Picturesque villages and white churches made of Parian marble, embedded in a gently hilly landscape. Beautiful sandy beaches that line the coast like a string of pearls. All this is united by the Greek Island of Paros, the epitome of the Cycladic dream.
“In the season, the crowds of people pour out of the bellies of the ferries. Only two days later, many are already making a pilgrimage to the next island. Those who stay longer discover the true soul of Paros.”
But the former insider tip of Greece has become one of the most popular Cycladic islands in recent years and is now considered a cosmopolitan tourist hotspot. Instagrammers make a pilgrimage from one famous photo spot to the next in search of the next selfie.
We would like to encourage you to take time for the island and to explore Paros individually, even far away from the tourist paths. Let yourself be inspired by our 9 Highlights of Paros. You can find our personal conclusion about Paros at the end of the article.
Paros Island Map: This map includes all Paros Highlights, 37 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 16 beaches & bays, as well as personal recommendations for 17 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Paros map
#1 Parikia: Paros’ capital
In Parikia, most holidaymakers set their first foot ashore by ferry. The bustling harbour town with its 5,000 inhabitants is the hub of the island of Paros. All Islandhoppers set their first foot in the capital of Paros and are greeted by typical Cycladic architecture with white cubic houses.
Parikia is wonderful for strolling and sightseeing. At the southern end of the village, there is a public, free parking lot at the Anna Platanou Hotel, where you can park your rental vehicle. At the large church of Zoodochos Pygi, you enter the cobbled streets of the old town.
Along the busy Market Street countless boutiques, beautiful shops, souvenir shops and cafés await you. But Parikia is also photogenic away from the main street.
Through porticoes from Venetian times, the path leads up to the Kastro hill. An ancient acropolis once stood up here. In the 13th century, the Venetians used the marble components to build the Frankish Castle, a fortress that once served defensive purposes.
Today, on the Kastro hill, there is the church of Agios Konstantinos with a large forecourt from which you can enjoy a magnificent sunset.
When night falls, Parikia comes to life. Then the long waterfront is closed for vehicles and bars and cafes are open until the early morning.
Sundowner tip for Paros: Directly below the castle ruins is the Kastro art lounge bistro, from which you can also enjoy the evening light spectacle and end the day comfortably.
Panagia Ekatontapyliani: The Church with the 100 Doors
In the centre of Parikia, not far from the bustling harbour, lies the impressive church from the 4th century. The huge Byzantine temple is one of the oldest churches in Greece and an important Marian pilgrimage site.
The Panagia Ekatontapyliani (The Hundred-Doored) or Panagia Katapoliani (Church in front of the City) comprises three rooms. A chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas, a main room with an altar made of Parian marble and a baptistery with a baptismal font. The celebrations in honour of the Holy Mother of God take place every year at Easter and on 15 August.
Parikia View Point: You can enjoy the most beautiful view of the bay of Parikia from the monastery of Agion Anargyron above the capital. Especially at sunset a romantic place!
#2 Naoussa: From fishing village to tourist spot
Hardly anyone leaves Paros without having made a detour to Naoussa. The pretty fishing village in the north of the island has become the most popular holiday resort in recent years and thus a popular tourist magnet on Paros.
In the morning and evening, the picturesque place is very lively. If you come during the siesta between 2 and 6 p.m., the alleys of Naoussa are quieter, but then most shops and restaurants are closed. Especially on Sunday, a walk is worthwhile, when numerous churches and chapels are open.
There are some parking spaces at the southern end of the village at the bus station. From here you can make your way along the main road into the labyrinth of alleys. The whitewashed Cycladic alleys of Naoussa offer countless photo motifs and enchant right away.
The main attraction is the old Port of Naoussa with its colorful kaikis sailing in the pier. Behind it are the ruins of a Venetian castle, which also offers interesting photo opportunities. Unmissable from here is the large Faneromeni church on a hill above the village.
In the evening, the numerous taverns and restaurants around the harbour basin come to life. Chairs and tables are crowded close together and typical Greek food is usually offered at high prices.
The focal point in the harbour is the bright white chapel of Agios Nikolaos, which was built here to protect the seafarers. Far away from the hustle and bustle outside, this small church is a place of silence and contemplation.
💡 Island hopping from Paros: Get on the ferry and off to the Aegean Sea! Our guide Island Hopping Cyclades takes you to 8 islands, shows you the best highlights, beautiful beaches, cozy tavernas, great accommodations and explains how you can organize an island hopping on your own. More information and excerpt here: Cyclades Guide
Moraitis Winery Paros
Paros is one of the largest wine-growing regions of the Cyclades and so it is not surprising that numerous wineries have settled on the island.
