When I first went to Paros island by plane, when I saw Paros beaches from the air, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Let’s discover Greek island of Paros together.
Paros Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan yet relaxing destination in Greece, then Paros is the place for you. Beautiful crystal clear waters coupled with elegant and chic cocktail bars and restaurants, calls for the perfect escape in the Cyclades you certainly will not forget. There are so many things to do and see in Paros that you will find yourself reluctant to leave this island when the time comes! So, without further ado, here is the ultimate travel guide to Paros, Greece!
Parikia, the capital of Paros, is a beautiful Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses and impressive neoclassical mansions. A well preserved 13th century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the centre of the village offering an amazing view of Parikia.
Where is Paros
Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about 8 kilometres (5 miles) wide. It lies approximately 150 km (93 miles) south-east of Piraeus.
Paros Map
This section proposes a map of Paros with all the major locations of the island.
Paros has year round daily ferry connections from Pireaus and is on the same ferry route with Santorini and Naxos which makes it the most logical island to visit with those islands. In the summer there are daily connections with most of the other Cyclades Islands as well as Crete.
How to get to Paros
Travel to Paros, Greece: With regular and daily connections, it is very easy to travel to Paros from Athens by ferry or plane. There are also many ferry connections between Paros and other islands, while in summer season Paros receives many direct flights from abroad. Here is travel information about the airport, flights, and ferries.
Ferries to Paros
You can travel to Paros by ferry from many different islands of the Aegean sea. To begin with, there is a regular ferry connection between Paros and Athens ports. Ferries depart from both Rafina and Piraeus ports. Rafina port is located closer to Athens’ airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, while Piraeus port is spotted closer to the city center. In each case, the trip lasts from 4 to 6 hours depending on whether your ferry is a normal one or a high speed. Paros is connected with many islands of the Cyclades, too, like Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Syros and more. During summer, the island is also connected with Heraklion port in Crete.
Flights to Paros
Paros National Airport receives seasonal flights and connects Paros with Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion. The airport is located about 10 km away from Parikia.
Transportations in Paros
Public Buses in Paros
Public transportation is the cheapest way to reach most places in Paros. The central bus stops are located in Parikia and Naoussa. During summer the itineraries become more frequent. There are several routes that connect Parikia and Naoussa with many other villages like Alyki, Pounta or Chrisi Akti (Golden beach). Get more specific information about timetables on www.ktelparou.gr.
Car and Motorcycle rental in Paros
With a car or motorcycle, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded spots! In case you don’t have your own vehicle, it is an excellent idea to rent a car for your sightseeing trips! You should book your car in advance, especially during high season, as the demand gets higher.
Best time to visit Paros
The weather in Paros Greece is similar to the one in the other islands of the Cyclades, typically Mediterranean, with hot and sunny summers, followed by mild winters. Because the island of Paros is surrounded by the Aegean Sea it is, like every island, very humid during nights.
Like in every Cycladic island, the “Meltemia” (strong north winds) blow on Paros especially during late July to the middle of August; but because the island of Paros is located in the center of the Cyclades, Meltemia winds are particularly strong and, for that reason, the Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) has chosen to organize the annual Windsurfing World Championship in Paros, in New Golden Beach. Naxos island is only a few miles away from Paros island so the weather conditions are approximately the same.
Things to do in Paros
Let’s explore the best things to do in Paros!
Paros Cyclades is among the most popular islands in Greece, attracting thousands of visitors every summer. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, the traditional architecture, and the fun nightlife. The most important sightseeing in Paros is the Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapiliani, meaning the church with the hundred doors. Many other monasteries are found around the island, such as the Monastery of Logovarda. However, Paros is mostly famous for its stunning beaches and the Cycladic villages. Naoussa, Lefkes, and Parikia are the most picturesque villages in Paros, while the most popular beaches to swim include Kolymbithres, Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, and Santa Maria.
- Panagia Ekatontapiliani: In the capital is an early-Christian wonder, the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church founded by St Helen 1,700 years ago.
- Frankish Castle: The Castle of Parikia was constructed in 1260 by the Venetians. Parts of ancient temples were used for its construction. Today, this is a picturesque quarter in Parikia.
- Byzantine Museum: Housed in the Church of Ekatontapiliani, the Byzantine Museum of Parikia exhibits a collection of rare and valuable icons, various religious relics and other ecclesiastical items dating from the post-Byzantine period.
