Ever since I visited Paros island in 2017, I have been dreaming of coming back here and discovering the island further. From the white houses to the blue dome churches, the crystal-clear sea, and the little coves, Paros is postcard-perfect! Just the right amount of shops and restaurants, but without the heavy crowds and price tags of the famous Mykonos and Santorini, Paros is the perfect Greek island for relaxed summer holidays. While many visit the island over a couple of days or a day trip even, I would recommend spending at least 5 days in Paros. Following the below Paros travel guide, you will get a chance to visit the most beautiful corners of the island at a relaxing pace, giving you ample time to roam around the beautiful villages, work on your tan at the beach, and explore the incredible food scene! I think this 5-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore Paros, but of course, all the days are interchangeable according to your preference. To complete this Paros island travel guide, I have also included useful information about where to eat, where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around the island! I hope you find all the information you need to organize your trip to Paros, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out directly on Instagram.
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5 DAYS ON PAROS ISLAND – THE COMPLETE ITINERARY
Day 1 – Discover Naoussa and the Northern beaches of the island
Start your 5 days on the island of Paros by exploring Naoussa, the second-largest town on Paros and a charming fishing village. Wander through its beautiful cobblestone streets, filled with lovely shops, bars, and restaurants. Walk past the harbor and check out the colorful boats, as well as the fresh octopus drying in the sun. Take a look a look inside the many churches to discover some wonderful Orthodox artworks. The old town center is rather small, so you can easily explore it in a couple of hours. Since most people spend their days at the beach, you will find the town to be relatively quiet until the end of the afternoon when the crowd comes to town for its amazing sunset and dining scene.
If the wandering around has left you hungry, grab a fresh salad by the sea at the Come Back restaurant, or drive 15 min to the Monastiri Beach Club Restaurant for a fancier vibe.
In the afternoon, venture north to discover some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Begin at Monastiri Beach, once renowned as one of Paros island’s finest beaches. While a beach club now occupies most of the area, a short walk past it leads you to Perikopetra Beach. This hidden gem boasts stunning white stone boulders and crystal-clear waters, providing an idyllic setting for a peaceful swim. This is definitely my favorite “beach” in Paros!
Another nearby option is Kolymbithres Beach, often recommended in Paros’ travel guides as one of the island’s best beaches. Though I found it very crowded and commercialized, its crystal-clear waters make it worth a visit, particularly if you can go in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
If you feel like having an active day rather than lounging at the beach, you could also consider hiking in Paros Park. There are 3 hiking routes of moderate difficulty, providing stunning views all around! Route 3 also passes by Perikopetra Beach, so you can take a refreshing dip in the middle of your hike!
Conclude your day with a visit to the beautiful Moraitis Winery. Take a guided tour through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process and the family’s rich history, and indulge in a wine-tasting experience, sampling their locally produced whites, reds, and rosés. You can pop up anytime for the wine tasting, but you should book here in advance for the guided tour.
- Moraitis Winery is open Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Tours cost 20 EUR / pax with a 3 wines degustation or 42EUR with 5 wines and cheese pairing. Wine tasting ranges from 12 to 18 EUR.
Travel tips; You will find Moraitis wines on all of the restaurant’s wine lists, so visiting the winery and doing a wine tasting on the 1st day makes sense, so you already have a good idea of what you want to order at the restaurants during your stay!
Looking for more detailed information about Naoussa?
Check out my complete Naoussa Travel Guide
Day 2 – Exploring Parikia and the South West beaches
Start your day in Parikia, the main town and arrival point for ferries from Athens and nearby Cycladic islands. Stroll through the narrow pedestrian streets adorned with charming whitewashed houses and vibrant pink bougainvilleas. Don’t hesitate to wander away from the main streets, and you will find some stunning and quiet corners. Delve into the local culture by visiting the beautiful Orthodox churches, including the stunning 100 Doors Church.
After immersing yourself in Parikia’s charm, head south to the picturesque fishing village of Aliki. All the town activities revolve around the port, where you will find a small beach, a few shops, and lots of restaurants overlooking the colorful fishing boats. Aliki is also one of the main departure points for boat tours. Although the port is really charming, I recommend continuing a little further to Piso Aliki Beach. Here, you can enjoy the calm and beauty of a long cobblestone beach while savoring a delicious meal at Thalassamou. The food here is fresh and delicious, with friendly and efficient staff. This was probably our nicest meal on the island!
