First Time in Paros? Here's Everything Worth Doing on Greece's Best Island (2026 Guide)
Planning a trip to Paros in 2026? Our curated guide will help you discover the best things to do, beaches to visit, where to eat, and our favourite spots across the island.
UPDATED MAY 2026
There are certain places in the world where you arrive, take little more than a few steps and a quick glance around, and already feel right at home.
We call them soul places, and Paros is one of them.
Set in the heart of the Cyclades, this ancient, windswept island has all the ingredients of a perfect Greek summer: whitewashed villages, golden beaches, hidden coves, long lunches, marmalade sunsets and the old fishing harbour of Naoussa, where the boats bob gently as the lights come on at dusk.
The starting point is vibrant Parikia, the island’s historic port and everyday heart. But it’s elegant Naoussa where we suggest spending most of your time, for its arcaded laneways, excellent restaurants, late-night bars and easy access to some of Paros’ best beaches.
Inland, Lefkes might just be one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, while nearby Prodromos and Marpissa offer a slower, quieter glimpse of island life.
Paros, simply, is food for the soul.
Recently featured on Netflix’s One Day (which incidentally, is our fave TV show ever), Paros is no longer the quiet alternative to Mykonos. But get it right, and it still feels like the Cyclades at their best.
In this guide, we’re sharing the Paros we fell for: hilltop villages, harbour towns, beaches, wine bars, long lunches and quiet corners that make the island feel so special.
You’ll also find our advice on where to stay, how to get around, when to visit, and how to make the most of your time here, whether you’re island-hopping through the Cyclades or settling in for a proper summer escape.
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PAROS THINGS TO DO OVERVIEW
DON’T MISS | Naoussa Harbour, Lefkes, Parikia Old Town, Kolymbithres Beach, the Byzantine Path, Petra Farm
BEST BEACHES | Kolymbithres, Faragas, Santa Maria
BEST FOOD EXPERIENCES | Brunch at Almond | Paros, wine tasting at Moraitis, a long seafood dinner in Naoussa
BEST SUNSET SPOTS | Naoussa Harbour, Parikia Waterfront, St Antonios Monastery
BEST DAY TRIP | Boat trip around the Lesser Cyclades
BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERS | Naoussa, Lefkes, Kolymbithres, Parikia
HOW TO SPEND 7 DAYS ON PAROS
For us, seven days is the sweet spot on Paros. It’s enough time to see everything worth seeing and slow down enough to actually feel the place. And trust us, the slowing down is the whole point of this island.
Base yourself in Naoussa for the week. Spend your first afternoon settling in. Start with coffee at Almond (as you should start every day), a wander through the laneways, and your first harbour sunset.
From there, a full day exploring Naoussa and Kolymbithres, a day in the hill villages hiking the ancient Byzantine Path from Lefkes through Prodromos to Marpissa, a dedicated beach day at Mini Santa Maria or Faragas in the south, a half-day in Parikia done properly - the old town, Ekatontapiliani, the Archaeological Museum and cheaper sunset drinks than you'll find in Naoussa.
Then a full day sailing the Lesser Cyclades on a catamaran, and a slow final day at Moraitis Winery & Naoussa before reluctantly heading home.
It's a good week, and one of the best you’ll have anywhere.
Day 1: Arrive Parikia by ferry, bus to Naoussa, check in, slow settle-in afternoon, Almond for coffee/lunch, first evening wander
Day 2: Naoussa in depth, Kolymbithres, Petra Farm, first proper Naoussa evening
Day 3: Lefkes, Byzantine Path, Prodromos, Marpissa
Day 4: Beach day (Faragas / Mini Santa Maria)
Day 5: Parikia day — old town, Ekatontapiliani, Archaeological Museum, sunset bars, back to Naoussa
Day 6: Sailing day, Lesser Cyclades
Day 7: Moraitis Winery, slow morning, farewell Naoussa dinner, evening ferry
THINGS TO DO ON PAROS ISLAND
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF NAOUSSA
Stepping into the quaint fishing village of Naoussa for the first time, it’s easy to lose your breath (pssst - you can read our Naoussa guide here).
Postcard-perfect in every way, wooden boats bob in the harbour and octopus dry like garlands in the sun, bougainvillaea straddles the walls of storied, cobbled laneways, while the elegant and well-heeled glide along the candle-lit harbour as the afternoon sun descends. On an evening, it’s even more fabled, as fairy lights twinkle and the smell of grilled seafood gently wafts through the air.
