Where to Stay in Paros

Greece › Paros › Best Towns
Updated: September 26, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Paros Hotels: My Favorites

• 5-Star: Cosme
• 4-Star: Opal
• Boutique: Stelia Mare
• Budget: Villa Isabella
• Beach Resort: Cove
• For Couples: Mythic
• For Families: Poseidon of Paros
• Parikia: Argonauta
• Naoussa: Cosme

Where to Stay in Paros: Quick Guide

• Parikia or Naoussa? Most first-time visitors should choose between these two. Parikia is the practical choice: ferry port, bus hub, better value, sunset walks, and easiest logistics. Naoussa is prettier and more romantic, with the island’s best restaurants, bars, shopping, and boutique hotels. I like Naoussa more, but I recommend Parikia more often than people expect.
• Best for short stays: Parikia. Stay here if you have only 2 or 3 nights, arrive late by ferry, leave early, or plan to get around mainly by bus.
• Best for couples: Naoussa for restaurants and nightlife; Ambelas or the Livadia/Kolymbithres area for quieter nights close to Naoussa; Antiparos for a slower stay.
• Best for families: Aliki, Piso Livadi, Logaras, and Golden Beach. All have easier access to beaches and a quieter evening pace than central Naoussa.
• Best beaches: Golden Beach for sand, space, and windsurfing; Santa Maria for beach clubs; Kolymbithres for scenery; Aliki for families; Piso Livadi and Logaras for a beach-and-village stay; Parasporos for a lively beach close to Parikia.
• Best without a car: Parikia first, Naoussa second. Paros buses are good by Cycladic standards, but they do not replace a car for beach-hopping, late dinners, and exploring the inland villages.
• Best value: Parikia, Aliki, Piso Livadi, and Drios. Naoussa is the most expensive part of the island, especially in July and August.
• Best day trip: Antiparos. The short ferry from Pounta makes it easy to visit for the day.
• Best months: June and September. July and August are busier, more expensive, and windier. For July and August, book the best hotels 4 to 6 months ahead, earlier for Naoussa luxury hotels, beach resorts, villas, and family rooms.

1. Argonauta • 2. Mythic • 3. Poseidon • 4. Opal • 5. Villa Isabella • 6. Stelia Mare • 7. Cosme • 8. Cove

Paros has two excellent main towns, good beaches, easy ferry connections, and enough villages and day trips for a week-long stay. Where you stay makes a big difference.

Parikia is the ferry port, capital, and bus hub. Stay here for easier logistics, better prices, sunset walks, and a surprisingly charming old town. Naoussa is prettier, trendier, and more romantic, with the best dining and nightlife on the island. It is also more expensive and noticeably crowded in July and August.

My wife and I in Paros.

Beach areas such as Golden Beach, Piso Livadi, Logaras, Aliki, Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, and Parasporos are better choices if swimming and quiet are more important than nightlife. Some are inconvenient without a rental car, especially for dinner and evening trips.

Naoussa harbor and its restaurants at sunset.

Piso Livadi and nearby Logaras are my favorite east-coast compromise: beaches, tavernas, some evening life, and easy access to Golden Beach, Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos. Aliki is excellent for families and low-key beach holidays near the airport. Ambelas is quiet and close to Naoussa by car. Drios is a good base for the southeast beaches. Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos are lovely inland villages, but I prefer them for a car-based stay.

Chrissi Akti Beach at “golden hour.”

Taking waterfront dining to a whole new level in Aliki.

Best Places to Stay in Paros

• Best Luxury Hotels in Paros
  Cosme • Cove • Avant Mar • Opal • Saint Andrea • Andronis Minois • Parilio
• Best Hotels for Couples
  Mythic • Bohemian Luxury • Parilio • Hotel Senia • Seesoo • Argonauta Hotel
• Best Hotels for Families
  Poseidon of Paros • Blue Mare Villas
• Best Paros Beach Resorts
  Cove • Cosme • Avant Mar • PAROCKS • Poseidon of Paros
• Best Cheap Hotels in Paros
  Villa Isabella • Margarita Studios • Pension Sofia

Our room at the Argonauta Hotel in Parikia. Good value and fantastic breakfasts.

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Staying in Parikia

Parikia is the capital of Paros, the main ferry port, and the most practical place to stay on the island. It does not have the boutique feel of Naoussa, but it has the port, the main bus station, better-value hotels, easier parking on the edges of town, and west-facing sunset walks along the waterfront.

This is where I recommend staying for short visits, late ferry arrivals, early departures, no-car trips, and travelers who plan to use buses. Many hotels are within a 5 to 15-minute walk of the port. The main bus station is beside the ferry area, with routes to Naoussa, Lefkes, Piso Livadi, Golden Beach, Drios, Aliki, Pounta, and other main stops.

