30 Best Things To Do In Paros, Greece
Our first trip to Paros was a surprise trip to Paros for my 30th birthday. The Greek Island of Paros had been on our list of places to visit in Greece for years, so heading there for a birthday extravaganza was a wonderful experience to check out all the best things to do on Paros Island, Greece. We loved our experience so much that a few years later we even returned to get married on the island, so we truly have a deep love for this Cycladic gem.
Paros is the posh little sister to its more famous Cycladic neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos. It’s an enticing mixture of charming towns, inviting locals, water sports, boutique shops, and sandy beaches. The two hubs of Parikia and Naoussa are a heady maze of white-washed streets to meander through.
We love the island’s ability to feel removed from the masses yet offer classic tourist trappings such as fine restaurants and buzzing cocktail bars. It will always be our choice over the more famous islands like Santorini, Rhodes, Zakynthos, and Mykonos. Paros has everything you could want from a trip to the Greek islands, and we guarantee you’ll love this island just as much as we do! Let’s break down all our favorite things to do in Paros.
Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece
Dive Into Parikia
Most visitors to Paros will travel through Parikia, the island’s capital and port. Parikia is home to the island’s ferry terminal and many restaurants and cafes. It’s easy to skip over the port town as it does not look like much from the ferry port. However, that would be a mistake as the interior town streets are full of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars.
There are several excellent bars for drinks at sunset, but Bebop offers the best views with an inventive cocktail menu. Afterward, head to Mira Restaurant for a classic Greek taverna, which draws a crowd on busy nights. You can also opt for a charcuterie board at the wine bar, Ela Paros, French/Greek dining at Stou Fred, or Pizza at Cuore Rosso.
If you want to visit a bank or a supermarket, Parikia is the best place to do that as it has the best selection on the island. Parikia is also where you’ll find car rental agencies, which are a great way to get around Paros, but I’ll touch more on that later!
Learn to windsurf on Golden Beach
Greece is notorious for its winds; when the Meltemi winds blow in from the north, it howls across the island. The wind may not be ideal for beachgoers, but it attracts wind and kite surfers from around the globe. While we don’t recommend taking lessons in high wind, on calmer days, Golden Sand Beach has several windsurfing operators who offer lessons.
Paros Windsurf Center has an excellent reputation with great equipment and helpful instructors. Windsurfing is a blast and easy to learn in a couple of hours. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the best things to do on Paros. If you end up loving the sport, don’t worry, Naxos is renowned for its wind and kite surfing scene if you get hooked on the neighboring islands.
If you’re a mixed group, don’t worry; Golden Beach is one of the beaches on Paros and offers relaxation for those who prefer to sit on the beach. It’s a blue flag beach known for its fine golden sand stretching 700 meters. The perfect spot to catch some rays and get a tan or swim, as the beach is protected from the wind.
Stroll Around Lefkes
The small mountain village of Lefkes is a highlight for many visitors to the island. It may have only 500 inhabitants, but it features some lovely boutique shops, tavernas, and coffee shops. Its beauty makes it well worth exploring for an afternoon or a couple of hours.
Lefkes is charming, as cobblestone alleys wind up and down hills to form a maze only accessible by foot. The village has fine examples of classic Cycladic architecture, white stone homes with blue accents, and bougainvillea flowers. History is everywhere in the little village. Much of the stone walls and homes date back to the Middle Ages when Lefkes was the island’s capital. Visitors will also see Venetian homes that date back to their rule in between those traditional homes.
However, the Byzantine Church of Agia Triada is the most imposing and difficult to miss. It makes for a great photo stop and is worth taking a closer look to observe some of the fine marble work from Tinian sculptors. Cafe Marigo, which sits opposite the church, makes for a nice stop for homemade lemonade, be sure to pop inside to see historic photos from Lefkes.
Enjoy the small town of Aliki
The southern village of Aliki is a charming little seaside village with a beautiful little port and charming traditional tavernas. Aliki makes for a popular base with recent visitors to the island as it’s quieter than other towns like Naousa and has easy access to several beaches. There are also some idyllic seaside restaurants here and a wide selection of accommodation options. If you have a boat cruise booked on Paros, it’s possible that it departs from the small port in Aliki.
