Greece might be the most popular summer destination in southern Europe and with good reason. With destinations like party island Mykonos and romantic volcanic beauty Santorini, there’s so much to enjoy in this beautiful country. On my Paros travel guide, you’ll see what I love from this authentic Greek island. I hope you enjoy the best things to do in Paros!
There seems to be a world of difference between the Cyclades, and I love every second of it. Paros is the third-largest Cyclades island, and it has a lot of variety! You’ll find spots like picturesque little town Parikia, vibrant harbor Naoussa, and wide and beautiful Golden Beach. As always many of the best things to do in Paros are a little away from tourists. Paros offers a far more laidback experience, much more in tune with the traditional Greek island life.
Mountains, the bright blue Aegean, and classic whitewashed Greek homes make up this Paros travel guide!
Are you planning a Greek summer? Then check out my Mykonos travel guide!
Paros: Getting In & Around
As you’ll see on any Paros travel guide, reaching the island is very easy. From Athens, you can take a short flight that’ll only take between 20 and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from either Athens or the neighboring islands.
Find the best rates to Athens through MOMONDO. Once you reach Athens, you can easily transfer from the airport to Piraeus port HERE. You can also book your ferry now!
Since the island is pretty big, you’ll need to rent a car to get the most out of your visit. I highly recommend this, since the roads are easy to drive!
Paros Travel Guide: Where to Stay
In my Paros travel guide, of course, I’ll always recommend the silver lining experience! There are a lot of different areas to stay on the island, depending on the kind of vacation you want.
Looking for some party time? You can either stay at island capital Parikia or the town of Naoussa, where most of the restaurants and nightlife are located. Book your stay at Parikia HERE and at Naoussa HERE!
If you’re looking to relax by the sea and enjoy the beach clubs, the area around Golden Beach is the spot. For a luxury boutique in the area, I can highly recommend Poseidon Hotel & Spa Paros, which you can book HERE.
For me, the ultimate Paros experience consists of renting a house by the sea. We found a magical place between New Golden Beach and Punda Beach. It had a huge outdoor patio and it was just by the Mediterranean, with great features like a cozy outdoor dining area, a big barbecue, and an infinity pool. We enjoyed quite the chill and luxurious vacation there!
The 14 Best Things to Do in Paros
This gorgeous island has quite a varied offer. Enjoy the best things to do in Paros!
1. Hit the Road
Rent a car and get to know the island as the wind blows in your face. One of the best things to do in Paros is exploring it, which you can do easily: getting from Parikia to Golden Beach is barely a 30-minute drive. The wondrous landscapes make the drive across town quite the experience. You can just imagine how beautiful the drive along the coast is!
2. Explore Parikia’s Streets
One of my favorite things on this Paros travel guide: letting go in the island’s capital. An Instagram gem, Parikia might be less popular than its neighbors Mykonos and Santorini, but it is just as beautiful!
Avoid the crowds by visiting in the afternoon. Start your tour by climbing the stairs to Agios Konstantinos church; enjoy the beautiful post-Byzantine beauty and its view. Beyond, the cute cobblestone streets with white-washed houses await, in a path full of flowers. Head to the Frankish Castle for some shopping, as you’ll find incredible small boutiques and handicrafts around here. I found some gorgeous leather sandals and a rotting bag. Finish your day having delicious ice cream at Vanilla Gelateria!
For the night vibe, stay in town for dinner and watch the alleys fill up with people getting to the bars and restaurants.
3. Wine & Dine in Naoussa
Social butterflies will probably find the best things to do in Paros when heading to Naoussa. A cute and vibrant harbour village, it’s also full of cute little streets with boutiques. The square next to the harbour is one of the coolest hangout spots in the island, lined up with restaurants and hotels. Enjoy an afternoon and evening here!
4. Find Peace at Piso Livadi
A small fishing port 19km away from Parikia, Piso Livadi is one of the gems of this Paros travel guide. Have yourself a relaxed evening here, visiting the restaurants in the harbour, facing the sea. You’ll find delicious flavors here, particularly if you love seafood and fish – as fresh as it comes!
All eateries here look wonderful, but we can specifically recommend Ouzeri Halaris and Markakis. You can also head to the Captain Yannis terrace for a coffee or a drink by the sea.
5. Hit the Waves at New Golden Beach
As you would expect from a Greek island, some of the best things to do in Paros involve the beach. It just so happens New Golden Beach is one of the best places for windsurfing throughout Europe! You’ll always find lots of amateur and professional surfers here. A great crowd for anyone looking to experience the Aegean waves.
If you’re not a surfer, you’ll also find sun beds and a restaurant with a terrace, where you can see the whole thing from a distance!
6. Bask in the Sun at Golden Beach
Golden Beach is a Paros travel guide essential, with its 700m of golden sand. It’s the perfect place for a lazy day in the sun! You have a lot of space here to enjoy the day, and if you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Poseidon Hotel & Spa is a great place to hang out.
