Paros is a gem of the Cyclades, famed for its classic Greek charm and pristine beaches. Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, it has long been a favourite destination for those seeking sun, sea, and picturesque villages. Characterized by winding cobbled alleys and whitewashed houses with bright blue accents, Paros offers visitors a postcard-perfect Greek island experience. Its capital, Parikia, serves as a bustling hub with waterfront cafés, traditional tavernas, and historic landmarks like the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s oldest and most revered Byzantine churches.
Beyond its idyllic architecture and scenic harbors, Paros is celebrated for its vibrant culture, culinary delights, and outdoor activities. The island’s rolling hills are dotted with vineyards and olive groves, while its coastline provides splendid opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing—particularly around the popular Golden Beach. Art lovers can explore galleries showcasing local and international talent, and food enthusiasts can savour fresh seafood, homemade cheeses, and classic Cycladic dishes. Whether exploring its ancient ruins, sampling the local cuisine, or simply relaxing on its golden shores, Paros beckons travellers with an enchanting blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty.
The main towns of Paros are:
Places to visit on Paros
The small fishing village of Aliki
Aliki, like most of the island is geared for tourism. There was a small harbour that was filled with a mix of pleasure and fishing boats. Along the road running by the harbour, there were cafes, gift shops and restaurants. And that was more or less Aliki. But it was quaint and not too full of tourists – so we liked it!
So, for about half an hour we wandered around the harbour, looking at the boats and the people. At the end of the harbour wall, there was a nice sandy beach that was empty.
Exploring Parikia
The old part of the town was delightful. It was a maze of narrow passageways through the white-painted buildings. Many doors and window frames were painted in shades of blue and pink bougainvillea added a bold splash of colour. The area is very touristy, with numerous boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the height of the summer, I suspect these streets can get crowded but we were here in the shoulder season so there were not many people around. It was lovely! We were here just to window shop, and after an hour or so of perusing, we decided to head back to our apartment.
Chill out in Paralia Logaras
About halfway up the east coast of Paros we turned off the main road and headed towards Paralia Logaras. We found a place to park in the village square and headed to the beach. Along the beachfront were some cafes and tavernas, and the beach itself was lined with trees, offering some shade. We’d finally found somewhere we fancied staying for a bit. So, we changed into our swimming cossies and put down our towels under the shade of a tree. We are not big on spending hours on the beach roasting in the sun, but it was nice to have a little dip in the sea and a short kip, dozing off to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach.
After our chillax, we packed up our things and took a stroll along the beach towards the harbour at the small village of Piso Livadi which adjoins Paralia Logaras beach. The area around the harbour was slightly larger than we’d seen at Aliki but was very nice. It had its own small beach, and some people were snorkelling in the harbour, which looked a little dangerous among the boats some of which were moving. We found a small café on the beachfront in the harbour and sat down for some Greek coffee and biscuits. It was idyllic.
Explore the hillside town of Lefkes
This is a charming little town; its centre is a maze of narrow passageways which wind their way up and down the hill on which the town is built. There were plenty of little shops and cafes to distract you as you passed through the alleys. We’d seen on our way into Lefkes a church, which we thought we’d head to. Finally, we reached the church, Holy Trinity Lefkes Orthodox Church, its façade was a pale yellow which made it stand out among the whiteness of all the other buildings. We climbed the steps leading to the church and went inside. It was worth the effort to get here. Leaving the church, we walked around to its backside, where there was a graveyard that descended the hill and had spectacular views across the valley below. It’s not a bad place to be buried.
