If you follow me on Instagram you will know by now I have a small obsession with Paros. In fact, I've been back four times and I'm still not done with the island. It might be small but there are so many things to do in Paros!
So what is it about Paros that brings me back year after year? Paros has the beauty and glamour of Mykonos but without the crowds and without anything feeling over the top. Thing of it as a toned down version but with all the charm.
My first trip was paired with Mykonos. We hired a car, drove the whole island, stopped in Lefkes, took the ferry to Antiparos, ate too much and stayed out too late. I was completely sold. Every trip since has looked slightly different, two nights here as part of a longer Cyclades route, a longer stay based entirely in Naoussa, a June trip in 2025 that reminded me all over again why this island has my whole heart.
I based myself in Naoussa every time I visit and that's my recommendation for where to stay. Everything in this guide comes from four real trips, the restaurant recommendations, the beach picks, the practical tips. If something is worth knowing about Paros, it's in here.
Planning your Paros trip?
These guides will help you plan every detail:
🏛️ Best Greek Island Hopping Routes — how to choose between the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese
🏝️ Mykonos, Paros and Naxos Itinerary — the perfect 10 day Cyclades route
⛴️ How to Get to Paros — ferries, flights and the easiest routes
🏨 Best Hotels in Naoussa — for all budgets
📍 Parikia vs Naoussa — if you're still deciding where to base yourself
🚢 Greek Island Ferries Guide — everything you need to know before you board
Who is Paros best for?
One of the things I love most about the island is how well it works for different types of traveller. It's not a one-trick island, it doesn't skew heavily toward party crowds like Ios or honeymooners like Santorini. There are so many things to do in Paros, it just works for almost everyone, which is rare.
Couples
Paros is one of the most romantic islands in Greece. Naoussa harbour at golden hour, al fresco dinners on the waterfront, cobbled lanes lit by lanterns in the evening, it has all the ingredients without the Santorini price tag or the Mykonos intensity.
Best hotels in Paros for couples:
Families
Paros works really well for families, better than most people expect. The beaches are calmer than Mykonos and the island is small enough to navigate easily.
The south-facing beaches like Faragas and Aliki are naturally protected from the summer wind which makes them particularly good for younger children.
Summer Senses Luxury Resort on Golden Beach is the go-to family option with kids' pools, a playground and family suites, though you'll need a car to reach Naoussa from there.
First-time Greek island visitors
Paros is my top recommendation for a first Cyclades trip. It gives you everything you came for, whitewashed lanes, turquoise water, harbour tavernas, bougainvillea, all without the crowds, inflated prices or the feeling that you're on a conveyor belt of tourists.
Best all rounder hotels that don't break the bank:
- Kokoon - Parikia
- Marjay Boutique - Parikia
- Fortilia Hotel - Naoussa
- Lil Paros Luxury Suites - Prodromos
- Paros Bay - Parasporos
Groups of friends
Groups tend to do enjoy Paros because there's enough variety to keep everyone happy — beach days, boat trips, good restaurants and cocktail bars.
Villa rentals work particularly well for groups, and Naoussa has a good supply of properties sleeping six to ten people within walking distance of the harbour. If you'd rather a hotel, Petres near Kolymbithres is well-suited to groups, boutique, good pool, short drive from Naoussa.
Best villas in Paros for groups of friends
Where is Paros and How Do You Get There?
Paros sits right in the heart of the Cyclades, geographically central, which is one of the reasons it works so well as a base for island hopping.
It's roughly equidistant from Mykonos to the north and Santorini to the south, with Naxos just a 25-minute ferry ride away.
Getting there is straightforward from wherever you're travelling. From the UK there are direct flights to Mykonos and Santorini in summer, and from either island Paros is a short ferry hop.
If you're flying from the US or further afield you'll likely route through Athens, where ferries to Paros run regularly from Piraeus port, journey time is around three to four hours depending on the operator.
Paros also has its own small airport with connecting flights from Athens, which takes around 40 minutes and is worth considering if you're tight on time or want to avoid the ferry crossing entirely.
For full details on every route, ferry operator, booking platform and what to expect when you arrive, I've put together a complete guide to getting to Paros here.
Is Paros Nicer Than Mykonos?
This is a question I get asked a lot, and my honest answer is that it depends on your own tastes.
In terms of the islands themselves, both are beautiful, this isn't a case of one being obviously better than the other. Mykonos has better beaches in my opinion, and the iconic whitewashed Chora is hard to argue with. But Paros has more pretty towns. Naoussa, Parikia's old quarter, Lefkes inland, there's more variety and more of those quiet, stumble-upon moments that make a Greek island trip feel special.
