paros
CYCLADES ISLANDS
If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through whitewashed villages, relaxing on golden beaches, and watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea, then Paros might just be your perfect Greek island escape.
I spent a few days exploring this laid-back island with my boyfriend, and it absolutely exceeded our expectations. Whether you’re here for the charming harbour towns, the authentic food, or the peaceful island atmosphere, Paros is the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer - and we did, when our ferry was cancelled and we found ourselves unexpectedly spending an extra night on the island.
Parikia
Parikia, the capital of Paros, is a charming seaside town with narrow cobbled streets, traditional Cycladic architecture, and a lively harbour that perfectly captures the island’s relaxed, authentic vibe.
It serves as the main port of Paros with regular ferry connections to nearby islands such as Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Antiparos, making it the perfect base for island-hopping across the Cyclades. Parikia is also home to the island’s central bus terminal, offering convenient and affordable transport to other popular spots on Paros, including Naoussa, Lefkes, and the island’s many beautiful beaches.
For early risers, like us, Parikia offers a quiet charm that’s best experienced before the town fully wakes. The cobblestone streets weave through a maze of boutique shops and local cafes allowing you to get lost in it. Parikia Beach, just a short stroll away, is a scenic spot with a small harbour and a windmill standing at one end - ideal for a relaxed seaside walk. For panoramic views, head up to Saint Constantine Church, perched on the hill above the harbour. It’s a tranquil place to pause and watch the boats arriving and departing below.
HOW TO GET to the island
Paros is an island, so getting there can require some planning. If you're arriving from Athens, the easiest option is a domestic flight from Athens International Airport to Paros Airport. Athens is currently the only airport offering direct flights to Paros. If you're traveling from another island, such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Naxos, ferries are the only available means of transport to Paros.
When planning our trip, I used Ferryhopper, which I found to be a fantastic tool for organising and booking ferry travel. The website/app lets you compare different ferry operators, departure times, and prices, making it easy to find the option that best fits your schedule. You can book directly through the app, and your tickets are saved to your phone for convenience.
When you arrive on the island of Paros, the port is located directly in front of the main square in Parikia, the island’s capital. Most accommodations in Parikia are within a short walking distance of the port. However, if you're staying in another part of the island or further afield, the bus station is conveniently located right next to the port, offering regular routes to major villages and beaches. Taxis are also available just outside of the arrivals area for direct transport to your destination.
WHERE TO STAY
We chose to stay at Play Paros Hotel, perfectly located on the beautiful Livadia Beach and just a short walk from the heart of Parikia, including the port and bus terminal. The location couldn’t have been more convenient - close enough to explore the town’s shops, tavernas, and local beaches on foot, yet tucked just outside the busy main square, offering a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds. The hotel offers stunning beach views and features a private pool surrounded by sun loungers - the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the island.
Other popular areas to stay while visiting Paros include:
Naoussa - A popular base in Paros, known for its bustling harbour, waterfront tavernas, and boutique shops. It’s close to beaches like Kolymbithres and offers a relaxed vibe by day and a lively scene by night.
Piso Livadi - Located on the east coast of Paros, a peaceful seaside village perfect for a laid-back stay. With a quiet beach, waterfront tavernas, and easy access to the rest of the island, it’s ideal for those looking to unwind without being too far from the action.
Lefkes - A peaceful mountain village full of Cycladic charm, marble alleys, and stunning views. It’s perfect for a quiet stay, with local tavernas, scenic hikes, and easy access to the rest of the island.
Antiparos - This small island offers beautiful beaches, charming villages, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for unwinding away from the crowds while still enjoying traditional Greek island life.
FOOD AND DRINK
Pita Frank - Located in Naoussa, Pita Frank is a well-known local spot famous for its delicious, authentic Greek pita wraps packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With a great selection of vegetarian options, I especially enjoyed the mushroom and halloumi gyros, which was fresh, tasty, and affordably priced.
32 Agosto - In the heart of Naoussa Square (opposite Pita Frank), 32 Agosto offers handmade natural ice lollies you can dip in chocolate and top with nuts, sprinkles or coconut flakes. They also cater to vegans with almond milk based flavours and various toppings. I tried the vegan pistachio, dipped in dark chocolate and coated with desiccated coconut and hazelnut pieces - absolutely delicious and a rare find for customisable dairy-free ice cream. They also have a second location in Parikia, though it was closed during our visit.
Mana Kouzina - Located on the waterfront of Parikia, offers traditional Greek dishes with a focus on fresh, home-style cooking. The menu features Greek favourites which we enjoyed such as oven-baked moussaka, filo-wrapped feta with honey, and warm pita bread. They also serve vegetarian-friendly dishes. With its ideal location by the sea, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset in a relaxed atmosphere.
