12 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PAROS

Are you ready to discover all the best things to do on the little paradise island of Paros? From exploring the charming streets of Naoussa to discovering the hidden gems of Prodromos and Marpissa, the island is bursting with great experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you like to set sail along the stunning coastline, embrace the adventurer in you with a beautiful island hike, or simply relax on one of Paros best beaches, there is something amazing to do for everyone. Below is my curated list of the 13 best things to do in Paros, which will guarantee you and incredible time in this little Greek paradise!

WANDER THE LIVELY STREETS OF NAOUSSA

Located on the northern coast of the island of Paros, Naoussa is a lively port with gorgeous streets, whitewashed houses, and an abundance of pink bougainvillea. A true Cycladic Island postcard! Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss in Naoussa:

• Explore the colorful harbor and watch the fishermen unload their fresh octopus and hang them to dry.
• Visit the remains of the 15th-century Venetian Castle and check out the beautiful views of Naoussa from there.
• Enter all the little churches, and don’t miss the view of Naoussa from the beautiful Faneromeni (Panagía) Church.
• Do some shopping! Naoussa has some of the best shopping on the island. The stores are not always cheap, but they have really great Greek brands!
• Explore Naoussa’s amazing food scene. In the evening, every corner of the town is taken over by dining tables, the ambiance is super lively, and the food is delicious. From gyros stalls to high-end restaurants, there is something for everyone!

Discover more about the best things to do in Noussa with my Naoussa, Paros Complete Travel Guide

EXPLORE PARIKIA

Parikia, the main town of Paros is small but full of surprises. The maze of streets that makes the old town is filled with trendy stores, pretty cafes, and restaurants. The waterfront is full of tavernas and bars and there are a couple of truly beautiful Orthodox churches to visit, in particular the Hundred Doors Church.

GET LOST IN THE TINY ALLEYS OF LEFKES

It would be easy to stick to Parikia and Naoussa, the two main towns of Paros island, but there are other villages in the mountainous center of the island that are very well worth visiting.

One of the nicest ones is Lefkes, a little hill town around an 18-minute drive from Naoussa. Lefkes is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Paros. The streets of the town are narrow and winding, with colorful doors, blue-domed churches, and potentially more cats than inhabitants! You will probably get lost in the maze of pedestrian streets, but it is all part of the unique charm of Lefkes. Don’t miss visiting the impressive Cathedral of Agia Triada, the second-largest Orthodox church on Paros, which overlooks the entire village.

If you are looking for more physical activity, why not hike the famous Byzantine Trail, a 3.5km long trail connecting the Lefkes to Prodromos. The path is mostly downward and takes around 1h to complete.

EXPLORE THE SLEEPY TOWNS OF PRODROMOS AND MARPISSA

Nested on the eastern side of Paros Island, the villages of Prodromos and Marpissa are often overlooked but are definitely worth a visit if you are seeking an authentic experience away from the crowds.

Prodromos embodies Cycladic beauty with narrow alleyways, arched entrances, and white houses with more bougainvillea than you can dream of. Every corner of the village is beautiful, particularly the village’s main church.

Only a few minutes’ drive further east lies the village of Marpissa. Even quieter than Prodromos (I don’t think we saw a single soul there!), the village is equally beautiful and a breath of fresh air if you are looking for tranquility.

Whether you are hiking the Byzantine Trail or making a road trip out of it, exploring these two little villages is one of the best things to do in Paros. Take your time to wander the charming squares, discover hidden corners, and soak in the serene atmosphere of these enchanting villages!

Want to organise all the best things to do in Paros in an easy itinerary? Don’t miss my Paros – 5 day itinerary travel guide.

HIKE THE ISLAND TRAILS

If you are done lounging on the beach and are looking for more physical activity, there is a lot of hiking to be done in Paros, and it is definitely one of the best ways to discover the island.

One popular hiking area is Paros Park, located only a short drive away from Naoussa. There are 3 relatively easy hiking routes there, providing incredible views of the island, in particular from the lighthouse. There are also 3 beautiful beaches within Paros Park: Monastiri, Perikopetra (my favorite) and Tourkou Ammos.