Parikia is also more attractive than some travelers expect. The old town behind the waterfront has narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, small shops, cafes, and the ruins of a 13th-century Frankish castle built partly with ancient marble. Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Church of 100 Doors, is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the Church of 100 Doors) in Parikia.

The waterfront has sunset restaurants, bars, travel agencies, rental-car offices, and ferry services. Livadia Beach, just north of the port, is the easiest beach if you are staying in town, with shallow water, casual restaurants, and many simple hotels nearby. It is convenient rather than spectacular. Parasporos, southwest of Parikia, is the best nearby beach but much easier to reach with a car, taxi, or bus.

The port area is busy and some streets have a lot of traffic, so hotel location matters. Stay in or near the old town, waterfront, or Livadia Beach for atmosphere, or within easy walking distance of the port if ferry and bus convenience are the priority.

The Best Hotels in Parikia

• Argonauta Hotel – My favorite Parikia hotel. Stylish, good value, and close to the port, old town, restaurants, and bus station, with excellent breakfasts. No pool.
• Pension Sofia – Friendly, affordable, and full of charm. One of my favorite budget choices in Parikia.
• Apollon Boutique Hotel – Small hotel near Livadia Beach and an easy walk from the port. A good combination of beach access and Parikia convenience.
• Paros Palace – Pool, larger grounds, and more space than most central Parikia hotels. It sits outside the old town, so location matters more here if you do not have a car.

Staying in Naoussa

Naoussa is the most beautiful and fashionable town on Paros. It sits around a small fishing harbor at the north end of the island, with whitewashed lanes, old churches, boutiques, seafood restaurants, cocktail bars, and the remains of a half-sunken Venetian castle.

This is my favorite town on the island, but I do not recommend it blindly. Naoussa is expensive in summer and packed at night in July and August. Ferries arrive in Parikia, about 20 minutes away by car in light traffic, and peak-season taxis can be scarce. Parking near the village can also be irritating. If you want to walk to dinner and bars, stay in Naoussa village or around Piperi Beach or Agioi Anargyroi Beach. If a hotel says “near Naoussa,” check the map carefully.

From the old port, seasonal boats run to beaches around Naoussa Bay, including Kolymbithres and Monastiri. Kolymbithres is famous for its smooth granite formations and small sandy coves. Monastiri is more sheltered and family-friendly, near Paros Park. Laggeri is quieter and more rustic, with clothing-optional sections. Piperi Beach and Agioi Anargyroi Beach sit on either side of Naoussa and are handy for a quick swim, though neither is among the best beaches on Paros.

The picturesque Church of the Virgin Mary in Naoussa.

Naoussa is especially good for couples, honeymooners, and groups of friends who want to walk to restaurants and bars at night. Budget travelers and families looking for quiet evenings will usually do better elsewhere.

The Best Hotels in Naoussa

• Cosme – The best luxury hotel in Naoussa. Right on Agioi Anargyroi Beach and still walkable to the harbor, restaurants, bars, and bus station.
• Cove Paros – Stylish beachfront resort on Agioi Anargyroi Beach, with a large pool and easy access to Naoussa. More resort than village hotel.
• Avant Mar – Excellent location at Piperi Beach, with a sleek design, pool, and an easy walk into Naoussa.
• Opal Paros – Stylish 4-star boutique hotel by Piperi Beach, about 600 meters from the center of Naoussa.
• Hotel Senia – One of my favorite Naoussa hotels for sea views, pools, and easy walking access to town.
• Lilly Residence – Adults Only – Adults-only suites near Agioi Anargyroi Beach, with sea views and a short walk to central Naoussa.
• Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel – Adults Only – Adults-only boutique hotel right in central Naoussa, just steps from the harbor. Excellent location if nightlife is part of the appeal.
• Kanale’s Rooms & Suites – Reliable Naoussa hotel with a pool, good views, and easy village access.
• Parian Boutique Hotel – Small hotel by Agioi Anargyroi Beach, in a quieter location that’s still walkable to Naoussa.
• Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel – One of my favorite boutique hotels in Naoussa, close to Agioi Anargyroi Beach and walkable to the harbor. Good for both couples and families.
• Kallisti Paros – Family-run hotel with a large pool and gardens, about 400 meters from central Naoussa.
• Liprando – Simple, central, and much cheaper than Naoussa’s luxury hotels. A good choice when location matters more than resort amenities.
• Paliomylos Spa Hotel – Excellent independent hotel near Piperi Beach, with sea views, a pool, and an easy walk into town.

Staying in Livadia

The Livadia area here means the quiet resort zone between Naoussa and Kolymbithres, not Livadia Beach in Parikia. This is a good area for larger hotels, pools, sea views, and quiet nights within a short drive of Naoussa.

