If you haven’t been to Paros, it’s time to put it on the list. Upscale dining, fantastic beaches, a buzzing nightlife and plenty of history, makes this one of the best Islands in Greece. In this article we will share our Complete Travel Guide to Paros, Greece.
Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the idyllic island of Paros, Greece greets travellers with a picturesque scene straight out of a postcard. Lesser known, but equally as beautiful as it’s flashy sister Islands Mykonos and Santorini, Paros has the perfect blend of everything needed for the perfect Greek Summer. Additionally, it’s the island that trendy Greeks have flocked to in the summer for years.
Traditional whitewashed houses, bursts of bougainvillea and cobblestone streets all add to the allure of Paros, Greece but the appeal of this fabulous escape doesn’t stop there. Ancient sites like the Temple of Apollo provide glimpses into the island’s historical past, while pristine sandy beaches and buzzing beach clubs set the scene for the perfect beachside, Summer holiday. Finally, the islands rich culinary scene, waterfront tavernas and vibrant nightlife is enough to satisfy any type of traveller, particularly the foodie.
THE BEST BEACHES AND BEACH CLUBS IN PAROS
Summer on a Greek Island is not complete without soaking up the sun and dipping into the glistening Mediterranean sea. Paros has a number of beaches and tasteful beach clubs, sprinkled all around the island which include both public beaches and privately owned beach clubs.
MONASTIRI
Undoubtedly the best beach and beach club in Paros, Monastiri is nestled in a beautiful, calm cove with clear and shallow waters, perfect for walking in for meters. The luxurious beach club exudes a great vibe with chilled tunes, and the fabulous food at the restaurant completes the perfect all-day spot.
MARCELLO
Marcello Beach is a serene and clear beach, often shielded from the Cycladic winds, making it an ideal spot for windy days. Additionally, visitors can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or enjoy the public beach area.
KOLIMBITHRES
Arguably one of the most renowned beaches on the island due to its unique rocky landscape, this calm and crystal-clear cove offers a perfect spot to soak up the Greek summer. With plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available, you can relax comfortably while enjoying the great restaurant called Anemons for lunch.
AMBELAS
Only 15 minutes from Naoussa, Ambelas is a charming village with a fishing harbor. With its mostly calm waters and numerous tavernas to choose from, it’s a great spot to spend a full day. You can also find a few beach clubs offering umbrella and sunbed rentals, but we highly recommend Blue Oyster.
PISO LIVADI
Set in a laid-back, charming fishing village, Piso Livadi is an excellent spot for a relaxed day at the beach.
FARAGAS
A small but lively beach, with absolutely crystal clear water and fantastic food options.
SANTA MARIA
Renowned amongst those who love a beach party, Santa Maria has live DJs playing sets from the afternoon, through the evening.
WHERE TO STAY PAROS
There are two main towns to stay at when in Paros, Parikia the main port, or Naoussa a smaller, more boutique port. Additionally, there are a few smaller, stunning villages along the island with great accomodation options. Whether you like to be in the buzzing town of Naoussa, a short stroll to the beach, or in the heart of some of the most beautiful villages on the island, we’ve covered the best hotels and resorts in Paros Greece.
BEST HOTELS IN PAROS, BY LOCATION.
NAOUSSA TOWN
The town of Naoussa is built on a charming fishing port, surrounded by outdoor dining and bar options. The nightlife in Naoussa, is definitely a highlight of this beautiful village. It boasts a buzzing yet elegant atmosphere from sundown to sunrise. Additionally, anywhere you choose to stay in Naoussa, you’ll be surrounded by pristine beaches just 10 minutes away. Finally, this is one of our favourite villages in Greece and top recommendation for where to stay in Paros.
COVE PAROS, Naoussa $$$
Just steps from Agioi Anargyroi Beach in Naoussa, Cove Paros is one of the island’s most sophisticated luxury resorts.
