14 Amazing Things To Do in Paros, Greece
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In the vast Aegean Sea lies a stunning slice of land filled with picturesque villages and divine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. This is Paros, Greece. One of the most underrated Cyclades Islands, Paros Island is home to colossal olive trees and several archaeological sites. Its rich history, adrenaline-packed adventures, and mouthwatering food make it the perfect place for a vacation.
This Greek Island has so many things to do that it’s easy to get confused. How you plan your getaway depends on your priorities; however, to make it easier for you to hit all the main attractions, we’ve meticulously crafted a list of the top things to do in Paros and the top places to visit in this travel guide.
In a Nutshell
Best Hotels in Paros
- Best luxury hotel: PAROCKS Luxury Hotel & Spa
- Best mid-range hotel: Kallisti Paros
- Best budget hotel: Casa Di Roma
Best Tours in Paros
- Day trip to Delos and Mykonos
- Sailing tour with lunch to neighboring Cyclades islands
- Day trip by boat to Santorini
Visit the Parikia Old Town
Parikia is one of the main villages, home to the main port of Paros. Its narrow streets interlace with each other, and quaint Cycladic architecture lines every corner. Beautiful pink bougainvilleas are sprawled everywhere. This breathtaking view makes this a great spot for a casual stroll. There is also a lot of hustle and bustle, filled with traditional tavernas, Orthodox churches, including the 100 Doors Church, the archaeological museum of Paros, trendy cafes and boutiques, souvenir shops, and some of the best restaurants.
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Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Naoussa Village
The Greek island of Paros has many traditional villages, and Naoussa is one of them. Some of the best things to do in this fishing village include enjoying the vibrant colors of the harbor, checking out the 15th-century Venetian Castle, which is a perfect spot for the best views, and splurging on shopping and delectable seafood that leaves you wanting more.
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If history isn’t fascinating enough, you can enjoy the thriving nightlife with bars and parties as soon as the sun sets. At the port of Naoussa, you can take a water taxi to visit beautiful beaches like Monastiri Beach and Paros Park.
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Read also: Cape Sounion, GreeceTravel Guide
Have a Relaxing Day at the Golden Beach
Whether you’re here to enjoy the orange-hued sunset or lay on the sand, New Golden Beach is the best way to destress. Enjoy a delicious margarita from the beach bars and watch the crystal clear waters crash into each other. One of the main reasons people choose this place is the water sports like scuba diving, windsurfing, and swimming, which make it the best option.
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The beach’s pristine conditions have also earned it a blue flag, highlighting its cleanliness. Since it’s very popular, the best time to visit is in the early morning, which is relatively quiet.
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Read also: Well-Known Greek Landmarks
Explore the Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church
The Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church is among the best-preserved early Christian monuments near the Port of Parikia. Legend has it that this was built by Saint Helena or Saint Constantine, the first Emperor of Constantinople. Constructed in the 4th century AD in ancient times, it is called the Church with the Hundred Doors, where one door is hidden.
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You can take a short walk from the nearest bus station to visit the place. There is a small gift shop and many areas with shade where you can rest and take a break from the scorching heat. It is recommended that visitors keep a water bottle with them during the summer months.
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Read also: Hidden Gems on Greek Islands
Discover a Small Cove on Kolymbithres Beach
The magnificent Kolymbithres Beach is known for its rocky hills and granite boulders, making it ideal for taking vacation pictures. To get there, you can use the ferry port, which offers reasonable ferry tickets, making it the most affordable and easiest way.
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The calm water, backed by a perfectly blue sky and cotton candy clouds, will leave you breathless. It is hands down one of the best beaches because of the facilities it has for tourists, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and a giant plate of warm food. However, this small beach gets very busy, so visit as early as possible.
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Read also: Picture-Perfect Spots in Greece
Look at the Brilliant Architecture in Lefkes Village
Encapsulated by pine forests, the small village of Lefkes is one of the best places to visit. With traditional and neo-classical architecture, stone pathways, and white-washed houses, it is one of the most beautiful places you’ll see. The place is sprawled with the best hotels and restaurants, making it especially attractive for tourists.
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Whether you walk down the Byzantine road, explore the Monument to the Heroes of War, or visit the Holy Trinity Church, you’ll have a blast. If you’re in a rental car, you can park free in the public parking lot and then explore the place on foot.
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Read also: Temple of Poseidon
Off the Beaten Path Experiences on the East Coast of Paros
While traditional public transport only takes you to some places, a spectacular way to enjoy Paros is to rent out an ATV and go on an adventure. With your ATV, you can visit Parikia and look at the monasteries, then head to Akti to enjoy the Chrissi Akti beach and the mesmerizing water lined with fishing boats, bringing fresh seafood to devour. Santa Maria Beach is around 30 minutes from Parikia and can also be explored on a quad.
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Read also: Best Island Beaches in Greece
Venture on a Boat Tour To Neighboring Islands
Why limit yourself to one small island when you visit several? A great way to fully experience the Cyclades is to go island hopping via a boat tour. Public, private, and semi-private boat tours are available, each at a different price point. Whether you pick a small boat or something colossal like a catamaran, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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You can go on a day trip to Santorini, Delos, or Mykonos or visit nearby islands like Antiparos and Despotika. However, if you’re heading to islands a bit further away, be prepared for itinerary changes due to strong winds. Additionally, some of these tours include tasty snacks, while others have an extra cost for food.
