Paros Greece: Travel Guide 2024 | Greeka (2024)

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PAROS

Paros sits in the heart of the Aegean sea and belongs to the Cyclades. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, mainly known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and enchanting sandy beaches with transparent waters.

Find out everything about your holidays in Paros Greece in our travel guide! Discover the best things to do, beautiful sights, fantastic beaches, top hotels and restaurants, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!

The island is easily reachable via plane from the International Airport of Athens and by ferry from the ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion). Being close to the most renowned Cyclades islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos, Paros is the perfect starting point for island hopping!
The island can satisfy anyone! Are you ready to discover it?

How to Get there?

Best Hotels(+50)

Best things to Do(+20)

Where to Swim?(+30)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN PAROS

Book your trip to Paros with Greeka, the Greek islands specialists! We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. From tours to hotels and from car rentals to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential services to make your travel to Santorini the most epic and smooth one.
Our travel services are rated . Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece. Read reviews about our services.

  • Ferry tickets
  • Car rentals
  • Island hopping packages
  • Tailor-made Services

ABOUT PAROS GREECE

Paros is an island at the center of the Cyclades island group. Combining modern with traditional elements in the most unique way, it is a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, vivid nightlife, magical beaches, enchanting rural villages and historical monuments.
Whether you’re after a relaxing holiday or you are more of a thrill-seeker, Paros island will give you exactly what you want!

Boasting a beautiful natural landscape and 120 km of coastline, Paros is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. It has endlessgolden-sand beaches, verdant mountains and cliff-top villages.

Being a short ferry ride away from Athens, it is easily accessible from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion ports. What’s more, its proximity to popular Cyclades islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos makes it the perfect island-hopping base!

The two main villages of Paros and the places where the heart of the island’s nightlife beats are Parikia and Naoussa.
Full of traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants and sophisticated bars, Parikia and Naoussa overflow with young crowds every night during summer.
If busy places and loud music aren’t your cups of tea, though, you can wander in the tranquil traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the different faces of Paros!

In truth, this island is famous for one thing in particular: its beaches! Beautiful, sandy, with crystal clear waters and many facilities, the beaches of Paros are stunning! Santa Maria, Golden Beach and Kolymbithres are some of the most famous ones. However, there are also many secluded beaches, for those who seek privacy!

Are you a water sports enthusiast? Then Paros is going to be your dream destination! Its ideal wind conditions, thanks to the “Meltemia” winds, rank it as a top destination for water sports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

More about Paros

PHOTOS OF PAROS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Paros island through the lens of the talented members of theGreeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

When searching for a place to stay in Paros, the wide variety of facilities to choose from will not disappoint you!
The island is one of the most popular summer destinations in Greece and the tourist infrastructure is certainly well-developed. The majority of accommodation facilities are either central or seafront, while some are also located in small villages or at remote places in the countryside. Some of the most popular areas to look for accommodation include Parikia, Naoussa & Golden Beach. In order to blend harmoniously into the surroundings, accommodation facilities have been built according to the standards of Cycladic architecture to help preserve the local tradition.

Luxury hotels, budget apartments, family-run studios and villas with private pools are among the options, accommodating the needs of all kinds of visitors. Discover all the accommodation options in Paros and find the best place to spend your vacation!

Some of the most popular hotels are:
ParilioCosmeSeesooSaint Andreas

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HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

The most popular way to reach Paros is by ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) but the island can also be reached by taking a flight.
You can also include Paros in an island-hopping itinerary as many other beautiful Greek islands are located nearby: Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos and more.
Book your ferry tickets with us!

Discover more about the different ways to get to Paros & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights • Island-hopping • Move around

Travel there

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF PAROS

Discover the best of Paros! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience! You can also view All things to do.

  • Swim at Kolymbithres

    Category:Beaches

    Located right opposite the bay of Naoussa, Kolymbithres is famous for its crystal waters and the nice rock formations. It is accessible by bus or boat from Naoussa.

  • Naoussa, the cosmopolitan village

    Category:Villages

    The old port of Naoussa is the most picturesque spot in Paros. Located on the northern side of the island, Naoussa has many fish restaurants, lounge bars and cafeterias.

  • Lefkes, the traditional village

    Category:Villages

    Lefkes is a mountainous village with pure Cycladic architecture, located in the center of the inland. This was the old capital of the island until the mid-19th century.

