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Endless sandy beaches, blue-domed chapels, quaint villages, vivid night life, luxurious hotels, stylish crowds, water sports, delicious traditional delicacies… We know you want it all. And, trust us when we say that, Paros has it ALL!
But, we are also aware of the fact that planning a holiday to Paros island from scratch can be time-consuming. No worries, we got you covered! Keep reading to find out all you need to know about this Cyclades stunner without wasting your time browsing endless travel guides.
Paros island shares the same rocky landscape, amazing beaches, tiny whitewashed houses, and quaint villages with the neighboring Cyclades islands. Its two main villages, Parikia and Naoussa, are the epitome of Cycladic beauty, as well as the epicenters of the island’s nightlife!
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Because Paros has it all! From vivid nightlife to paradise beaches and from luxurious hotels to exciting activities, Paros island ticks all the boxes! Although it used to be one of those quiet, non-touristy islands, Paros has been transformed into one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, over the last years!
When the sun goes down, Naoussa and Parikia, the main villages of Paros fill with people who party, eat, wander, and make the best out of their summer nights. Taste traditional delicacies at the local restaurants, dance the night away at the bars and clubs, stroll through the narrow paved alleys… Live your best life in Paros!
As for Paros beaches, they are hands down, some of the best beaches in the Cyclades island complex. Let us paint the scene… Golden sand, crystal clear waters, endless coasts, and lush green backdrops… Utterly seductive! There’s one specific reason, though, why the beaches in Paros are famous: water sports! If you are a water sports enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, you’ll find your paradise on this beautiful island.
Ready to explore Paros?
Paros sits in the heart of the Aegean sea and belongs to the Cyclades island complex. Located close to some of the most popular islands of the Cyclades, like Santorini, Naxos, Ios, and Mykonos, it is a very good base for island hopping in Greece! Paros is located 145 km away from Athens (Rafina), 80 km away from Santorini, 45 km away from Mykonos, 14 km away from Naxos, and 90 km away from Ios.
Read also: Rhodes island holidays travel guide | Crete island holidays travel guide | Corfu island holidays travel guide
The best time to visit Paros is between spring and early fall (April to October). During the summer months, the island bursts with life! People from all over the world flock to the bars and narrow alleys of Paros to have the time of their lives. If you want to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Paros beaches, then the best time of the year to visit the island is summer, when the water is warm. However, keep in mind that summer is peak season in Paros, so Parikia and Naoussa are always overcrowded that time of the year. To avoid the crowds, April, May, September, and October are your best bets.
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Autumn (September to November)
Highest: 77 F/ 25 C Lowest: 55 F/ 13 C
Winter (December to February)
Highest: 59 F/ 15 C Lowest: 48 F/ 9 C
Spring (March to May)
Highest: 72 F/ 22 C Lowest: 50 F/ 10 C
Summer (June to August)
Highest: 81 F/ 27 C Lowest: 66 F/ 19 C
Paros is very famous for its marbles. The dazzling white Parian marble has been made for centuries at the marble quarries of the island. The Ancient Greeks used that marble to create some legendary sculptures, like the Winged Victory of Samothrace, which is currently displayed at the Louvre Museum.
There’s no denying that Paros beaches are some of the best beaches in Greece! Their golden sand, crystal clear waters, and unspoiled natural beauty make them irresistible. The beaches you should definitely visit are Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Livadia, Kolymbithres beach, and Santa Maria beach. But, more on that later!
Naoussa and Parikia are the places to go for nightlife in Paros! Every night, the bars and clubs come alive and the narrow streets of the former fishing villages overflow with people of all ages. In Parikia, most bars and clubs are located at the harbor and the old market area, while in Naoussa, the majority of the nightlife is concentrated in the potami (river) area.
