The Greek island of Paros is part of the Cyclades and certainly belongs to the most charming places I have visited in Greece so far. Think picturesque Greek villages, winding cobble-stoned alleys to get lost in, traditional tavernas by the water, beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and romantic sunsets in the Aegean Sea. Sounds like a Greek dream, right?
This Paros travel guide provides you with an itinerary for 4 days in Paros, including the top places to visit and the best things to do in Paros. Paros is a must-visit if you are island hopping in the Cycladic Islands. Most people tend to only visit the most popular Greek islands Santorini and Mykonos but, in my opinion, Paros is equally beautiful, less crowded and a true gem! Paros should definitely be part of everyone’s bucket list!
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4 Days in Paros – Quick Tips
Best Places to Stay |
,
Mythic Paros,
Blue Waves Suites,
Parilio,
PAROCKS,
PAREABest Time to Visit | June, September
How to Get Around | Rental Car, Taxi, Public Bus, ATV, Scooter
Top Places to Visit | Naoussa, Parikia, Lefkes, Antiparos, Kolymbithres Beach
Insider Tips | Marpissa, Podromos, Kostos
Best Tours |
Stay Connected | Get your Europe eSIM
How to Get to Paros
Paros can be reached either by ferry or plane. The airport in Paros is pretty small but if your international flight arrives in Athens and you are wondering how to get to Paros from Athens, flying is definitely the fastest transport option. I highly recommend combining your Paros trip with a short stopover in Athens. You can easily explore Athens in 2 days before continuing your journey to Paros.
On the other hand, if you plan to do an island hopping trip around the Cyclades and have already been to Athens, I recommend flying directly to Mykonos or Santorini and take the ferry to Paros island from there. That’s also what we did. We flew to Santorini, spent a few days there and then took the ferry from Santorini to Paros, which also stops in Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades.
Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from Athens to the Cyclades islands instead of flying. In general, ferries are the best and most convenient transportation option for Greek island hopping. As seats on the ferries are limited, I recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially if you visit Paros during high season.
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How to Get Around in Paros
Once you have arrived in Paros, the best way to get around is by rental car. There’s so much to see and do in Paros and the best places to visit are spread all over the island. Hence, a car gives you the best flexibility, comfort, and freedom to explore all of the islands’ highlights. We really loved taking a Paros island road trip.
You can find many car rental agencies at the port of Paros in Parikia (the capital of Paros) and also in the popular tourist village of Naousa. Expect to pay around €25 – €55 per day for a rental car, depending on the season (low vs. high season).
🚘 BEST CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
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Check rental car prices
Other options to get around in Paros are taking the public bus (best option if you travel on a budget), getting a taxi (pretty expensive even for short distances), or renting a scooter or ATV.
Best Time to Visit Paros
The best time to visit the island of Paros is during shoulder season (June/September). Visiting Paros in the shoulder season, instead of high season (July/August), is the perfect time if you want to enjoy nice weather and explore Paros without the crowds. Accommodation prices are also much lower during shoulder season.
We visited Paros in the beginning of May (which is still low season), which had the advantage that we had many places around the island almost entirely to ourselves. However, a slight disadvantage was that some restaurants & shops (especially on Antiparos) hadn’t yet opened for the season and the iconic Bougainvillea flowers weren’t in bloom in many spots.
Where to Stay in Paros
In my opinion, Naoussa is the best town to stay in Paros. The picturesque seaside town of Naoussa offers everything you need from boutique hotels, great restaurants, cafes & bars to cute shops, charming white alleys, and beautiful photo spots.
We stayed in Naoussa at , which is a lovely boutique hotel in walking distance of the town center. The hotel features two beautiful pools and a boho-chic aesthetic design which was totally my kind of vibe!
For other hotel options in Naoussa, click here.
If you are looking for a slightly cheaper place to stay in Paros, it’s worth looking for accommodation in Parikia, which also offers many great hotels and B&B’s. It’s also a charming town with countless restaurants, boutiques and cute stone-paved alleys.
In case you are looking for a quieter place to stay, you can also search for accommodation options in the smaller villages of the island such as Marpissa, Piso Livadi and Pounda.
4 Days in Paros Itinerary Overview
Below you can find a breakdown of our Paros itinerary.