One of the most famous wineries is the Moraitis Winery in Naoussa, which was founded in 1910. In addition to Greek grape varieties such as Assyrtiko and Mandilaria, the fourth-generation family business also cultivates old varieties from Paros, some of which are even organic.
A tasting including an entertaining, informative tour is possible by appointment and costs between 8 € and 14 €, depending on the volume of wines to be tasted. A lunch and dinner menu are also offered.
- Moraitis Winery opening hours: Mon.-Sat. from 12-20 o’clock
#3 Visiting Petra Farm
Above the popular beach of Kolymbithres, on dry and rocky slopes, the family of Alkis started growing olive trees and vines around 1989. Today, what was once a small plot of land has become a 24-hectare farm with sustainable agriculture and agrotourism on Paros.
In the meantime, son Alkis has taken over from father Jeremy and cultivated on the Petra Farm in harmony with the environment, Mediterranean plants adapted to the microclimate of the island of Paros. Attention is paid to organic cultivation and economical water consumption.
The beautiful property with a magnificent view of the bay of Naoussa can be visited as part of a tour including tasting of local farm products. After a 30-minute informative guided tour of the Petra Farm, where pomegranates, olives, oregano, lavender, figs, grapes and capers are grown, you can taste your own delicacies including the family’s own wine.
If you are interested in a guided tour at Petra Farm it is recommended to register about 2-3 days in advance. Group tours up to a maximum of 18 people start from €35 p.p., private tours are also possible on request. The delicacies of Petra Farm can be purchased on site or in the small shop in Naoussa.
→ More information about this excursion on Paros under: Petra Farm Tours
#4 Paros Park Peninsula
In the very north of Paros lies the Agios Ioannis Peninsula, which has been declared an environmental and cultural park since 2009. New hiking trails have been created on an area of over 80 hectares through the rocky, bizarre landscape with its curious stone formations.
A trip is especially worthwhile in the spring, when the paths are dotted with wildflowers and fragrant herbs. During our visit in September, nature was barren and dried, but we enjoyed the peace and quiet away from the tourist hustle and bustle all the more.
At the entrance to the peninsula is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis, from which you have a magnificent view of Monastiri Beach. The golden sandy beach slopes gently into the sea in the wind-protected bay and is occupied to the last lounger, especially in midsummer.
Just behind Monastiri beach you can park your car and walk into Paros Park. A worthwhile stop is the white Lighthouse at Cape Korakas, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and the rugged coast.
To the southeast, you will reach the highest peak of Paros Park, with secluded bays and natural beaches below. A walk through the park is entertaining and takes between 1-2 hours, depending on the route.
#5 Beautiful beaches on Paros
Admittedly, the sister island Naxos steals Paros the show a bit when it comes to beaches, but probably hardly any other Cycladic island comes close to the beach paradise of Naxos. Nevertheless, the island of Paros also offers beautiful swimming opportunities.
The beaches on Paros consist mainly of golden sand and mostly slope gently into the crystal clear sea. They are spread all over the island and range from natural to fully organized with water sports and lifeguards.
→ In this article, we will tell you which beaches and bays we liked most on the island of Paros: Paros Beaches
#6 Lefkes in the heart of Paros
The white village (Greek: lefko) is impressively situated at an altitude of 250 m in the middle of green pine forests, framed by a hilly mountain landscape in the heart of Paros. The former island capital of Paros now has just under 500 inhabitants, who used to work in the marble quarries of the region.
Lefkes is one of the most beautiful villages of the Cyclades and at the same time a popular destination for day tourists. Especially on windy days, when it is rough on the coast, crowds of holidaymakers are drawn to the tranquil town.
There are free parking spaces at the northern entrance to the village. From here you can head into the maze of alleys of Lefkes. The heart of the village is the pretty Platia of Lefkos with two kafenia. Under a shady pine tree you can linger here wonderfully, if you still get a free spot.
From the Platia we continue to the village church of Agia Triada, which sits majestically on a hill on the outskirts of Lefkes. The magnificent building is made of Parian marble and a brief look into the interior of the Orthodox church is worthwhile.
Hiking enthusiasts can walk from Lefkes the old Byzantine path to the neighboring village of Prodromos. The partly paved footpath leads you through the wild nature of the rugged mountain landscape and offers beautiful views over the east coast again and again.
💡 Marble Mines of Paros: On the way from Parikia to Lefkes, it is worth making a short stop in Marathi at the Ancient Marble Quarries. Here you will get a small insight into the old marble tunnels of the island of Paros, where the “Lichnites” was once mined. In the meantime, the dark pits have been fenced in and closed to access.
