13 INCREDIBLE things to do in Paros, Greece (& How To Get There)

Looking for the best things to do in Paros, Greece? You’ve come to the right place.

Located in the middle of the 220 Cyclades islands in Greece, is the gorgeous island of Paros. Paros is most famous for its golden sand beaches and traditional whitewashed Greek villages.

If you want to avoid the more popular and crowded destinations of Santorini and Mykonos but still want to surround yourself with stunning Greek architecture then Paros is the island to visit!

Not only that, but you’ll also be able to swim in crystal-clear waters, devour delicious Greek cuisine and enjoy the buzzing nightlife that Paros has to offer.

After getting the opportunity to explore Paros on an awesome 5-day trip to Greece, I uncovered all of the best things to do and see on this island to curate this ultimate guide on the best things to do in Paros.

So, what are the best things to do in Paros? Read on below to find out!

Enjoy the Stunning Beaches Of Paros

Paros is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Cyclades, each owning something unique whether its golden sand, hidden coves and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

If you’re visiting Paros make sure to check out the beach spots below:

Kolympethres

Kolympethres is one of Paros’ most famous beaches. It is best known for its granite rock formations and calm, shallow waters. It’s a dream spot for sunbathing and swimming and the clear water makes it ideal for snorkelling. This beach is just 5 minutes from Naoussa, easily accessible by car or water taxi from Naoussa Port (under €10, but no set schedule).

Monastiri

Located in Paros Park, Monastiri Beach is a peaceful cove with calm turquoise waters. This beach is Just a 5-minute drive (or a 30-minute scenic walk) from Kolymbithres. It’s great for paddleboarding, sunbathing and just chilling with a cocktail. If you’re up for more of an adventure you can explore the nearby coastal trails for some gorgeous panoramic views. The only con to this beach is that you will often find a whole host of jellyfish dotted close to the shore, so you need to watch out if you’re going for a swim.

KALOGEROS BEACH

If you’re looking for a unique beach experience then Kalogeros Beach is definitely worth visiting. This secluded bay is famous for its natural clay, which you can use for a DIY mud mask. So I guess you could say a trip here is half beach visit, half spa day! The surrounding cliffs and stunning blue water make this spot feel like a hidden secret paradise. This beach is Located on the east coast, about 25 minutes from Parikia by car. It’s a bit more off-the-beaten path but worth it!

FARAGAS

If you love a bit of laid-back luxury then make sure to visit Faragas Beach on Paros’ southern coast. Think soft golden sand, crystal-clear water and a very trendy beach bar serving cocktails and fresh seafood. This is the perfect spot for a lazy day enjoying lots of food and drink. This beach is located about 25 minutes from Parikia or 15 minutes from Naoussa by car.

LITTLE SANTA MARIA BEACH

If you’re anything like me you’ll hate it when you realise you’re not the only tourist around. If you want to escape these crowds then Little Santa Maria Beach is the perfect option. It is a tiny hidden cove just next to the more famous Santa Maria Beach. It has soft sand and crystal-clear waters, and very few people are on it. This beach is located just 10 minutes from Naoussa by car.

Parosporos beach

If you’re looking for a beach that’s got space to stretch out, crystal-clear water, and a fun but laid-back atmosphere then Parosporos Beach is the place to go. Just a short 5-minute drive from Parikia, this long, sandy beach is perfect for a full day of sun and sea. With two lively beach bars serving up refreshing cocktails and tasty snacks, you can kick back on a sunbed and soak in the views. This was one of my favourite beaches in Paros and I loved spending a lazy day here!

Monastery of St. John’s of Deti

If you are visiting Monastiri Beach then make sure to take a short stroll to one of Paros’ most charming historic sites, the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aegean, this traditional Greek monastery is a picture-perfect spot, with its iconic blue-domed roof and whitewashed walls.

The monastery is a stunning example of classic Cycladic architecture and if you time your visit just right you’ll be treated to golden-hour views that make it an incredible spot for photos. Right nearby you can also explore Paros Park which is a scenic area filled with hiking trails, dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

sailing Around Paros and Antiparos

If you’re dreaming of the perfect day on the water then booking this sailing cruise around Paros and Antiparos is an absolute must and is the perfect way to waste one of your days on Paros. During this trip, you’ll be able to enjoy sailing through the beautiful Aegean Sea, stopping at hidden coves and snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons that are only accessible by boat.