The harbour itself is gorgeous; an array of small Cycladic fishing boats nestled tightly together, set against a backdrop of Venetian mansions and Orthodox churches, while the town plays host to some of the most picturesque corners we found in Greece.
Walking through the old town at sunrise, enjoying a sundowner at dusk, and devouring a seafood feast under the fairy lights in the evening are just a few of our favourite pastimes in this town.
In short, Naoussa is magical and without a doubt, the prettiest village in the Cycladic Islands, and is worth a lot of your time.
In our ‘things to do in Naoussa’ guide, we go into far more detail on what to see, know and do.
READ MORE | Our complete guide to Naoussa, Paros
BOOK | See the best of Naoussa with this organised Paros day tour - just sit back, relax and see all the major attractions with ease!
SPEND TIME AT PAROS ISLANDS’ BEST BEACHES
Paros Island, like neighbouring Naxos, has some of the best beaches in all of Greece.
There’s a wonderful diversity to Paros’ beaches - in the north and east, you’ll find calm coves and relaxed beach bars; in the undeveloped south and west, long stretches of white sand, and a more rugged feel.
Regardless, hours spent by the water are essential here on Paros, and during our time on the island, we spent many days exploring all corners, sampling each stretch of sand and stone in search of the perfect cove to place our towels and parasols.
It can be a little overwhelming to choose which Paros beach you should spend your time at, so we’ve listed our favourites below:
Mini Santa Maria Beach
Kolymbithres
Faragas
Kalogeros
If you’re in the planning phase and want a more detailed guide, we’ve written all about the best beaches on Paros. It’ll help you plan your beachside
KEEP READING | These are the best beaches on Paros
EXPLORE LEFKES AND THE VILLAGES OF PAROS ISLAND
Set in the hills above Paros, Lefkes is the island’s most beautiful traditional village - all stone laneways, bougainvillea-lined squares and sweeping views over the Island’s interior.
Planning a visit? Don’t miss our full Lefkes Village guide.
Once the Paros’ capital (and purposefully built inland to avoid pirates), today it’s a peaceful escape from the coast, and an easy half-day trip from Naoussa or Parikia.
Come to:
Wander the quiet alleys
Walk part of the ancient Byzantine Road
Stop for coffee under the vines
Stay over lunch with a view
It’s also one of the filming locations for One Day, which has only added to its popularity, though it still feels calm compared to the coast. Consider arriving earlier in the day to avoid the day-tour crowds, or in the late afternoon.
If you’ve got time, pair it with nearby villages:
Prodromos (green, floral, great for a quick wander + coffee)
Marpissa (sleepy, photogenic, home to the famous pink door)
THE DETAILS
Where | Lefkes Village, Paros
Best time to visit | Early morning or late afternoon (cooler, quieter)
Allow | 2–3 hours
Related | For a deeper dive, see our guide to Lefkes Village, including where to eat, what to see, and how to plan your visit
BOOK | See Lefkes with this organised Paros day tour - just sit back, relax and see all the major attractions with ease!
SAMPLE INCREDIBLE WINE AT MORAITIS WINERY
Paros has been producing wine since the Cycladic era (3,200–2,000 BC), when the island sat at the heart of Aegean winemaking. Just outside Naoussa, Moraitis Winery, founded in 1910 and passed down through four generations, is the living continuation of that tradition.
The winery champions local Cycladic varieties like Monemvasia (Malvasia) and Mandilaria - wines you won’t really find elsewhere in Greece.
These aren't grapes you'll find on many wine lists outside the islands, which makes tasting them here feel like something worth seeking out, not just a box to tick.
A wine tasting session is set on the shaded terrace, under the grapevines, bougainvillaea and summer breeze.
The tasting flights comprise three wines - a white, Rosé, and red variety, which can be selected to suit your taste from their large range of wines and are accompanied by a selection of cheese, tomatoes and bread.
For us, the Malvasia was the standout: crisp, dry and perfectly suited to a slow Aegean afternoon. The rosé is equally worth your time.
Beyond the tasting, winery tours are available, and the on-site restaurant serves traditional Cycladic cuisine if you want to make an afternoon of it - which, frankly, you should.
