Paros is one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, and an excellent alternative to over-crowded Santorini and Mykonos. Most visitors to Paros will stay in either Naoussa or Parikia.
Parikia is the capital of Paros and has the port, and Naoussa is a lively seaside village with a high concentration of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Truthfully, either village is an excellent place to stay in Paros.
Read on for my guide to where to stay in Paros, including the benefits of both major villages, Parikia and Naoussa.
Where to stay in Paros?
Naoussa has more of a resort town feel, and Parikia feels a little bit slower in the mornings and evenings, but gets busier when the day trippers from the cruise ships arrive. I stayed in Parikia when I visited Paros, and loved it, but would also happily stay in Naoussa on a return visit.
Naoussa
Naoussa is the best place to stay in Paros for a trendy, lively village experience.
Naoussa is located on the north coast of Paros, set on a natural harbour. The former fishing village is now very popular with tourists, and is densely populated with sophisticated bars, restaurants and on the outskirts of town, nightclubs.
Naoussa’s harbour is very picturesque, lined with small fishing boats and featuring a half-sunken, 12th century Venetian Castle. Along the waterfront are dozens of lively restaurants, bars and tavernas, which share a public square as an outdoor dining area, creating one enormous outdoor dining room.
Read More: Naoussa Travel Guide
Naoussa’s village is one of the most beautiful traditional villages in the Cyclades, with a labyrinthine maze of tiny streets and alleyways, white washed houses and dozens of traditional churches and chapels.
We spent an evening in Naoussa, and I loved the waterfront dining precinct, and the labyrinth-like streets filled with cute bars and shops.
Paros beaches & sights close to Naoussa
Naoussa is close to Kolimbithres beach, which is famous for its moon-like landscapes, as well as Santa Maria beach which has a popular beach club, with party vibes. From Naoussa, it is a short drive to Moraitis Winery, one of the only wineries on Paros.
Hotels in Naoussa
Luxury Beachfront Hotels in Naousa
- Cove Paros $$$$
- Lilly Residents All Sea-View Suites $$$$ (Adults Only)
- Avant Mars Paros $$$$
- Parian Boutique Hotel $$$
Luxury Hotels in Naoussa
- Quartano Suites by Heliessa $$$$(Adults Only)
- Sunset Paros Naousa $$$
- Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel $$$ (Adults Only)
- Mr & Mrs White Paros Suites $$$
- Opal Paros $$$
- Sandaya Luxury Suites $$$
Stylish & Affordable Hotels in Naoussa
- Katerina Mare $$
- Contaratos Beach Hotel $$
- Villa Kelly Rooms & Suites $$
- Retreat Paros – The Arch Apartment $$
Parikia
Parikia is Paros’ capital, and an excellent place to stay in Paros. Parikia has Paros’ airport and port, so you will likely land first in Parikia, regardless of how you get to Paros.
Unlike many port towns, Parikia is a beautiful and charming Cycladic village. It has the traditional, whitewashed Cycladic houses and labyrinth of paved streets, plenty of lively bars and restaurants, shopping and historic sights.
We stayed in Parikia when we visited Paros, and I loved spending time exploring the streets, visiting the Church of 1000 Doors, the Frankish Castle, and hanging out at the peaceful Livadia Beach, which is right in the centre of town.
Parikia gets busier every day once the cruise ships arrive, but it is easy enough to avoid the peak of the crowds. Visit any sights in the morning, spend the rest of the day exploring Paros, hang out at Livadia Beach in the afternoon and the evening at Parikia’s restaurants and bars.
Paros beaches & sights close to Parikia
Parikia has many beautiful sights and things to do, including Livadia Beach, a beautiful Old Town, historic churches like Our Lady of 100 Doors and the Church of St Constantine, and a Frankish Castle.
Parasporos Beach is only a 5 minute drive from Parikia, and is one of the most famous beaches in Paros. It’s known for having the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
Hotels in Parikia
Luxury hotels & apartments in Parikia, Paros
- Paros Palace $$$$
- Noble 7 Suites – Adults Only $$$
- High Mill Paros Hotel $$$
- Parian Village Beach Hotel – Adults Only $$$
Apartments & Villas in Parikia
- Azula Luxury Apartments $$$$
- TLuxury Villa – $$$$
- Retreat Paros – The Arch Apartment – $$$
- Paros Villa Nereids – $$$
- Parian White Luxury Apartments – $$$
- Grozos Rooms – $$
Beachfront hotels & rooms in Parikia, Paros
- Stella Rooms $$
- Alexandras Rooms $$
Stylish & affordable hotels in Parikia, Paros
Getting around Paros
Hiring a car will give you the most flexibility in Paros, and there are plenty of car rental shops in Parikia. You will need an International Driver’s Permit, which you can arrange before you leave your home country.
If you don’t have a car, you can use Paros’ bus network to get to most major sights and beaches.
Where to stay in Paros without a car?
If you don’t drive, Parikia is the best place to stay in Paros without a car. It is the hub of the bus network, and you won’t have to arrange transfers to reach your accommodation. Paros’ port and airport are both in Parikia.
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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