Day 1: Naoussa and the North of the Island
- Explore Naoussa
- Visit the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti
- Hike in Paros Park
- Relax at Monastiri Beach & Kolymbithres Beach
- Alternatives: Santa Maria Beach & Little Santa Maria Beach
- Dinner at Naoussa’s Waterfront
Day 2: Paros Road Trip to Parikia and the Mountain Villages
- Visit the picturesque mountain village of Lefkes
- Stroll through Kostos, Prodromos & Marpissa
- Enjoy the view from St. Antonios Monastery
- Have lunch in Piso Livadi
- Relax at Golden Beach
- Alternatives: Kalogeros Beach, Glifades Beach or Molos Beach
- Explore the Old Town of Parikia
- Watch the sunset at the Frankish Castle in Parikia
Day 3: Day Trip to Antiparos
- Take a ferry to the small island of Antiparos
- Explore Chora (Antiparos Town)
- Visit Antiparos’ beautiful beaches
Day 4: Enjoy a Relaxed Day in Paros
- Spend half a day at a Beach Club
- Wine Tasting at Moraitis Winery
- Enjoy one last sunset dinner in Paros
If you are not sure how many days in Paros are the perfect trip length, I recommend staying in Paros for at least 3 full days to see the island’s highlights. However, for a more relaxed visit of Paros, staying on the island for 4 – 5 days is ideal. For us, spending 4 days in Paros was perfect. Please note that I didn’t count our arrival and departure day because we arrived in the evening (before day 1) and left the island right in the morning of day 5.
Do you only have 2 or 3 days in Paros?
If you only have 2 or 3 days in Paros, I would recommend skipping day 3 and/or day 4 of the before-mentioned itinerary. The first two days definitely cover the most important highlights and the best things to do on Paros. You can also adjust the itinerary of this travel guide according to your personal preferences. Just to give you an example: maybe you are not a hiker but a wine lover, so why not exchange these activities for day 1.
If you only have one day in Paros or plan to take only a day trip to Paros from another island in the Cyclades, you can check out this organized half-day Paros Island Highlights Tour, which takes you to Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Piso Livadi and Alyki.
What to do in Paros if you have more time?
Check out these recommendations for more top things to do in Paros:
If you had 5 days in Paros
Why not explore Paros or the nearby islands by sea? A full-day boat trip is an unforgettable and fun experience. You can either join a group sailing cruise or rent a small boat for self-driving (no boat license needed). Make sure to check out the boat trip options below:
Group Sailing Cruises:
- Paros Sailing Cruise to Iraklia and Schinoussa
- Paros Catamaran Cruise to Greek Islands
Boat Rental (self-drive):
- Paros Full-Day Small Boat Rental Option 1
- Paros Full-Day Small Boat Rental Option 2
If you had a week in Paros
- Enjoy a Full-Day Boat Trip (see above)
- Explore Paros in a more relaxed way
- Take a Day Trip to Delos and Mykonos (this tour combines both islands in one day)
- Visit the Island of Naxos (the Paros ferry to Naxos only takes around 30 minutes and runs up to 8 times a day in high season)
- Visit the Island of Tinos (the ferry ride takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes)
- Take a Day Trip to Santorini (the ferry ride takes around 1 hour 30 minutes)
This article may also be of interest to you:
In the following, you can find our complete travel itinerary in more detail, including more information on the places we visited and the best things to do in Paros island.
Best Things to Do in Paros: Complete Paros Travel Guide
Day 1: Naoussa and the North of the Island
Explore Naoussa
For me, Naoussa is the most charming town in Paros. Naoussa has a similar vibe to Mykonos town but is much less crowded. The quaint fishing village boasts a picturesque harbor, white cobbled alleys, lovely seafront restaurants, cute boutique shops and stunning photo spots.
The best way to explore Naoussa is to just wander around and get lost in the maze-like narrow alleyways. My favorite spot in the village is the old port of Naoussa – it truly looks like a picture-perfect Greek postcard! At the port, you can also find the ruins of the old Venetian castle, which was used as a watchtower for pirate attacks in the past.
The best time to explore Naoussa is early in the morning, especially if you are a photographer and want to take pictures without crowds of tourists in it. You can easily explore the town in only a few hours (including photo & coffee stops).
Visit the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti
The Monastery of St. John’s of Deti is probably one of the most iconic churches in Paros. Perched on top of a small hill on the other side of the bay of Naoussa (only a 15-minute drive by car), the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti offers incredible views of the bay and the adjacent Monastiri beach.
The blue-domed church is also a beautiful photo spot that is worth visiting during the day (for an amazing contrast of the white church and the blue sea) as well as at sunset (for soft dreamy light).
Hike in Paros Park
Paros Park features a 7 km network of easy walking trails crossing the peninsula of Agios Ioannis Detis and passing by spectacular rock formations, hidden coves, caves and an old lighthouse. Hiking Paros Park takes around 30 – 60 minutes (return), depending on which route you take. During the hike, you can enjoy incredible views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands.