Mykonos can feel like it's all been curated for Instagram. Paros still has corners that feel newly discovered.
Where Paros wins clearly for me is atmosphere. Mykonos is one of the greatest party islands in Europe and if that's what you want it delivers brilliantly, but if it's not what you want it can feel overwhelming and expensive in equal measure.
Paros has good nightlife — Naoussa at midnight has energy — but it never tips into party central. The beach clubs are more low-key, the cocktail bars are chilled rather than relentless, and you can have a fun evening without feeling like you need to keep up with anyone.
Both islands have excellent accommodation options across the full range — luxury hotels with private pools, quaint townhouses, smaller boutique hotels at more accessible prices. Mykonos charges a premium across the board simply because of the name. The same quality of hotel in Paros will almost always cost you less.
My verdict: if you want beaches and don't mind intensity, Mykonos. If you want beauty, atmosphere and a trip that feels more like real Greece, Paros. I would say there are the same amount of things to do in Paros as there are in Mykonos, despite the island being less known.
Things to Do in Paros
Before my first trip I didn't fully understand what Paros had to offer beyond Naoussa. Most of what I'd seen on Instagram was the harbour, the whitewashed lanes, the waterfront restaurants. Beautiful, obviously, but I wasn't sure it justified more than a couple of nights... I was completely wrong.
What surprised me most on that first trip was how much variety the island packs in for its size. We hired a car and within a single day had driven through the mountain village of Lefkes, swum at Kolymbithres, and even took the ferry across to Antiparos.
So whilst Naoussa absolutely deserves its reputation and you could happily spend your entire trip there, I'd encourage you to see more of the island if you can. Here's what I'd recommend if you are looking for the best things to do in Paros:
Things to Do in Naoussa
If you only do one thing in Paros, make it an evening in Naoussa. No matter how many times I visit, I still get that feeling when I walk down to the harbour at golden hour, the light turning everything golden, the fishing boats bobbing in the port, the tables filling up along the waterfront... It never gets old!
Enjoy cocktails in the old town
Naoussa does cocktail bars better than anywhere else in Greece, my favourite is Sante, a bar that sprawls out onto the street under a huge tree, where your drinks are served with a side of popcorn.
Wine tasting
If you're a wine lover, Moraitis Estate just outside Naoussa is worth an afternoon — a fourth-generation family winery that's been producing wine since 1910, with guided tours and tastings of their indigenous Paros grape varieties. It's on my list for my next visit and offers something a little different to what mot visitors see and do.
Boutique shopping
One of the best things to do in Paros! The cobbled lanes behind the harbour are worth getting lost in. There are boutiques selling locally made ceramics, jewellery and linen clothing that are independent rather than the same tourist shops you find everywhere. I always find something worth buying in Naoussa that I wouldn't have found anywhere else, it's that kind of place and I love it.
Grab dinner
Whatever else you do in Paros, make sure you have at least one dinner in Naoussa.
My honest tip though: resist the waterfront tables. They look beautiful and the setting is hard to argue with, but the food at the restaurants right on the harbour tends to be more expensive and less special than what you'll find just a few streets back.
Wander into the lanes behind the port, find somewhere small with a few tables spilling onto the cobbles, and eat there instead. That's where the best food in Naoussa actually is and it'll cost you less too. Matina & Stavros is my personal recommendation for exactly this kind of dining.
Things to do Parikia
Parikia tends to get written off as just the ferry port, somewhere you pass through rather than somewhere you stay. I thought the same before I actually spent time there, and I was wrong.
Explore the old town
The old town sits just a few streets back from the waterfront and most people never find it, which is exactly what makes it worth seeking out. The moment I walked away from the port cafes and into the lanes behind, I was surprised by how pretty it was — whitewashed houses, bougainvillea spilling over walls, almost no one around. It has a quieter, more local feel than Naoussa.
The Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani
The Church of 100 Doors is an unmissable landmark and one of the most significant Byzantine monuments in Greece. It sits in the centre of Parikia and is best viewed in the morning
Get morning coffee
Nothing beats the local feel of Parikia, and for coffee, Cafe Symposium is my recommendation. It's a lovely espresso bar with an outdoor seating area that's ideal for a slow morning before the day begins. If you're looking for things to do in Paros that don't require much energy, this is it!
Sunset cocktails
For the evening, Zen cocktail bar is worth knowing about for a sunset drink.