Come for:
a relaxed tasting on the shaded terrace
a mix of white, rosé and red wines (paired with simple local bites)
vineyard tours or a long lunch at the on-site restaurant
THE DETAILS
Where |Moraitis Winery, Paros
Opening Hours | Monday – Saturday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Cost | Wine tasting starts at €16 per person
EXPLORE PARIKIA, THE CAPITAL OF THE ISLAND OF PAROS
Parikia won't win you over immediately, and that's fine. Compared to Naoussa's effortless beauty, the port town can feel a little chaotic on arrival.
But give it time, and it reveals something Naoussa really can't: a genuinely local, lived-in Greek town that hasn't been entirely reshaped around tourism.
This is where ferries arrive, markets run, and everyday island life actually happens. Prices are cheaper, the energy is rawer, and for first-timers especially, it's a grounding counterpoint to Naoussa's polished charm.
We'd set aside half a day - just enough to wander the old town, visit the Frankish Castle, duck into the Archaeological Museum (€2, worth every cent), and catch sunset at one of the bars lining the coast just south of the port.
For more detail, including what to see, where to eat and how to plan your time, read our full guide to Parikia, Paros.
BOOK | Prefer a guided experience? This Paros day tour covers Parikia and the island's major highlights without the planning stress.
STEP INSIDE THE HISTORIC PANAGIA EKATONTAPILIANI CHURCH
Parikia’s main attraction is the storied ‘Church of 100 Doors’, Ekatontapiliani.
Dating back to the Byzantine era, the church is among the oldest Christian monuments in Greece, with a layered history that’s part legend, part archaeology.
It’s said that St Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, vowed to build a church here on her way to the Holy Land; today, the basilica sits above the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite.
Inside, it’s quieter and more restrained than many Greek churches: stone arches, marble details, a carved icon screen, and very little of the ornate decoration you might expect. That simplicity is part of what makes it so moving.
Even if churches aren’t usually your thing, this is one of Paros’ essential cultural stops, and an easy addition while exploring Parikia.
THE DETAILS
Where | Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Parikia
Cost | Free
Opening Hours | Usually daily, 7am–9pm
Tips | Dress respectfully; cover shoulders and knees
HIKE THE BYZANTINE PATH
One of the most rewarding things to do on Paros isn't on the coast - it's inland, on a 1,000-year-old marble trail connecting the hilltop villages of Lefkes, Prodromos and Marpissa.
The Byzantine Path is a 3.5km walk through olive groves (around 1.5 hrs), over stone bridges and past crumbling walls, with sweeping views across Paros's interior to the mountains of Naxos beyond.
It's quiet, beautiful and reveals a side of the island most visitors never see, which is exactly why we love it.
We finished ours with a beer and a bean dip at a bougainvillea-covered taverna in Prodromos, two rolled ankles from the slippery marble, and absolutely no regrets.
Start in Lefkes (the trailhead can be tricky to find — link here), walk down through the villages, and catch the hourly bus back from Marpissa Windmills. Go early, bring water, wear actual shoes.
Note: We're currently putting together a full Byzantine Path hiking guide - watch this space.
THE DETAILS
Where |Byzantine Road, Lefkes
Cost | Free
Tips | Pack water, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear proper shoes
EXPLORE PAROS ISLAND FROM THE SEA
Paros is beautiful from land, but from the water it’s another thing entirely: hidden coves, swim stops, sea caves, tiny islands and that impossible Aegean blue.
A full-day boat trip is one of the best ways to experience the island, especially if you want to reach beaches and bays that are harder to access by car.
Most tours include multiple swim and snorkel stops, lunch on board, and time around nearby islands such as Antiparos, Despotiko or the Lesser Cyclades, depending on the weather.
We’d recommend a catamaran or small-group sailing trip if you want the easiest option (we recommend this day tour): turn up, swim, eat, drink, repeat. Boats usually depart from Piso Livadi, Parikia or Aliki, and it’s worth booking ahead in summer, when the best tours fill quickly.
For something more independent, you can also rent a small motorboat from Aliki and explore Paros’ southern coastline at your own pace. It’s a fun option if you’re confident on the water, though you’ll need ID, plenty of water, and a sensible eye on the wind.