Relax at Monastiri Beach & Kolymbithres Beach
After the hike, you can relax at the beautiful Monastiri Beach, which is also located on the peninsula in Paros Park. It’s a secluded, sandy beach with calm, azure water. There are also sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent. When we visited this beach in May, only a few other people were around, but I heard this beach can get very busy during high season.
Only a 5-minute drive from Monastiri Beach, you can find Kolymbithres Beach. Kolymbithres Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Paros. The beach is characterized by its unique rock formations, small sandy coves and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons. We found a secluded spot on the rocks (perfect for sunbathing) with our own tiny bay and relaxed here for a few hours.
Other beautiful beaches close to Naoussa are Santa Maria Beach and Little Santa Maria Beach which are located on the northeast side of the town.
Dinner at Naoussa’s Waterfront
After a full day of exploring, the harbor area in Naoussa is the best place for a nice dinner. Naoussa’s waterfront features many charming fish taverns and bars. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining while watching the sunset. The waterfront area becomes a buzzing place in the evening, so make sure to reserve a table in advance if you are visiting Paros during high season to avoid disappointment. Naoussa’s waterfront is also the center of Paros nightlife.
You might also be interested in: 3 Days in Ios, Greece
Day 2: Paros Road Trip to Parikia and the Mountain Villages
Visit the Picturesque Mountain Village of Lefkes
Lefkes, the former capital of Paros, is a small picturesque mountain village located in the middle of the island. The village is surrounded by idyllic hills and olive groves. It’s a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to explore the cute narrow alleys of Lefkes early in the morning to fully enjoy the charm of this traditional village.
In Lefkes, you can find small shops, cafes, tavernas, and old churches. Make sure to visit the church of Agia Triada, which is an imposing Byzantine church.
The village is also the starting point of the ancient Byzantine Road, the oldest walking trail of the island, which connects Lefkes and Prodromos. It’s a 3.5 km downhill hike (around 45 minutes) that can be continued to Marpissa, from where you can take a bus back to Lefkes if you like. Make sure to bring appropriate walking shoes, water and a hat if you plan to do this hike.
Stroll through Kostos, Prodromos & Marpissa
After visiting the popular village of Lefkes, you should also stop in the nearby villages of Kostos, Prodromos and Marpissa. These charming villages give you an authentic Paros feeling and are characterized by their traditional Cycladic architecture with white-washed houses, narrow Bougainvillea-fringed alleys and lovely Greek chapels. I really loved getting lost in the beautiful streets of these small villages.
— My Travel Photography Gear —
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Phone Tripod: Lammcou Tripod
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You may also enjoy reading: Best Photo Spots in Mykonos
Enjoy the View from St. Antonios Monastery
From Marpissa, you can walk or drive up the Kefalos hill to reach the St. Antonios Monastery. The St. Antonios Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Paros. Due to its hilltop location, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the monastery. It’s one of the best viewpoints of the island. Definitely a must-visit!
Have Lunch in Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi is a small fishing village on the East coast of the island, only a 5-minute drive from Marpissa. The coastal village is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lunch right on the waterfront. You can find many seafood restaurants at the port of Piso Livadi as well as a small beach. The port is also the starting point for many daily boat tours.
Relax at Golden Beach
After lunch, it’s time to relax at one of the most popular beaches in Paros: Golden Beach. The blue flag awarded Golden Beach features a long stretch of soft, golden sand and clear blue water. It’s a family-friendly, organized beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar and a restaurant.
If you want to be active, Golden Beach is also a great spot for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also a diving center at Golden Beach.
As an alternative to Golden Beach, you could also visit Kalogeros Beach (famous for being a “natural spa” where you can cover your body with mud (clay)), Molos Beach (non-organized beach) or Glifades Beach (less crowded, non-organized beach).
Explore the Old Town of Parikia
Parikia is the capital of Paros and the main port of the island. The old town of Parikia boasts lovely white-washed alleys, little shops, cafes, restaurants and historic churches. The main sights of Parikia are the Frankish Castle, the Archaeological Museum and the impressive Byzantine Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (also known as the Church of 100 doors).
You can easily explore Parikia in only a few hours. I also recommend having dinner there, either in one of the restaurants on the waterfront or in one of the cute tavernas hidden within the labyrinth alleyways.