Catch A Cruise From Aliki
You can also take several boat tours out of Aliki. Boat operators range from private charters on modern rib boats to day cruises and small rental boats. We’ve taken every option around Paros and can say there isn’t a bad option. However, we highly recommend getting out on the water with one of the boat companies. You can easily walk into an office and book a boat excursion or one in advance!
Relax on Faragas Beach
Faragas Beach is one of the most popular on the southern coast of Paros, and for good reason. It’s a gorgeous little beach with blue waters and golden sand. The beach is perfect for swimming and offers calm waters even on windy days. It also features a decent beach bar that serves cocktails and pizzas quickly.
Faragas Beach Bar is a trendy little beach bar with modern facilities and beach chairs. The only downside is the relatively high prices for chairs and food, especially for Greece. If you prefer the free option, there is plenty of free sand to bring your towel and umbrella and just relax.
Hit Up More Southern Beaches
We find that the south of the island holds some of Paros’ best beaches. If you find Faragas too crowded, it’s easy to head to another one of the island’s sandy beaches to relax and swim. Paralia Lolantonis is one of our favorites on the island as it’s small and not well known among other tourists. Other beaches worth exploring are Piso Aliki, Tripiti, Paralia Glifa, and Voutakos. They’re all a short drive from one another, so you can spend the day beach hopping around or pick your favorite.
Where Are the BEST Beaches In Paros?
Soak up the vibe in Naousa
Almost every visitor will visit Naousa as it’s one of the best things to do in Paros. We’ve spent a lot of time in the town, and it’s a great experience no matter the time. Shop during the day, grab breakfast, enjoy sunset drinks, enjoy a seafood dinner, or order after-dinner drinks.
Naousa is a posh little fishing village that now caters to seasonal tourists. It features a small harbor with classic white Cycladic buildings and stone streets. It’s a lovely village that is a maze of beautiful alleys flanked by bougainvillea.
The village has everything a visitor desires: excellent restaurants, small hotels, cocktail bars, boutique shops, rental agencies, ice cream shops, and tour operators. If budget isn’t an issue, we recommend staying at a boutique hotel in Naousa above anywhere else, as it’s the best area to stay on the island.
You can grab a great brunch or enjoy the breezy Almond in Paros cafe with a cup of coffee. If you want something quick, grab a tasty gyro or souvlaki from Souvlakia Kargas or Allas Souvlaki & More. The Yemeni Wine Restaurant is a fantastic traditional taverna that serves beautiful rustic dishes in a pleasant atmosphere. Sigi Ikthios and Mario serve fresh seafood alongside fishing boats for an idealistic setting.
Eat At Siparos
After all those restaurant recommendations, we have to say the best restaurant on the island is arguably Siparos. Locals have loved it for years since 2009, when siblings opened the restaurant. Classic Greek dishes are given modern renditions with excellent ingredients and in-house products.
Due to its popularity, it’s best to make reservations in advance. It’s also a beautiful spot to celebrate a special event. We even had our wedding reception at the restaurant and couldn’t have asked for better food and vibes!
Enjoy the Nightlife in Naousa
While there is nothing like the party scene in Mykonos, if you are looking to enjoy the nightlife scene on Paros, the best area for that is Naousa. Head here on any given summer night to party at the bars and clubs.
Catch the ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is the small neighboring island next to Paros well known for its exclusivity, with luxury villas dotting the coastline. Head to the little port of Pounta and catch a five-minute ferry ride that will bring you to the small island. Ferries run often and are inexpensive, you can see the schedule here. Once there, you can explore the cute town of Chora, venture to the many beaches, or check out the Antiparos cave.
Outside of private villas, most of the island’s accommodation is in the main town of Chora. The island is known for its famous residents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who have a holiday home. The pair are well-loved and protected by locals, so don’t think you’ll find out where he lives easily!
Go Shopping Boutique Shopping
Paros is blessed with several boutique and souvenir shops. You can find everything here, from your typical tourist fare to some beautiful boutiques with unique clothing, jewelry, woodwork, and stonework. Parikia and Naousa both have wonderful shopping opportunities. Parikia has a greater variety of shops as it’s also where locals shop, while Naousa has a more high-end designer feel to it!