Chora - A chic restaurant by day offering a modern twist on Mediterranean cuisine, we found this to be perfect for brunch where we enjoyed delicious iced lattes and the Royal Avocado Eggs, which exceeded our expectations. The staff, including the chef, were super accommodating to my dietary needs, and there were plenty of tasty vegetarian options to choose from. By night, Chora is a cocktail bar with a resident DJ, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Greco - A traditional Greek taverna right on the waterfront in Parikia, perfect for watching the sunset. The friendly waiters even reserved us a table on our last night, despite usually not taking reservations. The Talagani Greek Wrap with mustard mayo was a personal favorite. They also offered specials like beef stew, gyros, and seafood, along with plenty of traditional options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Cultivos Coffee - Serving delicious iced coffee and perched next to the port, it's the perfect spot to relax while waiting for your next ferry. With ample seating and a selection of grab-and-go snacks, it's an easy place to unwind, refuel, or simply watch the comings and goings of Paros from a shaded seat.
GETTING AROUND
If you're staying in Parikia, you’re already well-positioned being close to the central bus station, the port, and taxi ranks. Parikia itself is very walkable, but if you’re planning to visit other towns like Naoussa or Lefkes, you’ll need to drive or take public transport.
All bus routes start from the main terminal next to the port. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth using cash or card, and in some cases, directly from the driver (cash only).
While there are plenty of options to rent a car or motorbike on the island, we didn’t feel it was necessary for our trip as public transport worked well for us. Just make sure to check the bus and ferry timetables in advance, as schedules are seasonal, and taxis on the island can be expensive, especially if you miss the last bus of the day.
If you're planning a visit to Antiparos, you’ll need to catch a ferry - and there are two ways to get there. The most common option is via Pounta Port, where ferries run daily, year-round and accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles. There’s a direct bus to Pounta Port from the main bus terminal in Parikia costing just €2 per person each way, and the ferry crossing to Antiparos takes only 7 minutes - quick, easy, and affordable at €1.50 per person each way.
Alternatively, seasonal passenger-only ferries operate from Parikia Port between late May and October, taking around 30 minutes and costing €7 per person.
Tickets for both routes are purchased on board (cash only), and you can check current ferry schedules on their official website.
THINGS TO DO / DAY TRIPs
Naoussa – With its picturesque harbour, trendy boutiques, excellent restaurants, and vibrant evening scene, this former fishing village was possibly our favourite spot on the island. Don’t miss the Venetian castle in the old port, built in the early 14th century to defend against pirates - only the fort and sea walls remain above water today, with the rest submerged.
We enjoyed some of the best food of our trip in Naoussa - with friendly waiters, fresh dishes, and affordable prices. Check the Food and Drink section for more on this.
We took the bus from the main station in Parikia for just €2 per person each way; the journey took around 20 minutes, and tickets can be bought in advance from the staff at the bus depot, where both cash and card payments are accepted (note that only cash is accepted on the bus).
Piso Livadi - Once a quiet village on the east coast of Paros, now a popular tourist spot known for its fresh seafood and traditional feel. The village has its own small port, providing convenient ferry routes to nearby islands like Naxos, Santorini, and Amorgos.
Lefkes - A charming hilltop village in central Paros, known for its traditional feel, mountain views, and peaceful atmosphere - perfect for travellers seeking a quiet, authentic experience.
Antiparos – A peaceful, charming island just a short ferry ride from Paros. It’s perfect for those seeking quiet beaches, relaxed tavernas, and natural beauty away from the crowds. We spent a few hours on the island, wandering through the cobblestone streets and swimming in the crystal-clear sea at Paralia Sifneiko Beach. We visited in May 2025, and many eateries were still closed or in the process of redecorating for the summer season - so it’s worth keeping this in mind when planning your trip. That said, we still really enjoyed the quieter island vibe and the lack of crowds.
keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights and top tips for visiting paros.
keep reading to explore my photos, along with my highlights and top tips for visiting paros.
MY HIGHLIGHTS + TOP TIPS:
Staying in Parikia or the nearby surroundings puts you close to the port, bus terminal, and a wide range of restaurants. We found it to be the perfect base for exploring the rest of the island easily and affordably.
Naoussa was a highlight of our time in Paros - make sure to give yourself plenty of time to wander and soak it all in. Be sure to stop by Pita Frank for a delicious bite, then treat yourself to a custom ice cream at 32 Agosto just across the square - the perfect combo for a relaxed afternoon in one of Paros’ most picturesque spots.
Three days in Paros felt like the perfect amount of time for us - enough to explore the highlights at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
If you have extra time, consider hopping on a ferry to nearby Antiparos to experience a different island vibe. We visited in the shoulder season (May 2025), so some places were still closed, but it was still a great time to visit. The island was quiet, the atmosphere relaxed, and the sea was crystal clear, perfect for a refreshing swim.
We didn’t feel the need to rent a car on Paros, as the public transport was both affordable and reliable. Buses ran regularly to most major spots around the island, making it easy to get around without the stress of driving or parking.
Currency: Euro (€)
Plug Sockets: Type F
Drive: Right-hand side of the road.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory by law when riding a quad bike or moped.
Visiting during the shoulder season (April–May or September–October) offers the perfect balance of milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
It's advisable to carry some cash, as card payments are not accepted on most public transport.