Paros! Just the name brings a smile to our faces and a rush of warm memories. We visited Paros by ferry in September while staying in Syros. As soon as you arrive in Paros, you will see the first windmill in the capital of Paros, Parikia, one of the best things to do in Paros.
Paros has a blend of laid-back charm, mountain villages, stunning beaches, and authentic Greek island life. We found ourselves falling in love with its villages like Lefkes and Naoussa, and the sparkling blue waters. Paros is totally different then Milos and the other Cycladic Islands and has its own charms. It is the most visited island of the Cyclades after Santorini and Mykonos.
If you’re dreaming of a Greek island escape that offers a little bit of everything, then pack your bags and get ready, because we’re about to share the best things to do in Paros. We’ve walked the Byzantine Road, enjoyed the Kolympethres Beach, and tasted some of the best Greek food.
Our top things to do in Paros
Based on our own adventures, here are the absolute must-do experiences that made our trips to Paros so unforgettable, packed with our personal insights and tips for you! You should also consider renting a car in Paros!
1. Wander Through Parikia’s Old Town & Visit the Church with 100 doors
Parikia, the bustling capital and main port, is a delightful maze of narrow, winding streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and charming shops that we could explore for hours. At its heart lies the awe-inspiring Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the “Church of 100 Doors,” dating back to the 4th century.
After you visit the church, just let yourself get lost in the back alleys; you’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards, local artisan shops selling everything from ceramics to handmade jewelry, and cozy cafes perfect for a freddo cappuccino.
Don’t miss the remains of the Frankish Castle, behind the castle, you have the Archaic Temple of Athena for a spectacular panoramic sunset view over the town and harbor.
2. Visit Naoussa and the Venetian Port
Naoussa is the dazzling heart of Paros and arguably one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. By day, it feels like a postcard come to life, with whitewashed alleyways, vibrant pink bougainvillea, and small fishing boats gently bobbing in the harbour.
After sunset, the old Venetian port transforms into one large open-air dining area, with tables set right at the water’s edge. Lose yourself in the maze-like streets, browse stylish boutiques, and sip a cocktail as the sun slowly disappears into the sea.
During the summer months, Naoussa can get extremely busy. If you’d like to dine in the old harbour, it’s highly recommended to book a table in advance. Because we were there in October, it was quite calm, and some of the famous restaurants like Barbarossa were already closing. When you have a rental car, you’d better park it outside the town. We parked ours for free in a big parking lot here.
Tip: For the best photos without the crowds, set your alarm early and wander the streets around 8 a.m. The light is soft, and you’ll have this magical place almost entirely to yourself.
3. Relax and Play at Golden Beach (Chryssi Akti)
When we visited Paros, we didn’t stay in Parakia or Naoussa but in the small village of Dryos. Close to Dryos, you can find one of the best beaches in Paros, the Golden Beach or Chryssi Akti.
It is a long, golden sandy beach, it is well-organized, with plenty of comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, and the shallow, crystal-clear waters are just perfect, making it very family-friendly.
The beach is also known for watersports like windsurfing; there are 2 windsurfing clubs. It seems that the Force7 Windsurfing Center has the best reviews.
You don’t need to rent chairs, but you can also bring your own towel; the beach is big enough for everyone. It is easy to park your car in the parking lot close to the beach.
4. Explore the Kolymbithres Beach and the unique rock formations
Over centuries, wind and sea have sculpted smooth, moon-like granite rocks that form a series of unique little sandy coves. After we parked our rental car, we had to look for our own private rock pool. We brought our own lunch with us; it was just the perfect spot by the water. This is totally different then the usual long stretches of sand.
In summer, we recommend going early to reserve your perfect spot. The sea here is shallow and calm, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Close to the Kolymbithres beach, you can find some local taverns. It is also possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas if you want more comfort. The beach is only 15minutes away from Naoussa.
5. Walk the Byzantine Road from Lefkes
Lefkes is the starting point of the Byzantine Path, an ancient marble trail that leads through olive groves to the village of Prodromos. It’s an easy and scenic walk that takes about one hour. If you wish, you can continue to Marmara and Marpissa. There is a bus you can take back to Lefkes.
First, you can visit Lefkes. It’s a traditional, car-free village with stunning neoclassical architecture, breathtaking panoramic views down to the sea, and a peaceful, authentic vibe that we adored. The main square, with its towering church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), is a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely coffee or a local pastry. It’s best to go early to avoid the big groups who arrive after 10 am.
After your visit to Lefkes, you can go down the trail to Prodromos. This is the starting point of the Byzantine Road from Lefkes to Prodromos, one of our favorite things to do in Paros. Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
6. Take a magical day trip to Antiparos
A trip to Paros isn’t complete without visiting its small, laid-back sister island, Antiparos. Just a short and inexpensive ferry ride away from the port of Pounta, you can be on the island in about 20 minutes, making it an easy and rewarding day trip—or even a lovely overnight escape.