Stroll the streets of picturesque Naoussa
The harbour in Naoussa is small and just lovely. We arrived in time to watch the men working on the tiny fishing boats, preparing the nets for their next trip out. The village is the second largest community on the island, but it is not large, and like the rest, it is full of bleached white buildings with blue doors and window frames punctuated with tiny churches, some with iconic, blue-painted domed roofs. Having come relatively early in the morning the Naousa was just waking up. The shops were beginning to open, and the tourists were starting to appear. Some of the tourists were looking concerned. On the day we’d left Athens there had been an incident where a man had been pushed off the back of a ferry leaving the port by the men on duty and had drowned. The police we reportedly considering charging the staff on the ferry with manslaughter. This prompted the union associated with the ferrymen to take industrial action and call a day-long strike – which was today. So, tourists were scrambling to sort out new travel arrangements.
We wandered the narrow passageways and visited the main church of the village. It felt very similar to Lefkes and Parikia, with lots of shops selling very similar goods and cute cafes and restaurants.
Explore the area around Monastiri Beach
The last place we really wanted to visit during our stay in Paros was the cape at the very tip of the island. Here there is a beach called Monastiri named because of its location next to the monastery of St. John Detis.
Reaching the beach at Monastiri was a bit unusual. Along the way, there is a large, fenced boatyard full of large sailing boats that have been pulled from the water and are stored on cradles. It looked private and out of bounds although the gate was open, so we drove through. On the other side of the boatyard was the monastery of St John Detis and Monastiri Beach.
The beach itself was very small but was protected on three sides by tall rock formations. This is the place to come on blustery days because you are almost guaranteed shelter. The water was also very calm, but as we looked there were people who had waded out tens of metres from the beach and the water was only halfway up their calves. A bigger issue for us was that the entire beach was covered in expensive-looking sun loungers. Nothing about any of this looked attractive in our minds. We thought we’d at least stop and look at the monastery. We entered the carpark, which was very full, and although this was public there was a man who obviously worked for the restaurant who wanted to take our car and park it. That wasn’t on our agenda either, so we drove about 100 metres back down the road and found a safe-looking spot on the side of the road to park up.
The monastery was interesting in that it is built into the contours of the rocks and teeters on the edge of the water. It was not open so there was not too much to explore, so we took some pictures and went off to decide what to do next.
Karen had spotted an information panel across the road about some hiking trails around the cape. There were several, and one looked particularly interesting as it took you around the edge of the cape and out to a lighthouse. We of course love lighthouses! It was about 3km to the lighthouse, which sounded perfect. So, off we went.
The path started across some scrubby ground before it started to climb up into the rock formations. Once we reached the high point of the rocks the turquoise blue sea opened up before us. It was amazing! The past wriggled its way through the rock, looking ahead at times it was hard to see exactly where we were heading. The rocks were made from sandstone and had been carved by the elements into fantastical shapes and patterns. We followed the path for the next 45 minutes, with not a soul in sight. Selfishly, it was lovely to have all this beauty for ourselves.
Once we rounded the headland, we could see the lighthouse ahead. The contours of the coastline meant that it took us another 30 minutes to reach it. For the first time, we saw a few people but by the time we reached the lighthouse they had all gone and we had the place to ourselves. From the lighthouse, we took a shorter route back that brought us down to the resort at Monastiri Beach.
Getting to and around Paros
How to Get There
- By Ferry: The most common way to reach Paros is via ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ main port). The journey takes anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the type of ferry (high-speed vs. regular).
- By Plane: Paros National Airport offers flights to and from Athens, especially during the busier summer season. Flight time from Athens is roughly 30–40 minutes.
Santorini, Greece, is a popular travel destination known for its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant blue domes. Here’s a guide to getting to and around Santorini:
Getting around Paros
1. Public Buses (KTEL)
- Overview: The public bus system on Paros is relatively efficient and budget-friendly. Buses run between major towns (Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, and others) and also serve some beaches.
- Main Hub: The central bus station is located in Parikia, the island’s main port and capital. From here, you can catch buses to virtually every corner of the island.
- Schedules: Buses typically run every 30–60 minutes during peak season (June–September), with reduced frequency in the shoulder and off-seasons. Check the current timetable at the station, online, or at your accommodation.
- Tickets: You can buy tickets either at the bus station in Parikia or directly from the driver (cash only). Prices vary depending on the destination.
