Golden Beach in Paros

Golden Beach, known locally as Chrissi Akti, is considered one of the most spectacular beaches on Paros and in the entire Cyclades archipelago. This magnificent expanse of fine golden sand stretches 700 metres along the east coast of the island, located 19.5 kilometres south-east of the main port of Parikia.

Do not confuse it with the beach of the same name on Crete! The beach owes its evocative name to the distinctive golden sand of very fine granulation, which creates a striking contrast to the crystal-clear turquoise blue waters of the Aegean. Golden Beach has become internationally renowned as one of the favourite windsurfing destinations in the Mediterranean, so much so that every August it hosts the prestigious Professional Windsurfing World Cup that attracts athletes and enthusiasts from all over the world.

The strategic location on the east coast guarantees ideal wind conditions for water sports, while the gently sloping sandy seabed also makes the beach perfect for families with children. The panoramic view extends towards the small islet of Dryonisi and offers striking glimpses towards the other islands of the Southern Cyclades.

Golden Beach is the ideal starting point for exploring the east coast of Paros, with easy connections to the nearby beaches of Drios and New Golden Beach, set in a landscape that alternates between golden cliffs and sheltered coves.

How to get to Golden Beach

The KTEL public bus service connects Golden Beach with the port of Parikia via hourly runs during the summer season. The journey takes about 44 minutes and buses operate from early in the morning until late in the evening, providing a reliable connection for those who wish to enjoy the sunsets on the beach. The cost of the ticket is very low and the stop is just a few steps from the sand.

With a rented car, the route from Parikia to Golden Beach covers 19.5 kilometres along a paved road in very good condition through the hilly interior of the island. The journey time is about 20 minutes and the road offers spectacular views of agricultural terraces and traditional villages. Several free car parks are available in the immediate vicinity of the beach, some shaded by eucalyptus trees.

From the national airport of Paros, located only 9 kilometres from the beach, it is possible to reach Golden Beach by taxi in 15 minutes or by public bus connecting at Parikia. From Naoussa, the popular tourist resort in the north of the island, the distance is 13 kilometres with a 15-minute drive.

A popular option is to hire a scooter or quad bike, which makes it easy to explore the many coves and beaches on the east coast. The coastal route from Golden Beach towards Drios offers a pleasant footpath of about 2 kilometres, perfect for sunset walks.

Where to stay in the surroundings

The area of Golden Beach and Chrissi Akti is home to an exceptional concentration of accommodation facilities specialised in accommodating sportsmen and families, with a focus on windsurfing and water sports enthusiasts. Seafront hotels in the area offer direct access to the beach and often operate equipment rental centres and certified windsurfing schools.

The iconic 3-star Golden Beach Hotel, located directly on the sand, is the epitome of modern Cycladic hospitality with its 30 minimalist-style rooms and panoramic views of the Aegean. Many of the hotels in the area have restaurants specialising in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, with terraces overlooking the sea and the island’s characteristic windmills.

In the New Golden Beach area, less than 1 kilometre away, there are larger resorts and tourist flats ideal for longer stays. These are perfect for those who wish to combine seaside relaxation with exploring the hinterland of Paros, which is easily accessible via paths leading to the traditional villages of Marpissa and Prodromos.

The village of Drios, located 2 kilometres along the coast, offers a selection of family guesthouses and holiday homes surrounded by olive groves, ideal for those seeking a more authentic and peaceful atmosphere. This area is particularly popular with those who also wish to explore the less frequented beaches of Paros on the south-east coast.

The hinterland near Golden Beach, characterised by terraced hills and small Byzantine chapels, is home to traditional farmhouses and villas that offer an immersive experience in the local culture, with the possibility of participating in the olive harvest and the production of the local Paros wine.

Recommended hotels in Golden Beach in Paros

We offer a selection of hotels at Golden Beach in Paros to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Golden Beach in Paros, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Golden Beach in Paros

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Golden Beach in Paros. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Golden Beach in Paros are in high demand.