Paros is popular for one thing in particular: its wind conditions, which are ideal for water sports. No wonder Paros is one of the top destinations in the world for water sports, especially windsurfing and kite surfing! In fact, the Windsurfing World Championship used to be organized in one of the most popular beaches in Paros, the Golden beach. No matter if you are a water sports pro, or you want to make your first steps in water activities, Golden Beach, New Golden beach, and Santa Maria are the best beaches for water sports!
The Archaeological Museum of Paros is the best place to immerse yourself in the island’s long history. It was built in 1960 and hosts, among others, Archaic and Classical sculptures, as well as findings from the Neolithic, Early Cycladic, Mycenaean, Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic eras. Some of the most important exhibits of the Archaeological Museum of Paros are the marble statue of Gorgon, the marble statue of Artemis, and the marble statue of Nike.
Paros island is home to landmarks that date back to the Byzantine era, such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani monastery. In Byzantine Museum, though, you’ll have the chance to see a selection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine religious exhibits that represent the whole Byzantine era. Such items are holy 17th and 18th-century icons, relics, and various ecclesiastical items. Byzantine Museum is located in Parikia Paros, inside Panagia Ekatontapiliani monastery.
For a spiritual twist, visit the monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the most popular attraction in Paros. This beautiful Byzantine church is located near the port of Parikia, the capital of Paros. Its name, Ekatontapiliani, means “with a hundred doors”. Legend has it that the monastery has 99 doors and a last, secret one, that will open when Constantinople will be Greek again. Constructed in the 4th century, Panagia Ekatontapiliani is one of the most important religious monuments and best-preserved Paleo Christian monasteries in Greece.
The imposing Venetian Fortress, at the old port of Naoussa, is the most popular attraction in Naoussa! It was constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians, to protect the island’s port from invasions and it is connected with the island via a narrow stone passage. Even though the observatory of the Venetian Fortress is half-sunk into the sea, the fortress still keeps its medieval charm!
Read also: Best things to do in Greece | Sail & Yacht holidays in Greece
Shops in Parikia and Naoussa, the most popular villages in Paros are open every day from 9 am to 10 pm. In other villages the shops close earlier, usually at 9 pm, and often close for a lunch break.
Population
13,710 (2011)
Currecy
Euro
Language
Greek
Average Temperatures
Warmest Month: August (81 F/ 27 C)
Coldest Month: January (48 F/ 9 C)
Tipping
Tipping in Paros is not obligatory, but highly appreciated. How much you’ll tip is up to you, depending on how satisfied you are with the service. We advise you to tip in cash so that the money will go straight to the person that served you.
Loved by
Groups of friends, party animals, couples
Paros has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age and has been colonized by many civilizations, like the Arcadians and the Ionians. Throughout the years, Paros had other names, like Demetrias, Plateia, Hyria, and Strogili. The island started to prosper during the period from 800 to 700 B.C, thanks to trade and shipping. During that period, the inhabitants of Paros also colonized other places, like Thassos and Parium.
In antiquity, Paros seemed to be a wealthy island and a leading trade force. Later on, during the Greek War of Independence in 1821, Paros was one of the first Greek islands that gained independence from the Turks. It also became home to the national heroine of the Greek Revolution, Manto Mavrogenous.
Getting to Paros is simple. You can reach Paros either by ferry from Athens and the islands of the Cyclades, or by air from Athens International airport and other airports in Europe.
Taking the ferry from Athens to Paros is the cheapest way to get to the beautiful island. There are many daily ferry connections between Paros and Athens, so you will easily find the itinerary that serves you!
Ferries from Athens to Paros depart from the two main ports of Athens, Piraeus port and Rafina port. Traveling from Piraeus is a better option if you stay in Athens city center and move by public means of transportation. On the other hand, Rafina port is a better option if you have a car, as Rafina is 40 km away from Athens city center and 10 km away from Athens International Airport.
Depending on the type of the ferry (regular or high speed), the trip from Athens to Paros may last from 2 to 5 hours. As for the cost, a ferry ticket from Athens to Paros costs around 35 € to 50 €.
The Greek ferry companies that serve the itinerary from Athens to Paros are Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Fast Ferries.
