PAROS, THE CYCLADES: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE PRETTIEST ISLAND IN GREECE

Paros isn’t the first island that comes to mind when thinking about the Greek Islands, but it’s one of the most well-rounded places to visit in The Cyclades. And it’s one of my favorites. It nails all the boxes on a holiday check list, and its central location in the island group makes Paros easily accessible by both ferry and plane. Below is my complete guide to the island including the best beaches, day trips, restaurants, boutique hotels, villages, viewpoints, Google Map pins and more.

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HOW MANY DAYS ON PAROS?

FIVE DAYS. For travelers trying to maximize their time in the Greek islands, three full days on Paros will get you the best beaches, restaurants, villages and shops. But for a more relaxed visit that includes longer beach days, as well as a day trip to neighbor Antiparos, five days on the island is ideal.

WHEN TO VISIT PAROS

• JUNE & SEPTEMBER (best season) – June and September offer visitors pleasant sunny weather with fewer crowds than peak summer. Hotel selection and prices are also slightly more reasonable this time of the year.
• JULY & AUGUST (high season) – Tourists pour into the Greek islands during high season when hotel prices soar. Temperatures can also get pretty toasty in July and August.
• APRIL, MAY & OCTOBER (shoulder season) – Shoulder season offers up the best pricing for lodging, but it’s so early and late in the year that the island won’t be fully opened. Also, weather can be hit and miss.
• NOVEMBER TO MARCH (low season) – Avoid visiting this time of the year. Weather can be cold and rainy, and most shops and restaurants are closed for the season.

PAROS TRAVEL TIPS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Greece is the Euro. Most places on the island accept credit card, but I always try to have cash handy for small purchases.
• STRONG WINDS – Keep plans on Paros fluid. The island is notorious for it’s strong winds, and you might need to shuffle around beach and boat days.
• WATER SHOES – A lot of the beaches on Paros are rocky. Pack water shoes for less painful access to the water.

PAROS TOWNS & VILLAGES

LEFKES

The former capital of Paros is a charming maze of alleys connecting mostly residential homes to a handful of restaurants, cafes, shops and churches. Lefkes is situated in the middle of the island, a 15-minute drive from Naousa. There is a small parking lot at the edge of town where tourists can park, and then explore the pedestrian village on foot.

MARPISSA

Tiny village on the island’s west coast that can be explored in an hour. Marpissa is home to several lovely churches, cobbled passageways and scenic lanes.

NAOUSA

Naousa is by far the prettiest town on Paros. Stone lanes lined with blooming bougainvilleas lead the way to upscale boutiques, cafes and the bustling waterfront. Naousa has some of the best shopping in The Cyclades, and the waterfront is one of my favorite dining scenes in all of Greece.

PARIKIA

Parikia is the first (or last) place you’ll see on Paros if traveling by ferry. The port town is a bustling hub of restaurants, shops, bakeries, cafes, tourist agencies and churches – a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and then grab dinner.

PAORS + ANTIPAROS BEACHES

ANTIPAROS

A visit to neighboring island Antiparos is a must while on Paros. It can be reached via a quick 10-minute ferry journey from Parikia (Paros) to Pounda (Antiparos). Or the island can be explored by boat. I prefer the boat rental option – the coastline is completely epic, and most of it is only accessible by water. Seacret Cruises offers private full-day tours – they know all the best secret coves, sea caves, blue lagoons and moonlike rocks for cliff jumping.

DAMULI BEACH

This beach is one of the best kept secrets in Paros. It’s located on the east coast, tucked away below Parocks and Amalgam Homes. On a sunny day with no wind, the water here is complete serenity – calm shallows and turquoise sparkles that are blinding. The beach is a short drive from Naousa, but most people don’t know about it, so it doesn’t get very busy.

KALOGEROS BEACH

My favorite time to visit Kalogeros is in the evening. The beach doesn’t face the sunset, but a pink glow settles over the calm water and otherworldly rocks as the sun goes down. A beautiful spot for sunset swims that looks like another planet.

KOLYMPETHRES BEACH

Kolympethres is arguably the prettiest beach on Paros. It’s located in dazzling Plastira Bay where oversized slabs of granite serve up picturesque sunbathing spots for beachgoers, and the craggy rocks create little coves. Water is calm, clear and sparkles under the midday sun.

MONASTIRI BEACH

A sandy beach located across the bay from Naousa where the water is calm, turquoise and completely serene. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent.

