Paros anchorage guide · Cyclades
Paros Yacht Anchorages: The Complete 2026 Guide
Where to anchor around Paros and Antiparos - the Cyclades' under-rated central pair with anchorage variety to rival Mykonos.
Paros is the Cyclades' geographic centre and arguably the best anchorage island in the chain.
The east coast has Meltemi-protected bays, the west coast offers calmer-water swimming, and the channel between Paros and Antiparos is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful cruising stretches.
This guide covers every meaningful Paros anchorage.
Compared to Mykonos: Paros is quieter, anchorages are less crowded, the food is comparable, and the cost is lower.
For repeat Cyclades charterers, Paros increasingly displaces Mykonos as the preferred base.
The anchorages
6 anchorages around Paros
Use this guide for: (1) planning a Paros-base charter (rare but increasingly compelling); (2) using Paros as the calm-anchorage alternative when Mykonos is full; (3) the Paros-Antiparos channel exploration that defines this island's appeal.
Naoussa Bay
37.125°N, 25.245°E
Depth
8-15m
Holding
Good (sand)
Shelter
Excellent from south, open to north Meltemi (the main constraint)
Ashore
Naoussa village (one of the Cyclades' prettiest), restaurants (Mario's, Barbarossa), bar scene
Paros' prettiest village and main anchorage. Restaurant scene rivals Mykonos at lower prices. The bay can be uncomfortable on strong Meltemi days - captain may relocate to south coast.
Best for: Village access, dining ashore, evening atmosphere
Parikia
37.085°N, 25.150°E
Depth
6-12m
Holding
Good (sand and rock)
Shelter
Excellent from north (Meltemi-protected on the west side)
Ashore
Parikia town (Paros' capital and main port), ferry traffic, restaurants, Panagia Ekatontapyliani church
Larger town than Naoussa, more commercial. Ferry traffic makes the anchorage noisier but the location is convenient for crew provisioning and overnight crew rest. Less atmospheric than Naoussa for guests.
Best for: Crew provisioning days, ferry transfers, less-photogenic overnight
Antiparos Channel (between Paros and Antiparos)
37.040°N, 25.115°E
Depth
5-15m
Holding
Good (sand)
Shelter
Variable depending on exact spot - many small anchorages along the channel
Ashore
Tender access to Antiparos town, Despotiko archaeological site, Soros beach
The signature Paros-area cruising. Multiple anchorages along 5km of channel. Soros (south end) is the iconic spot. Despotiko is a small uninhabited islet with an active archaeological dig - captain handles permit for landing.
Best for: The Paros-area highlight cruise, day-long anchorage rotation
Soros Bay (Antiparos south)
36.985°N, 25.085°E
Depth
6-12m
Holding
Excellent (sand)
Shelter
Excellent from all directions
Ashore
Beach club (Soros Beach), single taverna, walking access to Antiparos town (45 min)
Arguably the Cyclades' most beautiful turquoise-water anchorage. Soros Beach club is excellent. UHNW-discreet - fewer Instagram crowds than Mykonos equivalents.
Best for: The signature Antiparos moment, UHNW discreet beach day
Kolymbithres
37.130°N, 25.245°E
Depth
4-8m
Holding
Good (sand)
Shelter
Good from north (the rock formations provide unusual shelter)
Ashore
Famous rock-formation beach (small, photogenic), beach taverna, hotels above
Distinctive geology - large rounded rocks creating natural pools. Photogenic but small anchorage; one yacht at a time really. Tender access for swimming and the famous rocks.
Best for: Photo-stop, geological-interest swim
Pisso Livadi
37.040°N, 25.255°E
Depth
6-10m
Holding
Good (sand)
Shelter
Good from north and west
Ashore
Small fishing village, traditional Greek taverna scene, fishing harbour
Authentic east-coast Paros village. Less touristy than Naoussa. Excellent fresh fish at the harbour tavernas. Off the main cruise route, so quieter.
Best for: Authentic Greek dinner ashore, off-beaten-path
When to visit
Naoussa peaks in July-August but never reaches Mykonos congestion levels. Antiparos channel busy in peak but with multiple anchorage alternatives. Shoulder season (June, September) is excellent everywhere.
Captain's note
Paros allows the captain more routing flexibility than Mykonos because anchorage alternatives are plentiful. On Meltemi days, the Paros-Antiparos channel south-end (Soros) provides the best calm-water option in the central Cyclades.
Continue exploring
Charter Paros
Speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, full Greek charter fleet.