The Ultimate Paros Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece

The Greek Islands are unlike anything I’ve experienced before, and one of my favorites has to be Paros. Paros is an island located in the Cyclades, known for its clear blue waters, charming villages, beautiful beaches, and classic Greek hospitality. This Paros Travel Guide has recommendations on the best things to do in Paros, restaurants and beach bar recommendations, the best time to visit Paros, how to get around, and more. 

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How to Get to Paros

There are two main ways to get to Paros: flying or ferry. You can take a direct flight to Paros from Athens which takes under 45 minutes and is offered multiple times a day, so it’s an easy way to travel to the island. 

The other main way to get to Paros is by ferry. You can take a ferry from Athens (around 3-5 hours depending on if you take a fast ferry) or from the other Greek islands like Santorini (1.5-3 hours), Mykonos (45 minutes to 1.5 hours), and more. One thing to keep in mind is if there is a lot of wind or if the sea is rough, ferry crossings can get significantly delayed or even cancelled. So you’ll want to account for travel time when planning your itinerary. If you’re prone to seasickness you’ll also want to pack dramamine, as sometimes crossings can get pretty rocky!

Should You Stay in Naoussa or Parikia?

One of the first questions tourists often ask when planning a trip to Paros, is if they should stay in Naoussa or Parikia. Both are great options and are easy to get between, so you really can’t go wrong with either, but where to stay will depend on the type of experience you are looking for.

Stay in Naoussa if you want:

• A chic, boutique feel with whitewashed alleys, trendy shops, and photogenic cafes
• Lively nightlife with cocktail bars, beach clubs, and upscale restaurants
• Easy access to beautiful beaches like Kolymbithres and Monastiri (often by water taxi)
• A more romantic, polished atmosphere (think couples, girls’ trips, stylish stays)

Stay in Parikia if you want:

• A more laid-back, local vibe with authentic tavernas and easy-going charm
• Better access to public transport and ferries (Parikia is the main port)
• More budget-friendly options for hotels and food
• A great base for exploring inland villages like Lefkes

Hotel Spotlight

Paros Palace Suites

Hotel Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Best For: Couples, Girls Trips

Avg. Rate: from $200+

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Hotel Highlights:

🌊 Ocean Views

🍽️ Restaurant & Bar

🍳 Breakfast Included

🚙 Free Transfer to Port

💧 Pool & Hot Tub

🏠 Private Pool Villas

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Paros Palace Suites is a boutique hotel located in the seaside town of Parikia. It has a variety of room types ranging from classic double rooms to private pool villas. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to the port in Parikia, which makes getting around super convenient.

The rooms are large, updated, air conditioned, clean and many have gorgeous sunset views over the sea. They also come with tv’s, toiletries, plush robes, and slippers and we definitely took advantage of lounging in the soft robes after a long day out exploring!

The hotel also has a large pool with plenty of sun loungers that was perfect for relaxing with a book or cooling off in the water. There’s also a hot tub, pool bar, and restaurant. In terms of food at the hotel, I thought the complimentary breakfast was very good, dinner was delicious and reasonably priced, and the room service was tasty with fairly quick service as well. The main restaurant also has a fantastic sunset view over the sea!

The service level at the hotel was great, and the staff helped us with anything we needed. The location made it easy to explore the rest of Paros, and the rooms and food were great as well. Overall, Paros Palace felt both luxurious and relaxing and I thought it was the perfect place to stay for a first time trip to Paros!

Book Here

8 Best Things To Do In Paros

1. Blue Lagoon

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If you’ve ever wanted to see the perfectly blue waters of the Greek Islands, then a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon is an absolute must. Between Paros and Antiparos is a stunning natural pool with incredibly crystal clear, turquoise waters. Boat tours to Blue Lagoon will usually visit a few spots that also offer great spots for snorkeling as well as hidden beaches!

2. Explore Parikia

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Parikia is one of the top towns to visit in Paros as the capital and main port. It’s full of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and the iconic Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors), which is one of the oldest churches in Greece and dates back to the 4th century. It’s also a great place to see the sunset from a seaside taverna.

3. Local Wine Tasting

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A trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without tasting the local wines, and each region of the country has its own unique varieties. Moraitis Winery in Paros is the perfect spot to try several different types of local wines and cheeses, tour a vineyard, and learn more about the history of wine production on the island.