Rent a Boat and Shore Hop!
Our absolute best day on Paros (besides our wedding of course) was when we rented a small boat for our group and set out on the water. You can rent a 30-horsepower motored boat (no more without a boat license recognized by the EU) in Paros yourself as long as you have a valid drivers license, you’re a competent boat driver, and are of course confident on the water.
We rented a small boat for €150, plus €40 for gas. At €50 per person, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day. Having our means of transport on the water meant we could get to some amazing places only accessible by water. Bring snacks and drinks (most boat rentals will come with a cooler). If you don’t want to captain your own boat, you can join a tour or hire a skipper for your group for a little bit more money.
Join a Catamaran Tour!
Snorkel off the shore
Paros is a gorgeous Mediterranean island and swimming and snorkeling off its shores is a must for every visitor to Paros. The clear waters around the Cycladic Islands make for a wonderful spot to grab a mask and snorkel.
The rocky coves provide excellent shelter for snorkeling with plenty of areas to explore. Don’t expect to find a plethora of fish as it’s not a reef, but still a pleasant experience. Snorkelers can pack fins and a mask, rent, or purchase from one of the local shops.
Book: Sea Kayak Trip with Snorkeling and Snack or Picnic
Enjoy the Blue Lagoon
Having the boat rental meant we could get to some extraordinary places. This included the “Blue Lagoon,” which is exactly what it sounds like – deep turquoise clear water (see above photo).
It’s a great place to relax and take a swim or go for a snorkel! Ask your boat rental company to give you directions to this spot, and they can show you where exactly to anchor. If you book a captained boat tour on Paros, they will without a doubt take you to the Blue Lagoon as well.
Book a tour!
Hike The Byzantine Road
The Byzantine Road is the oldest trail on Paros and connects the villages of Lefkes and Prodromos. It dates back to 1000 AD during the Byzantine era and is built entirely from Parian marble. It’s an easy 3.5km hike that descends a couple of hundred meters from Lefkes down to the coast. It’s best to be mindful of your step as the marble is slick after a millennia.
Try Out A Scuba Dive
Yes, it’s even possible to go scuba diving in Paros! Diving in Paros may not be that exciting if you’ve dived in places like the Maldives or Indonesia. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole plethora of marine life in this part of the world.
Nevertheless, if you are a new diver or want to try out the sport, Paros is a good place to start. It doesn’t get much better than warm, clear, and calm water on your first dive. Check out Eurodivers for dive trips around the island.
Visit a Greek Winery
Greece is well known for its delicious wine, so what better way to spend your time in Paros than at a winery? Moraitis Winery is the most famous winery on the islands, and they do tastings all day long. Started in 1910, this private 10-hectare vineyard is run by 4th generation family members of Manolis Moraitis. You can book reservations here for a nice meal or just show up for a wine tasting with friends. Visiting this winery is one of the best things to do in Paros!
Sit back and enjoy a Frappe or Fredo Cappuccino
My favorite thing to do in Greece, in general, is to sit back, relax, order a Frappe (blended Greek coffee), and watch life go by. You can do this in any of the towns, and I highly recommend the experience at least once.
Cliff Jump at Ambelas Beach
Ambelas is another great Greek beach to visit while on Paros. It’s small and secluded, but we recommend going earlier in the day to avoid the shade. There’s also a fabulous cliff-jumping spot that we scoped out if you’re into that. You can see Cameron jumping in the sea in the photo above.
check out the rock formations at Kolympethres Beach
Kolympethres Beach is a beach near the town of Naousa that is entirely unlike any other on beach on Paros. That’s because they have stunning crystal waters and cool rock formations. The unique rocks create small swimming pools to swim in and great places to lounge. It’s also one of the best places on Paros to enjoy the sunset!
Stroll around Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi is another picturesque fishing port with a cute and quiet beach. This area also has numerous greek tavernas that are famous for their seafood pulled straight from nearby. Kima Restaurant, is our favorite in the area and is where we even hosted our rehearsal dinner! There is also a great live music bar called Remezzo, that comes alive at night here and stays open till the early morning hours.