#7 Excursion to Paros’ east coast
In the east, the island of Paros has been able to retain a bit of its originality. Take your time exploring the flat coastal plain with its ancient volcanic cones and authentic villages Marmara, Marpissa and Prodromos.
All three villages enchant with their whitewashed houses and narrow streets with colourful flower pots and bougainvillea-covered facades and arcades. Countless photo motifs await you on every corner, and there are still a few old windmills on the outskirts of the village.
Marpissa has several village squares that you can explore on a walk. In Prodromos, it is worth stopping for lunch. Here we enjoyed good food in the tavern Byzantino and enjoyed the picture-perfect ambience of the place.
Kefalos Hill
The inactive volcanic mountain of Kefalos, located east of Marpissa, is visible almost everywhere on Paros. Once upon a time, a Venetian castle from the 15th century stood on the 218 m high hill, but it was later destroyed.
The focal point on the summit today is the bright white Monastery of Agios Antonios, from which the panorama of Paros as well as the Aegean Sea and the neighboring island of Naxos is breathtaking. The monastery is no longer in operation today, but remains a heavenly place of peace.
You can drive up to below the monastery in a vehicle, but the approach is very steep and narrow. Alternatively, you can park your car at the pumping station at the foot of Kefalos Hill and from there take a narrow path uphill for about 15 minutes.
Below Kefalos Hill lies the beautiful, natural sandy beach Paralia Kalogeros. When the sea is calm, it is worth taking a dip in the crystal-clear, shallow water. The geology of the coast provides clay-like sand, which can be applied to the body in the form of a mud pack.
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Wonderfully suitable for a short coffee stop is the coastal hamlet Piso Livadi. Along the harbor promenade there are some cozy taverns and cafes where you can unwind. The nearby Punda Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Paros.
#8 Aliki
The small fishing village of Aliki has become one of the most popular holiday resort on Paros. Once salt was extracted here in the hinterland, today numerous studios, apartments and small hotels have settled around Aliki, which are mainly used by individual tourists.
The heart of the coastal town is the harbour pier with its numerous fish taverns. It is particularly beautiful, especially at sunset, to sit on a stone pier below Aliki Beach. Here, several taverns, including Mouragio, serve fresh fish and seafood in a romantic atmosphere right by the sea.
Ceramics from Paros
If you are looking for a tasteful souvenir from Paros, we can recommend the ceramic workshop Noe of Pierre and his wife. They have been living on Paros for years and have turned their hobby into a profession here. In her pretty studio and sales room, all goods are handmade with great attention to detail.
We especially liked the mugs with sea urchin motif. As an original Greece Gift Idea with fair pieces, everyone should find something suitable for themselves or for a loved one.
→ More information can be found at: Noe Ceramics Paros
#9 Day trip to Antiparos
From the harbour of Pounta in the west of Paros, car ferries go several times a day to the neighboring island of Antiparos, also written Andiparos. You should definitely plan an individual or guided day trip to this picturesque island and take your car with you.
→ You can find the current timetable at: Antiparos Ferries
In the main town of Antiparos, you set foot on land for the first time in the morning. Take your time to stroll along the beautiful main street. The backdrop with its blooming bougainvillea, which entwines along the facades of the houses, is like something out of a picture book.
The selection of taverns and cafes in Antiparos Chora is almost endless, especially recommended and child-friendly is e.g. the Yam Restaurant. You can book a guided excursion to Antiparos through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the guided excursion to Antiparos*
Road trip across Antiparos
With a hired car it goes across the island. We chose the road through the interior on the way there and drove back along the coast to Antiparos town on the way back.
On the way south, it is worth stopping at the Cave of Antiparos. The largest stalactite cave on the Cyclades is impressive even for cave grouches and its size and the curious formations inside are almost gigantic!
After a detour in the hamlet of Agios Georgios with the pretty chapel of Saint George on the seashore, we continue all the way south. Here you can expect curious rock formations at the Ubini Rocks as well as the dream beach Faneromeni Beach, which was well attended even in the low season.
On the way back to Antiparos we stopped south of the capital in the Time Marine Beach Bar. In a very chilled ambience, delicious Greek snacks and drinks are served here. We would have liked to see such a great beach bar with friendly staff and great value for money on Paros.
