Holidays in Paros: The most beautiful beaches, places and tips for this Cycladic island

Contents:

• The most beautiful places on Paros: Parikia, Naoussa and Lefkes

• The most beautiful beaches on Paros

• Paros Park: nature, walking trails and sunsets

• A trip to Antiparos

• Restaurants on Paros: fine dining with sea views

• Accommodation on Paros: stylish hotels with Cycladic charm

• Practical tips for Paros

• Conclusion: Paros is Greece at its most relaxing

The most beautiful places on Paros: Parikia, Naoussa and Lefkes

Those travelling to Paros by ferry usually arrive in Parikia – and get their first wonderful impression of the island right here. The capital and main port of Paros combines a lively waterfront promenade with whitewashed alleyways, small boutiques, cafés and tavernas. Particularly worth seeing is the Panagia Ekatontapiliani – the famous Church of the Hundred Doors and one of Paros’s most important landmarks.

In the north of the island lies Naoussa, one of the most atmospheric places in the Cyclades. The former fishing harbour, with its colourful boats, white houses and narrow streets, combines a traditional island atmosphere with elegant nightlife. During the day, Naoussa is the perfect place to stroll, take photographs and simply relax. In the evening, the restaurants and bars around the harbour fill up, music fills the air and the town reveals its lively, stylish side.

Lefkes, in the island’s interior, has a completely different character. This mountain village is one of the most beautiful spots on Paros and delights visitors with its narrow streets, bougainvillea, white houses and stunning views over the countryside. Anyone wishing to experience the quieter, more unspoilt side of Paros should visit Lefkes in the morning or late afternoon.

The most beautiful beaches on Paros

Paros offers beaches to suit almost any mood: some lively and sporty, others quiet and unspoilt, and still others family-friendly and relaxed. Among the best known is Kolymbithres near Naoussa. The beach is famous for its light-coloured granite rocks, shaped by wind, salt and water, which create small coves with exceptionally clear water.

If you love long sandy beaches, Golden Beach and New Golden Beach are the places for you. Both are among the most popular spots for windsurfers and anyone looking to spend an active day by the sea. Santa Maria is also ideal for water sports, beach bars and a livelier beach atmosphere. Things are quieter, by contrast, in Lageri, where the landscape feels more unspoilt and it’s easier to escape the hustle and bustle. A particularly lovely tip is Monastiri Beach near Paros Park. The beach is ideal for combining with a walk through the rocky landscape or watching the sunset. In the south of the island, Faragas is well worth a visit with its small coves, turquoise-blue water and relaxed atmosphere. 

Around Parikia, Krios and Martselo are handy options if you don’t want to travel far. For families, Aliki in the south is a lovely choice. The small fishing village is more compact, quieter and offers a pleasant alternative to the busier spots in the north.

Paros Park: Nature, walking trails and sunsets

Paros Park on the Ai Yannis Detis peninsula offers a special experience of nature. The area boasts a network of trails stretching some 7 kilometres, featuring rock formations, hidden coves, historical sites and views of the Aegean Sea.

The park is particularly well suited to a half-day trip: start with a short walk, followed by a swim at Monastiri Beach, and finish off with the sunset. In summer, it’s best to walk the trails in the morning or late afternoon, as it can get very hot during the day.

A trip to Antiparos

A day trip to Antiparos from Paros is particularly worthwhile. This small neighbouring island can be reached by ferry from Pounta in just a few minutes and feels even more relaxed and peaceful than Paros.

The best place to start is in Antiparos Town. The main town is situated right by the harbour and, with its white-washed alleyways, small boutiques, cafés and tavernas, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a swim, try Psaraliki Beach, Panagia Beach or Livadia Beach, which has a slightly more unspoilt feel. If you’re looking for more to do, you could plan a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon between Paros and Antiparos – the water there glows a particularly vivid turquoise and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

If you have a little more time, you can also visit the impressive cave on Antiparos. 