Day Trip to Naxos
Naxos island is a nearby Greek island that only takes one hour to get to via ferry from Paros. It’s one of the more popular islands in the Cyclades and is a wonderful addition to your Paros trip. (We also love Milos, so why not combine all three!)
Naxos has everything you could want from a trip to the Greek islands. Cycladic white and blue houses, amazing history, ancient Greek architecture, great food, beautiful European beaches, amazing sunsets, friendly Greek people? Check, Check, Check! We had a nine amazing days on Naxos after Paros, and have even considered buying a house there! You can see all the best things to do in Naxos here.
Eat all the Greek Food
One of my favorite things to do in Paros and all of Greece is go to the local supermarket, pick up some wine, feta, tzatziki, and olives, and enjoy. Who says you have to go out to a restaurant every night? Some of my most memorable nights were when we got our food and enjoyed a night in. It’s cheaper and a good way to eat like the Greeks!
Book a Cooking Class with 6-Course Menu and Drinks
Kitesurfing In Pounda Bay
Many islands in Greece are a kite surfer’s heaven, including the island of Paros. Pounda Bay generally has perfect wind conditions that make it the best windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot on the islands. Whether or not you are a beginner or skilled, you can easily rent equipment at the Paros Kite Center for the day
Marcello Beach
Many people agree that Marcello Beach is the best beach in Paros. Here, you’ll find beautiful white sand and warm waters, complete with beach chairs and even waiters to bring you a frappe. It’s in the Bay of Parikia, meaning it’s typically crowded in the summer months. It’s far from the most secluded beach on the island, but free entertainment is provided as you get to watch the ferries come in!
Butterfly Valley
Near the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, 7km southwest of Parikia, is a beautiful valley filled with Jersey Tiger Moths in the summer. The Tiger Moth is brown and yellow with black and white spots and two orange/red dots on the winds.
From June to September, the butterflies flock to this area as the females search for forested and busy areas to lay their eggs. Visitors can visit and see the spectacle but take special care of this amazing area, watch your step, and be careful not to make any loud noises that will panic the butterflies.
The visitors can enjoy their beauty, however, they must be careful not to make any noise because the population panics and consumes the energy that must be saved for its journey in autumn and for its reproduction.
Book a Sunset Cruise Around Naousa
One of the best things to do in Paros is enjoy a sunset sail around the Naousa Harbor. Pantasoulas offers sunset cruises with wine and snacks for your entire party. This family business operates quite a large boat (50 people), so it’s best done if you have a larger group!
After booking them for our wedding reception cruise and having a fabulous time out on the water with them, we couldn’t recommend this experience more! Don’t have a large group? Be sure to inquire about their Semi-Private Daily Cruise which is a 6-hour cruise around the North coasts of Paros that stops in 4 selected locations and also gives time for swimming and snorkeling.
More Tips On Travel Around Paros
Where is Paros?
Paros is part of the Cyclades group of Greek islands. It’s quieter than nearby Mykonos and Santorini, although it still has idyllic stone streets and white-washed buildings. The island neighbors Naxos and Antiparos, while Mykonos is a short ferry ride away to the North.
Paros is best known for its stunning beaches and traditional villages and is one of Greece’s best places to visit. It can easily be reached by ferry from Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Sifnos, Amorgos, and many other Greek destinations, making it the perfect place to head on your Greek islands travel itinerary.
Where to Stay on Paros, Greece
Budget
Mid Range
Things to do in Paros Island Map
How to Get to Paros, Greece?
Paros is a great destination as it’s accessible by ferry or plane. The Paros Airport is well-connected to Athens and Thessaloniki. It’s close to the towns of Aliki and Parikia and is very small, but still we recommend to get here at least one hour prior to travel time to be safe.
Ferries and highspeed catamarans run daily into Parikia. They run from Mykonos, Crete, Athens, Naxos, and a few other Greek islands. I like to check schedules and prices on Ferry Hopper – we find it’s best to book online as ticket prices are sometimes higher at the actual port, and you stand a chance of them becoming sold out during the summer months.
