Santa Maria: Beach, Water Sports and Nature

Santa Maria lies at the northern end of the island of Paros and attracts water sports enthusiasts. The open landscape, fine sand and crystal-clear water define the area. Those who want to combine days at the beach with activities on the water will find a clear focus here. At the same time, a sensitive wetland is one of the natural features that gives Santa Maria its distinctive character.

Beach, water sports and a summer atmosphere

The long sandy beach of Santa Maria is organized, with parasols, sun loungers and water sports facilities forming part of the beach scene. This makes it easy to think of time on the sand and an active day on the water as separate priorities. Nearby are a diving center and beach bars, which are part of the summer beach scene. The summer atmosphere thus complements the beach with opportunities for diving and refreshments.

When choosing a holiday apartment, this focus can guide your search for a location: Santa Maria is an obvious choice if the beach and water sports are to shape your trip. There is also a local hiking trail for a specific walk, leading from Ambelas to Santa Maria. If you plan to take it, it is worth checking the trail’s current condition in advance.

A sensitive natural area

The Santa Maria wetland is marked off by rock embankments. These are intended to prevent uncontrolled access and protect the sensitive ecosystem. Activities such as parking vehicles are prohibited in the wetland. Protecting the wetland is therefore a distinct consideration when exploring Santa Maria, alongside the beach and hiking trail.

Cultural and historical highlights on Paros

Paros offers further cultural attractions. The Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia is one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. In the southern part of the church is the ancient baptistery dating from the 4th century, considered the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. The church also houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia. Its collection includes rare icons, wood carvings and other religious relics from the Byzantine period and the period of Ottoman rule.

The Kastro of Parikia preserves another architectural chapter: its ruins are from a Venetian castle built using columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. In Lefkes stands the listed church of Agia Triada, built from Parian marble in 1835. Its three-aisled basilica has a raised central nave and two bell towers.

For a combination of nature and culture, Paros Environmental and Cultural Park offers a seven-kilometer network of hiking trails. Its amphitheater has 700 seats for concerts and performances. Since 2009, the municipality has held the “Festival at the Park” there, a summer program of cultural, sporting and environmental events. Another seasonal option is the Alyki Cultural Festival: it takes place every June and lasts three days.

You can tailor your trip to your interests when choosing a holiday apartment: Santa Maria offers a beach, water sports and the hiking trail from Ambelas, while Parikia and Lefkes offer their own cultural highlights on Paros. Consider which of these themes you would like to prioritize during your stay, and guide your search by the character of the place you are looking for.

Discover more destinations: Parasporos, Drios, Sarakiniko, Páros, Paros, Aliki, Andiparos, Kolimpithres.

Back to the main travel guide: Paros.