Monastiri Beach Paros: The New #1 Beach In Naoussa [2026]

We first stumbled upon Monastiri Beach a few years ago.

Named after the Monastery of St. John of Deti perched on the cliff above the beach, it felt desolate. It was November, so the small beach bar was closed for the season, and the water was too cold to swim. So we just hiked along the shoreline, enjoying the view before heading back to Naoussa.

The beach — which is only a 15-minute drive from Naoussa — was absolutely buzzing.

It’s quickly taken over as one of the most vibrant places on the island, with live DJs all day, watersports, catamarans docked offshore, and luxurious sofas and cabanas lining the shoreline.

However, since it’s next to a protected ecological park, you can still find peaceful areas nearby (if you know where to look)!

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if Monastiri Beach deserves a spot on your itinerary, including what to expect, how to get there, when to visit, what to do, and some helpful tips to make the most of your day in the sun.

Monastiri Beach: Then vs. Now

When we first visited Monastiri Beach in November a few years ago, it was one of those hidden spots that felt like your own private slice of paradise. Back then, the beach was quiet—no thumping music, no packed sunbeds.

A small beach shack served up cold drinks, and there were only a few sunbeds available for around €12 each. There wasn’t even a full-service restaurant on the sand; it felt more like a secret beach you’d stumble across than a “destination.”

But times have changed.

Fast forward to now, and Monastiri Beach has become one of the most popular spots on Paros. A large beach club and restaurant have taken over, transforming the atmosphere into a lively, party-like scene complete with music, sunbeds lined up along the shore, and a small fleet of catamarans anchored in the bay.

The laid-back charm of the old days has been replaced with a more polished, Instagram-friendly vibe. Prices have gone up, too—sunbeds now range from €60 to €120 per day, and the beach club’s menu features cocktails for €15 and burgers that can cost up to €25.

Despite the changes, Monastiri Beach still offers plenty to love, especially if you’re looking for a lively beach day with easy swimming and water sports. But if you’re dreaming of a quiet escape, it might not be the hidden gem it once was.

Getting to Monastiri Beach

Monastiri Beach is nestled on a peninsula on the northwestern coast of Paros, about 15 minutes from Naoussa and 20 minutes from Parikia (Paros Port), and getting here is pretty simple.

By Car: It’s about a 15-minute drive from Naoussa and roughly 20 minutes from Parikia. You’ll see signs along the way, and there’s really only one way in and one way out. If you need to take a taxi, expect to pay around €20-30.

By Bus: There are no direct buses to Monastiri Beach. The closest you can get is Kolymbithres Beach. Then, from there it’s about 2 kilometers (30 minutes) to walk the rest of the way to Monastiri Beach

Water taxi: During high season, you can actually take a water taxi from Naoussa Port directly to Monastiri Beach. It leaves every hour, on the hour, starting around 10:00 am. The last water taxi departs for Naoussa at 18:00, and the return ticket costs €10 per person.

Best Time to Visit

Monastiri Beach truly comes alive during the summer months, and the best time to visit is either May or September. This is when everything is open at Monastiri Beach, but the peak summer crowds haven’t rolled in yet, and the sunbeds are slightly cheaper!

When we first visited in November, the place felt like a ghost town. The beach bar was closed, the water was chilly, and the only sounds were the wind and the waves.

While it was undeniably beautiful in its raw, natural state, there wasn’t much to do except soak up the scenery.

When we returned in early June, the vibe had completely changed. Sunbeds filled the sand, electronic music was coming from the bar, and a steady stream of catamarans and yachts anchored in the bay. It felt like a different world. So, for a vibrant beach scene with music and sunbeds, definitely come in the summer.

The Beach: What to Expect

Monastiri Beach might be one of the busiest beaches on Paros, but it’s still one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The shoreline has a unique mix of sand, scattered boulders, and rocky coves on the north side of the beach.

Most of the beach is full of organized sunbeds, but the south side still has quite a bit of room to set up your own spot under some scattered tamarisk trees.

This is where we set up our beach towels. The sand was harder than places like Golden Beach or Santa Maria, but it was still comfortable to lie down directly on the sand, and we were able to find some scattered rocks to hold the corners down so it wouldn’t get blown everywhere by the wind.

We didn’t realize it until later on, but there are also some secluded coves on the north side of the beach where you can lay out your towel and enjoy the sun in a more peaceful setting!

You can also walk down a trail for about 5-10 minutes to find Perikopetro Beach, which feels completely off the radar, like a separate world from Monastiri.

Since the bay is sheltered by mountains on all sides, the water stays incredibly calm, even on windier days in Paors. It’s also one of the most shallow beaches in Paros.

At one point, we waded almost 200 meters before the water reached our hips.

This makes it an excellent place for families who want to swim with their small children.

Additionally, the bay itself is usually dotted with catamarans and yachts, giving the area a lively, upscale feel during the summer. This does mean that it’s not always the quietest place to unwind, especially in peak season. But for those looking for a lively atmosphere, it’s a big part of the beach’s charm.

Monastiri Beach Club + Lounge

Monastiri Beach Club & Restaurant is the only vendor on the beach, offering a full menu of meals, snacks, and drinks, and it’s definitely a “treat yourself” kind of place rather than a budget-friendly day at the beach.

Expect to pay around €15 for a cocktail and €20 to €25 for a basic meal like a burger and fries.

You can have the food and drinks delivered to your sunbed (sunbed not included for customers) or sit anywhere throughout the main restaurant’s area for free!