Restaurants on Paros: fine dining with a sea view

Paros also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine – from elegant restaurants by the harbour to laid-back spots right by the water’s edge. Barbarossa Paros in the old harbour of Naoussa is particularly popular. The restaurant is one of the island’s best-known venues and is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a special evening. Also in Naoussa is Luaz Paros, a modern restaurant serving creative Mediterranean cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. Here, Cycladic ease meets an elegant dining experience – perfect for a relaxed lunch or an atmospheric dinner in the evening.

If you’re looking to eat out in Parikia, be sure to make a point of visiting Mario Restaurant. The restaurant combines Greek cuisine with modern touches and is particularly well suited to an enjoyable evening with sea views and a refined ambience. Another lovely recommendation is Siparos Seaside Restaurant at Xifara, near Naoussa. The restaurant is situated right by the sea and is particularly popular for fish, seafood and relaxed summer evenings. Anyone wishing to experience the more indulgent side of Paros will find just the right blend of island cuisine, views and Mediterranean atmosphere here.

Accommodation on Paros: stylish hotels with Cycladic charm

Paros offers a lovely selection of stylish accommodation – from tranquil adults-only hotels with sea views to elegant boutique hotels near Naoussa or right on the coast. 

A lovely recommendation for couples and those seeking peace and quiet is Mythic Paros – Adults Only. The hotel is situated on a hill near Agia Irini and combines Cycladic architecture with boho elements, plenty of natural stone and sweeping views across the Aegean Sea.  Those who prefer to stay near Naoussa but still want to be a little away from the hustle and bustle might consider Vione Paros. The hotel is situated near Ambelas, a small coastal village east of Naoussa.

For anyone wishing to combine proximity to the beach with the lively atmosphere of Naoussa, Avant Mar Paros is a particularly good choice. The hotel is situated on Piperi Beach and is also just a short walk from the centre of Naoussa. Another stylish recommendation is Andronis Minois near Parasporos. This elegant boutique hotel combines modern Mediterranean aesthetics with relaxed luxury and is well suited to anyone seeking high-quality accommodation in a quieter location, whilst still being within easy reach of Parikia and the beaches on the western side of the island.

As a general rule: Naoussa is ideal for restaurants, bars and nightlife, Parikia is convenient for the harbour, ferries and day trips, whilst places such as Ambelas, Agia Irini or Parasporos offer more peace and quiet and sea views. 

Practical tips for Paros

• Best time to visit: Paros is particularly pleasant in June, September and early October. The weather is warm, many restaurants and hotels are open, and the island feels more relaxed than during the peak season.
• Getting there: Paros is easily accessible by ferry, particularly from Athens/Piraeus. If you’d like to visit several islands, Paros is an ideal base for island-hopping in the Cyclades.
• Getting around: Hiring a car, scooter or quad bike is well worth it if you want to explore beaches, mountain villages and quieter bays at your own pace. There are also bus services to the main towns, but more remote beaches are much easier to reach with your own vehicle.
• Allow for cash: You can usually pay by card in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. However, it’s still handy to have some cash for small tavernas, tips, car parks or more remote locations. Through Swiss Bankers, travellers can conveniently order cash and foreign currencies before their trip and have them delivered directly to their home.
• Check your travel cover: Especially when travelling between islands by ferry, with stopovers and multiple bookings, it’s worth thinking about travel insurance before you set off. With TravelProtect, the Swiss Bankers Travel Card can be supplemented with travel cover that offers additional security in typical travel situations.
• Don’t forget sun protection: Many beaches on Paros offer little natural shade. A sun hat, sun cream, a water bottle and light clothing are therefore essential items to pack.

Conclusion: Paros is Greece at its most relaxing

Paros is the perfect island for anyone who wants to experience Greece in a relaxed, stylish and varied way. With its whitewashed villages, stunning beaches, excellent food and trips to Antiparos, this Cycladic island combines everything that makes for a perfect holiday. Whether it’s a stroll through Naoussa, a day’s swimming at Kolymbithres Beach or watching the sunset by the sea – Paros remains laid-back, charming and pleasantly unhurried.