THE DETAILS
Where |Paros sailing tour, or Paros self-guided motorboat
Departs from |Piso Livadi, or Aliki Port
Cost | From around €170 per person for full-day sailing trips
Best for | Swimming, snorkelling, hidden coves and a proper summer day out
Good to know | Routes depend on weather and wind conditions; book ahead in July and August
WATCH A FAMOUS PAROS ISLAND SUNSET
Greek summer sunsets are almost ritualistic: wherever you are, the island seems to pause as the light turns gold, then pink, then soft blue over the Aegean.
And on Paros, the sunsets are breathtaking. Seriously.
From Naoussa’s glamorous harbour bars to the quieter waterfront in Parikia, the hilltop monasteries near Marpissa and the peaceful bay at Monastiri, there are plenty of places to watch the day slip away.
Our favourite sunset spots on Paros are:
Naoussa Harbour | The most atmospheric option, especially if you want to roll straight from sunset into dinner, wine bars and a long night out. For more detail, read our full guide to Naoussa, Paros.
Parikia Waterfront | A more relaxed, less polished alternative to Naoussa, with excellent west-facing sunset views and cheaper drinks. The bars around the old town and castle are the pick.
St Antonios Monastery | A quieter hilltop option near Marpissa, with sweeping views over the island. Bring a bottle of local wine and stay for blue hour.
Monastery of St John’s of Deti | One of the most peaceful sunset spots on Paros, with views back across the bay towards Naoussa. Climb to the rooftop for the best perspective.
These are the places that made our minds melt every evening during our three weeks on the Island.
PAROS NIGHTLIFE: BETTER THAN YOU’D EXPECT
Paros has quietly developed a genuinely good nightlife scene — and the key word is quietly.
Yes, there are beach clubs, cocktail bars and late-night spots, but the vibe here is relaxed by default. People don't come to Paros to party. They just sometimes end up doing it anyway.
Naoussa is the epicentre, with a cluster of bars ranging from sundowner spots to places that are still going at 8:30 am (we have evidence). It's also significantly more affordable than Mykonos, which helps.
Here are our picks:
Comeback Bar | Tucked right against the shoreline inside a beautifully renovated Cycladic building, Comeback is the kind of place you sit down for one drink and leave three hours later. The outdoor loungers, the setting, the Paros Spritz (€13) as the sun drops — it all conspires against you. Tranquil at sunset, lively later. Both versions are great.
Sante Cocktail Bar | Set in an achingly pretty square under a gum tree, Sante has the best cocktails in Naoussa and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back every night. The cocktails are genuinely exceptional — Athens-level, island prices. Get a reservation. It gets busy fast and for good reason.
I Tria | On the corner of one of Naoussa's main thoroughfares, I Tria feels more like someone's living room than a bar — colourful, relaxed, with genuinely friendly service from Piero. Affordable cocktails, a solid beer list, and drinks that arrive with chips, nuts and olives. A small touch that goes a long way.
Kosmos Bar | A favourite for its custom cocktail approach: tell them what spirit or flavour profile you're after, and they'll build something around it. Consistently good, consistently relaxed. Cocktails from €10.
Dodo | We walked past at 8:30 am on our last day, and the party was still going. That tells you everything. Drinks are cheap, you sit on the floor, the decor is minimal, and the crowd is young and having a brilliant time. Not a fine cocktail bar — very much not trying to be. If you want a vibe and nowhere to be in the morning, this is your place.
For a full breakdown of where to drink, eat and spend your evenings, read our complete guide to Naoussa, Paros.
SETTLE IN FOR A LONG SEAFOOD LUNCH BY THE WATER
Paros is one of those islands where eating well is part of the experience.
Like many Islands in the Mediterranean, there’s a strong food culture found here, and one of the best things to do on Paros is to embrace the unique and wonderful flavours available.
Thanks to its fertile interior and surrounding sea, the food here is plentiful, seasonal and satisfying: oven-baked chickpeas (an absolute favourite of ours), fava dip, tomato balls, local cheeses, grilled seafood, kakavia fish soup and long, lazy meals that roll into golden hour.
You’ll find everything from simple family-run tavernas to polished harbourfront restaurants, but the best meals on Paros tend to share the same Greek summer rhythm: good produce, unfussy cooking, local wine, and no reason to rush.