4. Explore Naoussa

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This picturesque fishing village transforms into a lively spot by night, with waterfront tavernas, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. There’s so many charming streets to wander through, it’s close to great beaches, and even has an old castle in the harbor!

5. Day Trip to Antiparos

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Antiparos is a small island located just a 10 minute ferry ride away from Paros, making it a super easy day trip. It’s much quieter, less crowded, and just as picturesque. You can explore the main town of Chora, explore Antiparos Cave, or relax on quiet beaches.

6. Enjoy the Beaches

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Paros is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the Cyclades. On the north coast near Naoussa are Kolymbithres Beach and Monastiri Beach. For a more social atmosphere, Santa Maria Beach is popular for its beach bars and water sports. On the western side, Marcello Beach near Parikia is just across the bay. In the south, beaches like Faragas and Golden Beach are great for swimming and relaxing in the sun. 

7. Explore Lefkes

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​​Lefkes is a picturesque mountain village that was once the capital of Paros. It’s known for its traditional charm, stunning views, and winding streets lined with bougainvillea-covered homes, tavernas, and artisan shops. It’s also home to the impressive Church of Agia Triada, as well as the start of the historic Byzantine Road, an ancient stone path that leads to the village of Prodromos. 

8. Walk the Byzantine Road

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The Byzantine Trail (or Byzantine Road) is one of the most scenic and historic walking paths on Paros that dates back to the Byzantine era (circa 1,000 AD). The trail starts in Lefkes and stretches a little over 2 miles (3.5km) and ends in the village of Prodromos. For most people, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour one way and is mostly downhill if you start from Lefkes.

Best Time to Visit Paros

The Greek Islands operate on a seasonal schedule, so many shops, restaurants, and hotels will be closed during the winter, until reopening for the tourist season in late spring. Winter is also often wet and rainy, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Paros is during the shoulder seasons of late May – June, and September – early October. The weather is typically warm and sunny but you won’t have the intense crowds and peak-season prices of July and August. While the water will still be cold in May, it does get warm enough for swimming by mid June (although we went ahead and still swam in May even when the water was quite refreshing lol.)

July and August will have the best ocean temperatures for swimming, but hotels will be MUCH more expensive and the crowds will be heavier as well, so you’ll need reservations for many restaurants. Beach clubs also have peak season pricing so you can often expect to pay almost double for a sunbed during July and August compared to shoulder season.

How to Get Around Paros

Rent a Car: This is the best option for getting around the island as it will give you maximum flexibility. However, some of the roads can be narrow and there can be limited parking in town centers so you’ll want to plan ahead. Some tourists will also rent ATVs as well.

Bus: Paros has a great bus system which makes it easy to get between the major areas like Parikia, Naoussa, the port, etc. The buses are air conditioned, often have wifi, and are pretty timely so it’s a great option if you’re looking to get between places like Parikia and Naoussa at an affordable price (~€2–€3 per ride). However their schedules are more limited during the off season and at night, so you’ll want to be sure to check the bus schedule. 

Taxi: Taxis offer the most convenience, but are often very expensive on the island. There also aren’t that many taxis so the wait time can be quite long, especially during the high season. We didn’t use taxis at all during our trip and mostly relied on public transportation or walking.

How Many Days to Spend in Paros

If you’re combining Paros with other islands as part of an island hopping trip, then I’d recommend 3 days in Paros in order to be able to explore both Parikia and Naoussa as well as getting some good beach time.

If you want a slower pace and Paros is your main destination, then 5 days is perfect for exploring the island as well as having time to see Antiparos.

Is Paros Safe for Tourists?

Paros is generally considered to be pretty safe for tourists, but any time you are traveling you’ll want to take the usual precautions like watching your bags, avoiding poorly lit areas, etc. Most issues in Paros are related to petty theft like pickpocketing so just be sure to stay alert in crowded areas like the ferry port.

What to Wear in Paros

Paros has a warm, mediterranean climate so you’ll want to wear clothes that are light, breathable, and comfortable. The sun in Greece can also be a lot stronger than you think, so it will often feel much warmer than what the weather forecast says. It was only in the mid 70s when we were in Paros in May, but it felt more like the mid 80’s due to the sun! It’s a great time to wear out any linen outfits you’ve been dying to wear, and cotton is another great choice. If you’re planning to visit churches, I’d also recommend bringing a light scarf or shawl to cover with.

Looking for more Greece recommendations? Check out some of our other posts from the blog!

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