Paros, Greece is said to be the ‘foodie’ destination in the Greek Islands. I was curious about this reputation when we planned our greek island hopping trip and settled on Paros for a friends trip. What I hadn’t expected was the diversity of Paros: besides excellent dinners (there were many!), the downtown streets are picturesque, It’s larger and has more beaches than Milos, and there are tons of activities on the island. It’s proximity to Antiparos also means there’s more to discover if you’re willing to leave for the day. Overall, Paros is a beautiful island and more reasonably priced than the neighboring islands of Santorini or Mykonos; it also maintains more of an authentic Greek atmosphere.
Like most of the Greek Islands, the best way to get around Paros is by ATV. The island works equally well for families, couples, and friend groups, with something for every type of traveler. It has many sandy beaches like Paralia Beach and Santa Maria which offer calm, shallow waters, while the variety of beach clubs and tavernas make dining easy and relaxed. It’s also the best island so far that I’ve found for a diverse selection of rental properties, from traditional village homes to modern Paros seaside villas.
PRESET COLLECTION USED IN THIS BLOG POST: GREEK ISLANDS COLLECTION
5+ DAYS
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BEST TIME TO VISIT – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER, LESS WIND & WARMER WATER LATER IN THE SUMMER
WEATHER – MILD, RAINY WINTERS & WARM, SUNNY SUMMERS
GETTING AROUND – MOTORCYCLE, ATV OR RENTAL CAR
CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS
LANGUAGES – GREEK, MOST PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH
NEARBY AIRPORT – PAROS AIRPORT (PAS)
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Where to Stay in Paros
Like much of the Greek Islands, accommodation in Paros ranges from simple family-run hotels to luxury retreats. The island’s size means you can stay almost anywhere and still easily explore, but I recommend basing yourself near Naoussa or Parikia for the best combination of restaurants, beaches, and things to do. We split our time between two spots – this rental property with a pool near Naoussa, and the boutique Cleopatra Seaside Homes near a quiet, family-friendly beach.
Hotels in Paros
Cleopatra Seaside Homes – $ – combines the elegance of a design city hotel with the warmth of island countryside. Where I stayed.
Clementina Paros – $$ – units with a modern take on cycladic architecture, close to town and affordable for a longer stay.
To Kyma – $$ – located right on the south-east coast of the island, all rooms have a private balcony with sea views and direct access to the beach.
Hotel Senia – $$$ – a boutique luxury hotel where most rooms have private balconies with sea views, and some suites come with their own plunge pools. Located a short walk away from Naoussa’s charming harbor and restaurants, the pool bar at sunset is a highlight.
Parilio Hotel – $$$ – a design lover’s dream featuring modern minimalist luxury with a distinctly Cycladic soul. Walking distance to Kolymbithres beach.
Sweet Path Villa – $$$ – stunning sea views from this modern villa in the picturesque mountain village of Lefkes.
Calme Boutique Hotel – $$$$ – Cycladic-style hotel with elements of local architecture and a zen-like atmosphere and incredible views.
View additional hotels and homes in Paros
Houses in Paros
Villa Veni – $$ – a beautiful and tranquil villa with a veranda and pool located on the outskirts of Veni village. Where I stayed.
Ariti Seaside Residence – $$ – contemporary waterfront spaces that blend design with Cycladic charm, featuring direct sea access and expansive outdoor terraces.
Citrine – $$ – a charming and traditional 2-bedroom house steps from Naoussa town center.
Ochre Dream – $$ – jump on this villa which has access to its own private beach, and has a local bakery, market and wine bar on the next street.
Potami Home – $$$ – located in the northeast part of the island with typical Cycladic architecture, outdoor space and a hot tub.
Amarone House – $$$$ – a modern two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Naoussa, steps from the Venetian Harbor. The quaint balcony provides the perfect sea view.
Maisonette Sail – $$$$ – a luxury two-level property with a prime location near Naoussa’s harbor, and beautiful coastal design.
Fotis House – $$$$ – a cozy one-bedroom retreat with a dreamy beachfront location near Naoussa, featuring a sea-view terrace.
Where to Eat in Paros
Markakis – a quintessential seafood dinner right on the sand, where you can dine just feet from the water. The fresh catch of the day is always a great choice.