Things to do in Paros (general)
Visit Lefkes
Sitting in the hills at the centre of the island, Lefkes is the former capital of Paros. It's home to marble streets, traditional stone houses, flower-filled alleys and almost no one around. I loved it from the moment I arrived.
Most visitors to Paros never make it here, which is exactly why you should. Give yourself an hour or two to wander without a plan, there's a beautiful Byzantine path that connects Lefkes to the neighbouring village of Prodromos if you want a short hike, and the views over the island from the top are gorgeous.
Have a coffee in the main square before you head back to the coast and remind yourself that this is what Greece looked like before everyone discovered it.
Take a boat trip
Whilst most boat trips go from Naxos, there are a few departing Paros and it's a great day out if you have more than a few days on the island.
This boat tour to Antiparos departs the Port of Pounta, just south of Parikia. It will take you through sea caves, cliff jumping (if you want to), swimming, and the bonus is lunch and drinks are included too.
Go to the beach
Beaches are high on the list of most people searching for things to do in Paros. Kolymbithres near Naoussa is the most distinctive beach in Paros, with its sculpted granite rock formations that look unlike anything else in the Cyclades.
For something quieter, Faragas on the southern coast is a more secluded option with a beach bar and sun loungers but without the crowds of the main beaches.
Santa Maria near Naoussa is the family-friendly choice with calm shallow water, while Golden Beach on the east coast is where you go if you want wind sports, it consistently gets strong winds and has a lively beach club scene to match.
Where to Stay in Paros: Naoussa vs Parikia
If someone asks me where to stay in Paros, my answer is usually Naoussa. It's the prettier of the two towns, it's more refined has excellent restaurants, and good bars. It's walkable, atmospheric and lovely to come back to at the end of the day.
That said, Parikia is worth knowing about. It's the island's capital and main ferry port, which makes it the more practical base if you're island-hopping or watching your budget — accommodation tends to be cheaper, and you won't be paying for a taxi every time a ferry rolls in at midnight. It has its own old town worth a wander too, even if it doesn't quite have the same charm.
For most people visiting Paros for the first time, I'd say Naoussa wins. But the right answer does depend on how you're travelling , so if you want the full breakdown, I've written a dedicated guide comparing both towns in detail.
👉 Read the full Naoussa vs Parikia guide here
Getting Around Paros
Do You Need a Car?
Paros is one of the better Greek islands for public transport, the bus network is reliable and covers the main routes well. That said, If you have a long list of things to do in Paros, having a car makes a significant difference.
Best car Hire in Paros
I used Unique Car Rentals on my most recent trip and would go back without hesitation.
They're a couple of minutes' walk from the port in Parikia, the pickup and drop-off was smooth, and the car itself was a good compact size.
Book in advance in peak season as good vehicles go quickly.
Can I hire a scooter in Paros?
There are plenty of scooter rentals in Paros. If you're based in Naoussa and mainly want to beach hop rather than explore the whole island, a scooter is a fun and practical option.
Hiring one for a day or two gives you the freedom to reach beaches that buses don't serve without the cost of a full car rental. Rates are typically around €20–25 per day in peak season.
Check out Best Paros Rentals for hiring scooters, they're based in Parikia.
Taking the Bus in Paros
The KTEL Paros bus network is well run and affordable. The minimum fare is €2 for a full ticket (€1 for a half ticket), with longer routes costing €2.50 or €3.50 depending on the destination.
If you're planning a full day of exploring by bus, KTEL Paros also offers a day pass for €10 covering unlimited travel across all routes — worth it if you're moving between three or more destinations in a single day.
The main bus hub is Parikia port, with routes connecting to Naoussa, Aliki, Lefkes and the Punda ferry point for Antiparos. There are even some services to the beaches like Golden Beach.
The Parikia to Naoussa route is the one most visitors use, it runs roughly every hour during the day in early season and more frequently in peak summer, takes around 20 minutes and costs around €3. The buses stat after 7am and stop before 9pm
Schedules change every few weeks as the season progresses so always check the KTEL Paros website for the most current timetables before you travel.
How Many Days in Paros is Enough?
I'll give you some options to help you decide... Due to its central location in the Cyclades, Paros is often visited as a stop rather than for one full holiday.
3 days
Three days is the minimum to get a real feel for the island. You can cover Naoussa, spend time on the beaches, have a morning in Parikia and do a boat trip. It works if Paros is one stop on a longer island hopping route, but if it's your main destination I'd push for longer.