PARILIO DESIGN HOTEL, Naoussa $$$
We’re calling this one of the best stays in Paros. An ultra-chic, calm and cozy setting, a breezy terrace, stunning pool, delicious on-site restaurant, welcoming staff, and amazing location. What else could you ask for?
COSME HOTEL PAROS, Naoussa $$$
Luxurious yet soulful, upscale yet welcoming, nestled close to Naoussa town and on a beautiful beachfront setting. This hotel is hard to beat.
NEVMA BOUTIQUE AIR-BNB, Naoussa $$
In the heart of town, a clean and modern airbnb with absolutely lovely hosts.
ARITI SEASIDE RESIDENCE, Naoussa $
Walking distance to both Naoussa town and Agioi Anargyroi beach, with exceptionally friendly and accomodating hosts.
PARIKIA TOWN
Further to Naoussa, Paros has another main port called Parikia. This is where you’ll land if you arrive by Ferry, and it’s also close to the Airport. Furthermore, Parikia has lots to offer including restaurants, bars and traditional Cycladic white washed buildings. Finally, it offers a great base if you plan on taking day trips, as it’s the main transport hub.
OMILOS BEACHFRONT HOUSE, Parikia $$
You won’t need to leave this luxury beachfront hotel. With beautiful rooms and restaurants on site, and just a short stroll to the beach, it offers all you need for the perfect summer holiday.
PAROS AGNANTI HOTEL, Parikia $$
This is our top pick for families, wanting a luxury stay in Parikia.
BEACHFRONT HOTELS IN PAROS
If a short stroll to the beach is your idea of a holiday, then consider these hotels for the perfect stay.
PAROCKS LUXURY HOTEL & SPA, Ampelas $$
One of the best luxury stays on the island, with the additional benefit of being close to great tavernas.
SEESOO PAROS BEACHFRONT RESORT, Pounda $$
Bohemian luxury, blended with a beachside life.
SUMMER SENSES LUXURY RESORT, Logaras $$$
Family friendly, yet a beautifully luxurious resort boasting large pools and a divine breakfast spread. Additionally, this resort is close to the well-known Punda Beach and Logaras Beach.
WHERE TO EAT IN PAROS
It’s universal language that Greek Food is delicious, but there’s something particularly good about the Greek food in Paros. Paros, and particularly Naoussa has a very upmarket, high quality dining scene. In addition to Naoussa, there are a few dining precincts sprinkled across the Island. We’ve put together an interactive map to help you locate the restaurants we recommend and save them to your Google Maps for easy access and directions during your travels. (Save these to your Google Maps, by clicking the star next to the title).
BEST RESTAURANTS IN PAROS
As mentioned previously, Paros is a foodie haven so our list of best restaurants is longer than usual!
RESTAURANTS IN NAOUSSA
STILVI, Naoussa
Set in a refined, atmospheric courtyard, this modern oasis serves up an amazing menu of Mediterranean-inspired food. You can also sit at the bar for evening drinks and soak up the vibe of this chic haven.
MARIOS, Livadia (Relocated from Naoussa Port)
In a stunning seaside setting, Mario’s serves up modern Greek food, done exceptionally well. But, more importantly, Mario’s service is true to the traditional Greek way of ‘filoxenia’. We happened to ask a waiter at Mario’s for a table just after the restaurant had shut the kitchen. Instead of turning us away, they graciously offered us a table and made us feel welcome.
DAVERONA, Naoussa
At first glance, you wouldn’t assume that a restaurant as sleek-looking as this would be family-owned and run, but that’s where the magic starts. Daverona is owned by a local butcher’s daughter and son-in-law, and they serve the best modern meat dishes on the island. In addition, the menu includes a number of delicious appetizers.
BARBAROSSA, Naoussa
Being somewhat of an institution in Paros, Barbarossa is set in the perfect location to soak in the sunset and harbour views. Moreover, if you’re after seafood, Barbarossa combines flavours from the Aegean Sea with local ingredients.
Tip: Barbarossa turns into a Greek party most weekend, summer nights!
