Paros is one of the best Greek islands to visit, especially for first time visitors to Greece. With some of the prettiest traditional villages in the Cyclades, dozens of beautiful beaches and a handful of ancient ruins and historic sites, it’s a miracle that Paros isn’t as overcrowded as nearby Mykonos and Santorini. The island is still blissfully peaceful in most parts, and it doesn’t take long to figure out why so many visitors who come to Paros never leave. Paros, a Greek island in the Cyclades, might not be a household name like nearby Santorini or Mykonos, but it won’t stay under the radar for long. Already, it is a popular tourist destination with Europeans, but it is not over-crowded or suffering from over-tourism the way that the more popular islands are.

For the most part, the island is less over-developed and genuinely feels like a refreshing break from the rest of the world. I didn’t want to leave, and of the six Greek Islands that I’ve visited, Paros is my favourite.

For now, Paros is still one of the lesser-known islands in the Cyclades. It won’t be for long, especially as it was recently voted the best island in Europe by Travel + Leisure Magazine. One of the drawcards of Paros is that it has a sprinkling of everything you could want in a Greek Island, without crazy overcrowding.

Planning your first trip to the island? Check out my itinerary for 3 days in Paros.

Villages in Paros

Paros has some of the most beautiful traditional villages in the Cyclades. Paros’ villages rival the more famous villages of Mykonos, but are significantly less crowded.

Parikia

Parikia is the main town of the Paros as well as the port, which makes it very convenient if you’re arriving by ferry or plan on using the bus frequently as it’s the hub of the bus network. Most port towns are not very exciting, but behind the waterfront Parikia has a gorgeous Cycladic village with traditional white washed buildings, winding stone streets and lashings of bright pink bougainvillea. We stayed in Parikia when we went to Paros, and I really loved it here – I’d definitely stay here again. It’s a little less crowded than Naousa and definitely has a more relaxed, downbeat vibe.

Naoussa

Naoussa is a stylish and picturesque fishing village on the northern coast of the island, with a beautiful harbour and large, traditional Cycladic village. Naoussa has the island’s best restaurants and boutique hotels, and as a result it is busier than Parikia. I loved visiting Naousa, but personally I preferred Parikia’s downbeat vibes as a place to stay. It is absolutely worth a visit, with spectacular restaurants on the water, great bars and shopping and a gorgeous setting. Due to the megaclubs on the edge of the village, it also attracts a lot of a younger, rowdier crowd. Don’t let that put you off though! Naoussa is stunning, and has some of the best dining and nightlife on the island.

Lefkes

Lefkes is a beautifully-preserved traditional village, that I think is a must-visit when you’re in Paros. Because it’s inland and a little isolated it’s probably not the best place to stay if you’re interested in relaxing by the water most days. Instead, hire a car and arrive in the morning before the buses start pulling in, to have time to explore this enchanted village without the crowds.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Paros

It’s hard to believe that Paros isn’t famous as a beach destination within the Greek Islands. Paros has 39 beaches, ranging from nearly-empty, isolated beaches where you can have the water to yourself, to famous, sprawling beaches with beach clubs and water sport facilities.

I really loved the variety of the beaches in Paros and how quiet most of them were, relative to the other islands I’ve visited in Greece.

Santa Maria Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Paros, set in a wide bay with calm, clear water and a view of neighbouring island Naxos. The beach is mostly covered by a large beach club, which backs onto a campground. As a result, Santa Maria has a party atmosphere, a younger crowd and is very busy, particularly in peak season.

Kolimbithres Beach

Kolimbithres is famous for the smooth granite boulders that surround the beach and clear water. It’s popular with tourists because it’s close to Naousa, has a beach club and can be accessed by car, local bus or caiques, which are little boats that leave from Naousa.

Parasporos Beach

One of Paros’ most famous beaches, Parasporos is one of the best places to watch the sun set over the water. Surprisingly, we had the busy beach nearly to ourselves during sunset, which makes it a great time to go.

Livadia Beach

Livadia is the most accessible beach in Paros, because it’s in the port capital, Parikia. The beach is far enough away from where the ferries dock that the water is calm and clear, and the beach is rarely very crowded. You can rent a pair of chairs and an umbrella at the beach club for just 10 euros for the day. I was staying in Parikia, so I visited this beach most mornings, before taking off for the day.

Molos Beach

Tucked away from the main towns and only accessible by car, Molos is the quietest beach that I visited in Paros. There’s no beach club, which deters most tourists, but it’s well worth skipping the chair and umbrella for the peace and quiet. It’s set in a wide bay, and the water is shallow, clear and calm. This is such a beautiful spot for relaxing!