Despite the higher prices, we have to admit that the facilities are of top-notch quality. You’ll find clean restrooms, showers (€0.50 to rinse off the salt and sand), and even changing cabins near the beach bar.

If you’re looking for a place that has everything you need to spend all day at the beach, Monastiri Beach definitely delivers. Just be prepared for the crowds—and the price tag that comes with them.

Sunbeds & Cabanas

Monastiri Beach has definitely stepped up its game when it comes to facilities, but that comes with a price. During peak season, you’ll find the entire shoreline lined with sunbeds and cabanas.

Here’s a breakdown of the sunbed and cabana prices at Monastiri Beach Club (prices are per set of two umbrellas):

More Things to Do at Monastiri Beach

Apart from the beach itself and relaxing at the beach club, Monastiri Beach has plenty of other things to do as well.

You can rent a kayak or SUP, hike through Paros Park, or venture up to see the ancient Monastery, which the beach was named after.

Water Sports

If you want to add a bit of adventure to their day, there’s a floating platform on the right-hand side of the beach you can wade out to and try a few different water sports.

Here’s what was available when we visited!

• Stand-up paddleboards / Kayaks / Canoes: €20 for 30 minutes or €30 for an hour.
• Foiling / Wakeboarding / Water skiing: €50 to €60 for a 15-minute session (with driver)

While the prices are a bit steep, if you’re looking for something more active than just lounging on the beach, the experience of paddling out into the bay or trying a new sport like foiling is well worth it.

Environmental & Cultural Park of Paros

Monastiri Beach is part of the Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros (a.k.a. Paros Park), a protected area dedicated to preserving the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park covers the entire peninsula that shelters Monastiri Beach, offering visitors the perfect blend of beach fun and hiking adventure.

At the park’s entrance, you’ll find a large map detailing the main hiking routes (Marked in Blue on the Map):

Route 1: Ai Yiannis Detis Monastery – Alonaki – Korakas Lighthouse (1.9 kilometers – 45 minutes)
Route 2: Monastiri Beach – Korakas Lighthouse (1.1 kilometers – 25 minutes)
Route 3: Monastiri Beach – Tourkou Ammos Beach – Almiros (2.4 kilometers – 40 minutes)

We hiked about half of Route 3. The hike took us through rocky trails with incredible views of the coastline, and it wasn’t too challenging. Just enough to feel like we got to see the bay from a unique vantage point without being exhausting (this is also when we saw Perikopetro Beach up close)

*On the map, they refer to Monastiri Beach as ‘Katholiko Beach’

Monastery of St. John’s of Deti

The Monastery of St. John’s of Deti is a charming little chapel perched on a hill above Monastiri Beach. The whitewashed walls and blue accents are classic Cycladic, and the Greek flag flying from the hilltop adds a local touch.

You can hike from the beach OR drive up to the entrance (you’ll pass the parking lot on your way to Monastiri Beach)

From the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti, you’ll get panoramic views that let you see all of Monastiri Beach below and the yachts bobbing in the bay. On a clear day, you can even spot Naxos across the water.

It’s the perfect spot for a photo or a quiet moment of reflection away from the beach crowds.

Hotels Near Monastiri Beach

There isn’t anywhere to stay on Monastiri Beach. The shoreline has nothing except Monastiri Beach Club.

The closest area is the shoreline between Naoussa and Kolymbithres Beach (called Livadia).

This area has some of the most luxurious places to stay in all of Paros, but it’s honestly a great area to be if you’re traveling with some friends or on a honeymoon in Greece. Here are a few of the most highly reviewed spots less than 10 minutes from Monastiri.

Villa Bellonia

Villa Belonia is a laid-back boutique stay just outside Naoussa. It’s far enough to feel peaceful but still close enough for a quick drive or a scenic 20-minute walk into town.

The property blends traditional Cycladic charm with thoughtful modern details, like designer toiletries, premium bedding, and individually styled rooms with sea or garden views. Guests can choose either one-bedroom apartments or sea-facing doubles, each with a private patio or balcony.

What really stands out is the atmosphere. The staff, led by Andreas and his team, go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed, as if you’re staying with friends. The pool area is a highlight, surrounded by loungers and gardens, and a homemade breakfast is served every morning

Parilio Design Hotels

The closest place to stay is Livadia, right outside of Naoussa near Kolymbithres Beach. Here are some of the most recognized places to stay in that area.

Parīlio is one of the most design-forward boutique hotels on Paros, tucked between the chic town of Naoussa and the golden sands of Kolymbithres Beach. Its clean lines and minimalist interiors are inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture, with earthy tones and soft textures that create a calm, grounded feel.

The property has just 33 suites, each spacious and serene, but the standout feature is the striking cross-shaped pool that anchors the outdoor space. There’s also a full-service spa, a modern fitness studio, and Mr. E’s — the on-site restaurant known for its creative spin on Greek and Mediterranean classics.

It’s a top choice for couples planning a honeymoon or anyone looking to unwind in style without being far from Paros’s best dining and beach spots.

Acron Villa

Acron Villas is a very elegant place to stay in the hills above Kolymbithres Beach, and it’s one of the top recommendations on the entire island for families or groups of friends traveling together in Paros.

You’ll choose from a collection of 24 villas that range between 2-5 bedrooms, and every villa also has its own private pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and spacious living areas.

No matter which room you choose, you’re guaranteed to have incredible views of Naoussa Bay.

If you’re planning a trip to Monastiri Beach, consider basing yourself in Naoussa. It’s the perfect hub for exploring Paros’s best beaches, charming villages, and lively nightlife.