I like this area for couples and families with a rental car or a hotel shuttle. Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Paros Park, and the northern beaches are nearby, and Naoussa is close enough for dinner. There is very little village life around most hotels, however. Do not stay here expecting to walk out the door to a dozen tavernas and shops.

Kolymbithres is a series of small sandy coves between granite rocks rather than one big beach, and the best spots fill quickly in July and August. Monastiri is more organized and better for young kids.

The Best Hotels in Livadia

• Saint Andrea Seaside Resort – Large pool, spacious grounds, and a quieter setting between Naoussa and Kolymbithres. Much easier with a car or hotel shuttle.
• Parilio – Beautiful high-end hotel near Kolymbithres, with a large pool and peaceful setting. Not walkable to Naoussa for dinner.
• Angels Villas – Spacious villas near Naoussa and Kolymbithres. Good for families and groups. Rent a car.
• Blue Mare Villas – Family-friendly villas with more room than a standard hotel. Best with a car.
• Villa Bellonia – Small, quiet hotel outside Naoussa with a pool and sea views. Best with a car.

Staying at Chrissi Akti Beach & Nea Chrissi Akti Beach

Chrissi Akti, also called Golden Beach, is one of the best beaches on Paros. It is long and sandy, with clear water, beach clubs, tavernas, hotels, and windsurfing centers along the shore.

This is a good family base if you want most of your time to revolve around the beach and do not need Naoussa every night. It is also the best area on Paros for windsurfing. Golden Beach and nearby Nea Chrissi Akti, or New Golden Beach, are exposed to the meltemi and can get properly windy, especially in July and August. Great for windsurfing, less so for young kids when the wind is strong.

The area is not isolated in the middle of nowhere, but it is not a real town either. There are enough tavernas and beach venues for a beach holiday, but evenings are much quieter than Parikia, Naoussa, or Piso Livadi. I recommend renting a car.

The Best Hotels at Chrissi Akti Beach

• Poseidon of Paros – My favorite Paros hotel for families, with pools, plenty of space, and easy access to Golden Beach and New Golden Beach.
• Golden Beach Hotel – Right at Golden Beach and a good choice for swimming and water sports without Naoussa prices.

The Best Hotel at Nea Chrissi Akti Beach

• Saint George Hotel – Beachfront hotel at New Golden Beach and an excellent base for windsurfing. Rent a car if you plan to explore much beyond the beach.

Staying at Parasporos Beach

Parasporos is the best beach area close to Parikia, about 3 km southwest of the ferry port. It is lively in summer, with beach clubs, music, and a younger crowd.

The beach is sandy with some pebbles near the waterline and good swimming. There are hotels, beach venues, and a campground, but this is not a village with lots of evening restaurants. You’ll often go into Parikia for dinner, so having a car makes things easier.

Parasporos is a good fit for couples and younger travelers who want beach clubs and easy access to Parikia. I prefer Aliki, Piso Livadi, or Logaras for families wanting quieter evenings.

The Best Hotels at Parasporos Beach

• Andronis Minois – Excellent luxury resort near Parasporos, with a large pool and easy access to Parikia. Not a village stay.
• Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa – Peaceful resort with gardens and a large pool. A car is useful for dinners and exploring.

Staying in the Fishing Villages

Paros’ smaller fishing villages are good alternatives to Naoussa if you want beaches, quieter nights, and lower prices. My favorites are Piso Livadi, Logaras, Aliki, Ambelas, and Drios.

Piso Livadi is the liveliest of the east-coast villages, with a small harbor, good tavernas, and easy access to Logaras, Punda Beach, Marpissa, Prodromos, and Golden Beach. Nearby Logaras has the better beach. I like both for families and couples who want a village stay without being completely isolated.

Aliki in the south is one of the best family bases on Paros. It has beaches, waterfront tavernas, a playground, smaller hotels, and a relaxed pace. It is also close to Paros Airport. Choose Aliki if you want to settle in, swim, eat seafood, and largely avoid the Naoussa scene.

Ambelas is tiny, quiet, and close to Naoussa by car. It has several good seafood restaurants but very little nightlife. Without a car, it can feel too quiet.

Drios is the quietest of these villages and well placed for Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, and the southeast coast. Nearby Marpissa and Prodromos are lovely inland villages to explore by car.

The Best Hotels in Piso Livadi

• Summer Senses Luxury Resort – The best luxury resort near Piso Livadi and Logaras, with large pools and lots of space. A car is useful.

The Best Hotels in Aliki

• Parosland Hotel – Relaxed hotel near Aliki with a large pool and gardens. Best with a car.
• Aphrodite Boutique Hotel – Friendly, good-value hotel close to Aliki’s village center and beaches.

The Best Hotels in Ambelas

• PAROCKS Luxury Hotel & Spa – Excellent luxury hotel in quiet Ambelas, with pools, sea views, and easy driving access to Naoussa. Not walkable to Naoussa nightlife.
• Margarita Studios – Simple, affordable, family-run apartments near the sea. Best with a car.

