Paros: Travel Guide to one of the most picturesque Greek islands
Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades, Paros is a stunning island that captures the essence of the perfect summer escape. With its charming villages, vibrant ambiance coupled with tasty food, Paros undoubtedly offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. From the picturesque streets and breathtaking beaches to the inviting swimming spots, this island truly embodies the ideal summer destination. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Paros provides all the elements of a perfect getaway. This Paros Travel Guide offers an overview of the island’s must-sees, activities and best beaches, along with my favorite food spots. I’ll also share a breakdown of what we spent on our recent trip to Paros in the summer of 2024.
Paros Travel Guide: Tips & Overview
- Where to stay: We stayed at Harmony Apartments close to Naoussa – unquestionably it was a great place to stay based on the apartment itself and the location was excellent for exploring the island.
- Best Months to Visit: I highly recommend visiting Paros in June or September. The weather is still warm, but you’ll avoid the large crowds that visit the island in July and August.
- Must-Dos: Explore the charming villages of Naoussa, Lefkes, Prodromos & Marpissa, Take a day cruise to Antiparos, spend your days beach hopping around the island
- Best Places to Eat: Minoa, Allas Souvlaki & More, Cafe Marigo, Markakis Restaurant
- Quick facts: 12,000 people – Greek – Euro
Disclaimer: This blog post contains unpaid promotional links. I only recommend products and services that I’ve personally used and genuinely like.
How to get there
If you’re traveling from within Europe, I recommend flying into Mykonos or Santorini and then taking a ferry to Paros. Generally, ferries in Greece are a great way to connect the islands, making Greek island hopping easy and enjoyable. Explicitly, the two main companies, Seajets and Blue Star Ferries, run frequent services between popular islands. While the ferry ports can be a bit hectic, everything went smoothly for us.
In case you’re up for some island hopping, take a ferry to Naxos, which is located right next to Paros, for an unforgettable adventure. So, be sure to check out my upcoming blog post on exploring Naxos for more tips and insights!
How to get around
The island of Paros is relatively easy to get around with various options for you to choose from. Renting your own vehicle, such as an ATV, scooter, or car, provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover hidden spots. Alternatively, there’s also a public bus that runs between the main areas, but I’d suggest renting your own to make the most of your time on the island.
Where to stay
We chose to stay at Harmony Apartments near Naoussa, and it turned out to be the perfect choice for us. Not only was the apartment modern and practical, but it was also fairly new, featuring a great terrace where we could relax in the evenings. Additionally, its location was ideal, just a 10-15 minute walk from Naoussa, making it incredibly convenient for dining out and exploring the picturesque town. On top of that, it was perfectly situated for driving to other key sights around the island, adding even more convenience to our stay.
Another option is to stay in Parikia, the main town of Paros and a popular choice for travelers. Logistically, it’s even more convenient, especially if you’re not renting a vehicle, as it serves as the island’s transportation hub. However, we felt that Naoussa offered a more charming vibe and atmosphere. If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience, Naoussa is the better choice, but for ease of transport, Parikia makes more sense.
Other apartments/hotels we looked at:
- Naoussa: Madaky Hotel, Quartano Luxury Cycladic Residence
- Parikia: Kokoon
Things To Do & See in Paros
Greek Villages:
Naoussa: A picturesque fishing village with charming streets, great dining options, and a lively atmosphere, Naoussa is without a doubt my favourite town on the island! Altogether, it offers a unique experience — stroll along the waterfront while watching the sunset, soak up the hustle and bustle of dining at the port, and wander through the quaint alleys. With its unique vibe, you will surely fall in love with this town.
Parikia: The island’s capital and main port, famous for its whitewashed houses and historical landmarks. To make the most of your visit, be sure to visit the Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church, the Frankish Castle. Additionally, take some time to wander through the town’s small, winding alleys.
Lefkes: Stroll through the narrow alleys of this beautiful village and visit the Agia Triada Church. Then, stop and relax at Café Marigo for an authentic experience and soak in the peaceful surroundings. We really enjoyed the calm vibe and the opportunity to explore the town with just a handful of other tourists. All in all, the blend of quietness and authentic charm made our visit truly memorable. In conclusion, Lefkes became our second favourite town on the island.
