Paros is an island of the Cyclades island group. Combining modern with traditional elements in the most unique way, it is a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, vivid nightlife, magical beaches, enchanting rural villages, and historical monuments.
Whether you’re after a relaxing holiday or you are more of a thrill-seeker, Paros island Greece will give you exactly what you want!
It is one of the most popular Greek islands! Boasting a beautiful natural landscape and 120 km of coastline, Paros Greece has endless blonde-sand beaches, verdant mountains and cliff-top villages galore.
Being a short ferry ride away from Athens, it is easily accessible from Piraeus port and Rafina Port. What’s more, its proximity to popular Cyclades islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos makes it the perfect Greece island hopping base!
The two main villages of Paros Greece (and also where the heart of the island’s nightlife beats) are Parikia and Naoussa.
Full of traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants and sophisticated bars, Parikia and Naoussa overflow with young crowds every night.
If crowded places and loud music aren’t your cups of tea, though, you can wander in the tranquil traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the different faces of Paros!
In truth, this island is famous for one thing in particular: its beaches! Beautiful, sandy, with crystal clear waters and many facilities, the beaches are stunning! Santa Maria, Golden Beach Paros,and Kolymbithres are some of the most famous beaches. However, there are also many secluded beaches, for those who seek privacy!
Are you a water sports enthusiast? Then Paros is going to be your dream destination! Its ideal wind conditions, thanks to “Meltemi” wind, rank it as a top destination for water sports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Aliki means ‘salt-marsh’ in Greek and this village is named after the adjoining salt marsh at the southern end of the island.
Close to the airport in Aliki there are some lovely small tavernas and cafes as well as the Cycladic Folklore Museum. Many cultural events are held in Aliki such as the feast of St. John of Klidonas in June, the feast of Christ the Savior on the 6th of August and the feast of the Holy Cross in September.
Ambelas is a small village and beach about 15 minutes drive from Naoussa. There is a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water almost every day and a couple of very good tavernas on the beach.
Located towards the southern end of the island Drios and was once the ancient port of Paros. It has a couple of lovely beachfront tavernas overlooking the beach and its a great spot for a late lunch and a swim as there are nice big shady sea pines on much of the beach.
There is a small pier on the beach and a number of places to stay. Lolantonis beach just south of the village is particularly nice with turquoise water and plenty of shade
Lefkes is a small medieval town nestled in the mountains behind Naoussa with stunning views over Naxos. It’s very quaint and very cycladic with whitewashed buildings, blue doors and pink Bougainvillea at every turn.
You can expect to find some excellent handmade local pottery, jewellery and other crafts on sale as well as honey, produce and figs sold by the roadside. Its a lovely place to visit for lunch and a stroll around and it is possible to stay there as well. At night it is mostly just locals
Located near Lefkes on the eastern side of the island, of which Piso Livadi is the port.
Marpissa is a large village and home to four windmills in the main square. A path leads from the square to the monastery of Agios Antonios on Kefalos Hill,an extinct volcano, where the view of the sea and the surrounding islands is among the best in Paros
Naoussa is located at the very north of Paros 15 minutes drive from Parikia. Still a working fishing village it is quieter than Parikia during the day but really comes alive at night when all the bars and restaurants can be at capacity and some stay open until sun up.
Much of the nightlife revolves around the small compact harbour where it’s also the most expensive, but there many mid range and cheap and cheerful places in the winding back alleys. There are also some great boutiques and shops and a lovely square, Church and beach. The many ducks who live in the creek near the bridge are quite iconic.
The capital and main port of the island, Parikia is also the commercial and business hub. There are many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront and through a maze of alleys and narrow whitewashed streets in the old town.
All of the major banks and services are located here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital and various tourist services.
This is where you will also find interesting historical monuments and points of interest such as the Byzantine church and Windmills.
Piso Livadi is a a small and picturesque fishing port on the south-east coast of the island. It is a working fishing village and some of the big charter boats leave from here as well.
There are a number of small excellent tavernas famous for their local seafood dishes.