Paros is one of the most versatile islands in the Cyclades, and after spending a lot of time in Syros, we were eager to experience it ourselves. We chose to stay in Drios, looking for a quiet base in a central location, and it gave us exactly the balance we wanted: calm surroundings with easy access to the rest of the island. There are so many things to do in Paros and it is one of the most popular islands of the Cyclades.
With everything from busy port towns like Parikia and chic fishing villages like Naoussa to long sandy beaches and sleepy mountain villas, Paros offers a stay for every style of traveler.
Read more: How to get to Paros
Paros offers plenty of excellent places to stay, but narrowing down the best area and accommodation type can take some time. To make planning easier, we’ve researched the island and compiled this guide.
Stayin in Parikia: the lively capital and main port
Parikia is the lively heart of Paros and often the first place visitors get to know on the island. It is a great base for first-time visitors and ferry travelers.
What we like most about Parikia is that it feels both practical and charming. You’ll find direct ferry connections, the island’s central bus station, plenty of restaurants and cafes, and a beautiful old town filled with narrow Cycladic streets to wander through. It’s also within walking distance of Livadia Beach, which makes it easy to enjoy a swim without having to go far.
If you plan to explore more of the island, this is also a good place to rent a car in Paros before heading off to discover beaches, villages, and quieter corners of Paros.
There are a few things to keep in mind, though. In peak summer, Parikia can get busy, especially around the harbor, and some evening noise is part of the experience. Parking can also be limited in the town center. Still, if you want a base that is central, walkable, and full of local character, Parikia is one of the best places to stay in Paros.
Read more: The best things to do in Parikia
Best things to do in Parikia include wandering the old town, walking along the waterfront, visiting the Frankish Castle, relaxing at Livadia Beach, and enjoying a meal or drink by the harbor.
- Best budget options in Parikia: Nautilus Apartments Suites, Diplos Studios, Magginas Studios
- Best boutique hotels in Parikia: Doukissa Hotel, Hotel Cyclades
- Best luxury stays in Parikia: Noble 7 Suites – Adults Only, Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa
Staying in Naoussa: the chic fishing village in the North
Naoussa is one of the most charming and atmospheric places to stay in Paros, with a romantic feel that blends beautifully with its lively harbor setting. It’s especially well suited to couples, food lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys chasing sunset views in a vibrant Cycladic town.
The harbor of Naoussa is one of the prettiest on the island, lined with excellent restaurants and cafes, while the surrounding lanes are filled with classic whitewashed Cycladic architecture and shops. It’s also a great base if you want to spend time on some of Paros’ most beautiful beaches, including Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, and Agios Sostis.
For travelers looking for a more stylish stay, Naoussa also offers a wide choice of boutique hotels and luxury villas. The main trade-offs are that prices are usually higher than in other parts of the island, parking can be difficult in high season, and the summer meltemi wind can make some afternoons feel breezier than expected.
Read more: A complete guide to Naoussa
Best things to do in Naoussa include strolling the harbor, dining by the water, wandering the old lanes, watching the sunset, and using it as a base for beach days and relaxed island evenings.
- Best budget options in Naoussa: Mitsi Studios, Archipelagos Studios
- Best boutique hotels in Naoussa: Senia Hotel, Kali Naousa
- Best luxury stays in Naoussa: Quartano Luxury Residence (Adults only), Meros Santikos Collection
Staying at Golden Beach & East Coast (Chrissi Akti, Drios, Piso Livadi)
This area of Paros has a more relaxed, beach-focused atmosphere and is especially popular with travelers who want to spend their days by the sea. It’s a great choice for kite and windsurfers, families, and anyone looking for a quieter place to stay with direct access to the beach.
The long sandy beach is one of its biggest draws, with shallow, calm waters that make it especially appealing for swimming and easy beach days. It’s also known as one of the island’s top spots for water sports, while the peaceful setting makes it ideal for simply switching off and enjoying the sun. The sunrise and sunset views here can be particularly beautiful too.