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Read also: Best Things To Do in Naxos
Hike or Bike Through Nature Trails
While some people enjoy the peace, others want a pump of adrenaline to enjoy their getaway. For such people, hiking or biking on the many nature trails is in their ballpark. The Southern Comfort Hike is a great place for first-time hikers to start. A relatively easy hike, it offers harbor views, kitesurfers’ sails flying in the sky, and jaw-dropping beauty. It takes around 3.5 – 4 hours, and you can cannonball into the water to cool down.
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The Livadia-Delion Sanctuary-Telegrafos Hill Hike is moderately complex if you want something more competitive. Starting at the Paros Nautical Club, it takes up to five hours to complete. Due to the strong winds, this hike can be strenuous as you’re going against the current. However, you can witness Parikia Bay, the chapel of St. Focas, and many other historical sites here.
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Read also: Budget-Friendly Getaways in Greece
Visit the Local Wineries and Olive Groves
One of the main reasons for coming to Paros is their delicious in-home wine. You simply can’t leave without heading up to the Moraitis Winery. They serve samples of their wines, heavenly delectable cheese, and a very informative tour of the vineyards. If you enjoy any of their beverages, you can purchase a bottle or two to return home.
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Wine tasting is also available in Louridis Winery, between Prodromos and Piso Livadi. They also have a wide selection of crisp white and red wines you can taste and buy on the spot.
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Read also: Best Nightlife Scenes in the Greek Islands
Hike the Byzantine Path
One of the best parts of Lefkes Village is the Byzantine road hike, an epic escape that you don’t want to miss. The 6.0-km out-and-back trail takes about two hours at a moderate speed. The 1000-year-old road is paved with Parlan Marble, and the view from the top is picture-perfect. On the way, you’ll see olive groves lining the pathway, along with ancient stone fences that are very unique.
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Read also: Awesome Hiking Trails in Greece
Sail Around the Island on a Boat Tour
A way to enjoy an immersive experience at Paros is to take a boat tour and go around the Island. Since everything is well-connected, you can go anything by water. Speedboats, catamarans, yachts, boats, water taxis, etc, are all reliable ways of commuting. You can even hire a travel guide and pay them a small commission, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your time. To find the best deals, go to the main port of the island.
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Read also: Greek Island Hopping Tips
Go on a Day Trip to Antiparos
A short ferry ride away, Antiparos is a popular destination from the island of Paros. Exploring the narrow alleys of Chora, Antiparo’s old town, along with its raging nightlife, white-washed buildings, and the best warm comfort food at spectacular restaurants, is a dream-like experience.
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Don’t let its small size fool you because it has some of the best things to do. It has everything from the sea caves waiting to be explored to the idyllic beaches, the unique geological rock formation at Faneromeni, and fresh and juicy seafood.
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Read also: Best Things To Do in Corfu, Greece
Take a Day Trip to Naxos
Island hopping is a brilliant experience because you enjoy the culture of several slices of land. Visiting Naxos from Paros can be a riveting journey. Take a local bus from your hotel to the ferry port and then take a ferry to Naxos for the best commute. Once there, you can enjoy their open-air cinema, sandy beaches with crystal clear water, romantic sunset at Portana, Temple of Apollo, and many such activities.
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Read also: Greek Islands for Romantic Getaways
Best Time To Visit Paros
The best time to visit Paros depends on your needs. If you’re more of a summer person, then going in June, July, and August is ideal since the weather is hot and you can enjoy all the water activities. However, this is also high season, which means there will be many people and swarms of tourists everywhere – especially in August.
If peak season is not your favorite, going there in October and September is ideal. This way, your vacation will be much cheaper, and you can enjoy the tranquillity. The weather in September and the beginning of October is still great, and the sea is warm. However, there might be fewer amenities, and some places close in October.
Read also: Day Trips From Athens, Greece
How To Get to Paros
While Paros does have an airport, it only takes flights from Athens, so you can’t get there by air. Once you reach Athens, you can take a ferry from Piraeus to the port in Parikia to reach the island. It takes three to six and a half hours to reach Paros. The ticket prices vary based on the season and the type of ferry you choose.
We compare all airlines with this search engine to get the lowest price possible for flights. You can also set ‘Everywhere’ as destination and it gives you the cheapest flight anywhere on any given day or find out when is the lowest price to fly to a specific destination.
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Read also: Greek Islands You Can Easily Fly To
How To Get Around Paros
There are numerous options for traveling from one destination to another. You can choose public buses, which have designated routes between villages and towns, or you can travel via water taxis.
If you want more flexibility, car rentals are also available, which might save you money. While taxis are present on land, they are more expensive and can be hard to find. ATVs and bikes can also be used for shorter and off-road pathways where buses might not go.
We always use this search engine to find the best car rental deal. They compare all major companies, like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and more, and you get the lowest price. The earlier you book a car, the lower the price. You also get free cancelation up to 48 hours before pick up, which is great if anything happens
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Read also: Remote Greek Islands for Private Retreat
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