Alternatively, there are several cross-country routes that are an amazing way to discover the wild nature of Paros island, including the iconic Byzantine trail connecting Lefkes and Prodromos. You can find a great number of Paros’ hiking trails here.

RENT A BOAT AND EXPLORE THE STUNNING COASTLINE

One of the best things to do in Paros is to see the island from the sea. You can easily rent a self-driving boat even if you don’t have a license and spend the day exploring Paros and Antiparos’ stunning coastline.

Explore the rocky coastlines, discover secluded coves, and stop at some pristine beaches. Cruising along the coastline, basking in the warm summer sun with the wind in your hair is a truly invigorating experience!

One of the highlights of our boat tour is heading toward Antiparos and stopping by the Blue Lagoon next to Tigani Island. As you access the lagoon, you will see the water turning into the most amazing shades of blue.

Stop for lunch at any of the organized beaches along your way. We docked our boat in front of Vathis Volos Beach and had a sumptuous lunch at Captain Pipinos, a traditional seafood taverna right by the water. Both the food and ambiance were on point!

So, if you find yourself in Paros, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a boat excursion. Whether you choose to join a guided tour, charter a private boat, or set off on your own adventure, the stunning coastal landscapes, hidden treasures, and inspiring beauty of the Greek islands await you,

We booked this boat and we had such a perfect time. Alternatively, if you prefer to have a skipper this tour looks like an amazing option too.

VISIT THE MORAITIS WINERY

Pressing grapes since 1910, the Moraitis family has perfected the art of winemaking over the years. With a rich history and tradition, they continue to produce exceptional wines that capture the essence of their terroir.

When you visit the Moraitis winery, you have the opportunity to explore its original stone cellars and picturesque grape plantations. It’s a great journey through time as you witness the techniques and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

Once you’ve had your fill of the winemaking process, you can make your way to the bar for a taste of more than a dozen varieties of wines. In particular, I recommend trying their wines made from the island’s indigenous grape, Monemvassia. These wines showcase the unique character and flavors that the island has to offer.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the winemaking world, I suggest booking a winery tour in advance, as it gets fully booked during the busy summer months. However, if you’re simply looking to enjoy a wine-tasting experience, a booking is not necessary. You can drop by and savor the delightful wines at your own leisure.

The winery is conveniently located just a short walk away from Naoussa center, Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience, a visit to the Moraitis winery is one of the best things to do in Paros.

SPEND SOME EXPLORING THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF PAROS

Of course, while in Paros you can’t miss exploring all its beautiful beaches. Here are some of the best beaches to see in Paros:

• Perikopetra Beach: My favorite. Not exactly a beach as there is no sand, but instead a lot of white boulders where you can lay your towel and leave your belongings before jumping into an incredibly clear and turquoise sea!
• Monastiri Beach is great if you like a trendy beach club with good food. Sadly when we visited in 2023, there was no “free” space on the beach but that might evolve as the government is cracking down on beach clubs overtaking 100% of a beach.
• Aliki Beach is a long crescent pebble beach, with a stunning sea. Aliki Beach is not a touristy place at all and that is what I loved about it. It is just not that comfortable if you want to lie down and get a tan. The beach is not organized but there is the lovely Thalassamou restaurant, one of the best lunches we had on the island.
• Kolymbithres Beach is a top-rated beach close to Naoussa. There are several little coves with large boulders and some sun loungers. The water is crystal clear but it is definitely one of the busiest beaches in Paros.
• Kalogeros Beach is a long and narrow beach on the East coast of Paros. It is popular for its unique clay rocks that you can use to give yourself a full face and body mask!!
• Tsoukalaia Beach is the beach to go if you want a quiet and secluded experience. We visited it around 5 pm and it was completely empty! It is not an organized beach and it is absolutely perfect to relax away from the crowd.

CATCH THE SUNSET IN NAOUSSA

If you are a sunset lover like I am, there is no better place on the island to catch the sunset than in Naoussa. As the sun descends towards the horizon, casting golden hues across the sky, the picturesque town and harbor come to life, and Naoussa’s charm becomes even more evident. At this time, everyone gathers near the port, awaiting the magical spectacle that is about to unfold with a drink in hand. Beyond the harbor, spilling out onto a little pebbly beach is a lineup of bars and restaurants, ideal for watching the sunset with a refreshing drink! I can recommend Come Back for a cocktail and LUAZ for some delicious sushi!