The main drawback is that this area is much quieter in the evenings, with fewer nightlife and dining options than in Parikia or Naoussa. It can also be quite windy, especially when conditions are right for kitesurfing, so it suits travelers who don’t mind a breeze and prefer a more laid-back stay.
Best things to do here include swimming, trying water sports, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying slow days in one of Paros’ calmest and most scenic coastal areas.
- Best budget options at the East Coast of Paros: Kelly’s (Chrysi Akti), Paros Melodia Apartments (Logaras)
- Best boutique hotels at the East Coast of Paros: Saint George Hotel, Soleil Hotel Paros (Drios)
- Best luxury stays at the East Coast: Villa Vanta (Drios), Aegean Feelings (Piso Livadi)
Stayin in Aliki & South Paros
The south of Paros, including Aliki, has a peaceful and authentic character that feels a little more rural than the island’s busier towns. It’s a lovely choice for nature lovers, couples looking for tranquility, and families who prefer a slower pace away from the main tourist hubs.
One of the biggest appeals of this area is how quiet and genuine it feels. You’ll find pretty small beaches such as Agia Irini, Glyfa, and Tsoukalia, along with salt lakes and traditional villages that add to the sense of local island life. It’s also generally more affordable than staying in Naoussa or Parikia, which makes it appealing for travelers who want a calmer base without the higher price tag.
The main thing to keep in mind is that this part of Paros is best explored with a car or scooter, since public transportation is more limited and it takes a bit more effort to reach other areas of the island. Nightlife and large restaurant choices are also limited, but for many visitors that is exactly what makes it so appealing. It’s also very close to the ferry to Antiparos.
Read more: How to plan your perfect daytrip from Paros to Antiparos
Best things to do in the south of Paros and Aliki include visiting the small beaches, exploring the traditional villages, enjoying the quieter coastal scenery, and taking time to slow down and experience a more relaxed side of the island.
- Best budget options in South Paros: Helen’s Minimal Studios & Apartments, Glyfa Villa, Pebble Summer house
- Best boutique hotels in South Paros: Acoya Residences, Melora Villas Paros
- Best luxury stays in South Paros: Parian Chronicle Hotel Paros by Hyatt, Paros Afrodite Luxury Villas
Staying in Lefkes in a traditional mountain village
Lefkes has a quiet, cultural, and deeply authentic atmosphere, making it a wonderful choice for hikers, culture enthusiasts, and travelers who want to avoid the busier tourist areas. Set inland and slightly elevated, it offers a slower pace and a more traditional side of Paros.
Lefkes is also the starting point of the Byzantine Road, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Cyclades.
Read more: Walk the Byzantine Road from Lefkes to Prodomos.
One of its biggest highlights is its beauty. With classic Cycladic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a hillside setting that keeps it cooler in summer, it feels like a place where time moves a little more slowly. Add in authentic tavernas and local cafes, and you have one of the most charming places to stay on the island.
Read more: The best things to do in Lefkes
The main drawback is that there is no direct beach access, and accommodation options are very limited. A car or scooter is also essential if you want to explore the rest of Paros comfortably, but for travelers seeking atmosphere and authenticity, that trade-off can be well worth it.
- Best budget options for Lefkes: Lefkes Village Living, Argy’s, Sunrise View Lefkes
- Best boutique hotels for Lefkes: Irini’s Poiēma
- Best luxury stays for Lefkes: Villa Luxury Magic view
Camping in Paros
Paros also has a small but appealing camping scene, with five campsites making it a good choice for travelers who prefer a more relaxed and budget-friendly way to stay on the island. It suits visitors who enjoy a simpler, outdoorsy holiday and want to experience Paros in a more laid-back way, especially if you want to combine this with some ferry travel and do some island hopping.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Paros
Paros offers something for every type of traveler, and choosing the right region can make or break your holiday. We loved our stay in Drios but when even when you’re drawn to the vibrant harbor life of Parikia, the romantic charm of Naoussa, the water sports scene on Golden Beach or the authentic mountain character of Lefkes , there’s a perfect spot for you.