A few places we loved include Mario for dinner under the lights in Naoussa harbour, Katsunas for homely Greek cooking, Marmitta for a beautiful courtyard meal, and Thalassamou near Aliki for a long seafood lunch by the water.
For a more detailed breakdown of where to eat and drink, see our complete guides to Naoussa and Parikia.
THE DETAILS
Dishes to try | Oven-baked chickpeas, fava, tomato balls, local cheeses, grilled seafood
Best for | Seafood, local tavernas, courtyard dining, long lunches
Good to know | Book ahead for popular restaurants in Naoussa and Parikia during summer
Our tip | Mix one or two polished meals with simple tavernas such as Thalassamou, as that’s where Paros really shines
CHILL ALL DAY AT A BEACH BAR
There comes a point on every Greek island trip where sightseeing loses out to a sunbed, a cold beer, and the quiet ambition of doing absolutely nothing for an entire afternoon.
On Paros, that day happened for us at Faragas.
It wasn’t polished in a Mykonos way, thankfully, but that was the charm. The water was clear, house music floated on the breeze, the food was exactly what you want after too much sun, and the rhythm of our day became wonderfully simple: swim, read, drink, nap, repeat.
That’s the appeal of beach bars on Paros. They’re not really about the scene, at least not in the eye-watering, champagne-spraying sense. The best ones still feel relatively low-key: a little expensive, occasionally slow on service, but easy to settle into for hours.
You’ll find them scattered around the island rather than in one dedicated beach club zone, with good options at Faragas, Mini Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, Golden Beach and Punda.
Our favourites were Faragas and Mini Santa Maria, mostly because they still felt relaxed enough to actually enjoy the beach.
Book ahead in July and August, especially if you want front-row sunbeds, and don’t plan much afterwards. The whole point is to let the day disappear.
THE DETAILS
Where |Faragas Beach Club, Faragas
Opening Hours | 10 am - 11 pm, Mon-Sun
Cost | Sunbeds vary by beach club and season
Good to know | Book ahead in July and August; prices are usually higher for front-row beds
Other options | Faragas or Mini Santa Maria for a more relaxed feel
BRUNCH ALL DAY AT ALMOND LIVING WELL, NAOUSSA
The time we spent at Almond Living Well in Naoussa (almost every day we spent on the Island) still lives rent-free in our heads - it was the most unexpected and wonderful surprise on the island, which we admit is weird when you consider everything that Paros has to offer.
But from the moment we walked into this place, we fell in love - with the food, the coffee, and most of all, the owners.
Since we’d left Australia, we’d craved a Melbourne-style brunch - fresh, quality ingredients, creative, inventive dishes, and top-notch coffee. And Almond provided all in spades.
The food was the standout. It was fresh, healthy, and mouthwateringly good, with plenty of vegan and veggie options available, which is something of a rarity in the islands too.
We tried just about everything on the menu, so we can highly recommend the eggs florentine, the smashed avocado with poached eggs, the almond butter pancakes (maybe the best we’ve ever had!), and the decadent carrot cake. While Almond also do a dinner service, we didn’t get a chance to visit - but having read the reviews, it sounds just as exceptional.
For drinks, the coffee is second the none on the Island (and maybe even in Europe!) - you’d expect that when Stefano, the owner, made his own bespoke coffee machine - it was rich and creamy, just how coffee should be. The smoothies were also delicious.
If you’re staying in or near Naoussa, go at least once. You’ll probably end up back the next morning.
THE DETAILS
Where |Almond | Paros, Naoussa
Opening Hours | 9 am - 10 pm daily
Best for | Brunch, proper coffee, vegetarian options, healthy-ish breakfasts
Good to know | Popular in season; go earlier if you want a slower start
Order | Almond butter pancakes, eggs florentine, smashed avocado, carrot cake
For more places to eat and drink, read our complete guide to Naoussa, Paros.
PETRA FARM TOUR: AN ORGANIC FARM EXPERIENCE WORTH SEEKING OUT
If you're looking for something beyond beaches and bars, a visit to Petra Farm is one of the most rewarding things to do in Paros, and one of the island's best-kept secrets.
The family-run farm sits above Kolymbithres, around 20 minutes from Parikia, and has been cultivating Mediterranean crops - olives, grapevines, capers, figs, pomegranate and herbs, since the late '80s. But it wasn't until Alkis took over that it became something truly special.
