3 Days in Paros, Greece: Ultimate Itinerary, Beaches & Top Sights

We visited Paros at the end of August as part of our Cyclades honeymoon in Greece, having spent a few days on the neighboring island of Naxos beforehand. We had wanted to visit this island for years, drawn in mainly by the beautiful photos we’d seen online and its reputation as an island with charming towns like Parikia and Naoussa, traditional villages full of white houses and views resembling Santorini and Mykonos, but without the crowds and shocking prices. Just as with Naxos and Milos, our high expectations were completely met, and we liked Paros very much.

In this Paros guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Paros: how to get to Paros, the best places to stay in Paros, what to see in Paros, top things to do in Paros, best beaches in Paros, day trips from Paros, where to eat in Paros, and practical travel tips for island hopping.

Key facts

• Transport to the island: Ferry or a domestic flight from mainland Greece.
• Best time to visit: June to September.
• Recommended stay: 3-4 days in Paros
• Budget: Medium to high.
• Getting around the island: Rent a car or scooter.
• Suitable for: People looking for tranquility and beautiful places to explore.

A Little About Paros

Paros is an island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group, located very close to the islands of Naxos and Antiparos. The island is popular for its beautiful villages, abundant with white houses, winding cobblestone streets, blue-domed churches, and stunning views. Paros is also popular among kitesurfing enthusiasts due to some of its windier beaches. Although relatively popular, Paros differs from other islands in the area, like Santorini and Mykonos, in that it has not been as consumed by mass tourism and has preserved its authentic spirit and character.

How to Get to Paros

There are two main ways to reach the island: by ferry or by a domestic flight from Athens or Thessaloniki. During the summer season, there are daily ferries not only from Athens but also from neighboring islands, which makes Paros very suitable for island hopping. Ferry prices vary significantly—companies like SeaJets offer faster ferries at a higher price, while BlueStar Ferries offer a much lower price but with more intermediate stops. Also, if you’re booking your trip well in advance, keep in mind that companies like BlueStar Ferries publish their schedules about a month beforehand, so there’s a chance that information might not be available yet. You can check available routes and times on ferry booking websites.

We arrived in Paros from the neighboring island of Naxos, and the ferry took about an hour, costing around €15 per person.

Getting Around on Paros

Unlike some neighboring islands, Paros is has a relatively flat terrain, and the roads are in good condition. We used a rental car, but you can easily get around the island on a scooter as well.

Where to Stay in Paros

Paros has two main larger settlements: Parikia, which is the island’s capital and has a large port, and the popular Naoussa. There are also villages like Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa, and Piso Livadi that many people visit.

• Parikia: If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with a wide choice of accommodations, tavernas, shops, a town beach, and a place to walk around, we recommend Parikia. Although Naoussa is more popular with tourists, we liked Parikia more for its authentic atmosphere.
• Naoussa: Being the most famous place in Paros, accommodations in Naoussa are more expensive. However, like Parikia, it has all the amenities for a comfortable stay, just in a higher price range.
• The smaller villages: If you want to be further away from Parikia and Naoussa, Paros has many beautiful villages with interesting accommodation options for every taste, though they can be quieter, like Lefkes, Marpissa, Prodromos and others.

Is Paros better than Mykonos?

If you want authentic Greek island charm, traditional villages, better beaches, and reasonable prices, Paros wins. If you’re seeking glamorous beach clubs, celebrity spotting, intense partying, and don’t mind paying premium prices, Mykonos is your choice. Many travelers feel Paros is like what Mykonos was before mass tourism- it offers similar Cycladic beauty without the overwhelming crowds and expense.

Best beaches in Paros

The beaches of Paros are nice, but honestly, they are not the most impressive, especially when compared to the nearby islands of Naxos and Milos. The main attraction of Paros is its beautiful villages and towns, rather than its beaches. The prices for umbrellas and sunbeds are quite high, so we recommend checking if your accommodation provides umbrellas for guests (most offer them for free) and bringing one with you, especially if you have a car. Here are some of the more popular beaches on the island :

Monastiri Beach

This beach is located near Naoussa, and the water is very calm and shallow. We settled under a tree in the free zone because the prices for umbrellas and sunbeds seemed absurd to us, around €60 for a set. The beach also has a bar and a restaurant where prices are also high.

