Your guide to Paros
Paros highlights
Visit a monastery
Legend has it Saint Helene was brought to Paros by storm on her journey to the Holy Land. She eventually returned to give thanks by building the Church of One Hundred Doors in Parikia. Add a tour of the 4th-century church to your Paros itinerary to see if there really are 100 doors at this intriguing landmark.
Hike an ancient trail
Greeks have been taking the marble-paved Byzantine Road since AD 1000. Make your way from the village of Lefkes downhill to coastal Prodromos, enjoying elevated views over Naxos while passing olive groves, vineyards and fragrant oregano. The route isn't considered difficult but come prepared as you’ll find little shade from the baking sun.
Hop to another island
An island-hopping adventure is possible during your stay in Paros even if you're tight on time. Antiparos is just minutes away by ferry, and its main draw is the Cave of Antiparos. The only vertical cave in Europe, it’s home to the continent’s oldest stalactite, estimated to be 45 million years old. The mouth of the cave offers idyllic views of the Aegean.
Paros: Know before you go
| Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | December - February |
Find the best time to go to Paros
Weather in Paros
March – May: Warm days, blossoming flowers and Easter festivities all signal spring in Paros. April and May are perfect for hikes and outdoor adventures.
June – August: June weather is exceptional, but things heat up come July and August. The long, sunny days and warm Aegean waters bring more visitors to the island.
September – November: Autumn sees comfortable days, with beach trips still possible in September and early October. Don’t miss tasting freshly pressed olive oil after the harvest in October and November.
December – February: Winters in Paros are mostly mild. You’ll get some rain, and the seas are cold. But it’s a great time to experience a more authentic side of this fishing community.
Events in Paros
Easter (March or April): Lent in Paros begins with octopus eating and kite flying on Clean Monday. And it ends with a huge celebration on Easter Sunday where a whole lamb or goat is roasted over the fire.
Fish Festival (July): Started by a group of proud fishermen in the 1970s, this day-long festival of fresh seafood, local wine, dancing and live music is one of Naoussa’s biggest parties.
Analipsi tis Panagias (August): Pilgrims from all over Greece travel tothe ‘Panagia Ekatontapiliani’ (Church of One Hundred Doors)to celebrate the Assumption of Mary. Known as the island of ‘Panagia’ (the Virgin Mary), Paros is the centre of Orthodox Christian ceremonies, parades and an all-night feast.
The best neighbourhoods in Paros
Parikia
As the island's capital and primary port, Parikia makes a convenient stop if you're exploring the wider Cyclades. Visit the Venetian castle before exploring the lanes of the old town, finishing your day with a cocktail overlooking the sea. If you're after an affordable trip to Paros, Parikia is where you'll find a variety of budget-friendly hotels.
Good for: Economy hotels, bars, castle
Naoussa
Picture-perfect Naoussa is the village Grecian dreams are made of. There are no better sounds and sights come sunset than the clinking of cutlery and fishing boats bobbing harbourside. Don’t miss nearby Monastiri Beach, which is overlooked by the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis and offers some of the best views on the island.
Good for: Tavernas, beach, views
Golden Beach
If you’re here for sun, sea and sand, consider basing your holiday to Paros in Golden Beach. Paros is a windswept island made for water sports and Golden Beach is a prime spot to hit the waves. The Blue Flag beach is the biggest on Paros, with plenty of kitesurf and windsurf schools ready to show you the ropes.
Good for: Spacious beach, water sports
Things to do in Paros
Places to eat
Look for seafood prepared using the ‘gouna’ technique in Naoussa. This sun-drying method is used by fishermen to preserve the catch through hot days. Once a fatty fish like skipjack or mackerel is caught, it’s dried in the heat of the sun and remains juicy come nightfall. Wash it down with Greek favourite ‘souma’, a post-dinner drink made of figs.
Beaches
The granite rock at Kolymbithres Beach forms a natural sculpture garden and the most unique backdrop on Paros. Punda Beach is the place to see and be seen, while a mixture of sand and clay makes Kalogeros Beach a free alternative to a day at the spa. Be aware that across the island sunbeds are expensive to rent.
Nightlife
Naoussa’s seaside hums with activity come nightfall, allowing you to move seamlessly from taverna to bar once you’ve eaten as much ‘meze’ (small savoury dishes) as you can manage. Another option is taking a boat to nearby Antiparos. Be sure not to miss the last boat home, though it may just be worth it for that Greek sunrise.
Shopping
Head to Market Street in Parikia for souvenirs such as Paros honey to drizzle over your Greek-style yogurt and fresh fruit back home. Pick up a bottle of ‘souma’, the Greek post-dinner drink of choice. And sample the ‘haloumi’ — the salty-tasting cheese is better here than anywhere outside of Greece.
Take in the culture
The Museum of Cycladic Folklore is a labour of love of fisherman Benetos Skiadas. His miniature ships and buildings provide a snapshot of Cycladic life throughout the ages. The museum aims to highlight the local trades at risk of being lost (including fishing) in hopes that younger generations will continue these Cycladic traditions.
Family-friendly things to do
Kids will love exploring the trails of Paros Park in search of hidden caves and coves, along with the historic monastery, gun battery and lighthouse that dot the landscape. The Greek heat can be fierce, so stick to mornings and late afternoons during summer, and be sure to bring plenty of water.
Get ready for Paros
Budget
Unlike some of the more high-profile Greek islands, it’s fairly easy to pull off a budget trip to Paros. You’ll find a wide selection of traditional tavernas dishing up simple but tasty meals for around 12 euros (€). An ice-cold beer costs about €5, and a short taxi ride starts at around the same.
Day trips from Paros
Just west of Antiparos, the uninhabited island of Despotiko offers secluded sandy coves and ancient ruins. Join a tour to explore both. Local ferries make island hopping easy. Reach Naxos in 30 minutes, Mykonos in an hour or Santorini in two. Each island boasts stunning views, unique charm and plenty to discover.
Getting around Paros
Buses are the main form of public transport on Paros, with extra routes in peak seasons. Water taxis connect Parikia and Naoussa to the most popular beaches. Taxi rides can add up over the course of your trip. Consider hiring a scooter or e-bike for a fun, budget-friendly alternative to a car.
FAQs about visiting Paros
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