RAGOUSSIS BAKERY, Naoussa
In Naoussa, Ragoussis Bakery is a top spot for breakfast, as it offers a haven for all things pastry, making it the perfect place to indulge in a typical Greek breakfast of ‘pita’ and coffee.
KARGAS, Naoussa
Is a trip to Greece complete if you haven’t had souvlaki or gyros pita? Head here for the best souvlaki and gyros in town.
Tip: Instead of Tzatziki on your pita, ask for ‘sauce,’ This will elevate your gyros to a whole new level!
ADDITIONAL RESTAURANTS ACROSS PAROS
KLARINOS, Lefkes
In the stunning village of Lefkes in Paros, most of the restaurants are renowned for their local meat dishes. Therefore, we highly recommend Klarinos, which is frequented by locals and serves up great-quality, well-priced dishes.
SIPAROS, Xifara
For an upmarket seafood experience with sweeping sea views, we can certainly recommend Siparos as the go-to destination in Paros.
Tip: Try the local fish soup, kakavia, for a truly authentic taste of the region.
KATSOUNAS, Mikri Santa Maria Beach
Mostly known for its seafood, Katsounas is a great lunch spot after spending a day on Santa Maria Beach. Additionally, it’s run by a mum and her father, making it a family-run establishment that serves up incredible traditional Greek taverna food.
BLUE OYSTER, Ampelas
Located on the waterfront of Ampelas, the stunning views of this taverna are only superseded by its great food. Furthermore, you can easily spend a full day here, enjoying the beach bar and the restaurant.
KIMA, Drios
Fresh, modern food in a stunning beachside setting.
THINGS TO DO IN PAROS
A BOAT TRIP TO ANTIPAROS
Take a short boat trip to neighboring Antiparos, equally pretty but more exclusive. Antiparos is a celebrity-favorite haven. Stroll through town, explore shops, or relax on pristine beaches like Soros Beach.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL GREEK ISLAND LIFE AT LEFKES VILLAGE
When you visit Lefkes, you’ll be grateful for the enchanting experience it offers. With its picturesque cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and friendly locals, this traditional Greek village provides an authentic escape into local island life on Paros.
Tip: Don’t miss the traditional ‘panigyri’ or festival held here on the 20th of August for a truly immersive cultural experience.
VISIT MORAITIS WINERY
Wine making and drinking are at the heart of Greek culture, and for thousands of years, wine has been made on Paros Island. Furthermore, Moraitis Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers, offering local wines, cellar exploration, and captivating vineyard views.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PAROS HISTORY
Paros island is steeped in history, and also boasts iconic landmarks like the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum in Lefkes, the Sanctuary of Apollo, and the Venetian Castle in Naoussa, all bearing witness to its rich cultural heritage.
HAVE FUN WITH WATER SPORTS
Chrisi Akti, also known as Golden Beach is the best place on the Island and also one of the best spots in Europe for Water Sports including Kayaking, Windsurfing, Paddle-Boarding and more. Everything you need can be rented at the beach.
SHOPPING IN NAOUSSA
Experience the best local shopping in the Cyclades in Naoussa, where you can explore charming back alleys filled with delightful offerings from local Greek designers.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Enjoy Greek nightlife and tunes under the stars, with the locals at Agosta Bar in Naoussa Port.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR PAROS, GREECE
BEST TIME TO VISIT PAROS
May through to October is a great time to visit Paros, Greece. May and October are cheaper, cooler months whilst June-September make for the perfect Summer. Furthermore, the Meltemi winds tend to surface around August which can cause lots of wind in the Cyclades, but luckily Paros has lots of protected, cove like beaches that you can go to, to escape the wind..
GETTING TO PAROS
Paros has an Airport, and is also accessible via Ferry from Nearby islands or Athens (Pireaus Port).
We hope you enjoyed our guide to Paros Greece! If you enjoyed this article, check out our site for more articles like this or read our Weekend guide to milos