Alkis, a passionate advocate for modern agroecology, transformed the 5-acre family plot into a thriving 20-acre organic operation spanning Paros and nearby Lefkes.
His focus on dry-land cultivation, with no irrigation and a unique local microclimate, produces crops with an extraordinary intensity of flavour. You'll taste the difference immediately.
THE FARM TOUR & TASTING EXPERIENCE
The Organic Farm Tour runs for around two hours and is as entertaining as it is informative. Alkis has a genuine gift for teaching - he’s thoughtful, personable and never dry, making this one of the standout Paros eco-tourism experiences on the island.
The tour begins at the farm entrance, which overlooks the stunning bay of Naoussa, before winding through terraced fields where Alkis walks you through sustainable cultivation practices and how they shape each crop's flavour. (Yes, you'll also meet some very cute goats and chickens along the way.)
The experience wraps up on the balcony of the family home with a tasting session, or full lunch if you book ahead, all while looking out over Naoussa bay. The capers alone are worth the trip.
After a couple of hours with Alkis, you'll leave not just with a deeper appreciation for sustainable farming, but with the quiet urge to live a little more intentionally. We did.
PETRA FARM STORE, NAOUSSA
Want to take some of that flavour home? There's a Petra Farm store in downtown Naoussa stocking their full range of products. We left with capers and dried oregano — both exceptional.
THE DETAILS
Where |Petra Farm, Paros Island
Cost | From €25 per person for tour & tasting / from €35 per person for tour tasting, tasting & lunch
Tour duration | Approx. 2 hours
Booking | Book online at petrafarm.gr — reserve at least 48 hours in advance
MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN’S OF DETI
Located just beyond Kolymbithres beach, flanked by a creaking shipyard to one side, and the pretty Monastiri beach to the other, the clifftop Monastery of St John’s of Deti (Agios Ionnis monastery) has a long association with the sea it stands guard over.
Built in the 16th century and renovated two centuries later, its namesake, Detis, was the saint responsible for healing and curing Malaria, which ran rampant through the island at that time.
It’s particularly beautiful during sunset and blue hour when the fading light illuminates the white-washed walls and the harbour of Naoussa twinkles over the water across the bay. It’s perfect for photography, and one of the Instagram spots on the island.
Also a free museum about the stationing of Russian troops on the island in the 18th century.
THE DETAILS
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO NAXOS
Paros might be your base, but Naxos, just 30 minutes away by ferry, is well worth a day of your time (or three weeks, if you’re like us).
Despite being near-neighbours, the two islands feel worlds apart: Naxos is bigger, greener, more dramatic, and has a depth of history and culture that rewards exploration.
Here's what a day trip to Naxos looks like:
Explore Naxos Chora: Start in Chora, the island's capital and beating heart. Its dense maze of cobbled laneways, Venetian architecture and centuries-old churches makes it one of the most atmospheric towns in the Cyclades - easily worth two to three hours of unhurried wandering.
Head Inland: Naxos's interior is surprisingly rich. The former capital Halki, the marble village of Apeiranthos and the traditional settlement of Filoti each offer a glimpse into a slower, older Greece. If you're keen to stretch your legs, Mt. Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, makes for a memorable sunset hike.
Hit the Beaches: The southwest coast is home to some of the best beaches in Greece, full stop. Plaka Beach is the standout - wide, white-sand and far less crowded than anything you'll find on Paros. Windsurfing is huge here too, particularly around Mikri Vigla.
Short on time? This full-day Naxos bus tour is a solid way to cover the highlights without the planning.
THE DETAILS
Getting There | Ferries run up to eight times daily in summer from Parikia Port - the crossing takes around 30 minutes, and tickets are easily bookable on arrival or in advance.
READ MORE | Everything you need to plan your visit: Naxos Island Travel Guide
PAROS ISLAND MAP: PLACES TO EAT, STAY AND THINGS TO DO
To make planning your trip easier, we've put together a detailed Google Map pinning the best things to do in Paros, our recommended restaurants, beaches and neighbourhoods — everything covered in this guide, all in one place.
To save it, click the map and hit the star next to the map title — it'll save directly to Your Places in Google Maps, ready to use on the ground.
Tip: the map works offline too, so download it before you lose signal on the island.