PLACES TO VISIT ON PAROS

MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN’S OF DETI

A beautiful blue dome church perched on the rocks, St. John’s of Deti is located right next to Monastiri Beach.

PARADOX PROJECT

A challenging, expansive escape room in Parikia – a fun evening activity if you are on the island with a group. There is a sister escape room in Athens that is considered one of the top 10 escape rooms in the world (same creators).

SAINT CONSTANTINE CHURCH

This classic Cycladic styled church sits at the edge of Parikia overlooking the Aegean Sea. It’s very picturesque – white washed, exposed brown stones and blue domed.

ST. ANTONIOS MONASTERY

It’s a steep drive up a mountain to reach St. Antonio’s Monastery. Park just below the church, and then walk to the top. The 360-views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding white-washed villages are beautiful, and the white monastery surrounded by blooming flowers and trees is lovely.

THIRD FOUNTAIN OF MAVROGENES

A beautiful marble fountain in Parikia that sits tucked away on a shopping boulevard, next to Pirate Bar.

VENETIAN CASTLE

Built in the 13th or 14 century century, the Venetian Castle is now mostly submerged under water, but the watch tower is still accessible for tourists to visit. It’s accessed via the sea wall on the Naoussa waterfront.

WHERE TO STAY ON PAROS

ACRON VILLAS

Acron Villas is a collection of Cycladic villas that sit perched above Naousa Bay. Villa options range from two to five bedrooms, all equipped with private pools, gardens, full kitchens and spacious living areas. This is a wonderful upscale option, particularly if you’re traveling in a group. And location is ideal – five minutes from the prettiest beach on the island and 10 minutes from Naousa Town.

AEGIS LUXE

This new luxury property in Naousa is beautiful. The one bedroom space is designed with neutral furniture pieces and decor, a full length wooden mirror and boho accent pieces – all complimenting the minimalist design. Aegis Luxe includes a private parking space.

AMALGAM HOMES

Gorgeous collection of villas overlooking one of the prettiest secluded beaches on the island. Villa sizes range from three to six bedrooms – a great option for groups! The beautiful Amalgam Homes vary in amenities but most include a full kitchen, living space, dining area, patios, private pool, laundry room and even a private Greek chapel. And all are outfitted in bright whites and aesthetic neutrals. I stayed in Agia Thalassa, and it was amazing!

APERADO PAROS HOUSE

Aperado Paros House is located in Krotiri up on a quiet hill, a five-minute drive from the Parikia port, shopping and restaurants. The spacious two-bedroom house has been beautifully designed, and designated an Airbnb Plus property. There is a terrace, pool and tennis court, all shared with other units in the little complex.

AVANT MAR PAROS

A beautiful Cycladic boutique hotel that’s a five-minute stroll from the Naoussa waterfront. There are an array of rooms and suites to choose from – the Premium Sea View Suite opens up to a private plunge pool. All around solid stay at Avant Mar.

COVE PAROS

This elegant boutique hotel located on the outskirts of Naousa town is home to more than 40 rooms and suites, several with private pools. The vibe at Cove Paros is Boho elegance – the pool scene is stunning boasting shallow turquoise water, plush neutral sun beds and raffia umbrellas. Rooms are beautifully appointed, designed with Cycladic styled cues. Lots of whites and neutrals.

LILLY RESIDENCE-SEA VIEW SUITES

Another Naousa boutique hotel featuring that classic white minimalist design throughout. The outdoor white stone steps and pathways lead to both open and enclosed stone pools, reminiscent of the hotels on Santorini. Lilly Residence is adults only, and location near Naousa is ideal.

NAOUSA STUDIO

If a one bedroom studio suits your holiday, this Airbnb Plus property is a gem. The space is absolutely charming with flagstone floors, concrete bathrooms finishes, wood detailing and even a small bougainvillea outside the front door. Ideally located in Naousa, walking distance to shops, restaurants and the waterfront.

PARILIO

A 33-luxury suite hotel, located just inland from Naousa Bay. Parilio boats minimalist design throughout the property including archways, columns and concrete materials all in neutral tones. The spacious suites open up to private patios, some with plunge pools. Parilio is a short drive to Kolympithres Beach and Naousa.

PAROCKS

Parocks is a gorgeous luxury option located on the island’s east coast. It feels wonderfully secluded, but the property is just 10-minutes from the main Naousa town, and one of the island’s prettiest secret beaches is a short stroll away. Rooms are simple, stylish and luxurious.