Agia Irini

This is a beautiful sandy beach with turquoise crystal waters in the western part of the island, in a small bay not far from Parikia. You can rent an umbrella and sunbed on the beach for about €20 per set. Agia Irini also has a small free zone where you can find shade under one of the palm trees. The beach has a nice bar and a restaurant with good reviews.

Molos Beach

Molos Beach is a long, sandy beach on the eastern part of the island. The beach is wild but large enough to find your own spot. It is known among surf lovers for its rougher sea and wind.

Parikia Beach

This is the town beach of Parikia, the capital of Paros, located just a few minutes’ walk from the center. The beach is sandy and shallow, with many amenities like sunbeds, bars, and showers, and rental prices are more reasonable than on many other beaches on the island.

Paros Kite Beach

If you are a fan of kitesurfing and windier beaches, this is the place for you. The beach is located in the southwestern part of the island and has all the amenities for kite surf enthusiasts.

The Most Interesting Places to Visit on Paros

The real treasure of Paros isn’t just its beaches, but its perfectly preserved Cycladic villages and charming towns. If you’re wondering what to do in Paros beyond the beach, exploring these traditional settlements should be at the top of your Paros sightseeing list. Wander through winding cobblestone streets passing between whitewashed buildings with blue doors and shutters, bougainvillea-draped alleyways, small churches, traditional tavernas, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Aegean Sea and the island’s hills. The main attractions in Paros include the bustling waterfront of Parikia, the picturesque fishing harbor of Naoussa, the mountain village of Lefkes – each offering must-see spots and authentic Greek island charm. More information below.

Naoussa – The Postcard of Paros

If you search for pictures of Paros online, you will most likely come across photos of Naoussa. It resembles similar places on the much more popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini. One of the most iconic spots in Naoussa is the waterfront promenade, lined with dozens of tables from various tavernas, offering incredible views of the sea on one side and the beautiful buildings of Naoussa on the other. We recommend a visit at sunset. Honestly, what we didn’t like about Naoussa was that it felt less authentic, with a lot more pretentiousness and commercialism than other places on the island.

Parikia – The Underrated Capital of the Island

While researching Paros before our visit, we saw Parikia described as less interesting than Naoussa in many places, but we were left with a different impression and found Parikia more interesting and authentic. The town captivated us as soon as we arrived by ferry—it has a literal labyrinth of beautiful streets where it’s a pleasure to get lost, and a large selection of tavernas and shops.

Lefkes – One of the Most Beautiful Villages in the Cyclades

One of the most Beautiful Villages in the Cyclades: Lefkes is a mountain village in the heart of Paros that cannot fail to impress you. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful and charming villages we have visited in Greece. Its streets, authentic white houses, and beautiful panoramic views should not be missed. The pictures speak for themselves.

Marpissa and Prodromos: Less Popular, but No Less Beautiful

Marpissa and Prodromos are two small villages located very close to each other, not far from Lefkes. If you have free time in Paros, we highly recommend combining them. There are fewer tourists there, and especially on a hot day, you have a good chance of being alone in their beautiful labyrinth of streets and white buildings.

A Visit to Antiparos

Antiparos is a small island almost attached to Paros. In many ways, Antiparos resembles its larger neighbor but is quieter and more idyllic, making it perfect for a day trip if you’re staying in Paros. The island is famous for its caves, beautiful port village, and quiet beaches. The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get there from Paros is from the small port town of Pounta (about a 15-minute drive from Parikia), where there is a boat every 30 minutes. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs about €2 per person and about €10 for a car.

Other Recommendations and Tips for Visiting Paros

• If you visit Paros, I highly recommend combining it with a stay in Naxos. The two islands complement each other perfectly.
• The roads are in good condition and the island is relatively flat, so a scooter or a small car is a perfect choice for getting around.
• If you want a more authentic experience with less pretension, we recommend Parikia over Naoussa for your stay.

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