The Best Tavernas & Cafes in Paros

Tsitsanis, Prodromos

Tsitsanis is tucked out of the way, away from the tourist crowds in a tiny village called Prodromos. Most tourists skip this tiny village, but I’m so glad I picked up a recommendation for Tsitsanis (somewhere on the Internet). The quiet taverna has a beautiful courtyard, which was quiet for lunch on the day we visited – in peak season! We had an unforgettable spread of local cheeses (including a plate of hard cheese they offered, on the house), oven baked chickpeas (a Parian specialty) and other regional dishes. The food was fresh, flavourful and simple. Our total bill for the two of us came to just 17 Euros, and we couldn’t eat dinner later that evening! It was one of the tastiest and most blissful meals we had in Greece – and the bar is high.

Sigi Ikthios, Naousa

Sigi Ikthios has an enviable waterfront location on the harbour in Naoussa, which makes it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The food here is modern and, like most Greek cuisine, totally produce-driven. I would hands down return for dinner again if was back in Paros, the food, wine and service was all spectacular. Swing by earlier in the evening to put your name down for a table, once dinner time starts the restaurant is usually full booked.

Ephesus, Parikia

We ate overlooking the water at Ephesus on our first night in Parikia, and it was the perfect spot for relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of the island. Ephesus has a beautiful outdoor seating area, shaded by the trees and with views over the water. The food here was simple and delicious, and very affordable.

Parea Cafe, Parikia

Tucked back from the waterfront, Parea Cafe oozes Greek charm. The courtyard cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and when we stopped by for a drink one evening, there was a live band playing traditional Greek music. The atmosphere was magical, and our simple snack of tzatziki was nothing like anything I’ve tried in Australia – not surprisingly. Parea Cafe is the real deal, and I wish we’d had time to return for a full meal, the menu looks delicious!

Ragoussis Bakery, Naousa

Lock up your sweet teeth! Ragoussis is a famous bakery in Naoussa, which is a pastry-lover’s paradise. I struggled so much to choose just a few pastries and sweets, but it seems like it’s hard to go wrong. It is both a blessing and a curse that we didn’t stay in Naousa, because I would have been in here every day! It’s a great place for marvelling at the breadth and diversity of Greek pastries and sweets.

The Best Bars in Paros

Agosta, Naousa

Instead of jostling for space at one of the many busy bars on the water in Naousa, head up to Agosta. The bar overlooks the harbour, with a charming little balcony area which has views from both sides to the water. I loved the wine list here, which prioritises interesting local wines, and could have definitely spent the evening here, had we not had a reservation at Sigi Ikthios.

Pirate Bar, Parikia

I’m not sure why, but I did not expect to find a seriously cool cocktail bar in Parikia’s charming old town. I expected only quaint tavernas, which are lovely, but I was so delighted to find Pirate Bar, which reminded me of a pirate’s cave. It was cool, but it didn’t feel tacky and touristy, which modern bars catering to the tourist crowd often are. The cocktails are excellent, and while it was a quiet Monday night when we visited, I can imagine it goes off on the weekend. This was my favourite bar in Parikia by far!

Trickster, Naousa

Trickster specialises in apertifs and digestifs, which makes it the perfect place for post-dinner drinks. I’ve never seen a cocktail menu quite like it (not even in Melbourne or New York!). The cocktails, as digestifs, learn towards the bitter end of the spectrum but they are so flavourful and perfectly balanced that they are deliciously drinkable, even if you’re not usually one for bitter drinks like negronis, etc.

Moraitis Winery, Naousa

Moraitis Winery is one of the most famous wine producers in Paros, and we saw their wines all over the Cyclades. We did a wine tasting at the cellar door, which was so enjoyable – we were served by a very knowledgeable and friendly staff member, who would bring over each wine at different intervals and explain it before leaving us to enjoy it. Often at cellar doors, you stand behind a bar and have to knock back each tasting quite quickly to keep up, so I really enjoyed being able to enjoy this tasting more slowly, over some local cheese. Moraitis is just outside of Naousa and is definitely worth a detour.

Side trips from Paros

Paros is an island in the Greek Cyclades, so you’re completely spoiled for choice with side trips and other nearby Greek island destinations.

Sifnos

A lesser known island in the Cyclades, Sifnos is a small island with rugged mountains and a serene, almost mystical tranquility. Check out my Sifnos Travel Guide for trip ideas.

Milos

One of my favourite Greek islands, Milos has the most amazing beaches in Greece and plenty of beautiful villages and coastlines to explore! Check out my Milos Travel Guide for trip ideas.

Santorini

Santorini needs no introduction. Despite being the most farflung Cycladic island, it is one of the most popular with tourists, due to it’s dazzling hilltop labyrinth, Oia. Pre-Covid, Santorini was suffering from over tourism, so if you’re planning a trip there consider staying in locally owned businesses for more than one night and exploring less-visited parts of the island – and skip the donkey ride.

Have you been to Paros? Would you like to go? Let me know what you think in the comments!

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