PAROS NEREIDS VILLA AMPHITRITE

Beautiful two-bedroom villa located in Parikia. An Airbnb Plus property, the villa is modern and spacious, and the grey and white color palette is incredibly soothing. Nereids Villa has a beautiful terrace, private pool and sunbeds.

SANDAYA LUXURY SUITES

Sandaya Luxuruy Suites is boho chic luxury in the heart of Paros. The property design has all the Cycladic feels including turquoise plunge pools, white concrete, tan trims etc. Ideally located walking distance from Naousa’s shops and restaurants.

GREECE GOOGLE MAP PINS

Every summer I visit the Greek Islands, and now I’m sharing more than 400 of my Google map pins across 12 islands with you guys here. The map is savable to your Google account, and easy to use for trip planning and navigation once on the ground in Greece.

Map pins include:

• must-visit destinations, churches, historic sites, viewpoints
• hotels, villas and Airbnbs
• bars, cafes, gelato shops, restaurants
• beaches, cliff jumping locations, secret coves, sea caves
• boat rental companies, ferry ports
• photos from several of these locations

Islands included in the map: Corfu, Crete, Ios, Kastellorizo, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros + Antiparos, Paxos + Antipaxos, Santorini

PAROS RESTAURANTS

32 AGOSTO

Delicious popsicle shop with storefronts in Parikia and Naousa. Simply select a flavored popsicle (hazelnut, chocolate, passion fruit, mango, etc), select a dip and select a topping.

ALLAS SOUVLAKI & MORE

Popular spot in Naousa for gyros, souvlaki, tzatsiki and pita. Very affordable.

ALMOND IN PAROS

Boho brunch spot in Naousa that serves smoothies, fresh juices, acai bowls, pancakes, egg dishes and sandwiches.

CHAROULA TAVERN

Baby blue wooden tables and chairs sit on Greek stone in front of a matching blue mural. This adorable restaurant sits in the middle of Marpissa Village. Menu is filled with local Greek dishes.

CUORE ROSSO

Cuore Rosso serves authentic, thin-crust pizza baked in a wood fire oven. Located in Parikia, this place is nothing fancy, but it’s darn delicious and always busy.

MARKAKIS RESTAURANT

This waterfront restaurant located in Piso Livadi might be my favorite on the island. The speciality is seafood, everything comes out fresh, beautiful and delicious. Highlights on the menu are the fried zucchini, tzatziki and sea bass cooked in butter, olive oil, capers and lemon juice.

NAOUSA WATERFRONT

Barbossa, Sigi Ikthios, Tsachpínēs and Mario are just a few of the al fresco waterfront dining options on the Naousa harbor. Some are tastier than others, and everything is overpriced. But Naousa’s waterfront dining scene is such a vibe.

SANTE COCKTAIL BAR

Lovely cocktail bar located in the heart of Naousa with tables scattered across a tiny square in front of an old church. Sante is open all day, but tables fill up in the evenings.

SCREAM

There are several gelato shops on the island, but Scream in Naousa is my favorite (mostly because they carry mint chocolate chip).

SIPAROS

Siparos is an open-air restaurant, a 10-minute drive from the main Naousa town. The speciality is seafood – lots of fresh, delicious options on the menu. The scallops are 5 euros a pop, but an absolute must.

TO PARADOSIAKO

Best spot in Naousa to get fried Greek donuts topped with honey, cinnamon, white chocolate or dark chocolate. A cheap and delicious treat while shopping in town.

UMI SUSHI

Wonderful sushi restaurant located in Naousa (and a nice break from Greek cuisine). UMI Sushi serves a fresh selection of nigiri, rolls, tataki, salads and tempura.

GET AROUND PAROS

Paros is a small island, but everything is pretty spread out. You’ll maximize your time if you have a set of wheels. Rental agencies can be found in the port town of Parikia, all agencies walking distance after disembarking from the ferry. I rented our car with Budget Car Rentals, and they were great. We arrived by ferry, but departed at the airport where someone picked the car up, free of charge. Almost all rental agencies in Greece will ask for an International Driver’s License, so best to be safe and get one before arriving in Greece. If you live in the USA, you can easily pick one up at AAA.

GET TO PAROS

Paros is connected to other destinations in Greece by both air and sea. All flights to Paros connect through Athens, but the island is easily accessible by ferry from Mykonos, Ios, Milos and Naxos. I used Ferry Hopper to book all my ferry tickets within Greece.