Paros is one of the Cycladic islands in Greece. We recently spent four wonderful days there, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip to Greece. While many people dream of the cliffs of Santorini or the party scene in Mykonos, Paros offers beautiful whitewashed villages, golden beaches, delicious Greek food, and a fantastic atmosphere. From the port of Athens, you can expect around a 4-hour ferry ride.
You arrive at the lively harbor of Parikia. After Santorini and Mykonos, Paros is the most visited island in the Cyclades. Unlike the rugged, mountainous landscape of Andros, Paros features more gently rolling hills dotted with picturesque villages such as the former capital Lefkes and Prodromos. In addition, the island boasts a long coastline with plenty of beautiful sandy beaches.
We spent four days exploring the best sights of Paros and also took the ferry to Antiparos — a smaller version of Paros that’s only a 20‑minute boat ride away, yet just as beautiful
In this complete travel guide to Paros, we cover the best things to do on Paros, how to get there and get around, and our personal favorites for where to stay and eat. But first, let’s start with a few quick tips for Paros.
Practical travel tips for Paros
If you don’t have much time, here’s a quick cheat sheet with a few tips and things you should know before traveling to Paros. All of these points are explained in more detail later in this complete travel guide to Paros.
- Best time to travel: May, June and September
- How to get to Paros: By ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina) or from other Cycladic islands (book your tickets in advance on Ferryscanner). Paros also has a domestic airport; expect a flight time of around 40–50 minutes from Athens.
- Getting around Paros: A car is the best option for families (be sure to book your rental car in advance), but we also noticed many younger couples getting around by quad bike. There are also buses that stop at the main sights on Paros.
- Best places to stay in Paros: La Mer Seaside Apartments (budget), Cove Paros (luxury – beachfront), or Efi Studios (apartments).
- Local dishes you shouldn’t miss: Gouna (sun‑dried salted mackerel), fresh octopus grilled in the harbor, Revithada (slow‑cooked chickpea stew), and local cheeses such as Xinomizithra.
- Top sights in Paros: Naoussa, Parikia, Lefkes, Kolymbithres Beach, Golden Beach, Santa Maria Beach, and the island of Antiparos.
- Fun things to do in Paros: Take a boat trip to Antiparos and the Blue Lagoon, go windsurfing at Golden Beach, join a traditional Greek cooking class, or hike along the Byzantine trail in Lefkes.
- Hidden gems: The fishing villages of Aliki and Piso Livadi, the Byzantine Trail from Lefkes, and the lighthouse at Paros Park.
- Staying connected: Buy an eSIM for Greece (with 5% off) so you can stay connected at all times.
- Budget tip: You can reduce transaction fees—such as when withdrawing cash or paying at restaurants—by using a Wise account with a linked debit card. You can apply for a free Wise debit card here
More tips for Paros
Is Paros worth visiting? Yes, 100%! Paros is absolutely worth visiting. It offers the perfect balance between the classic Cycladic charm of Mykonos and the authentic feel of the smaller islands. Admittedly, it is quite touristy, but in return you’ll find beautiful beaches, traditional Cycladic villages, and of course, delicious Greek cuisine.
How many days do you need to visit Paros? We recommend spending at least 3–4 days to see the main highlights such as Naoussa, Parikia, Lefkes, and a few of the key beaches. However, to truly soak up the island’s atmosphere, take a day trip to Antiparos, and still have time to relax on the beaches, 5–7 days is ideal.
Is Paros family‑friendly? Absolutely! Paros is fantastic for families. Beaches like Santa Maria and Golden Beach have shallow, calm waters. The towns—more like villages—are safe to wander around, and of course, there’s the famous Greek hospitality.
Can you do a day trip from Athens to Paros?
While it’s technically possible by taking a very early high‑speed ferry and a late ferry back to Athens, we don’t recommend it. You’d have very little time on the island and would feel extremely rushed. We strongly suggest staying at least one or two nights.
The 10 best sights in Paros
To help you get started, we’re sharing our absolute favorite spots in Paros. It’s easiest if you have a car to explore the island, but many places are also accessible by public transport.