Don’t miss the opportunity to dip into the clear waters of Aliki Beach or drive 5 min south to see Faragas Beach. Today most of the beach is taken by a beach club, but there is still space to lay down your towel on the sand if that is more your vibe.
As evening descends, return to Parikia for dinner, soaking up the lively ambiance of the town at night. I can’t recommend enough Bountaraki, the most authentic dining experience we had in Paros. They don’t take reservations, so expect a bit of a wait for a table, but the delicious traditional Greek cuisine they serve and the homely feeling are totally worth it.
Day 3 – Discover Paros and Antiparos islands from the Sea
Experience the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Paros with a boat excursion. Whether you opt for a group tour, a private charter, or rent your own license-free boat, a full day at sea is an absolute must. If you rent your own boat, enjoy the sense of freedom as you navigate the sparkling waters! Explore the rocky coastlines of Paros and its neighboring island, Antiparos, and discover secluded coves and pristine beaches. We decided to go towards Antiparos and stopped by the Blue Lagoon next to Tigani Island for a swim in the incredible turquoise water. Navigating slowly, stopping to swim or read, we eventually made our way to the southwestern coast of Antiparos and stopped for lunch at Captain Pipinos, a lively restaurant serving fresh seafood (in crazy abundant portions) by the sea in a lively atmosphere that perfectly captures the vibe of the Greek islands. Just note that you can’t anchor the boat at the pier there, so one of you will have to anchor the boat in the bay and swim to lunch! We did, and that was such a fun moment!
The license-free boat tour typically starts at 10 a.m. and concludes around 5:30 p.m., providing ample time to savor every moment. We booked this boat and we had such a perfect time. The team was super helpful, and very serious with the boat and safety briefing. They also give recommendations on what to see, where to eat etc. The boat was in perfect condition, so I highly recommend them. To be honest I think it was our best day on the island and definitely one of the best things to do in Paros.
Alternatively, if you prefer to have a skipper this tour looks like an amazing option too.
Day 4 – Road trip to Paros charming villages in the center of the island
Embark on a road trip through the heart of Paros to uncover its charming villages and stunning landscapes. Begin your journey in Lefkes, a picturesque village with winding alleys adorned with vibrant pink bougainvilleas. Lose yourself in its enchanting streets, soaking up the beauty of the village. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Holy Trinity Church that overlooks the village and the surrounding valley. The interior decoration is truly beautiful and also offers a refreshing rest from the summer heat in Paros!
Continue your road trip to the smaller but equally charming villages of Prodromos and Marpissa. Although these sleepy towns offer fewer shops and cafes, their beauty is unmistakable. Take some time to explore their narrow streets embracing the charm and tranquility.
As you venture further to the east coast of Paros Island, stop in the little town of Piso Livadi for a well-deserved lunch. This vibrant port town offers a range of excellent waterfront restaurants where you can indulge in delicious seafood specialties. We had lunch at Ouzeri Halaris and loved their cod croquettes, ceviche, and the colorful seaside ambiance.
After lunch, it is time to explore the beautiful beaches of the East Coast, starting with Kalogeros Beach. This long and narrow beach doesn’t have lots of sandy shores but does offer crystal-clear waters. Kalogeros Beach is also popular for its unique clay rocks found at one end of the beach. You can cover your face and body with the clay, and your skin will turn baby-soft! Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Paros.
For a wider and more secluded beach experience, head to Tsoukalaia Beach, where you’ll find a pristine stretch of sand waiting to be explored.
Before concluding your day, consider visiting the St. Antonios Monastery, a beautiful Orthodox church perched atop a mountain. Although it requires a steep drive, the panoramic views from the monastery are well worth the journey. Just take note of the strange opening times: the church is open every day from 11 AM to 2 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Day 5 – Explore Antiparos, the hiddenn gem
This Paros travel guide wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t include a visit to Antiparos, a hidden gem located just a short ferry ride away. Embark on a journey to this charming island, renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty (and apparently also its growing nightlife!!
Explore the narrow streets of Chora, Antiparos’ main town, with its white-washed buildings and beautiful shops. The town is quite tiny, so 1 hour is enough to see it all.
The next stop on your journey is Antiparos Cave, an 85m deep vertical cave with million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites! There is a steep staircase to go down and several chambers to admire. It takes around 30 minutes to go all the way down and then 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 explore the beautiful coastline of Antiparos. As we could see during our boat days, there are so many cute little coves lining up the shores of Antiparos that if you have time I would recommend just driving around and trying to find some of these small unnamed beaches to enjoy the stunning sea all by yourself.If you want to be more efficient, here are a few beaches along the east coast to visit:
- Sostis Beach is a very small cove with a sandy/rocky beach. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, and the beach is not too crowded. You must drive through 2km of dirt roads to get there. The beach is not organized so bring your own everything! This was my favorite beach in Antiparos.