- Naoussa Old Port: Easily the most beautiful feature of Naoussa in the north of Paros is its sweet little rectangular harbour guarded by the Venetian fort, which we’ll talk about below.
- Marcello Beach: Ten minutes around the bay from Parikia is what most people agree is the best beach on the island.
- Kolymbithres Beach: Ten minutes from Naoussa, this beach is actually a string of sandy coves, all separated by surreal granite rocks that also litter the water around the bay.
- Paros Park: The Ai-Yannis Detis Peninsula in the north of Paros has been turned into a culture and recreation park.
- Naoussa Venetian Castle: This town was a pivotal commercial port in Venetian times, and as a response to the growing threat from the Ottoman Empire the lord of the island Crusino I Sommaripa built a fort to guard the harbour.
- Archaeological Museum of Paros: Given the island’s distinguished history a visit to the Archaeological Museum should be high on your agenda if you’re interested in Ancient Greece.
- Faragas Beach: The quiet south coast of Paros is windy and heavily indented, with small coves in between the rugged headlands.
- Moraitis Winery: Winemaking has a tradition on Paros that dates back at least 5,000 years to the Cycladic era.
- Golden Beach: Awarded the Blue Flag year in, year out, Golden Beach is an aptly named sandy bay in the southeast of Paros.
- Museum of Cycladic Folklore: On the edge of the southern town of Aliki is a quirky private museum that is all the work of a single man, Benettos Skiados.
- Valley of Butterflies: This valley is located near the Monastery of Jesus of the Woods. In hot months, butterflies go there to reproduce. Such a natural reserve is found only in two places in Greece, Paros and Rhodes.
- Mycenaean Acropolis: On a hill overlooking Kolimbithres, remains of an old Mycenaen town have been found. According to scientists, the Acropolis was built in the 13th century BC.
Where to eat and drink in Paros
There are many places to eat and drink in Paros, this popular island of the Aegean Sea. Restaurants and taverns are found almost anywhere around the island. The majority of restaurants are found in Parikia and Naoussa, the two main towns. Many taverns are also found in villages and beaches, from Santa Maria and Ambelas on the north to Alyki, Drios, Logaras and Golden Beach on the south.
As Paros is famous for its vivid nightlife, there are many bars and clubs for a night drink. Bars and beach bars are found in many tourist places, while most clubs are found at the beach promenades of Parikia and Naoussa. A walk around the villages will also bring visitors to many cozy cafes. The most picturesque cafe in Paros is found in the beautiful village of Lefkes.
Best Restaurants in Paros
Most Paros restaurants are nice fish taverns and places with traditional Greek dishes. A large number of beachfront Paros’ restaurants are found in the villages Parikia, Naoussa, Aliki, Logaras, and Ambelas as well as along the beaches. All organized beaches in Paros have nice taverns with sea view and offer fresh seafood. As this is a cosmopolitan island, many restaurants in Paros also have international cuisine, like Thailand, Chinese or Italian. To accompany your meal try the local house wine, as Paros is a famous wine-producing island.
- Soso Restaurant, Naoussa
- Barbarossa Restaurant, Naoussa
- Buon Vento, Marpissa
- Magaya Restaurant, Parikia
- Ouzeri Ton Naftikon, Naoussa
- Siparos Restaurant, Naoussa
- The Little Green Rocket, Parikia
- Yemeni Restaurant, Naoussa
- Anna’s Restaurant, Drios
- Aroma Traditional Tavern, Parikia
Nightlife in Paros
Along with Mykonos and Ios, Paros is the third island of Cyclades that has become famous for its exciting nightlife. You can start your evening walk with a light cocktail at the bars of Parikia, right on the beautiful waterfront. On your way to the top of the village, you can make a stop at one of the classic bars and clubs to enjoy some loud music. The beautiful capital of Paros is surrounded by plenty of bars and legendary clubs, which play loud music and offer strong drinks.
Equally interesting and even more exciting is the party scene of Naoussa, known as the center of nightlife in Paros, where you will find a great selection of clubs for all tastes. You can not leave Naoussa without visiting at least one of the countless small bars in the cobbled streets of the town. The bars at the port of Naoussa are also very busy and stay open until the early hours. In the rest of the island, the night scene is less noisy and is restricted to seaside taverns and few lounge bars.