There are frequent direct flights to Paros airport from countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and many more. However, if you want to explore Athens before heading to Paros, the best option is to catch a flight from Athens to Paros. There are many flights throughout the day in summer.
Parikia is the capital of Paros and one of the island’s most beautiful villages. This coastal village is built around one of the island’s ports, boasting a wonderful view of the Aegean sea.
A stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys of Parikia will reward you with many surprises, such as little corners embellished with colorful flowers, dazzling white houses, and little traditional shops that ooze a unique charm. There are also lots of attractions in Parikia, including the Venetian Castle, the Archaeological Museum of Paros, Panagia Ekatontapiliani monastery, and Agios Konstantinos church, which is the perfect spot for sunset watching.
Along the coastal road of Parikia, Giannis Parios street, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, bars, traditional taverns, and shops. There are also many clubs and bars, where you can sip on fancy cocktails, drink countless shots, and dance dance the night away!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Parikia are: White Blossom, Akrotiri Hotel, Paros Palace, and Diplos Studios.
Naoussa is a quaint seaside settlement in Paros. Boasting traditional Cycladic architecture and a cute little port, Naoussa is one of the most picturesque villages in Paros. In Naoussa, you’ll find many amenities, as well as excellent hotels.
Originally a fishing village, Naoussa is still keeping its traditional charm, despite the touristic development! Right at the little harbor, you’ll find one of the most beautiful landmarks in Paros: the Venetian Castle (also known as Castelli), which was built by the Venetians in the 15th century. Other than that, the Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros, Naoussa Byzantine Museum, and Agios Antonios church are also worth a visit.
During the day, people stroll around Naoussa and take in the beautiful scenery. When the sun goes down, Naoussa bursts with life! A surge of people of all ages and nationalities fill the harbor promenade, where most restaurants, bars, and clubs lie.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Naoussa are: Quartano Luxury Cycladic Residence, Yades Suites – Apartments & Spa, Hotel Papadakis, and Adonis Hotel Studios & Apartments.
Located 11 km south of Parikia, Lefkes is the most mountainous and greenest village in Paros. Backed by a pine tree forest, this traditional settlement boasts a divine natural landscape and oozes charm in abundance!
Wandering through its picturesque little alleys, you’ll come across whitewashed houses, little shops, churches, traditional washhouses, and the House of Literature, a hub for writers.
Every summer, Lefkes plays host to the Karavoles feast, a folklore festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. There is delicious food, local wine, folk music, dancing, and everything you’d expect from an authentic Greek feast. So, if you want to get familiar with Paros’ culture, try planning your visit around the Karavoles feast.
If you crave relaxation and serenity during your holiday in Paros, then Lefkes is an ideal place to stay. What’s better than being in the heart of nature, yet a short drive away from the island’s centers of activity?
Some of the best hotels to stay in Lefkes are: Lefkes Village, StudioCalypso, and Villa Byzantino.
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Paros is a big island, so getting around by car is your best bet. However, there are alternatives, like the bus and the taxi. The cheapest means of transportation in Paros is the bus, while the car and the taxi are more expensive.
The best way to get around Paros is by car. Since the island is quite big and buses don’t go everywhere, the car is a great option if you want to hit the road for a long ride around the island. We suggest that you hire a car once you get in Paros. There are many car rental companies both at the port and the airport, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to hire the perfect car for you. The cost of renting a car is about 30-40 euros per day, but it can drop to 20 euros if you opt for a motorbike.
An alternative to the car is the taxi, an equally convenient, yet a bit pricier means of transportation. Every year, the taxi prices are fixed for every route, so you’ll know how much you’re going to pay for each itinerary before your ride. We recommend asking the taxi driver for his number so that you can call him when you need a taxi during your stay. This way, you won’t have to be searching for a taxi every time you need one.
