Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
Both are true on the same afternoon, at different ends of the beach.
The wind is the whole story
The meltemi funnels down this coast through the summer, which is why the schools and rental centres are here. For sailors that is the attraction; for swimmers it means:
- The water is choppier than the west coast on a windy day.
- The sand blows, which is the real nuisance on the strongest days.
- Mornings are usually calmer, with the wind building through the afternoon.
If you are not sailing and the forecast is strong, the bays around Naoussa on the north coast are the sheltered alternative.
Golden and New Golden
Two neighbouring bays share the name, separated by a low headland. New Golden Beach, Nea Chrissi Akti, is the smaller of the two and the more concentrated windsurfing centre; Golden Beach proper is longer and has more of the ordinary beach infrastructure.
Both have loungers, tavernas and rental operations in season, and both are backed by low-rise hotels rather than a village.
Getting there and staying there
Golden Beach is on the east side of the island, a drive of roughly twenty minutes from Parikia and a similar run from Naoussa, with seasonal buses on the same route. Accommodation clusters immediately behind the sand, which suits people who want a beach-first stay rather than a town.
For the island’s wider geography, where to stay in Paros is the guide, and best beaches in Paros covers the alternatives.
Last checked August 2026. Schools, facilities and bus routes are seasonal - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
Why is Golden Beach on Paros famous?
For windsurfing. The summer meltemi blows across the bay, and the beach has hosted international windsurfing competition.
Is Golden Beach good for swimming?
Yes on calm days, and it is shallow and sandy. On windy afternoons the chop and blown sand make the sheltered north-coast bays a better choice.
What is the difference between Golden Beach and New Golden Beach?
They are neighbouring bays separated by a low headland. New Golden is smaller and more focused on windsurfing; Golden Beach is longer with more general beach facilities.
How do you get to Golden Beach from Parikia?
Roughly twenty minutes by car, with seasonal buses running to the east coast.
Is Golden Beach suitable for beginners windsurfing?
Schools operate there through the season and teach beginners, but conditions vary day to day, so take the school’s judgement on the day.
Next
Read best beaches in Paros, Kolymbithres, or where to stay in Paros.