Explore Naoussa, a charming harbor town
Naoussa is undoubtedly the most famous spot on Paros and perhaps one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. By day, it’s a postcard‑perfect scene of whitewashed alleyways, bright pink bougainvillea, and small fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. At night, the old Venetian port transforms into a large open‑air dining area, with tables set right along the water’s edge. Get lost in the maze‑like streets, browse the chic boutiques, and enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars as the sun sets.
In summer, it can get very busy, so if you want to dine in the old harbor, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. If you plan to stay in Naoussa, you should also book your accommodation well ahead of time. One of the most well‑known restaurants in Naoussa is Sigi Ikthios.
TIP: For the best photos without the crowds, you’ll need to get up early. Around 8 a.m., the light is still soft and you’ll have the place almost to yourself
Parikia, the capital of Paros
As the island’s main port, Parikia is the gateway to Paros for most visitors. But it’s much more than just a harbor. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, built around a 13th‑century Venetian kastro (of which little remains today). In Parikia, you’ll still find plenty of charming squares, cute boutiques, and several great restaurants along the waterfront.
Be sure not to miss the stunning Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church, one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece, often referred to as the “Church of the 100 Doors.” Legend has it that the church has 99 visible doors and one hidden door. This mysterious hundredth door is said to open only when the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is once again used as an Orthodox church.
Be sure not to miss the sunset at the Temple of Athena (a small chapel) as well.
Relaxing on the beach
Paros is home to many beautiful beaches. The most famous beach on the island is undoubtedly Kolymbithres Beach, known for its surreal, moon‑like granite rock formations that create small, secluded coves. The beach is just a 15‑minute drive from Naoussa. We went there in the morning to find a spot among the rocks and brought our own picnic.
Not far from Kolymbithres Beach, you’ll find Paros Park and Monastiri Beach, where there’s a beach bar that’s on the pricey side. There are also more beaches to discover, such as the secluded Tourkou Ammos Beach. From the parking area, you should expect about a 30‑minute walk to reach it.
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) is a long sandy beach, perfect for windsurfing and other water sports. In the north of Paros, you’ll find Santa Maria Beach, another beautiful stretch of sand—although it’s a shame that the beach bar there doesn’t have the best reviews.
One of our favorites was Paralia Logaras Beach. Here you’ll also find the atmospheric Cactus Beach Bar, which fortunately has very good reviews.
Discover the mountain village of Lefkes and the Byzantine Trail
If you want to escape the crowds along the coast, head inland to Lefkes, the former capital of Paros. This still‑authentic village is nestled in the hills and features marble‑paved alleyways, traditional houses, and sleepy little squares. After 10 a.m., however, you’ll notice it becomes much busier as larger groups arrive.
Take your time to enjoy a great coffee at a traditional kafenio such as Café Marigo, and admire the views from the impressive Church of the Holy Trinity in Lefkes. Ice‑cream lovers shouldn’t miss Meli Ice Cream, known for delicious flavors like pistachio, basil, and fig.
TIP: Lefkes is the starting point of the Byzantine Trail, an ancient marble path that leads through olive groves to the village of Prodromos. It’s an easy and scenic walk of about one hour. You can optionally continue walking on to Marmara and Marpissa. There’s a bus you can take back to Lefkes. De uren van de bus vind je hier.
Take a day trip to Antiparos
A trip to Paros isn’t complete without a visit to the small, laid‑back sister island of Antiparos. A short ferry ride from the port of Pounda gets you there in just 20 minutes. In summer, there are also direct connections from Parikia (foot passengers only).
You’ll arrive by ferry in Chora, which is also the largest and most touristic village on Antiparos. Here you’ll find charming streets (including a shopping street with lovely boutiques) that eventually lead you to the central square and the Kastro.
The Kastro, a Venetian castle, was built in 1440. You can still see the tower with the houses built around it as a defensive wall. There are also a few terraces that are only open in summer. It’s not particularly spectacular, but it does make you reflect on what life must have been like here in the past.
One of the main sights on Antiparos is the Antiparos Cave. It’s located in the north of the island, so you’ll need transportation to visit it. You can combine it with a stop at the remote (but beautiful) beaches such as Faneromeni Beach. Inside the cave it’s noticeably cooler, so be sure to bring a sweater and proper shoes. Entrance fees are €6 for adults and €3 for children. The cave is open until the end of October.
From Antiparos, or even from Parikia, you can also take a nice boat tour around the island that brings you to the most well‑known spots, including the Blue Lagoon and Despotiko.