You can cross on foot or bring your rental car along, as we did. The cost was around 25€ for our car and the our of us. It’s nice to have your rental car in Antiparos. We were unlucky as it was raining all day long when we visited Antiparos, but still, we discovered as much as possible.
Antiparos Chora, the island’s main village, has a single pedestrian street that winds its way through whitewashed houses and cosy cafés, leading to a Venetian castle at the heart of the village. We loved spending the morning here, browsing small boutiques filled with artisan crafts.
To explore further, you can take our own car or rent a scooter to discover Antiparos’ quieter beaches and one of its highlights: the Cave of Antiparos.
You can finish your day at beaches like Soros or Faneromeni beach, where the atmosphere is peaceful and still unspoiled.
For a more relaxed experience, consider a boat trip around the island, which takes you to some of Antiparos’s most beautiful spots, including the famous Blue Lagoon.
7. Discover Paros Park and hike to the lighthouse
Located only 20 minutes from Naoussa, Paros Park is a protected natural area with hiking trails, stunning coastal views, and a beautiful sandy beach called Monastiri. We left our car at the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti, a must-visit when in Paros.
In Paros Park, there is a 7 km network of trails that leads to the other side of the peninsula. There are stunning views of the Aegean and the nearby islands, Mykonos, Delos, Tinos, Naxos, and Syros. Our favorite trail is the trail to Cape Tourkos, where you can find a 19th-century lighthouse at the north-easternmost point of Paros.
7. Discover Prodromos and the Monastery in Marpissa
At the end of the Byzantine Road, you can find Prodromos. The charming squares, whitewashed alleys adorned with bougainvillea and old churches, are lovely to explore. You can find a simple, home-cooked meal in one of the kafenions, like Kallitechniko or Byzantino.
After your visit to Prodromos, it’s time to discover Marpissa, a smaller village close by. Close to the center of Marpissa, you can also find the beautiful monastery of St. Antonios. You can choose to hike to the top or drive in your car. But the road is small and difficult for two cars to pass in opposite directions at the same time, so it’s nicer to hike up. The monastery offers truly breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern coast of Paros and the sparkling Aegean Sea.
It’s a place that feels steeped in history and offers a profound sense of peace. We highly recommend timing your visit for the late afternoon, as the golden hour light illuminates the landscape beautifully, and the sunsets from here are simply spectacular. Remember to wear respectful clothing as it is an active religious site.
When we visited the monastery, it was open, and you could enter the church and have a view of the rooms. Opening hours: Every day 11:00-14:00 and 19:00-21:00
8. Explore the Ancient Marble Quarries of Marathi
For a fascinating step back in time, we highly recommend exploring the Ancient Marble Quarries of Marathi, located in the central part of the island. This is where the world-renowned Parian marble, known as ‘Parian Lychnites’ for its translucent quality, was extracted since the 3rd millennium BC, used in masterpieces like the Venus de Milo and parts of the Parthenon.
It’s not yet a highly organized tourist site, which we found added to its raw, archaeological charm. We advise visiting with a rental car or scooter as it’s inland, and wearing sturdy shoes. Bring a flashlight if you want to peer into some of the more accessible tunnels (but always exercise caution). We noticed that the tunnels were closed with fences. You can do a guided visit; check their website for more information.
9. Taste the local flavors of Andros
Paros offers incredible dishes with fresh, local ingredients. You can still find family-run tavernas where mothers and grandmothers still cook traditional recipes. Here are a few things you need to try:
- Gouna: a sund-dried salted fish
- Capers of Paros: the capers have a salty taste, which makes them perfect for salads, sauces, and dishes
- Revithada: a slow-cooked chickpea stew
- Try the local Parian wine or try a shot of ‘souma‘, the island’s grape spirit.
10. Enjoy the beach and have dinner in Piso Livadi
The beach and harbor of Piso Livadi were one of the highlights of Paros for us. First and foremost, it boasts a beautiful beach with several beach bars and a fantastic gyro stall (Mango).
Then, you can head down to the smaller beach and the harbor, where you’ll find the most charming restaurants along the quay. This is also where you’ll probably find the best seafood restaurant in Paros, Markakis Restaurant.
Piso Livado is also a good place to stay when visiting Paros, as its location is quite central on the island.
Best time to visit Paros?
Based on our trips, we’d say the shoulder seasons (May-early June and September-early October) are absolutely ideal.
July and August can get very busy. After Mykonos and Santorini, Paros is the most visited island of the Greek Cyclades. Accommodations and ferries are also more expensive in July and August.
If you want to go off-season, from November to April, Paros becomes very quiet. Many tourist-oriented businesses close, and the weather can be unpredictable, often cooler and windier. But it’s budget-friendly and gives you a better glimpse of the local life. But don’t expect a typical beach holiday.
How to get to Paros
Getting to Paros is easy with the ferry; there is also a small airport with connections to Athens. Make sure to book your ferry ahead of time, especially in high season.
- By Ferry from Athens: This is the most popular option for reaching Paros.