This cruise comes with complimentary beer, wine and a delicious Greek feast on board so you can sip, snack and sunbathe as you sail around the island. This is one of the best and most unique ways to explore Paros and enjoy something away from the crowds of tourists located on the mainland. You can book this tour below.

Visit the beautiful traditional Greek villages  

When you picture Greece, you probably imagine whitewashed buildings, blue-domed roofs and colourful doors and streets lined with vibrant pink bougainvillaea, and that is exactly what you’ll find in the stunning villages of Paros. Each village has its own unique charm, history and atmosphere.

Some of the best villages to visit in Paros include:

Naoussa

Naoussa is a dreamy, postcard-perfect coastal village with cobblestone alleyways, charming whitewashed houses and a picturesque harbour filled with traditional fishing boats. During the day is the perfect place to explore boutique shops and historic ruins. By night Naoussa comes alive with trendy bars and restaurants and a buzzing nightlife.

Marpissa

Marpissa is a stunning village that is tucked away in the hills of Paros. This village is filled with narrow streets, beautiful stone houses and a peaceful atmosphere. Marpissa is most famous for its famous pink house (which you can see pictured in the image below). This was definitely my favourite village Paros, so if you can only pick one, then I would go with this one.

Lefkes 

Lefkes is one of the island’s most beautiful and historic villages, and it used to be the capital of Paros before Parikia took the throne. Lefkes is home to Venetian architecture, charming alleyways and stunning mountain views. Lefkes is also home to some of the best traditional Greek tavernas. Leftkes is also one of the more popular Greek villages so expect to encounter more crowds during your time here.

If Paros is the classic Greek island beauty, then Antiparos is its effortlessly cool younger sister who’s a little more laidback but equally just as stunning. Antiparos is just a short ferry ride away and is the perfect place for a quick day trip or even an overnight stay. Here you can enjoy more pristine beaches and some very cool beach bars.

One of the best beaches on the island is Soros Beach which is home to a long stretch of golden sand and gorgeous clear waters which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. On Soros Beach, you can also find Soros Beach Club. if you want to enjoy a lively beach spot this is the place to be. You can spend all day here enjoying delicious seafood and yummy cocktails.

If you prefer a more peaceful setting, then Beach House is the perfect alternative. This is a boho-chic beachfront spot where you can spend all day relaxing on plush loungers, sipping a cold glass of rosé (or orange juice).

Reaching Antiparos is super easy. Simply catch a ferry from Pounda Port and you will be on the island in just 7 minutes which should cost you around €2-5. Click here to view the ferry timetable.

Watch the sunset in Parikia

No trip to Paros is complete without watching the sunset in Parikia, the island’s capital and main port town. Whether you’re a sunset chaser to just looking for a romantic dinner spot, Parikia is the place to visit. For the best sunset view, be sure to visit one of the waterside restaurants along the main road in Parikia or for something a little more special head up to Alexandros Cafe where you can watch the sunset from a traditional Greek windmill that has been converted into a beautiful little cafe.

Beyond its sunsets, Parikia is full of character. Here you can find flower-filled streets, the stunning 4th-century Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors), lots of boutique stores and plenty more bars and restaurants.

Drink cocktails at Punda Coast

If you want a beach with a fun vibe, great music, and amazing cocktails, Punda Coast Beach Club is the place to be. This spot feels like a luxury beach escape. Here you can relax by the pool, sip on a cocktail, and dance to live DJ sets while enjoying the beautiful sea views.

The atmosphere here is lively and stylish. If you love a buzzing crowd and a party scene, this is the perfect spot. But if you prefer something quieter and more relaxed, Parosporos Beach is a better choice for a laid-back beach day.

If you’re into kitesurfing or want to give it a try, Pounda Beach is the place to be. It’s one of the top kitesurfing spots in the Cyclades, thanks to its steady winds and long sandy beach that make it easy to set up, launch, and land.

The beach has kitesurfing schools and rental shops, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find everything you need. One of the best schools in Pounda has to be Paros Kite, so be sure to check them out.

The area also has cafes and hotels nearby, making it a great spot to spend the day riding the waves and relaxing after a session.

Enjoy Wine Tasting at Moraitis Winery

If you’re looking for a change of pace after all that time in the sun, Moraitis Winery is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. Here, you can wander through the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and, of course, enjoy a tasting of some incredible local Greek wines.