Enjoy the typical food of Paros
If you visit Paros, you should definitely try the local specialties. Head to a taverna by the sea for fresh, grilled octopus that has been dried in the sun. As you walk around Naoussa, you can see the octopuses drying on one of the many fishing boats. At night or early in the morning, the fishermen head out to sea—so it doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Also be sure to try gouna (sun‑dried mackerel) and enjoy a hearty bowl of revithada (chickpea stew).
Many tavernas are family‑run and still proudly serve recipes that have been passed down through generations. One of our favorite places is Restaurant Anna in Dryos. It’s located in Drios, not in the most touristy spot, but the dishes are delicious and authentic.
Wander through the fishing villages of Piso Livadi and Aliki
Time seems to stand still in these small fishing villages, and they were among our favorites during our trip to Paros. They are much calmer than Naoussa and Parikia, and you’ll find traditional island life here. In Piso Livadi you’ll find a small stretch of beach with a pier that has some of the best fish restaurants on Paros. When we were there, they were fully booked, but if you get the chance, you should definitely try Markakis Restaurant or Ouzeri Halaris.
Aliki, located in the far south of Paros, also has a beautiful, wide sandy beach with several great spots for lunch. At To Balconi tou Aki, your chairs are almost in the water. Melinos is another charming place to have lunch.
If you just want a cocktail at sunset, head to Okio Bar at the end of the harbor.
Go kitesurfing or windsurfing at Golden Beach
Thanks to the reliable Meltemi winds, Paros is a world‑class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Golden Beach is the epicenter of the action and even hosts international competitions. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can take a lesson at one of the many surf schools. The only requirement, of course, is wind.
Pounta, on the other hand, is the best place to go kitesurfing. Here you’ll find one of the best kiteschools on Paros: Paroskite.
Visit the historic marble quarries of Marathi
Step back in time at the ancient marble quarries of Marathi. For centuries, the world‑famous Parian marble – known for its translucency – was extracted here. This is the same marble used to create masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo and Napoleon’s tomb. The entrance to the tunnels is a fascinating and slightly eerie sight. During our visit, we did notice that the entrances to some of the tunnels were closed off for safety.
But you can still visit them with a guide. On this site you can find a list of scheduled dates for visiting the Marathi marble quarries in Paros.
HIKE TO THE BEAUTIFUL LIGHTHOUSE IN PAROS PARK
One of our favorite adventures on Paros was the hike to the lighthouse in the rugged Paros Park. The trails aren’t very well marked, but with the Maps.me app you definitely won’t get lost. Wear sturdy shoes, as you can walk from this parking area to the beautiful lighthouse on the edge of the cliffs in about 30 minutes, where you’ll be rewarded with a phenomenal view over the Aegean Sea. It truly feels like you’re standing at the end of the world. You can easily walk back via a different loop to the starting point at Monastiri Beach.
Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat (there is no shade!) and bring plenty of water.
Overview of the Paros itinerary
Below you’ll find an overview of our 4‑day itinerary for Paros. If you have more time, you can easily spend a week or longer on the island, especially if you want to explore more remote beaches, take a few windsurfing lessons, or spend a full day discovering Antiparos.
- Day 1: Explore Parikia and the west coast. Arrive by ferry, wander through the Old Town and visit the beautiful Panagia Ekatontapiliani, then watch the sunset from one of the many seaside tavernas.
- Day 2: Explore Naoussa and the northern beaches. Spend the morning wandering through the alleys of Naoussa, and in the afternoon head to Kolymbithres and/or Santa Maria Beach. Finish the day with a magical dinner in Naoussa’s old harbor.
- Day 3: The inland and the east coast. Drive to the mountain village of Lefkes, walk part of the Byzantine Trail to, for example, Prodromos, and then continue on to the charming fishing harbors of Piso Livadi and Drios.
- Day 4: South coast and a day trip to Antiparos. Enjoy a fish lunch in Aliki and then take the ferry from Pounta to explore Antiparos.
What is the best time to visit Paros
The best time to visit Paros is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September, October. During these months the weather is wonderfully warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and the large crowds of tourists haven’t arrived yet. The landscape is also at its most beautiful, with flowers still in bloom in early summer.