Due to its position and importance, Paros is connected not to Piraeus (the port of Athens – the second busiest passenger port in the world!) but also to Rafina which is closer to the Athens airport.
How to Get Around Paros?
There are a few main options for getting around Paros. Rental Car, moped, public bus, or 4×4.
Moped
A moped is the cheapest option, but in Greece, you need a motorcycle license in order to rent one. That being said, many rental agencies in Greece will let you slide and rent a moped without this.
4×4
A 4×4 is the most fun option to get around Paros. However, at around €40-€50 a day, it’s expensive. Also, you’ll need an advanced reservation to rent one of these bad boys during the high season. I prefer not to rent mopeds or 4x4s as I appreciate my shade and AC while getting around Paros. They get dusty and move much slower than a car, so it’s not great for driving long distances. Trust me, after a day on either a moped or 4×4, you’ll be whooped and might wish you had a car rental to get to all these Paros attractions.
Public Bus
If you don’t want to drive yourself around the island, the public bus will get you to the main sites around Paros. However, you will be limited to their schedule, which you can check here.
Rental Car
The last option is a rental car. To rent a car in Greece, you need a standard International driver’s license (A valid US license works). If your license is not in English or Greek, just have a translation. You also should be prepared to hand over your passport.
Also, depending on where you are trying to rent, an International Drivers Permit may be mandatory if you get pulled over. It may be tough to find a rental agency to rent to you without an IDP on Paros, though we’ve found it’s all pretty dependent on the rental agency. We rented with Avis, and they were great. They didn’t need any additional paperwork.
We’ve rented a car in Greece without an IDP and had places in Greece ask that we have an IDP. If you are from North America, Australia, or outside the EU, you should arrive in Greece with an IDP just to be safe. You can get one at AAA in the United States before you leave for your trip. If you get in an accident or are pulled over without an IDP, you may be subject to a steep fine in the EU. That being said, we’ve rented a car in Greece plenty of times and have never been pulled over or asked to show our IDP.
Search and Compare Prices for Rental Cars
- DiscoverCars.com – We use them to search and compare rental car prices around the globe.
- Auto Europe – Compares the best rates!
What to Pack for Paros, Island
Spending some time on one of the many Greek islands? Lucky you. You may be wondering just what to pack for Greece. The islands are beautiful, swarming with history, and are populated with some of the friendliest people in the world. See our complete Greek island packing list.
Thanks for reading our Paros Guide!
Now you know what to do in Paros, the best places to eat and stay, and important travel info for visiting!
There’s so much to do in Paros that you might feel overwhelmed with all these attractions, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. You can get quite a bit done with your time on the island! We have spent more than two weeks traveling around Paros and have sufficiently explored the island. If you’re wondering how long you should spend on Paros, we recommend at least four days, though you won’t regret spending more time on the beautiful island.
If we were telling anyone visiting the Cyclades for the first time, we would recommend visiting Paros, Naxos, Milos, and Tinos all in one go. Trust us on this one! Unless you love crowds and high prices, consider skipping Mykonos and Santorini. Yes, we know they are iconic Greek destinations, but to us, they just don’t feel very…Greek! We’ve now been to 22 Greek Islands, and Milos, Paros, and Tinos all rank up there as some of our favorites.
Greek Travel Planning Resources
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Currency: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days in the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival for free. Check with your embassy to see if that is you.
- Weather: The weather in Greece is a Mediterranean climate. This means winters are mild and rainy, while summers are warm and dry with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- What to Pack: Warm weather clothes and a swimsuit, don’t forget a good pair of clothes to go and a jacket for cool nights. Read about what to wear in Greece.
- Budget: If you’re in the initial stages of planning, check out our awesome post that breaks down how much a trip to Greece costs.
- Rent a Car: We suggest most visitors consider renting a car for the best trip possible. Try Discover Cars to compare quotes from different rental agencies. Check Price Here!
- Protect Your Trip: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! We always carry travel insurance to protect us from injury, theft, or a canceled trip. We use HeyMondo for our insurance needs.
- Tours in Greece: Check out our list of the best tours you can enjoy in Greece!
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