Best Bars in Paros
Paros has become a very active island in the last years, so it has plenty of night entertainment options. Boasting an exciting nightlife with many drinking and dancing venues, it attracts tourists from all over the world, who wish to have fun, while enjoying Greek hospitality and a spectacular landscape.
- Linardo, Naoussa
- Agosta Bar, Naoussa
- BeBop, Parikia
- Golden Garden Bar, Golden Beach
- Pirate Bar, Parikia
- Pounda Beach Club, Pounda
- The Dubliner Irish Bar, Parikia
- Cabana Bar, Parikia
- Kiaola Bar, Parikia
- Nemo bar, Naoussa
Villages in Paros
The villages of Paros stand out for their traditional atmosphere with the whitewashed houses, the paved streets, and the small churches. Parikia and Naoussa are the most tourist villages, but also beautiful are other villages on the island of Paros, such as Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos.
Paros Beaches
Paros has some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Greece. Paros beaches are characterized by their crystal water and relaxing atmosphere, attracting many visitors every summer. Some beaches are organized and lined up with seaside hotels, restaurants and beach bars, while others are secluded. The most famous one is Kolympithres beach, characterized byneautiful blocks of granite. An other famous one is Santa Maria beach, characterized by its lenght and the beautiful sand. The beaches on the eastern side, particularly Golden Beach and New Golden Beach, provide nice spots for windsurfing while Pounda area is worldwide famous for kitesurfing. Do not confuse it with Pounda beach which is famous as a party beach.
You will find below a list of the best beaches in Paros island.
Best Beaches on Paros
Monastiri Beach, Paros Island, Greece New Golden Beach, Paros Island, Greece Golden Beach, Paros Island, Greece Kolymbithres Beach, Paros Island, Greece Pounda Beach, Paros Island, Greece Kolymbithres Beach, Paros Island, Greece Santa Maria Beach, Paros Island, Greece
- Kolymbithres: Just a short boat or car ride from Naoussa with crystal clear waters. You do not want to miss this one!
- Golden Beach: Blue flag beach ideal for water sports due the strong winds on that side of the island.
- Punda Beach: Daily beach parties can be found here; ideal for young adults looking to have fun.
- Monastiraki Beach: A small secluded beach that can be reached by boat or car from Naoussa. I recommend climbing over the hill to reach the beach behind the old church. The waters are cleaner than the crowded beach in front of the restaurant.
- Santa Maria: An organized sandy beach close to Naoussa. Ideal for families or watersports.
- Other nice beaches include: Logaras, New Golden Beach, Farangas and Ambelas.
Where to stay in Paros
Although Parikia is the capital of Paros, Naoussa is the place to be. After Mykonos, and Santorini, Naoussa is the most lively and cosmopolitan destination for the summer. Because cars are not allowed in the town, I recommend booking a hotel near the center. In the center of Naoussa, you can find countless boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs – you name it. The labyrinth of little narrow white alleys call for wandering and exploring. During the night hours the town is packed with tourists shopping or looking for a place to eat or drink. In my opinion it is worth exploring the town also in the early morning when the streets are empty. This is especially essential for all those photographers out there who want to shoot without tourists getting in their way.
You will find below our selection with the best hotels on Paros island! Want to see more? View all hotels in Paros.
Recommended hotels in Naoussa
- Budget hotel : Irini Rooms
- Mid-range hotel : Paliomylos Spa Hotel
- Luxury hotel: Lilly Residence Boutique Hotel ( adults only)
View all hotels in Naoussa Paros!
Recommended hotels in Parikia
- Budget hotel : Livadia Hotel
- Mid-range hotel : Akrotiri Hotel
- Luxury hotel: Minois Village Boutique villas and spa
View all hotels in Parikia Paros!
Recommended hotels in Piso Livadi
- Budget hotel : Panorama Rooms and Suites
- Mid-range hotel : Cleopatra Seaside Homes
- Luxury Rooms: Aspries Suites
View all hotels in Piso Livadi Paros!
Recommended hotels in Lefkas
- Budget hotel : Lefkes Village House
- Mid-range hotel : Agiasi Villas
- Luxury Rooms: Sweet Path Villa
View all hotels in Lefkes Paros!
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