- From Piraeus Port: You can catch conventional ferries (which typically take around 4-5 hours) or high-speed catamarans (around 2.5-3 hours). The conventional ferries offer a more relaxed journey with plenty of deck space to enjoy the Aegean views.
- From Rafina Port: This port is closer to Athens International Airport and offers similar ferry services. It can be a good alternative if you’ve just landed and want to head straight to the islands, avoiding the Piraeus traffic.
- From Piraeus Port: You can catch conventional ferries (which typically take around 4-5 hours) or high-speed catamarans (around 2.5-3 hours). The conventional ferries offer a more relaxed journey with plenty of deck space to enjoy the Aegean views.
- By Flight from Athens: Paros has a small national airport (PAS) with frequent direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH). The flight is quick (around 30-40 minutes) and incredibly convenient. This is ideal if you want to maximize your time on the island, avoid ferry travel, or have limited time.
- From Other Cycladic Islands: Paros is incredibly well-connected to its neighboring islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Syros, Ios, Milos, etc.) with frequent ferry services throughout the summer, making it a perfect, central base for island-hopping adventures.
What to wear in Paros
When traveling to Paros during the busy summer months, packing is refreshingly simple. Aim for relaxed pieces that handle the heat well but still look polished — island life here is laid-back, yet effortlessly chic. Breathable fabrics like linen, soft cotton, and airy silhouettes will keep you comfortable from morning coffees to sunset strolls.
Sun protection is essential, so be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses. Beach days tend to stretch on in Paros, so having a couple of swimsuits makes life easier, along with an easy throw-on for lunch at a seaside taverna or a quick stop in town.
Paros is made for exploring, from charming villages to coastal paths. Sturdy walking shoes for the Byzantine Path are far more practical than relying solely on sandals. As the day winds down, temperatures can dip slightly — especially when the Meltemi winds roll through — making a lightweight layer useful year-round. And while the vibe is relaxed, evenings in places like Naoussa or Parikia call for something a little more refined, so bring an outfit that feels casual yet elegant for dinner by the water.
Read more: What to wear for the Greek islands + packing list
Where to stay in Paros
Since Paros has become very touristy, finding accommodation isn’t a problem. The main towns are Parakia (ferry access) and Naousa (for families and nightlife). However, we preferred being a little further away from the hustle and bustle, in Drios (for peace and quiet).
Some of our favorite accommodations are:
- La Mer Seaside Apartments (Drios): The accommodation is fantastic. It is in a wonderful location with ocean views and walking distance to restaurants and bars
- Argonauta Hotel (Parikia): Wonderful location, very generous, delicious breakfast, lovely room, very warm welcome.
- Paros Villas Nereids (Parikia): close to the ferry, the views are breathtaking, and the sunsets are truly unforgettable.
- Augusta Studios & Apartments (Naousa): close to the beach and the city center of Naousa. The front apartments have an ocean view.
- Cavo Piso Livadi: this place is close to the harbor and the beach. Beautiful swimming pool. And a very good breakfast.
Our favorite restaurants in Paros
This is where our personal taste truly comes in! Greek cuisine has become one of our favorites. We love eating delicious local food.
- Sigi Ikthios (Naousa): This is probably one of the most famous restaurants in Naousa and far beyond. It’s packed every night. It’s a fantastic spot right by the old harbor. Booking in advance is definitely recommended.
- Taverna Alexandros (Parikia): This tavern is located on the waterfront, with some beautiful trees on the terrace. The staff is super friendly, and the typical Greek food, like moussaka or lamb stew, is reasonably priced. What more could you ask for?
- Kafénion (traditional Greek Café Lefkes): This cafe is located by Lefkes Cathedral. Unfortunately, it was just closed when we visited. You can enjoy delicious coffee and other sweet treats here. The blue shutters complete the look.
- Charoula’s Tavern (Marpissa): This small restaurant in the center of Marpissa offers an extensive menu. Ideal if you’ve just climbed to the monastery.
- Restaurant Anna (Drios): Grandma’s still in the kitchen here. The location isn’t the most romantic, but the food is so delicious. You can choose what you fancy from the counter. Takeout is also available. One of my favorite places in Paros.
Final thoughts on what to do in Paros
What we love most is its incredible balance: you can easily have a lively, action-packed holiday filled with watersports and nightlife, or a tranquil, peaceful retreat in a quiet village – often all within the same day if you choose!
Our best advice is this: mix it up and embrace the journey! Spend your mornings exploring a traditional mountain village like Lefkes, your afternoons soaking up the sun and swimming in the clear waters of a beautiful beach, and your evenings indulging in incredible food and the vibrant nightlife of Naoussa or Parikia.
We highly recommend renting a car or scooter for a few days to explore at your own pace, giving you the freedom to uncover all its hidden gems. We know you’re going to love Paros just as much as we do. It’s an island that truly calls you back again and again, and we can’t wait to hear about your own Parian adventure!