- Soros Beach Club is a fancy beach club on a beautiful beach. The ambiance, menu, and decor say luxury, but the service reviews are average. Definitely book ahead for a sun lounger.
- Glypha and Panagia beaches are both sandy with beautiful clear water, but straight by the road and quite uneventful.
- Fanari Beach has a pleasant restaurant/beach club, with many sun loungers right by the water. The food at the restaurant was nice, but the wine (by the glass) was a disaster!
- If you don’t have a car, you can visit Sifneiko Beach, only 15 min walk from the harbor, across Chora.
During high season, the ferry between Paros and Antiparos departs every 10 to 15 min, from around 6 am to 1 am (check the updated timetable here). Each way costs 7.30 EUR/car, 1.50 EUR / passenger, and 2 EUR / scooter. You can pay directly on the boat and the crossing takes less than 10 min. Super practical!
PAROS TRAVEL GUIDE – WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Where to stay in Paros?
The island of Paros is quite small, so there is no right or wrong in terms of where to stay. During our first trip to Paros, we stayed in Piso Livado and absolutely loved the quiet, slow pace of this sleepy fishing village, although it was a bit far from the main towns to go out for dinner. Staying in Parikia or Naoussa
is great if you don’t have a car and want to be able to walk to town and take public transport from there.
For me though, the best is to stay out of town, somewhere in between Parikia and Naoussa, so you can easily reach the towns, and that gives a ton of options to go out for dinner.
Our choice in Paros: Mythic *****. A luxury adult-only hotel
In 2023, we stayed at the stunning Mythic Hotel, 10 min South of Parikia. The hotel is absolutely stunning with 40 bedrooms tastefully decorated and a double infinity pool facing the sea and the sunset! They also have a well-equipped gym, a spa, and a poolside bar! The food and beverage is a bit disappointing for this class of hotel (quite bland breakfast, mediocre co*cktails, but dinner was good) but the rest of our experience was amazing. We couldn’t wait to go back to the hotel for poolside sundowners every evening.
Other amazing hotels in Paros island
There are many amazing hotels on the island, and as long as you book early, you will have a ton of options, from Airbnb to small boutique hotels, apartments, and luxury venues. Here are four hotels that really stand out to me thanks to their impeccable architecture, cozy bedrooms, and great locations.
PARILIO
The essence of quiet luxury, Pariliio Hotel offers 33 stunning suites with distinctive Cycladic architecture and a stunning interior defined by warm soothing tones and earthy materials.
COVE PAROS
A modern sea-front resort with 45 elegant suites of Cycladic architecture facing the Agioi Anargyroi Bay. The infinity pool with double sunbed is stunning and an invite to the most relaxing days!
MINOIS PAROS
A newly renovated hotel with beautiful vibes inspired by the Mediterranean rivieras with touches of Moroccan decor. Minois is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.
COSME
Designed to mimic a small Greek Village, Cosme has 40 luxury suites, a large sunset-facing pool, and local arts scattered around the hotel contributing to a strong sense of authenticity.
Where to eat in Paros
The food scene on the island is incredibly rich: from local gyro stalls to fancy restaurants, Paros has it all. While there is obviously a strong focus on Greek cuisine and seafood, you can also find Italian, Asian, and fusion types of cuisine. Except for one uneventful dinner in Parikia (at Dionysos Garden Restaurant), we truly enjoyed all the restaurants we visited. Price-wise, I found that Paros had become pretty expensive since our last visit, with a lot of meals costing around 70 EUR and more for 2 pax (including wine, which was often quite pricey even for local choices). Below is a recap of the restaurants we really liked around the island.
Best places to eat in Parikia
- Bountaraki: A true local taverna with authentic and delicious food, and a casual and friendly staff. The whole vibe is very homely and it was by far the best value-for-money dinner we had during our whole stay in Paros. They don’t take reservations so expect a bit of wait before getting a table.
Best places to eat in Naoussa
- Sigi Ikthios: On the main dining square of Naoussa, this iconic restaurant serves fresh seafood and delicious traditional Greek cuisine in a lively and vibrant (and overcrowded but still super nice) ambiance! Service is ultra quick and efficient, which is truly no small feat considering the number of tables!