Mario Restaurant – a fine dining waterfront restaurant where you can watch the fishing boats come in while dining.
Tsachpinis – located right next door to Mario’s with equally stunning harbor views. This family-run spot specializes in traditional Greek meze (small plates). More laid-back than Mario’s but still excellent quality – perfect for a long lunch of shared plates.
Pita Frank – a casual spot in town that’s perfect when you’re craving a good gyro or souvlaki.
Siparos – a beautiful spot that I recommend for a sunset dinner. The menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and in season. Make reservations in advance as it’s popular with both locals and visitors.
Fisilanis – a hidden gem in Logaras serving authentic Greek home cooking. The kind of place where the owner greets you like family and recommends daily specials.
To Paradosiako – a must-visit spot for traditional Greek loukoumades (honey doughnuts). These light, fluffy dough balls are served hot and drizzled with local honey and cinnamon.
Ragoussis Bakery – a local bakery in the heart of Naoussa that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. We found ourselves here most slow mornings since it was centrally located and an easy stop.
What to Do in Paros
Day trip to Antiparos – Take the short 7-minute ferry ride from Parikia or Pounta to explore Antiparos. If you ferry yourself, I recommend grabbing lunch at Zombos, where tables are set right on the sand, and checking out this cliff diving spot. Note: it is a bit tricky to navigate to unless you have a motorcyle or ATV (and prepare for some walking either way). Alternatively, you could book an Antiparos boat tour for the day, and enjoy lunch on the boat (this tour will take you to the same spot, and this one is also a good option).
Have lunch on the beach – Pack your own picnic from a local spots like Pita Frank, or pick up ingredients from the market for a casual beach lunch. The quieter beaches around the island make for perfect DIY dining spots with uninterrupted views of the sea.
Go waterskiing or waterboarding – The calm morning waters around Paros are perfect for water sports, particularly around Santa Maria and Paralia Beach. Book early in the day before the wind picks up for the best conditions.
Catch a movie under the stars – The outdoor cinema in Naoussa shows films under the stars during summer evenings. Grab some popcorn and a drink from the concession stand, and arrive early to get the best seats.
read post: Greek Island Hopping in Milos, Paros and Naxos
Beaches to Visit in Paros
Secret Beach
A hidden gem we stumbled upon — here is the location on google maps. This secluded spot tucked between rocks offers the rare chance to have a beach all to yourself in Paros.
Food options nearby: no, pack your own snacks and water.
Santa Maria
A nice spot with small rocks and calm, clear water. The beach is divided into two sections with a selection of beach clubs and tavernas to choose from. Since it’s close to Naoussa, it’s convenient to visit for a morning swim or late afternoon when the winds are calmer. It’s also a great spot for water sports if you’re feeling adventurous.
Food options nearby: yes, several beach bars and restaurants along both sections of the beach.
Monastiri Beach
The perfect beach for windy days as it’s situated in a protected cove. You’ll find lounge chairs for rent and a restaurant on the beach for food and drinks. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming.
Food options nearby: yes, Monastiri Paros beach bar and restaurant.
Paralia Beach
A family-friendly sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for little ones. Beach chairs line the sand and there are plenty of food options nearby.
Food options nearby: yes, a variety of beach bars to choose from.
Kalogeros Beach
A unique natural clay beach that’s worth visiting for its novelty. Cover yourself in the clay sourced right from the beach rocks – it’s like a natural spa day. This beach is a bit rockier and less protected than the others, but definitely a must-see.
Food options nearby: no, bring water and snacks if you plan to stay.
Where to Watch the Sunset in Paros
On top of Church Hill – one of the most serene sunset spots on the island. The panoramic views over the landscape are beautiful and it stays relatively quiet compared to other lookout points. If you time it right, you can watch the moon rise while the sky turns shades of pink and purple.
On the beach – find a quiet stretch of sand on the western side of the island for unobstructed views of the sun setting over the water. The beaches near Parasporos and Santa Maria offer beautiful vantage points with fewer crowds than popular sunset spots.
read post: How to Choose Which Greek Islands to Visit
If you’re looking to pair a visit to Paros with another nearby island, check out our Milos Travel Guide. For more inspiration you can also check out our guide to Greek Island Hopping in Milos, Paros, and Naxos.