has the best rocky reef.
4. Krios & Marcello – Wide Bays With Excellent Visibility
Krios and Marcello sit across from Parikia and remain sheltered on many summer days. These beaches are ideal for mixed snorkeling and swimming.
Why the area is one of the best snorkelling spots in Paros
- Long coastline with sandy and rocky areas
- Good visibility most of the summer
- Perfect for beginners learning to snorkel
- Easy water entry
- Calm compared to open-sea beaches
What you’ll see
- Schools of small fish
- Rocky shelves
- Sand-bottom areas where light reflects beautifully
The far-right corner of Marcello has the richest underwater life.
5. Santa Maria – Large Snorkelling Area With Varied Terrain
Santa Maria offers the most variety of any snorkelling location in Paros. There are sandy parts, rocky corners, grass beds, and deeper sections.
Why Santa Maria is great for snorkelling
- Large coastline
- Easy entry points
- Rocky ends full of marine life
- Great for both beginners and intermediate snorkellers
Best parts
Head to the far-right or far-left sides for rocks and fish. The central sandy section is clear and calm but has less marine life.
What you’ll see
- Sea bream
- Wrasse
- Small groupers
- Sea grass meadows
6. Lageri Beach – Remote, Quiet, and Crystal Clear
Lageri is one of the more peaceful beaches on Paros and has some of the clearest water on the island. It requires a short walk, but the reward is worth it.
Why it’s one of the best snorkelling spots in Paros
- Very quiet and uncrowded
- No boats close to the shore
- Long shoreline with rocks and sea grass
- Ideal for couples and experienced snorkellers
What you’ll see
- Shells and sea grass
- Darting fish along the rocks
- Very clear sandy-bottom sections
Good to know
Because it’s quiet, always snorkel with a partner for safety.
7. Parasporos – Rocky Ends for Confident Snorkellers
Parasporos is a popular beach for swimming, but its rocky ends are where snorkellers should go.
Why Parasporos is worth a snorkel
- Clear blue water
- Interesting underwater rocks
- Slightly deeper areas
- Good visibility on calm days
What you’ll see
- Sea urchins (look, don’t touch)
- Small fish schools
- Underwater arches and stones
Tip
Avoid windy afternoons — waves reduce visibility.
8. Aliki – Best for Families With Small Kids
Aliki on the south coast offers gentle water, soft sand, and a child-friendly atmosphere.
Why it’s great for young snorkellers
- Ultra-calm water
- Very shallow entry
- Clear, warm sea
- Restaurants nearby for breaks
What you’ll see
- Tiny fish near the rocks
- Crabs on the edges
- Sandy-bottom reflections kids love
It’s not the richest marine environment, but it’s perfect for beginners.
9. Bonus: Snorkelling Near Antiparos (Boat Trip Only)
Paros has good shore snorkelling, but boat trips to Antiparos offer the island’s best underwater experiences.
Best stops
- Tripiti Sea Caves
- Despotiko reefs
- Faneromeni Bay
- Shallow lagoons between Paros–Antiparos
Why boat snorkelling is amazing
- Very clear turquoise water
- Hidden coves
- Great spots for photos
- More marine life
- Calm, protected bays
These tours are suitable for both children and adults.
Snorkelling Tips for Paros
To enjoy the best snorkelling spots in Paros, keep these tips in mind:
1. Go early
Wind picks up in the afternoon (Meltemi), reducing visibility.
2. Bring water shoes
Helpful around rocky corners and natural pools.
3. Use a rash guard
Protects from sunburn while swimming for long periods.
4. Don’t step on rocks
Many contain sea urchins — observe from a distance.
5. Snorkel with a buddy
Safer and more fun.
6. Avoid feeding fish
It disrupts natural behaviour.
7. Follow local boat markers
Stay inside swimming zones.
Marine Life You Can Expect to See
Paros isn’t a coral destination, but it has plenty of Mediterranean species.
Common species
- Sea bream
- Damselfish
- Wrasse
- Groupers (small)
- Sea bass
- Crabs
- Starfish
- Small octopus (rare but possible)
Seabed environments
- Rocky reefs
- Sandy areas
- Sea grass meadows
- Shallow pools
Each beach offers a different combination, making snorkelling varied and fun.
FAQ – Best Snorkelling Spots in Paros
Is Paros good for snorkelling?
Yes, it has clear water, calm bays, and rocky coastlines perfect for snorkelling.
Do I need special equipment?
A simple mask and snorkel are enough. Many beach shops rent gear.
Which is the best snorkelling spot for beginners?
Kolymbithres, Monastiri, and Aliki.
Which is the best for experienced snorkellers?
Faragas, Santa Maria, Lageri, and Antiparos boat-trip locations.
Can kids snorkel safely?
Yes — especially in shallow bays like Monastiri and Aliki.
Paros is a fantastic destination for underwater exploration, offering calm beaches, crystal-clear water, and rocky reefs full of life. Whether you’re snorkeling around the granite formations of Kolymbithres or diving into deeper blue water at Faragas and Santa Maria, the island offers options for all levels. With this guide to the best snorkelling spots in Paros, you can plan safe, fun, and beautiful underwater adventures across the island.
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