- Luaz Seafood: Beautiful restaurant with some tables on the seaside (facing Naoussa’s famous sunset) and some tables set up on a lively square. We had sushi, sashimi, and prawn tempura and it was all fresh and delicious. It has a bit of a fancy (slightly pretentious maybe) vibe and it is quite pricey, but we still had an amazing evening,
- Daverona: When you can’t eat seafood anymore! Delicious restaurant, with a more meat-oriented menu. Set up on a smaller street in Naoussa, it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as the above two, but the food makes up for it.
- Come back: A cool cafe, with good salads and co*cktails, perfect for lunch by the sea or some sunset drinks.
Best places to eat in Aliki & Piso Livadi
- Thalassamou: Delicious seafood restaurant on the Aliki beach, with friendly staff and creative plates. We loved the ceviche, the shrimp saganaki, and the pesto calamari. The atmosphere is unbeatable and this was one of our favorite meals on the island.
- Ouzeri Halaris: Good seafood and local Greek cuisine, right by the Piso Livadi harbor. The service is quick. and very friendly!
PAROS ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Best time to visit Paros
Like most of Europe, the best time to visit the island of Paros is from May to September when the weather will be warm and sunny. However July and August can get very hot and busy, so I recommend visiting Paros during the shoulder months of May, early June, and September. The weather will be pleasantly sunny, accommodations should be cheaper and the tourist crowd should be lesser.
How to get to Paros?
The two options to get to Paros are flying from Athens or taking a ferry from Athens or one of the neighboring islands.
- Flying to Paros: Paros has a small local airport that connects the island with Athens and Thessaloniki via 2 main airlines, Aegean and Sky Express. The flights from Athens are incredibly short, only 45 min, and convenient. While there any many daily connections during the peaks months, it is highly recommended to book ahead and they do get quite full. I usually check the best flight options on Skyscanner. Once you land at Paros Airport you can either pick up your car rental or hop on a bus to Parikia (bus timing available here)
- Ferry to Paros; Taking a ferry is another great alternative to reach Paros from Athens or if you are coming from other islands such as Mikonos, Naxos, etc. The ferry from Athens to Paros takes between 3h and 4h30 and costs between 40 EUR and 70 EUR during the summer months. The ferry from Mykonos to Paros takes less than 1h and costs around 50 EUR. From our experience, the ferries are safe, and reliable, with comfortable seating, good internet connection, etc. Find the ferry that best suits you and book your ticket on Ferry Hopper.
Travel tips: There are 2 ferry terminals in Athens, Piraeus and Rafina, that are located on opposite sides of the city. Piraeus is around 30 min drive from the city center (45 min from the airport), while Rafina is around 50 min drive (30 min from the airport). Be careful when booking your ferry ticket and account for the extra travel time involved.
How to go around Paros?
- Rental car: Renting a car is the best way to discover the island conformably and at your own pace. I recommend a small car that can be parked easily (public & roadside parking can get very crowded!). The island is pretty hilly, so if you are not fully comfortable with a manual car, definitely go for an automatic. We found a very good deal RentalCar and paid 27 EUR / day for a small Volkswagen Up.
- ATV: You will see a lot of people driving ATVs around. It is a great way to also explore the island and to go off-roading and find your own little beaches etc. Not as comfortable as a car, but great for the adventurers.
- Scooters: Renting a scooter is a great option to discover the island. Traffic can get a bit intense and all over the place in and around Paraikia and Naoussa, so just drive carefully.
- Public Transports: The cheapest option to visit Paros is to take public transport. The bus link all the main towns like Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Prodromos, Piso Livadi, etc. You can find more info on schedules and tickets here.
Useful resources to organize 5 perfect days in Paros
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!
★ Find the cheapest flights:
with Skyscanner
★ Book trains, buses, and ferries
with Omio or Trainline
★ Get the best deal on car rental
with Rentalcars
★ Secure fantastic tours
with GetYourGuide or Viator
★ Buy an international e-sim card
with Airalo
★ Discover the best hotels
with Booking
Did you know? If you purchase something through the links below I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me maintain this website and continue to provide valuable information, for free! Thank you for your support 🙂
Here you go, this was my complete Paros island travel guide and 5-day itinerary. I hope you found it useful and that all of your questions about the beautiful island of Paros are answered. If that is not the case, or if you wish to let me know anything, do not hesitate to drop a comment here below or reach out to me on Instagram. I am always very happy to hear from you.
Love, Emma