July and August are the peak months. The weather is of course perfect and everything is open, but you should also expect higher prices, busy beaches, and—especially in August—a strong Meltemi wind. It’s great for cooling off or for windsurfing, but if it becomes too intense, ferries may be cancelled.
For a truly quiet experience, visit in the low season (late October to April). There are almost no tourists then. Many hotels and restaurants are closed, but you’ll have the beaches entirely to yourself.
How to get to Paros
Here’s a slightly smoother, more natural phrasing you can use:
Traveling to Paros is quite easy because, unlike some smaller islands such as Andros or Tinos, you can choose to get there either by ferry or by flying via Athens.
The classic way to arrive is by ferry. It feels as if your holiday officially begins the moment you stand on deck and watch the mainland disappear. Ferries to Paros depart regularly from Athens’ two main ports, Piraeus (a 3–4 hour journey) and Rafina (closer to the airport). We find Ferryscanner the easiest way to compare schedules and prices.
Paros is also an important hub in the Cyclades, with excellent ferry connections to Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini, making it a perfect base for island hopping.
Paros also has a national airport (PAS) with multiple daily flights from Athens. The flight takes only 40–50 minutes.
Transportation on Paros
The best way to visit the most beautiful sights on Paros is to rent your own car. With your own transportation, you can stop anywhere you like, easily pick up groceries, and so on. We rented our car in Parikia, as that’s where most rental offices are located. Check here for the best prices for renting a car in Paros.
It can also be fun to rent a scooter or an ATV/quad. They’re sometimes easier to park in busy villages or near popular beaches, and you can use them to go off‑road as well.
The public bus system (KTEL) on Paros is reasonably good and connects all major villages and beaches. It’s inexpensive, but of course you’re dependent on the schedule. In the low season, there are far fewer buses. Taxis are also available, but they’re best for shorter trips, as longer rides can become quite costly.
Our favorite places to eat in Paros
In Paros you’ll find both chic restaurants in Naoussa and simple Greek tavernas in the mountains. Everything is fresh and local. Here are some of our favorite spots.
- Taverna Glafkos (Naoussa): Located in the old harbor. They naturally serve fresh fish. The grilled octopus is a must‑try. Make sure to reserve in advance for a table by the water!
- Yemeni Wine Restaurant (Naoussa): Tucked away in a beautiful bougainvillea‑filled alley, this place is a true gem. The menu is a mix of traditional Greek dishes. It’s extremely popular, so you absolutely need to reserve a table.
- Bountaraki (Parikia): A charming restaurant in the heart of Parikia’s old town with a beautiful inner courtyard. They specialize in meze (small dishes), perfect for sharing and trying a bit of everything. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic.
- Ouzeri Halaris (Piso Livadi): One of the best fish restaurants you’ll find here. Located in the harbor.
- Restaurant Anna (Dryos): Anna is still in the kitchen herself here. You can choose from a wide selection of dishes. Everything is prepared fresh. Takeaway is also available.
Where to stay in Paros
In Paros you can find something for everyone, from luxury seaside resorts to charming guesthouses in the inland villages. Here is an overview of some nice places to stay.
- If you want to be in the heart of the action, with the best restaurants, chic bars, and boutiques, then Naoussa is the place for you. It is without a doubt the most beautiful and lively town on the island. If you’re in the mood for luxury, you can stay at Mersina Exclusive Resort.
- For a bit more peace and more budget‑friendly options, it’s better to stay in Parikia. You’ll be right next to the harbor, the ferries to Athens, and the buses that connect the entire island. Have a look at Paros Agnanti Hotel for a beautiful sea view.
- If you’re looking for a peaceful beach holiday, consider the areas around Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) or Drios on the southeast coast. This area is perfect for families, windsurfers, and anyone wanting to escape the crowds. La Mer Seaside Apartments is a great option, with a fantastic view from the terrace.
Our honest opinion about Paros in Greece
We absolutely fell in love with Paros and Antiparos. We didn’t visit during the peak season, when it can get very busy, but the islands truly offer the very best of the Cyclades: beautiful beaches, charming towns, and plenty of nature. When we visited (late September), it was still lively enough, and the water was wonderful.
But don’t let that stop you! If you’re planning a trip to the Cyclades, Paros and Antiparos should definitely be at the top of your list. We’re already looking forward to returning!
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