Prodromos: Prodromos, equally as beautiful as Marpissa, is a quaint village on Paros, known for its whitewashed alleys and classic Cycladic architecture. With this in mind, wander the quiet streets and get a taste of Authentic Greek village life.
Marpissa: Marpissa is a charming, traditional village known for its narrow winding streets and picturesque Cycladic architecture. All in all, its peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for a quiet stroll. Following your visit of this town, make sure to also drive or hike up to St. Antonios Monastery, just above the village, offering stunning panoramic views of the island.
Piso Livadi: Piso Livadi is a charming seaside village on Paros, ideal for a peaceful escape by the water. Known for its laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal at one of the waterfront restaurants while taking in the serene harbour views.
Beaches:
- Golden Beach: A popular spot with soft sands, perfect for swimming and windsurfing.
- Monastiri Beach: Famous for its calm waters and close proximity to the Monastery of St. John of Deti. Following your break on the beach, climb up for stunning photos of the iconic white-and-blue church with the ocean backdrop. There’s a beach club here, but if you prefer a quick dip head to the side for some space to lie down your towel.
- Kombithres Beach: Renowned for its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters. It’s great for a refreshing swim, though it might not be the best beach for lounging due to the rocky terrain.
- Alternatives:
- Santa Maria Beach: Great for water sports and relaxation.
- Kalogeros Beach: Known for its therapeutic clay.
- Glifades Beach and Moles Beach: Peaceful, lesser-known spots for a more secluded beach day.
Additional Things to do
St. Antonios Monastery: Perched atop a hill, this monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island – thus a peaceful and scenic spot for photos. The road up is steep and narrow, so drive as far as you feel comfortable, then hike the rest on foot for the final ascent.
Hike Mount Zas: This trail is ideal for nature lovers and offers stunning views of Paros. Though we didn’t do the hike due to the heat, we heard great things about it. Provided that you’re up for the challenge, I am sure it’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.
Antiparos Boat Trip:
Without a doubt, this is the absolute highlight in this Paros Travel Guide! I highly recommend booking with Glaraki Cruises for a premium experience. With a small group of just 25 people, the atmosphere remains relaxed and intimate throughout. Additionally, the cruise includes delicious food, three drinks of your choice, and plenty of comfortable lounging spaces. Moreover, due to the limited number of passengers, each swimming stop feels less crowded, making the overall experience even more enjoyable.
Day Trip to Antiparos:
- Getting to Antiparos: Antiparos is conveniently just a 10-minute ferry ride from Paros, making it an easy and quick escape. Ferries run every 30 minutes from the small port of Pounta, which is located about 20 minutes away from Parikia. Tickets are sold directly on the boat, and the prices are very reasonable, with each passenger ticket costing only €1.50, scooters €2.00, and cars €7.30 per ride.
- Explore Antiparos Chora: A charming village with picturesque alleys and local shops. Hence, take your time strolling through this beautiful area.
- Beach Hopping: A must-do in Antiparos! Personally, we enjoyed the small beach – Paralia Panagia – the most. In comparison to other beaches on the island there is a number of trees that provide you with some shade. The beach is non-serviced, but there is a local taverna – The Perigiali – right at the parking area. While we also visited Agios Georgios and Soros Beach, I personally preferred this beach and the swimming spots from the boat cruise that we did the day before.
Itinerary
Naoussa & Surroundings – Day 1:
- Arrival & Check-in
- Explore the Monastery of St. John of Deti and enjoy the nearby Monastiri Beach.
- Optional: Hike at Paros Park for some scenic views.
- Swim at Kolimbithres Beach, famous for its unique rock formations.
- Dinner in Naoussa: Enjoy the sunset and explore the town’s charming streets and local eateries.
Mountain Villages & Beach – Day 2:
- Lefkes: Explore the quiet, picturesque alleys and visit the beautiful Church of Agia Triada. Have some breakfast at Cafe Marigo.