→ You can find our detailed travel report about the small island with many tips on sights, how to get there, hotels, restaurants and beaches here: Antiparos Highlights
More Paros Tips
Guided tours on Paros
The best way to explore Paros by land is by rental car. However, a sailing tour or a trip to the Small Cyclades is also worthwhile. Alternatively, you can rent a small motorboat and explore the bays around Parakia and Naoussa on your own. On GetYourGuide* you can view several Paros Day Tours, take a closer look and book directly if necessary:
➲ To the sailing trip around the island*
➲ A day trip to the Small Cyclades*
Accommodation on Paros
On the island of Paros, there are hotels, apartment complexes or a luxurious villas on almost every corner. Most of the accommodations are concentrated around the capital Parikia, the pretty harbour town of Naoussa and the resort town of Aliki in the south. Those seeking peace and quiet should use the east and south as a starting point for their holidays on Paros.
On Booking.com* you will find many hotels in Paros and you can check prices here:
Hotel tips for Paros
We have put together a personal selection of very good hotels on Paros in all price categories. Click on the links to our partner Booking.com* to find out more about the hotels:
- Andronis Minois*
- Azzurro Bianco Suites*
- Dolce Vista – Sea View Apartments*
- Paros Agnanti Resort & Spa*
- Summer Senses Luxury Resort*
Here we spent the night on Paros
Our little Cottage, Parasporos
We spent a week on the idyllic property of Ioannis and his family. The small holiday home in Parasporos is quietly located in a beautiful garden and can accommodate 2-3 people.
A simple kitchenette makes self-catering possible. The friendly Giannis and his family also spoiled us with fresh fruit such as grapes and pomegranates from their own garden during our stay.
→ You can book this accommodation through Airbnb: Our little Cottage
Paros Restaurant Recommendations
In addition to typical Greek taverns, Paros also offers a good selection of restaurants with international cuisine. We ate particularly well in the villages of Prodromos and Marmara. There are several excellent taverns here where it is worth stopping for a bite to eat. On the other hand, we were disappointed by the gastronomy in Lefkes – it remains just an excursion destination.
Enclosed we will tell you a small selection of restaurants on Paros which we liked most:
- Byzantino, in Prodromos
- Pezoula Kafeneio, in Marmara
- Yemeni Wine Restaurant, in Naoussa
- …
Want more restaurant tips for Paros?
→ In our Google map you will find all recommended cafés and taverns on Paros: To the Paros map
Getting around Paros
Paros is a compact and manageable island that measures about 20 km from north to south. Rent a small car for a few days and explore the island on your own, so you get a wonderful insight into the island away from the bus routes. Our partner Discover Cars* has great car rental deals for Paros:
Directly below the port is the bus station of Paros. The public buses on Paros connect all major towns as well as the Golden Beach. You can find the current bus schedules at: KTEL Paros
How to get to Paros
The Airport on Paros is regularly connected to Athens International Airport. Since 2022, the airport has also been served by smaller aircraft from Germany, Austria and Switzerland during the season. However, most holidaymakers currently travel to Paros by ferry.
Through our partner Skyscanner* you can search for possible direct flights to Paros or with a stopover to Athens or Mykonos:
➲ To search for flights with Skyscanner*
From Athens Airport you can reach the Piraeus Ferry Port in the south of the capital by taxi, bus or subway in approx. 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. From Piraeus it is about 3 hours by fast catamaran to the island of Paros.
→ By ferry to Paros? This article will provide you with all the information you need: Ferries in Greece
One of the shortest ways to get to Paros is to get to the neighboring island of Mykonos by flight. From Mykonos you take the ferry to Paros.
→ Cheap flights can be found on Skyscanner*: Direct flight to Mykonos*
From the island of Mykonos it is about 45 minutes by ferry to the island of Paros. Through our partner Ferryhopper* you can research ferry connections to Paros and book directly:
➲ To ferry connections to the island*
Paros Youtube Video
Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :
→ All information and travel reports about the Cyclades archipelago can be found at: Cyclades Islands
🔍 Our conclusion about Paros: Paros, a Cycladic paradise, is in upheaval with an uncertain future. Even on the first day, driving across the island revealed the extent of rapid tourist development. There are vacation rentals, private villas with pools, luxury resorts, and apartments as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of new building permits are issued every year. The only area that investors have not yet ventured into is the mountainous heartland. With the airport’s expansion into an international hub (keyword: Paris–Paros), the idyllic island life will finally be over, according to many locals at the regulars’ table in the village tavern. We also had the feeling that Paros is not far from becoming the next Mykonos. Looking at the Santa Maria peninsula in the northeast, one could almost speak of a sellout. Personally, we didn’t warm up to Paros; somehow, we lacked a sense of the island’s identity, and many things seemed artificial. However, we have fond memories of our hosts, Gianni and his family. In their holiday home, we experienced the purest form of Greek hospitality. Chapeau!
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