Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Paros is one of Greece’s most captivating islands, offering the perfect blend of traditional Greek charm and modern sophistication. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, charming villages, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, this Cycladic gem has something for every traveler. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Paros.
We visited the island as part of a trip with Yacht Getaways, the luxurious skippered catamaran company. The Paros Explorer starts in Piso Livadi on Paros island, then travels on to Naoussa on Paros, before heading to Naxos, Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Ios and Antiparos and finishing back in Piso Livadi.
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1. Explore the Picturesque Village of Naoussa
Often considered the crown jewel of Paros, Naoussa is a postcard-perfect fishing village that embodies everything magical about the Greek islands. This charming harbor town features whitewashed Cycladic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a bustling waterfront lined with traditional fishing boats.
Spend your morning wandering through the village’s maze-like alleys, discovering hidden boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. The Venetian harbor, with its iconic fortress ruins, provides the perfect backdrop for sunset photography. Don’t miss the vibrant nightlife scene that comes alive after dark.
Tip: whilst restaurants like Barbarossa are famous for their napkin-waving after sundown, do yourself a favour and head to authentic local eateries such as Bountaraki in Parigia or Notos in Naoussa.
2. Relax at Livadia Beach
Just a short walk from Parikia, the island’s main port, Livadia Beach offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft golden sand. This family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The shallow waters make it ideal for children, while the nearby tavernas provide fresh seafood and cold drinks throughout the day.
The beach is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, and its proximity to Parikia makes it easily accessible for day trips.
3. Visit the Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Ekatontapiliani)
One of Greece’s most significant Byzantine monuments, the Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary dates back to the 4th century AD. This remarkable religious complex, also known as the “Church of 100 Doors,” is steeped in legend and history.
The cathedral features stunning Byzantine architecture, beautiful frescoes, and an impressive marble iconostasis. According to local tradition, the church will remain standing until 99 doors are found – the 100th door will only be discovered when Constantinople returns to Greek hands.
4. Wander Through Parikia Chora
The island’s capital and main port, Parikia, perfectly balances historical significance with modern amenities. The old town features classic Cycladic architecture with sugar-cube houses, bougainvillea-draped streets, and the famous Frankish Castle built from ancient marble ruins.
Explore the archaeological museum, browse local shops for handmade crafts, and enjoy waterfront dining at one of the many traditional tavernas overlooking the harbor.
5. Experience Paradise at Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti)
Golden Beach lives up to its name with stretches of fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This Blue Flag beach on the island’s southeastern coast is a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to the consistent northern winds (meltemi) that blow during summer months.
The beach offers excellent facilities including water sports centers, beach bars, and tavernas. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer to relax under an umbrella, Golden Beach caters to all preferences.
6. Marvel at the Unique Beauty of Kolympethres Beach
Kolympethres Beach stands out as one of Paros’s most distinctive and photogenic destinations. Located near Naoussa, this extraordinary beach is famous for its smooth, sculpted granite rocks that have been naturally carved by wind and waves over thousands of years, creating a lunar-like landscape that’s truly unique in the Cyclades.
The beach features multiple small coves and sandy patches nestled between these impressive rock formations, offering both sheltered swimming areas and dramatic scenery perfect for photography. The clear, calm waters make it ideal for families, while the striking geological features provide a fascinating natural playground to explore.
Several beach bars and tavernas are situated nearby, and the beach is easily accessible by a short walk from the main road or by taking one of the regular boat shuttles from Naoussa harbor during summer months.
7. Dine at Notos Restaurant
Overlooking the harbor in Naoussa, Notos Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience that combines traditional Greek flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. This stylish establishment has earned a reputation for its creative Mediterranean cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for romantic dinners, while their menu showcases the finest local ingredients including fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and premium Greek products. Their innovative approach to classic Greek dishes, combined with an excellent wine selection featuring both local and international labels, makes Notos a standout dining destination on the island.
8. Savor Fresh Seafood at Bountaraki Restaurant
Situated on the waterfront in Naoussa, Bountaraki Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with stunning harbor views. Known for their incredibly fresh seafood and creative Mediterranean cuisine, this establishment has become a favorite among both locals and visitors.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and innovative preparation methods has earned it recognition as one of the best dining spots on the island.
9. Explore the Charming Port of Piso Livadi
Once a bustling marble-exporting port, Piso Livadi has transformed into a charming seaside village perfect for a peaceful getaway. The small harbor is surrounded by traditional tavernas, while the nearby beaches offer excellent swimming and sunbathing opportunities.
The village serves as an excellent base for exploring the eastern part of the island and provides easy access to some of Paros’s most beautiful beaches.
10. Visit the Traditional Mountain Village of Lefkes
Perched high in the mountains of central Paros, Lefkes offers breathtaking panoramic views and a glimpse into traditional Greek island life. This picturesque village was built inland to protect residents from pirate raids and features beautiful stone architecture and narrow marble-paved streets.
The Byzantine Road, an ancient marble-paved path connecting Lefkes to Prodromos, provides an excellent hiking opportunity through the island’s stunning interior landscape.
11. Indulge in Wine Tasting at Moraitis Winery
Established in 1910, Moraitis Winery represents four generations of winemaking excellence on Paros. Located in Naoussa, this family-owned winery produces exceptional wines using both indigenous and international grape varieties.
