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The bay of Parikia, in Paros, shelters the capital and the main port of the island. Its seabed, mainly sandy with rare rocks and patches of posidonia, is called home by several fish species and invertebrates. Although this spot is pretty poor in sea life compared to other locations around the island, it can be a decent option if you are looking for easy-to-reach snorkeling in Parikia.
Pearly razorfish
The pearly razorfish, pretty rarely seen at snorkeling depth, can sometimes be observed in Parikia Bay.

How to get to Parikia Beach snorkeling spot?

This spot is located on the northern shore of the bay of Parikia, the main town of Paros, where most visitors stay when visiting the island. The beach is easily reached by following the coast (1.5-2km from the port of Parikia). The best area for snorkeling is after the last buildings, but you can get into the water before.

Paralia Parikia snorkeling map, Paros

Water entrance for snorkeling Parikia Beach

Water entrance, from a sandy beach, is very easy.

Parikia Beach snorkeling exploration tips

Parikia Beach has a very gentle slope, with depths ranging from 1 to 7ft/30 cm to 2-2.5 meters.

On this spot, the seabed is rather poor and not very varied. You’ll mainly snorkel above large sand areas, interspersed with some rocks and patches of posidonia. Some sea urchins, sea cucumbers and hermit crabs are found in the shallows.

Sand steenbras in Paros
The sand steenbras is one of the most common fish at this spot.

Sand steenbras and sargo are the fish species that you are most likely to see in Parikia. The pearly razorfish is also a species that enjoys the sheltered sandy beds of the bay. The heavy ferry traffic in the bay is probably one of the reasons for the poor local underwater life.

Paralia Parikia beach, Naxos
Parikia Beach, with the port and the city in the background.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

This spot is close to Parikia, the main town of the island of Paros, where there many restaurants and accommodations are located.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth7ft/2.5m
  • Water entranceEasy, from a sandy beach
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.