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ANTIPAROS

One of the best things to do in Paros is actually to leave Paros for a day and head to its little sister island, Antiparos. As soon as the ferry docks in Antiparos you will feel a distinct slowdown compared to the main island. The main village is made of one central street lined up with cute shops, cafes, and restaurants, but the village runs deeper inland to cute little squares and beautiful alleyways of traditional Cycladic architecture.

After visiting the village, head to Antiparos cave. Located 10km south of the port, the 85m deep vertical cave is very impressive, with million-year stalactites and stalagmites. The staircases down are quite steep, so beware the climb back up!

The cave is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last entrance at 3:30 pm. The entrance fees are 5 EUR for adults and 2.5 EUR for children (9-12 years old) and seniors (65 years old and above).

Finally, it is time to visit Antiparos’ beautiful beaches. My favorite was Sostis Beach, a very cute small beach with crystal clear and calm water. The beach is not organized and there is not much natural shade, so consider bringing your own towel, umbrella, and food. For other beach options, check out my complete Paros Island travel guide.

During the high season, the ferry between Paros and Antiparos departs every 10 to 15 minutes, from around 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. The up-to-date timetable can be found here. The cost for each way is 7.30 EUR for a car, 1.50 EUR for each passenger, and 2 EUR for a scooter. You can pay directly on the boat, and the crossing takes less than 10 minutes.

INDULGE IN PAROS GREAT FOOD SCENE

One of the (many) reasons I love going to Greece is because the food is so goddam delicious!! There is so shortage of great places to eat in Paros from local street food to fancy restaurants, there is definitely something for everyone and every budget. Here are the restaurants we tried and loved:

• Parikia – Bountaraki: A charming taverna with delicious food that gives a very homely feeling. It was (by far) the best value-for-money dinner we had during our whole stay in Paros. Bountaraki doesn’t accept reservations, so expect to wait a little bit to be seated during the high season.
• Naoussa – Sigi Ikthios: Right by the harbor, on Naoussa‘s liveliest square, this iconic restaurant serves fresh seafood and delicious traditional Greek cuisine in a festive and animated atmosphere! Expect a complimentary shot of digestif at the end of your meal!
• Naoussa – Luaz Seafood: A modern dining restaurant located at the back of the harbor with a beautiful sunset view. They serve fresh seafood and delicious sushi. The ambiance is a bit “fancy,” and the prices match that!
• Naoussa – Daverona: Tired of all the seafood? Consider visiting Daveronia, a modern restaurant with meat, poultry, and vegetarian options. The restaurant is located in a smaller street of Naoussa, away from the vibrant harbor area, which is great if you are looking for a quieter ambiance.
• Naoussa – Come back: A relaxed cafe and bar, with good salads and cocktails, perfect for lunch by the sea or some sunset drinks.
• Monastiri – Monastiri Beach Club: A very cool restaurant by the beach, just a 10-minute drive from Naoussa. We visited for lunch and tried the Greek salad, salmon tartare, and beef gyros, with the latter being the highlight!

• Aliki – Thalassamou: A great restaurant underneath some pine trees, with the sea just a mere meter away from the table! The food was delicious and inventive, and we loved the ceviche, the shrimp saganaki, and the pesto calamari. The atmosphere is unmatched and this was one of our favorite meals on the island.
• Piso Livadi – Ouzeri Halaris: Good seafood and local Greek cuisine, in a lively atmosphere right by the colorful Piso Livadi harbor.

TAKE A SUNSET BOAT TOUR

When we visited Paros Island for the first time we did a lovely sunset boat tour and it is still today one of my fondest memories of the island. We booked this tour and it was a perfectly romantic 3h long trip along the coastline, including a beautiful dinner made of freshly caught fish, and local wines! This is absolutely one of the best things to do in Paris for a special moment with your partner, friends, or family.

LOOKING FOR USEFUL RESOURCES TO ORGANISE YOUR PAROS TRIP?

From booking a flight to finding some beautiful cultural tours, or getting an e-sim ahead of your trip to stay connected, I have gathered here all the super useful websites I always use to organize my travels!

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