7. Enjoy the Beach Club Life at Punda Beach
One of the best things to do in Paros, and generally on Greek islands, is enjoying the beach club culture. And the ultimate beach club area on the island is Punda Beach!
While the beach clubs here aren’t quite as amazing as the ones in Mykonos, Viva Punda Beach Club can hold its own. It’s a bit similar to Mykonos’ St. Anna, with different areas on the beach and around the pool. In the afternoon, the music gets louder and it’s time to party!
Up for some beach clubbing? Then read my Mykonos beach club review!
8. Walk and Jump Along the Coast
A must on this Paros travel guide, especially when staying near the sea, is enjoying the morning walks along the coast. It’s the best way to prepare for a day of the best things to do in Paros!
Our favorite area was the area between New Golden Beach and Punda Beach, where we loved hopping between the rocks. Great exercise and lots of fun!
9. Eat the Best Gyros at Mylos, Marpissa
One of the best things to do in Paros is getting to know the island’s small villages, including Marpissa. This village is so tiny it’s basically just one street, yet it’s where you’ll find the best gyros in Paros. Mylos is a tiny hole-in-the-wall with huge portions that will fill your stomach and your heart. The tzatziki, gyros, and fries are incredible, but there are many other things on the menu if you feel like something else. I understand the grill and souvlaki are wonderful. The kind of sweet little place you fall in love with!
10. Soak up the Luxury at Siparos
Probably the best eatery on the island, Siparos Seaside Restaurant is a Paros travel guide essential. It’s located in what seems like the middle of nowhere, by the sea. Siparos is the perfect place to catch a sunset or have a romantic and luxurious night out. A stylish place, its cute outdoor garden in Greek traditional style is irresistible. And of course, the seafood and wine are downright incredible. Just remember to book ahead, as it’s very popular!
11. Visit the Beautiful Churches
Getting to know the culture and traditions of each place is essential for me, including monuments. For me, one of the best things to do in Paros is seeing the old churches all over the island, even beyond Parikia. When we were on our way to the airport, we passed through the town of Glyfa and its majestic church. We just had to stop for some pics!
12. Relax and Take It All In
A top recommendation in any Paros travel guide: take a couple of days to just chill! Whether you’re staying at a house or a beautiful boutique hotel, your time on the island should also be about relaxing. Leave all problems and stress behind as you fully go into vacay mood. Your brain and body will, slowly but surely, get to that relaxed zone where time just passes you by. Enjoy being in the here and now while taking in the sunshine. It’s time for long and sleepy meals under the sky, whether it’s sunny or nighttime. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
13. Seize Every Sunrise and Sunset
When in Greece, sunrises and sunsets are a must, and they’re one of the best things to do in Paros. The house we rented was on the southeast coast, and I couldn’t resist rising early to see the spectacle outside. Totally worth the early day – besides, we could then sleep for a couple more hours!
The sunsets here are equally magical, and even the evenings have a unique, wonderful flow. When the above looks so beautiful, who wants to ever go to bed?
14. Explore the Neighboring Islands
Greece has some of the most wonderful islands in the world, offering much beyond the best things to do in Paros. The closest island is Antiparos, barely separated by a narrow strait. A tiny and sweet place with only about 1,000 inhabitants, it’s one of the most authentic islands in the area. It’s just as windy as its big neighbor, too, so perfect for kitesurfing with less of a crowd.
Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, is also nearby and great for a day trip. Here, you’ll find remains from the Venetian conquest, besides gorgeous beaches! Do not miss this Full Day Sailing Cruise to explore the neighbouring islands!
We combined our trip to Paros with Santorini, which is a 3-hour boat road away. The more luxurious and iconic of the Cyclades, Mykonos, is only one hour away by boat.
If you’re looking to stay a couple of days at the two most popular Cyclades, check out my hotel reviews for Mykonos and Santorini. And then you can book your ferry in advance, here!
Travel with a Silver Lining Beyond the Paros Travel Guide
- For more inspiration around Greece, check out my Mykonos Instagram Guide! as well as my Full Mykonos Travel Guide!
- If you’re looking where to stay during a trip to the Cyclades, read my hotel reviews for Mykonos and Santorini.
- Check out my top 3 posts: My Lisbon Instagram Guide, My Favorite Trendy Restaurants in Moscow, and my Amalfi Coast Photography Guide.
Booking Support & Input for the Best Things to Do in Paros
- Flight. Fly to the Cyclades with the best rates thanks to Momondo. Don’t forget to download their all-in-one travel app!
- Transfer. Go from the Athens airport to the Piraeus port without the hassle by hiring a transfer ahead.
- Hotel. Find the best hotels in Paros through Booking.com!
- Guides. Why not combine your trip to Paros with a few days in the Greek capital? Get to know the real Athens by hiring a real local as your tour guide, through Hi, Hi!
- Tours. Get Your Guide allows you find experiences all over the world, through wonderful tours. How about this Delos and Mykonos Full-Day Boat Trip from Paros?
- See the Paros city guide, below!
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