  • Stay at Spiti Marie

    Category:Hotels

    Spiti Marie (Marie’s House) is a beautiful villa offering comfort and amazing views. It located in Aspro Chorio, few kilometers aways from Golden Beach and the village of Drios.

  • Golden beach

    Category:Beaches

    One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Golden Beach has soft sand and crystal waters. This is also a popular windsurfing spot on the island.

  • Stroll around Parikia

    Category:Villages

    Parikia is the capital and main port of the island. It has a typical Cycladic architecture with beautiful alleys with whitewashed cubic and flat-roofed houses with spare architectural lines and colored wooden doors, windows, and balconies.

  • Learn to Kitesurf

    Category:Sports

    Take a kitesurfing lesson! Paros is one of the most popular destinations in Greece for kitesurfing and more especially the beach of Pounda.

  • The instagramic Agios Ioannis Detis

    Category:Things to see

    Agios Ioannis Detis is a beautiful blue-domed church overlooking the bay of Naoussa and the endless blue of the Aegean sea.

  • Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani

    Category:Things to see

    Located in Parikia, the capital town, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapyliani is the protector of the island. The name of the church means the monastery with the hundred doors.

  • Party at Pounda Beach bar

    Category:Clubs

    Pounda Beach is the destination for young people looking to party in Paros. It organizes events with some of the top DJs of Europe.

  • Marcello Beach

    Category:Beaches

    Marchello is located just in front of the village of Parikia. It can be accessed by the road and with a little boat making the routes many times per day.

  • Archaeological Museum

    Category:Things to see

    The museum hosts findings that were brought to light during excavations in Paros and Antiparos. These findings date from the Neolithic to the early Christian times and include the Nike (Victory) of Paros, the marble statue of Mermaid Gorgo, Cycladic figurines, mosaics and, more.

  • Visit Naoussa Venetian Castle

    Category:Things to see

    The Venetian Fort of Naoussa, dated from the 15th century, is located in the old port and it is the most characteristic spot of this lovely town.

  • Relax on Santa Maria Beach

    Category:Beaches

    Santa Maria is a long coastline divided into two soft, golden sandy beaches which offer a beautiful view on the island of Naxos and has crystal emerald waters.

  • Frankish castle

    Category:Things to see

    The splendid Frankish Castle is one of the most enduring monuments on the island of Paros. It was built in the 1200s by the Venetian Sanoudos.

  • Category:Beaches

    Monastiri Beach is also located in the bay of Naoussa. It is a small sandy beach surrounded by beautiful rocky hills.

  • The authentic Marpissa village

    Category:Villages

    Marpissa is an authentic Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses, standing among narrow streets, churches and windmills. It is located just above Piso Livadi.

  • Swim at Molos beach

    Category:Beaches

    This small sandy beach offers deep blue clear waters, golden soft sand, and a magnificent view on the island of Naxos.

OUR PAROS HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Discover our best island-hopping packages including Paros!

  • Athens - Paros - Santorini Days: 7 days from € 792.00
  • Athens - Mykonos - Paros Days: 7 days from € 894.00
  • Athens - Mykonos - Paros - Santorini Days: 9 days from € 1190.00
  • Athens - Paros - Naxos Days: 7 days from € 782.00
View more packages

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Continue your trip to the best destinations in Greece! The most popular destinations after Paros are Naxos, Santorini, Mykonos and Amorgos, all easily accessible by ferry.

  • Naxos

  • Santorini

  • Amorgos

  • Mykonos

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Paros Greece: Travel Guide 2024 | Greeka (2024)

FAQs

How many days in Paros is enough? ›

Located almost in the center of the Cyclades, Paros has true Cycladic architecture and an active lifestyle. In brief, staying 3 to 5 days is recommended in order to explore the island as much as possible.

Is it better to stay in Parikia or Naoussa? ›

If you want to be able to walk to the beach, then Parikia will be better for you, as its town centre is within walking distance of many beaches such as Livadia Beach. However, if you want to be closer to the most epic Paros beaches, although you may need to rent a car or take a boat shuttle, Naoussa will be best.

Is it better to stay in Paros or Mykonos? ›

They both offer unique experiences and are two beautiful islands in the Cyclades. If you want the ultimate party experience and a luxurious vacation, Mykonos will be perfect! On the other hand, if you're looking for an island with charming villages and beaches, and hiking opportunities, then Paros is ideal.