Located near Naoussa, this family-run winery has been producing high-quality Parian wines for generations. The setting is beautiful, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the wines are delicious. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious to try something new, this is a great way to experience a different side of Paros.

Alternatively, you can choose a Paros wine-tasting tour instead where you’ll sail around the island, visit 2 different wineries, try 8 different wines and enjoy local cheeses and olives.

Go for a hike

If you’re more of an adventurer than a beach bum, then hiking in Paros is a great way to see a different side of the island. Paros has a network of scenic trails that take you through mountains, and valleys that offer stunning views along the way.

One of the most popular hikes is the Byzantine Path, a centuries-old stone trail that connects the villages of Lefkes and Prodromos. This easy route winds through olive groves, rolling hills, and traditional Greek landscapes.

If you’re looking for more trails, check out AllTrails, where you can find detailed route maps and difficulty ratings to help you pick the perfect hike.

Plane

You can catch a 40-minute flight to Paros from Athens airport with prices starting at €50 for one way. I recommend searching for the best flight deals on the Skyscanner website. The plane that is used to transport passengers over to Paros is extremely small, so this is probably not the best option for you if you don’t enjoy flying.

The best ways to get around and explore Paros

Car Rental

To fully experience the best of Paros, I highly recommend renting a car. Car hire on the island is quite affordable, with rentals starting at just €40 a day. You will also be able to rent ATVs from certain rental companies if you are looking to venture along dirt roads. Be aware that the roads on Paros are fairly old, so watch out for potholes and ditches.

Alternative Travel

If renting a car or an ATV isn’t an option, Paros has a reliable bus service that covers most of the island’s top attractions for as little as €1.50 per journey. Click here to learn more about the bus routes.

There are also a few taxi services available on the island, but they can be in high demand, so you might have to wait a while to be picked up from your destination. Click here for more information on taxi services.

The best places to Stay in Paros

There are so many gorgeous towns and villages to stay in Paros that it can be hard to choose, but I have narrowed down the best spots for you:

Parikia

This is the capital of Paros and is home to the ferry terminal. If you want a place full of atmosphere and plenty of restaurants, Parikia is the place to stay. Some of the top hotels in Parikia Include:

• White Blossom: Guests praise its cleanliness and proximity to local attractions.
• Cyclades Studios: Known for its friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
• Hotel Dina: Offers traditional Cycladic architecture with modern amenities.

Naoussa

Naoussa is a vibrant fishing village with a lot going on. It offers a traditional Greek village experience with a modern, cosmopolitan twist. I stayed here myself and can’t recommend it enough. Some of the top hotels in Naoussa Include:

• Sandaya Luxury Suites: Located close to the main attractions, it boasts a relaxing pool and exceptional service.
• Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel (Adults Only): Situated in the heart of Naoussa, this hotel offers stylish accommodations and a lively atmosphere.
• Parian Boutique Hotel: Guests appreciate its beachfront location and attentive staff.

Chrissi Akti

Chrissi Akti has one of the best beaches in Paros and is perfect for those wanting to try their hand at watersports such as windsurfing. Some of the top hotels in Chrissi Akti Include:

• Golden Beach Hotel: Highly rated for its friendly staff and a prime location near the beach.
• Poseidon of Paros Hotel & Spa: Guests commend its excellent facilities and fantastic views in a tranquil setting.
• Saint George Hotel: Offers fabulous accommodations with superb reviews.

Drios

Drios is another stunning fishing village, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the rest of the island. It’s a great spot for couples. Some of the top hotels in Drios Include:

• To Kyma: A beachfront property known for its warm hospitality.
• Nissiotiko Hotel: Offers comfortable rooms with sea views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Click here to explore more Paros accommodation options.

Is Paros island better than Santorini?

Choosing between Paros and Santorini depends on what you want. Santorini is best known for its stunning views, sunsets, and luxury resorts. It’s more romantic and expensive but also more crowded.

Whereas Paros offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches and charming villages. It’s more traditional and less commercialised.

If you want luxury and dramatic scenery, go for Santorini but if you want a more laid-back and authentic experience then I would suggest choosing Paros.

?️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget then make sure to check out Hostelworld.

✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!

?Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.

?Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.

?Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100’s of activities whilst travelling.

?Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.

?Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download sims from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.