Paros, one of the most popular Greek islands, isfamous for its beautiful beaches and vivid nightlife. Located almost in the center of the Cyclades, Paros has true Cycladic architecture and an active lifestyle.
In brief, staying 3 to 5 days is recommended in order to explore the island as much as possible. Check out thebucket list we have created with the top things to see & do.
You will find our excursion suggestions for 1, 2, or 3 days in Paros below.
First Day: Naoussa, Kolimbithres & Golden Beach
Although Naoussa is not the capital of Paros, it is the most popular and picturesque village on the island. Naoussa is located on the northernmost side of Paros. It has a nice waterfront to relax and lovely restaurants.
Stroll around the narrow, paved paths of Naoussa to feel the true Cycladic architecture and buy souvenirs from its many gift shops. Naoussa is also the best nightlife spot with lovely lounge bars and clubs that open at midnight and close in the early morning hours. Naoussa is well connected by bus to the most famous beaches in Paros.
Kolimbithres is a popular beach only 4 km from Naoussa and, even though it gets very popular, it is worth seeing for its strange rock formations. If you like windsurfing, consider paying a visit to Golden Beach in the southeastern part of the island since it is the best windsurfing spot on Paros. International windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions are held there every summer.
View on map: The First Day in Paros
Second Day: Parikia and Antiparos
On the second day, get ready to discover Parikia, the capital of Paros. This village gets very busy all day round as it is the main port and transportation hub on the island. Parikia is a traditional settlement with charming architecture and coffee shops to relax. Have a stroll in Kastro, the most picturesque quarter of Parikia, with the small, white-washed houses and narrow paths.
In walking distance from the port, you can visit the Holy Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the most important early-Christian monuments in Greece. Its name means the church with the hundred doors and it dates from the 6th century AD. Tradition says that the monastery was built on the ruins of a former church founded by Saint Helen.
From Parikia, you can take the bus to the nearby beach of Parasporos or take the ferry from Pounda Port to the relaxing island of Antiparos. There are ferries from Pounda to Antiparos every half hour, with the ferry ride being only 10 min.
View on map: The Second Day in Paros
Third Day: Lefkes, Marpissa& Piso Livadi
Spend the third day discovering the small yet picturesque villages of Paros. Those are located in the center and southeastern side of the island and clearly depict the traditional Cycladic architecture. Painted in white and blue, these villages shine under the hot Greek sun. On your way, you will see some lovely, traditional chapels, characteristic of the Cyclades islands.
For this trip, it is recommended to rent a car since public transportation may waste you a lot of time. If you start from Parikia, the first stop would be Lefkes, the old capital of the island during the middle ages. Lefkes is about 11 km from Parikia. Prodromos, 4 km from Lefkes, is also worth seeing for its lovely environment and the calm lifestyle of the locals.
Then, continue to Marpissa, 2 km from Prodromos, a wonderful village built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a hill. It has nice churches, small houses and gives a beautiful view of the sea. The road ends at Piso Livadi, a nice tourist resort with a sandy beach to swim and delicious taverns to have a meal.
View on map: The Third Day in Paros