Should I spend more time on Naxos or Paros? ›

Paros has better nightlife (though not too wild) and feels a little trendier with more shopping and boutique hotels. Naxos has just a little nightlife but more historic churches and archaeological sites. Paros has better public transportation linking its main villages to nearby beaches.

Do you need a car to get around Paros? ›

You can reach several areas via public transport and itineraries are frequent during the high season, while the buses are in good condition. However, if you look forward to exploring the island and visiting less-touristy villages and beaches, renting a car is probably your only choice. Book your car with us!

Is Naxos nicer than Paros? ›

Paros is more cosmopolitan and fancy, and Naxos feels a bit more rural and authentic. During August Paros tends to be busy as it is one of the favorite islands of the Greek holidaymakers, while on Naxos you will never feel crowded. Both islands are family-friendly, while Paros is a better option for couples.

What is the most beautiful town in Paros? ›

The 5 Most Beautiful Villages of Paros
  • Prodromos: A Hidden Gem.
  • Lefkes: A Mountain Retreat.
  • Piso Livadi: Sunsets and Seascapes.
  • Marpissa: Art and Culture.
  • Aliki: Seaside Serenity.
Nov 28, 2023

What part of Paros is best to stay in? ›

Naoussa, the best place to stay in Paros

Just a 10-kilometer journey from the bustling Parikia, the island's capital, Naoussa is a gem tucked away on the northern coast.

Is Paros safe at night? ›

Safety at night:Safe

Paros is generally safe for solo female travelers even at night. Crime rates are relatively low and incidences of violent crime are uncommon. The locals are friendly and considerate, which contributes to the feeling of safety. However, it's important to be cautious, especially at night.

What are the best two islands to visit in Greece? ›

Santorini is a top worldwide romantic destination, while Mykonos is a party island with the most amazing beaches and fancy restaurants. Paros, Naxos, and Ios are also famous all over the world.

Is Paros too touristy? ›

Paros, a Greek island in the Cyclades, might not be a household name like nearby Santorini or Mykonos, but it won't stay under the radar for long. Already, it is a popular tourist destination with Europeans, but it is not over-crowded or suffering from over-tourism the way that the more popular islands are.

What is the best island in Greece for first timers? ›

Santorini's popularity puts it near the top of many travelers' lists of where to go in Greece for the first time. Chances are, you've seen the island's whitewashed cliffs more than a few times on your Instagram feed.

Can I do a day trip from Paros to Naxos? ›

Yes, you can catch a ferry from Paros to Naxos all year round. Usually, there are daily crossings to Naxos, with increased frequency from June to September. The Paros - Naxos connection is operated by 4 ferry companies: Seajets, Minoan Lines, Saos Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries.

Is Naxos too touristy? ›

Overall vibe of Naxos, Greece:

We took a ferry from Milos to Naxos; it's a great way to island hop in the Greek islands! The main part of Naxos town is also really fun, cute and lively (not overly swarming with tourists like some of the more popular islands like Mykonos or Santorini).

Which one is better, Milos or Paros? ›

Paros is better for toddlers, as the variety of golden sandy beaches will give you and your kids enough space to enjoy sand castles or first lessons in swimming. Teenagers might like Milos better, with its strange landscapes, unique beaches, deep blue sea, and plenty of options for activities and excursions.

Is 4 days in Paros too much? ›

If you are not sure how many days in Paros are the perfect trip length, I recommend staying in Paros for at least 3 full days to see the island's highlights. However, for a more relaxed visit of Paros, staying on the island for 4 – 5 days is ideal.

Is 5 nights in Paros too long? ›

Just the right amount of shops and restaurants, but without the heavy crowds and price tags of the famous Mykonos and Santorini, Paros is the perfect Greek island for relaxed summer holidays. While many visit the island over a couple of days or a day trip even, I would recommend spending at least 5 days in Paros.

Should I spend more time in Milos or Paros? ›

The best part of choosing between Paros and Milos is that there is no wrong choice. Both islands are stunning, and each has features that the other doesn't have. Of course, the best option is to be able to visit both during your trip.

Is Paros worth going to? ›

Paros is one of the best Greek islands to visit, especially for first time visitors to Greece. With some of the prettiest traditional village in the Cyclades, dozens of beautiful beaches and a handful of ancient ruins and historic sites, it's a miracle that Paros isn't as overcrowded as nearby Mykonos and Santorini.

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