4 days
Four days in Paros is the sweet spot for most people. You have enough time to do Naoussa properly, explore Parikia, get to Lefkes, take the ferry to Antiparos and still have dedicated beach days.
People don't realise there are so many things to do in Paros and because of that, they don't schedule enough time here.
My recommendation
Always stay four days or more if you can manage it. Honestly I could spend a week on Paros without getting bored. I've been four times and I still feel like there are corners of the island I haven't properly explored.
If you're combining Paros with Mykonos and Naxos on a longer Cyclades trip, four nights on Paros with three on each of the others gives you a ten day itinerary that covers the route without feeling rushed. I cover that in full in my Mykonos, Paros and Naxos itinerary here.
What Not to Miss in Paros
Four trips in and there are still things I do every single time without fail. These are my personal favourites, things I'd have been gutted to miss.
Naoussa harbour at golden hour
This one is so simple and yet it's one of the best things to do in Paros, maybe the best.
Everything I've said about Naoussa in this guide comes back to this one moment. Get yourself a drink somewhere along the harbour around an hour before sunset and just sit there. Watch the light change, watch the town fill up, watch the fishing boats come in.
Kolymbithres beach
Kolymbithres Beach is my favourite beach in Paros, it looks almost surreal. Go in the morning before the boat trips arrive from Parikia and you'll have it nearly to yourself.
Dinner at Matina & Stavros
Skip the waterfront tables and find this place instead. It's everything a Greek taverna should be, it's unpretentious, warm, and serving food that tastes like it was made by someone who really cares.
The Antiparos day trip
Take the short ferry from Pounda and spend a day on Antiparos before coming back to Naoussa for the evening. It's quieter, my sister and I went mid afternoon and it was almost empty. This was in 2018 before Paros had made it onto the map, but it still is much less visited and has a completely different atmosphere to Paros itself.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Paros
1. What is Paros famous for?
Paros is famous for its marble heritage, the fishing harbour of Naoussa, the unique granite rock formations at Kolymbithres beach, and the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani in Parikia.
It's also increasingly gaining popularity for its food scene too!
2. What is the prettiest town in Greece?
Naoussa. I'll die on this hill! Yes, Oia in Santorini gets all the attention and yes, it's beautiful, but Naoussa has an authenticity that Oia lost somewhere along the way. The Venetian harbour ruins, the cobbled lanes, the way the town comes alive in the evening without feeling like a theme park, it's my favourite place in Greece.
3. Is Paros windy?
Yes, the Meltemi wind affects Paros in July and August, which is something worth knowing before you book. It can pick up significantly in late summer and while it makes the heat more bearable, it does affect ferry crossings and can make some of the more exposed beaches less pleasant. If you're planning a Cyclades trip in August, build flexibility into your ferry connections, I cover this in detail in my Cyclades ferry guide here.
4. What is the best month to visit Paros?
June is the best time to visit Paros, especially the first two weeks. The sea is warm enough to swim, the weather is reliably sunny without the suffocating August heat, and Naoussa has a beautiful atmosphere without being overwhelmed.
I've been going in early June for years and it always delivers. September is a close second if budget is a priority. prices drop noticeably and the island quietens down, though be aware the Meltemi wind can still cause issues with ferries in early September.
5. Is Paros good for a honeymoon?
Yes, Paros is good for a honeymoon, particularly if you stay in Naoussa. It has a romance to rival Santorini, but without the crowds. Sunset drinks at the harbour, dinner at a waterfront taverna, a boat trip to a secluded cove, Paros does romance very well and at a slightly lower price point than the more famous honeymoon destinations in Greece.
6. Do you need a visa to visit Paros?
Paros is part of Greece which is in the Schengen Area. UK visitors can currently visit for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa. US visitors also don't currently need a visa for short stays. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel as these can change.
About the author
Hannah has been travelling the world for the last 10 years but after a trip to Greece in 2019 with her sister, she can't stop going back. Whilst the Cyclades are her most visited island, she now travels to Greece every summer to find somewhere new.
Hannah loves all things pink so the summer bougainvillea that shades the Greek streets means she has her camera in her hands 24/7.
Hannah dreams of spending 6 months travelling through the Greek islands but hasn't done so yet because of her dog, Baxter, who wouldn't like the summer heat. So that's a dream for the future!
Hannah has set her sights on a number of Greek islands, mostly the Ionian Islands of which she would love to explore further. What keeps bringing her back? Aside from its beauty she loves the people, the food, and of course one of her favourite movies is Mamma Mia.