Tip: If you’re on a tight budget or staying near a bus stop, the local bus is a convenient and cost-effective way to see most of the island.
2. Rental Cars and Scooters
Renting a Car:
- Pros: Offers the most flexibility for beach-hopping and visiting remote villages. Paros is not very large, but having a car cuts travel time significantly.
- Cons: Parking can be a challenge in high-season, especially around Parikia and Naoussa’s busy harbor areas.
- Requirements: You typically need a valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended if your license is not in Greek or English). Most rental agencies require drivers to be 21+ years old, though some may require 23+ or charge a young-driver fee.
Renting a Scooter/ATV:
- Pros: A popular option for travelers wanting a breezier and more adventurous way to get around. Easy to park and navigate narrow streets.
- Cons: Less stable than cars; requires confidence on two wheels, especially on some of Paros’s winding roads.
- Requirements: A valid driver’s license for motorcycles (in Greece, often an “A” or “A1” category) is usually necessary for scooters over 50cc. ATVs may require a standard car license, but it’s always best to confirm with the rental agency.
The best time to visit
if you’re looking to balance pleasant weather with fewer crowds (and often lower prices), the best times to visit are generally:
1. Late Spring (May to early June)
- Weather: Days are already warm (temperatures in the mid-70s °F/low to mid-20s °C), with relatively little rain.
- Crowds: Quieter than peak season, so you can explore villages like Naoussa and Parikia at a relaxed pace.
- Prices: Accommodation and flights/ferries are often less expensive compared to July–August.
2. Early Fall (September to early October)
- Weather: The summer heat begins to taper off, but the sea remains warm—perfect for swimming.
- Crowds: Tourist numbers start to drop, especially after mid-September, creating a more peaceful island vibe.
- Prices: Hotel rates and ferry prices tend to drop after the peak in August.
Pros and Cons by Season
Peak Season (July–August)
- Pros: Guaranteed hot and sunny weather, the liveliest nightlife, and a full lineup of festivals and events.
- Cons: Higher prices, crowded beaches, and less availability of hotels and restaurants.
Off-Season (November–March)
- Pros: Excellent for experiencing authentic, local life without tourist crowds; reduced accommodation prices.
- Cons: Many tourist-oriented businesses close; weather can be windy and rainy, and ferry schedules may be limited.
Where to stay
1. Mid Range: Bungalows Marina
Bungalows Marina is a small, family-run accommodation property located in Parikia, the main town (and port) of Paros, Greece. Below is a helpful overview of what to expect if you’re considering a stay:
- Proximity to Port: A short walk or drive from Parikia’s port, making it easy to catch ferries to other islands.
- Nearby Attractions: You’ll find shops, tavernas, cafés, and bakeries in the surrounding area. Parikia’s waterfront and the town centre are known for traditional Cycladic architecture, cobblestone alleys, and historical landmarks (such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church).
2. Luxury – Poseidon of Paros Hotel & Spa
Poseidon of Paros Hotel & Spa is a 5-star beachfront property located on the southeastern coast of Paros, Greece, right on the renowned Golden Beach (Chryssi Akti). This upscale hotel is known for its Cycladic architecture, stunning sea views, and comprehensive wellness services.
- Room Types & Suites: Offers a range of rooms, suites, and family accommodations—many with private balconies or terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea.
- Design & Décor: Classic Cycladic design with whitewashed walls, stone accents, and modern furnishings.
- In-Room Amenities: Air-conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar, and spacious bathrooms (often with luxury toiletries).
3. Budget – Hotel Dina
Hotel Dina is a small, family-run hotel located in the heart of Parikia, the main town (and port) of Paros in Greece. Known for its friendly atmosphere and traditional Cycladic style, it offers an authentic Greek island experience and easy access to Paros’s key attractions.
- Situated in Parikia, a short walk from the port, waterfront promenade, and old town.
- Close to shops, cafés, and historical landmarks such as the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliani church.