The bus is a much cheaper means of transportation. There is a local bus in Paros that runs between Parikia, Naoussa, Pounda, Golden beach, and other popular spots. The most frequent bus routes are those from Parikia to Naoussa and from Naoussa to Parikia. The buses that serve this itinerary run every day from 8 am until midnight throughout the summer. However, buses to/from other villages and beaches run until 9 pm, so make sure that you check the bus timetable before your trip.
Paros is much cheaper than the neighboring Mykonos and Santorini. In average, you’re going to spend about 85 € (102 $) per day during your stay in Paros. More specifically, you’ll spend 30 € (36 $) on food, 10 € (12 $) on transportation, and 40 € (48 $) per person for a double room in Paros.
Karavoli
Karavoli is one of the most popular local specialties. It is a dish that consists of big snails usually boiled and topped with garlic sauce. You’ll find this dish at most taverns and religious feasts that take place throughout the island. It might not sound tempting, but, trust us, it is worth a try.
Parian chickpea balls
Chickpea balls are the Greek version of falafel. You’ll find them on many islands of the Cyclades -every island has its recipe. Parian chickpea balls are traditionally made on Mondays, with leftover chickpeas from the weekend. However, you’ll find them any day of the week at the local taverns.
Octopus
Octopus is particularly loved by islanders. Every Greek island cooks octopus differently and incorporates it in several traditional recipes. In Paros, the most popular octopus dish is mermitzeli. It is made with handmade pasta rice, fish, octopus, tomato sauce, and spices. Other popular octopus recipes are roasted octopus and octopus salad. Yum!
Pitarakia
Pitaraki (pl. pitarakia) is a small cheese/zucchini/spinach pie, usually deep-fried or roasted in a traditional wood-fired oven. They are also known as kolopia and are usually served as an appetizer.
The Greek Health Care System is public and provides free treatment to citizens and expats. You can visit a public practitioner for free or a private practitioner with a charge. In both cases, you have to pay for prescribed medicines. In case of emergency, you can call a public EKAV ambulance (166) or the European emergency number (112).
Paros is a perfectly safe island to visit. However, you should take reasonable precautions and use common sense on your trip. Our tips are to keep an eye on your belongings (especially in crowded places, like clubs), never leave your belongings unattended on the beach, avoid holding much cash with you, and get familiar with the road to your hotel.
This beach is very popular with water sports enthusiasts! As you can tell from its name, Golden beach is covered with 700 meters of fine golden sand. It has crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and water activities. The beach also has perfect wind conditions for windsurfing, so numerous windsurfers flock to it every summer. No wonder Golden beach had been playing host to the Windsurfing World Championship for several years.
The natural beauty of this beach is unparalleled -it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece! Kolymbithres boasts unique geology, with peculiar white rock formations carved by the water and the wind through the centuries. There are also many small sandy coves, where (if you’re lucky enough) you can isolate yourself. The setting is mesmerizing!
Located close to Naoussa, Santa Maria is a go-to for youngsters. This beach is organized and has a wide variety of facilities, including a windsurfing center, a snorkeling center, beach bars, and restaurants. Behind the beach, there’s also a camping area, so you can choose Santa Maria for your stay if camping is your jam.
Livadia beach lies in Parikia, about 700 meters away from the village’s harbor. Despite its location in the capital of Paros, Livadia keeps its natural charm. This beach has calm and crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and a bunch of facilities, including water sports centers, umbrellas, sun loungers, and bars. It’s a great option for those staying in Parikia!
Read also: 30 Best Beaches in Greece
Traditional Parian pasteli
Thyme honey
A bottle of local wine
Capper
Pottery
Barley rusks
Amygdalota (almond sweets)
Cherry pie
Paros sounds amazing, right? There are so many things to do, foods to try, and amazing Paros hotels that there’s no way you get bored. Not to mention the countless events that take place throughout the island every summer!
So, is a holiday to Paros island on your bucket list or you’ve already been there? We can’t wait to read your answer in the comments. Oh, and share this article on Social Media if you found it helpful!
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