Watch the Sunset at the Frankish Castle in Parikia
The Frankish Castle is the best spot for sunset watching in Parikia. From the terrace behind the historic castle, you can enjoy beautiful sunset views over the harbor of Parikia. I really loved the panoramic view! Nearby you can also find many bars if you want to enjoy the sunset with a cold drink in your hand. Yamas! (Cheers! in Greek)
Day 3: Day Trip to Antiparos
Take a Ferry to the Small Island of Antiparos
Antiparos, the small sister island of Paros, can be reached by a short 10-minute ferry ride from the port of Punta (also known as Pounta/Pounda) in the southwest of the island. The ferry runs every half hour and you can take it as a pedestrian or with your vehicle (car/scooter/ATV). We took the ferry with our rental car (€17,40 for a return ticket) to be able to explore the whole island of Antiparos.
Compared to other Cycladic islands, Antiparos is still a hidden gem off the beaten path. The small island features a stunning coastline with the most beautiful secluded beaches, a picturesque old town (Chora), a unique cave (Antiparos Cave, famous for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites), lovely traditional tavernas and a relaxed atmosphere. I really loved the charm and the laid-back vibe of Antiparos! No wonder Tom Hanks owns a house on this beautiful island. Let’s explore Antiparos in this mini Antiparos travel guide!
Explore Chora (Antiparos Town)
Once you step off the ferry, you directly arrive in Antiparos Town. The old town (Chora) is filled with picturesque alleys, beautiful bougainvillea flowers, cute cafes & restaurants, and exclusive shops. Antiparos Town has been built around an ancient 15th century Venetian castle. You can still see the remains of the castle (Kastro) in the center of the town.
Antiparos Town is relatively small, so it doesn’t take very long to explore. When we visited Antiparos in May, most of the shops and cafes were still closed because the tourist season hadn’t started yet. Nevertheless, I really loved wandering through this dreamy little town.
Visit Antiparos’ Beautiful Beaches
The main reason why we visited Antiparos are the beautiful secluded beaches around the island. The most popular beaches are Agios Georgios in the southwest of the island and Soros Beach in the southeast of the island.
My favorite beaches, however, were the secluded beaches on the southern tip of Antiparos. From Soros beach, we drove all the way down to Faneromeni Beach and stopped in many stunning bays while driving down. We had most of the crystal-clear bays completely to ourselves. It was such a dream!! We really loved the serenity and fully enjoyed this relaxing beach day. I can imagine that during high season the beaches on Antiparos will probably be busier but probably still less crowded than in Paros.
Please note that the road leading down to Faneromeni Beach is a bumpy gravel road, so please drive carefully.
You may also want to explore: 2 Days in Syros Island, the Capital of the Cyclades
Day 4: Enjoy a Relaxed Day in Paros
Spend half a day at a Beach Club
Spending a relaxing day at a beach club is an essential European summer activity, especially in the Greek islands. Enjoy good music, cold drinks, delicious Greek food and refreshing dips in the azure waters of Paros! You can find many beach clubs all over the island. I have listed some of the most popular beach clubs in Paros for you below.
Paros Beach Clubs:
- Punda Coast at Punda Beach (the party beach)
- Faragas at Faragas Beach (the laid-back beach)
- Santa Maria Beach Bar at Santa Maria Beach (the popular beach)
- Palm Beach Paros at Agia Irini Beach (the palm-fringed beach)
- Cabana Paros at Parikia Beach (the stylish beach club)
Wine Tasting at Moraitis Winery
If you are a wine lover like me, a wine tasting is a must-do when visiting Paros. Moraitis Winery is located in Naoussa just outside the town center. You can join a winery tour of the cellars and vineyard and enjoy an exquisite wine tasting in a lovely setting afterwards (including food pairing if you like). It is also possible to do a wine tasting without a tour.
The winery is open from Monday to Saturday. Make sure to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy one last Sunset Dinner in Paros
There’s no better way to end your unforgettable stay in Paros than with a lovely sunset dinner. Our favorite place to have dinner in Paros is the waterfront in Naoussa, so we just had to come here again for our last evening on the island. Enjoying a delicious Greek dinner surrounded by the twinkling lights of the harbor area was the perfect way to end our Paros stay!
I hope you enjoyed reading this Paros travel guide! For me, Paros is one of my favorite islands in Greece! If you have any other questions about visiting Paros, just leave a comment below! If you plan to combine your visit of Paros with a stay in Santorini or other nearby Cycladic islands like Naxos, Mykonos, Tinos or Ios, make sure to check out our complete Cyclades Island hopping itinerary.
Looking for more Greece travel guides? Click HERE or select a Greece travel guide from below.
- Ultimate Cyclades Island Hopping Itinerary
- Santorini Itinerary – 4 Days in Santorini Travel Guide
- Naxos Itinerary – 4 Days in Naxos Travel Guide
- 2 Days in Athens – Complete Itinerary for First-Timers
- Best Photo Spots in Mykonos
- Myconian Avaton Mykonos Hotel Review
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