WHERE TO STAY ON PAROS | HOTELS, VILLAS & HOSTELS
Paros punches well above its weight for accommodation - from sleek luxury hotels overlooking the Aegean to characterful budget stays in the heart of Naoussa.
We've stayed across the island and put together a full breakdown by budget and neighbourhood to help you find the right fit.
LUXE | Cove Paros and Paros Agnanti Hotel are our picks - both deliver that effortless Cycladic elegance with serious sea views.
MID-RANGE | Central Boutique Hotel in Naoussa is a great contemporary base, while Bethlehem Historic Townhouse in Parikia is perfect if you want something with genuine history.
Budget | Apartments Svoronos (where we stayed - highly recommend) and Paros Backpackers both offer great value and a wonderful sense of community.
READ MORE | Our complete guide to where to stay in Paros — every budget, every neighbourhood
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO PAROS ISLAND
HOW TO GET TO PAROS ISLAND?
Paros is well connected, by ferry from Athens and the mainland, and by flight from Athens year-round. We've covered all the options in detail in our Athens to Paros guide, but here's the quick version.
BY FERRY
The most popular (and scenic) way to reach Paros is by ferry from Piraeus, Athens's main port. Multiple departures run daily, operated by Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Seajets, and Fast Ferries — crossing times vary from around 3.5 hours (conventional) to under 2.5 hours (high speed).
Ferries also connect Paros to nearby islands, including Naxos, Ios and Santorini, making it an easy stop on a broader Cyclades itinerary.
We booked all our ferry tickets through the FerryHopperapp — straightforward to use and great for comparing routes and times. Book well in advance if you're travelling in summer.
BOOK | Check departure times and book ferry tickets through FerryHopper
BY FLIGHT
Paros has a small airport with year-round flights from Athens (around 30 minutes), with the transfer to town taking just 10 minutes.
Note that there are no direct international flights to Paros — European visitors will need to connect through Athens.
A useful alternative worth considering: fly directly into Mykonos or Santorini and take a ferry across to Paros. It sidesteps Athens entirely and lets you tick off another island along the way.
READ MORE | For step-by-step route advice, timings and booking tips: Athens to Paros — Ferry & Flight Guide
HOW TO GET AROUND PAROS ISLAND
How you get around Paros depends largely on how much of the island you want to see. Here's an honest breakdown of your options.
RENTAL CAR
If you're planning to explore — and we'd encourage you to — a rental car is the best way to do it. Paros is larger than it looks on a map, and having your own wheels (ideally air-conditioned ones) makes a real difference when you're hopping between beaches, hill villages and the coast.
Compared to islands like Santorini, car rental on Paros is reasonably priced. Expect to pay roughly €25–50 per day in shoulder season, though peak summer rates (July–August) can climb considerably higher — booking in advance is the best way to lock in a competitive price.
BOOK | Search car rental on Paros via Discover Cars
SCOOTER OR ATV
ATVs and scooters are popular, but we'll be straight with you — for anything beyond short beach hops, they're not ideal. Paros has more elevation and distance than first-time visitors expect, and the comfort trade-off on longer rides to places like Lefkes adds up quickly. If the budget allows, go for a car.
LOCAL BUS
The bus network on Paros is reliable and genuinely good value.
Tickets range from €2.00 to €3.50 depending on the route - Parikia to Naoussa is €2.00, while longer runs to Drios or Lefkes are €3.50.
A full-day island pass is available for €10 if you're planning to cover a lot of ground. Buy tickets at the terminal stations in Parikia or Naoussa, or at kiosks and mini-markets across the island - purchasing onboard may incur a small surcharge.
Most routes connect through Parikia or Naoussa, with hourly services in summer to the main beaches and inland towns. Check the Paros bus timetable before you go.
READ MORE | Getting between the two main towns: Parikia to Naoussa Transport Guide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As COVID-19 taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS |HeyMondo - Comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS |SafetyWing - Comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE |Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Make the most of your island-hopping adventure with our essential Greece travel guides.
EXPLORE PAROS
Start with these guides to help plan your time on the island:
Paros Travel Guide - Things to know before visiting
MORE CYCLADIC ISLANDS
Planning to visit nearby islands too? These guides will help:
Naxos | Top things to do on Naxos, The best beaches on Naxos Island, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, how to get from Athens to Naxos
Santorini | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
Mykonos | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
Please note that some of the links on this guide to the best things to do on Paros are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