Take a guided tour of the facilities, learn about traditional winemaking techniques, and enjoy tastings of their award-winning wines while taking in views of the surrounding vineyards and coastline.
12. Take a Day Trip to Antiparos
Just a short ferry ride from Paros, the small island of Antiparos offers a perfect day trip destination. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and the famous Antiparos Cave with its impressive stalactite formations.
The charming main town features narrow streets, traditional architecture, and excellent tavernas. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tom Hanks’ favorite spots – the Hollywood actor owns property on the island and is often spotted in local establishments.
We went to Antiparos as part of our Paros Explorer yacht trip and enjoyed looking around the stylish boutiques on the main street in Antiparos town. Save room for Vicky’s Ice Cream near the top of the street!
13. Discover Ancient History at the Archaeological Museum of Paros
Immerse yourself in the rich ancient history of Paros at this fascinating museum located in Parikia. The Archaeological Museum of Paros houses an impressive collection of artifacts that span thousands of years, from the Neolithic period through the Roman era.
The museum’s highlights include stunning marble sculptures, ancient pottery, and inscriptions that tell the story of this historically significant island. Take a look at the famous Parian Chronicle, a marble tablet that records important events in Greek history.
The museum provides valuable insights into how this island played a crucial role in ancient Greek civilization, particularly as a source of the renowned Parian marble used in many classical sculptures and buildings.
14. Explore Art at Fluxus Museum
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Fluxus Museum, which showcases contemporary art in a stunning setting. This unique cultural space hosts rotating exhibitions and installations that blend modern artistic expression with the natural beauty of Paros.
The museum provides a refreshing cultural experience and offers insight into Greece’s contemporary art scene.
Where to Stay in Paros
Choose from charming boutique hotels in Naoussa like Paros Palace Suites, beachfront resorts near Golden Beach, or traditional accommodations in Parikia for easy ferry access. Alternatively, take a yacht trip around the Cyclades islands and stay on board! Before embarking on our yacht trip, we stayed at Paros Palace Suites and found it to be an exceptional choice – our room was charming with beautiful traditional touches, and the pool area is lovely with comfortable lounging spaces.
Note that the pool is not heated, which is refreshing during the warm summer months but might be something to consider if you’re visiting during cooler seasons.
Paros offers an authentic Greek island experience that perfectly balances relaxation, culture, and adventure. From pristine beaches and charming villages to exceptional cuisine and rich history, this Cycladic gem provides unforgettable memories for every type of traveler. Start planning your Paros adventure today and discover why this beautiful island continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Tips For Your Paros Trip
How to Get to Paros
Getting to Paros is easier than you might think, with multiple transportation options available depending on your departure point and travel preferences.
By Air: Currently, there are no direct flights from the UK or US to Paros, but getting there is straightforward with a connection through Athens. Fly from any major UK airport to Athens International Airport (ATH), then catch a connecting flight to Paros National Airport (PAS). US travelers can fly from major cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, or Los Angeles to Athens, with airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and Lufthansa offering connecting services via European hubs.
The domestic flight from Athens to Paros takes approximately 45 minutes and operates regularly during the summer season. Airlines like Olympic Air and Sky Express service this route with multiple daily flights during peak season.
By Ferry: Ferry travel is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach Paros, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea and neighboring islands. Seajets operates high-speed ferries connecting Paros to numerous destinations including Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Piraeus (Athens’ main port). The journey from Mykonos takes approximately 30-45 minutes, making it perfect for island hopping adventures.
Other ferry companies like Blue Star Ferries and Golden Star Ferries also service the Paros route with both conventional and high-speed options. From Piraeus, the journey takes 3-4 hours by high-speed ferry or 4-5 hours by conventional ferry. During summer months, there are multiple daily departures, giving you flexibility in planning your arrival time.
Ferry connections are also available from other popular Cycladic islands including Santorini (1-2 hours), Naxos (30 minutes), and Ios (1 hour), making Paros an ideal base for exploring the island chain.
Store Your Luggage at Parikia Port
Maximize your time in Paros by taking advantage of convenient luggage storage options at Parikia port. Whether you’re arriving early before hotel check-in, have a late departure, or want to explore the island hands-free on your last day, several reliable storage services are available.
Bounce offers secure luggage storage with easy online booking and competitive rates. Their partner locations near the port provide a convenient solution for storing bags of any size while you explore Parikia or enjoy one last beach day.
Luggage Deposit – Internet Cafe provides another excellent option right in the heart of Parikia. This local establishment combines luggage storage services with internet access, making it perfect for travelers who need to stay connected while storing their belongings. Their central location makes it easy to drop off bags and then explore the town’s attractions, restaurants, and shops without being weighed down by heavy luggage.
Both services offer hourly and daily rates, ensuring you only pay for the time you actually need. This is particularly valuable for ferry passengers who want to make the most of their time on the island without dragging suitcases around cobblestone streets or sandy beaches.
Best Time to Visit Paros
May through October offers the warmest weather and calmest seas, though July and August can be crowded. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider visiting in late spring or early fall.
Getting Around Paros
Rent a car or scooter to explore the island at your own pace, or use the reliable local bus system that connects major towns and beaches.
Have you visited Paros? Share your favorite experiences in the comments below and help fellow travelers discover the magic of this incredible Greek island.