- Prodromos: A quick visit to this quaint village with its peaceful streets and classic architecture, taking about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Marpissa: Explore this scenic village with its narrow alleys and beautiful spots. This will take you about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Lunch in Piso Livadi: Dine at the harbor and wander around the seaside village.
- Beach Hopping: Spend the afternoon at Golden Beach or choose from Kalogeros Beach, Glifades Beach, or Moles Beach.
- Dinner: Choose between Parikia or Naoussa for your evening meal.
Cruise Day – Day 3:
- Cruise to South Antiparos: Highly recommended for a relaxing day on the water.
- Explore and enjoy dinner either at Antiparos Chora or Parikia Chora. Don’t miss the sunset at the Frankish Castle in Parikia for a memorable end to the day.
Beach Hopping or Antiparos Day Trip – Day 4:
- Option 1: Continue exploring Naoussa and spend the day beach hopping.
- Option 2: Take a day trip to Antiparos, exploring Chora and the beautiful beaches, including Paralia Panagia.
- Dinner: Enjoy your dinner in Antiparos Chora or return to Naoussa or Parikia for your final evening meal.
Where to eat & drink
for lunch/dinner:
Naoussa
- Minoa: Enjoy a very nice and quiet ambience with great food; we liked it so much we went twice.
- Allas Souvlaki & More: A cheap and quick option for delicious gyros.
- Mare Nostrum: Located on the waterfront with great seafood options, right in the hustle and bustle of the harbor.
- Other recommended spots in Naoussa (saved but not visited):
- Barbarossa Restaurant
- Sigi Ikthios
- Souvlaki Kargas
- Yemeni Wine Restaurant
- Kafeneion – I Paglia Agora
- Stilvi
- Daverona
- Piatsa Estiatiorio
- Siparos Seaside Restaurant
Piso Livadi:
- Markakis Restaurant: A great waterfront restaurant, offering a calm and relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views of the harbor—perfect for a leisurely lunch by the sea.
- also on my list: Ouzeri Halalis
Parikia – although we didn’t dine here, some recommendations include:
- Arodo
- Mario Restaurant
- Mana Mana
- Cuore Rosso
- Mira Restaurant
- Bountaraki
Prodromos:
- Tsitsanis Taverna
Marpissa:
- Charoulas Tavern
Dessert & Ice Cream:
Naoussa:
- Loukoumades: famous Greek donuts
- Gelateria S.Cream
- 32 Agosto
- Nonna Crema
Parikia:
- Vanilla Gelateria
- Famiglia Crepes – Loukoumades
for breakfast:
Naoussa:
- Cannelait – our favourite place to pick up some breakfast, also offers amazing coffee (also vegan options available)
- Almond
Lefkes:
- Cafe Marigo – A Greek café right in front of the church, offering an authentic experience with a small but excellent menu. We really liked the carrot cake and Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts.
Parikia:
- Cafe Symposium
- Secret Cafe Bar
- Cosa Breakfast-Cafe-Bar
Budgets & Costs
Expenses per person (4 days):
- Apartment: 62.5 EUR/night
- Rental Car: 73 EUR for 4 days
- Gas: 15 EUR
- Boat Trip: 160 EUR
- Food: 229 EUR
- Ferry from Mykonos to Paros: 47 EUR
- Ferry from Paros to Naxos: 33 EUR
- Total per person: approx. 800 EUR
Saving Tips
Most activities in Paros, such as exploring the villages and beach hopping, are free. However, one of our main expenses was the boat trip. Although there are cheaper options available, they tend to be more crowded. For us, the premium experience was definitely worth the extra cost, but if you’re on a tighter budget, the more affordable options could still offer a great experience.
Although dining out is relatively cheaper compared to other countries, the costs can still add up. To save on meals, consider opting for quick bites or grabbing snacks from the supermarket. Additionally, using public transport whenever possible and only renting a vehicle for specific days can help reduce expenses.
I hope this Paros Travel Guide provided you with a great overview on all must-dos, must-sees as well as food spots. Do you have more tips? Let me know in the comments below.