The Best Hotels in Drios

• Blue Waves Suites & Apartments – Apartment-style accommodation on the southeast coast, especially good for longer beach-focused stays.
• Villa Vanta – Spacious villas in quiet Drios. Good for families and groups; rent a car.

Staying in Lefkes

Lefkes is the most beautiful inland village on Paros and worth visiting even if you do not stay overnight. It sits in the hills in the greenest part of the island, with views toward Naxos, marble lanes, neoclassical houses, old churches, cafes, and small shops.

This is not the best base for most first-time visitors. Stay in Lefkes if you have a rental car, want quiet evenings, like walking, and do not need instant beach access. It is especially good for repeat visitors who want to explore Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa, Marmara, and Kostos.

The main church is Agia Triada, while the Byzantine Road, an old stone footpath connecting Lefkes to Prodromos, is one of the best short walks on the island. Lefkes gets busy during the day when tour groups arrive but is very quiet in the evening.

The Best Hotels in Lefkes

• Sweet Path Villa – Spacious villa accommodation for a quiet stay in or near Lefkes. Best with a car.
• Agiasi Villas – Large villas with pools in the Lefkes area. Good for families and groups with a rental car.
• Villa Byzantino – Traditional stone accommodation in Lefkes village. The best choice here if staying in the village itself is the point.

Staying in Antiparos

Antiparos is the small island just southwest of Paros and an easy day trip or quiet overnight stay. The main connection is the short ferry from Pounta on Paros to Antiparos Town. It runs frequently in summer and carries cars. There are also seasonal passenger boats from Parikia.

Antiparos Town is charming, flat, and easy to explore on foot. It has a small port, pedestrian lanes, tavernas, boutiques, bars, and a compact Venetian castle area. Beaches are generally quieter and less developed than on Paros. Antiparos Cave is inland, and the archaeological site on nearby Despotiko is one of the most interesting excursions from the southern end of the island.

Antiparos Town

Stay on Antiparos if quiet beaches and Antiparos Town appeal more than Naoussa nightlife and exploring Paros. It is close, but it is still another island. For most first-time visitors, I recommend staying on Paros and visiting Antiparos for the day. With more time, one or two nights here is worthwhile.

The Best Hotels in Antiparos

• The Rooster – The top luxury retreat on Antiparos, with a remote setting, private villas, and its own beach. Not a walk-everywhere town hotel.
• Kouros Village – One of my favorite hotels in Antiparos Town. Family-run and family-friendly, with sea views, a pool, and easy walking access to the port and village.
• Kastro Boutique Hotel – Small boutique hotel close to Antiparos Town, with easy access to the village.
• Artemis Hotel – Simple, friendly, well-located hotel near Antiparos Town without luxury prices.
• Blue Dolphin Antiparos Villas & Suites – Seafront villas, suites, and apartments in quiet Agios Georgios at the southern end of Antiparos, opposite Despotiko. Much better with a car.

Paros Travel Logistics

Ferries and the Port

• Parikia is the ferry port: Many Parikia hotels are within walking distance of the ferry. For Naoussa, Aliki, Golden Beach, or Antiparos, plan on a bus, taxi, transfer, or rental car.
• Late arrivals: Pre-book a transfer for late ferries in July and August. Taxis are limited, and ferry delays are common enough that I would not schedule a tight dinner reservation or onward connection.

Airport Transfers

• Paros Airport: The airport is south of Parikia and close to Aliki. Flights from Athens are convenient but can sell out in summer.
• Summer arrivals: Pre-book a hotel transfer, taxi, or rental car pickup rather than arriving and hoping a taxi is available.

Buses, Taxis, and Rental Cars

• Buses: Paros has a good bus network by Cycladic standards. Parikia is the main hub, with Naoussa the second-easiest base for travelers without a car.
• Taxis: Taxis are limited, especially late at night in July and August. Pre-book important airport, ferry, wedding, and late-night transfers.
• Rental cars: You do not need a car for a Parikia or central Naoussa stay, but I recommend one for at least part of the trip if you want to explore Lefkes, Marpissa, Prodromos, Ambelas, Golden Beach, Drios, Aliki, or the quieter beaches.
• ATVs and scooters: They are common but not my first recommendation. Roads can be busy, windy, dark at night, and slippery with sand. A small car is safer and more comfortable.

When to Visit Paros

• June and September: My favorite months. Warm weather, swimmable sea, almost everything open, and fewer crowds than July and August.
• July and August: Hot, busy, expensive, and often windy. Naoussa is packed at night and taxis are difficult to get. Book hotels, rental cars, and important transfers well ahead.
• May and October: Good for walking, villages, lower hotel prices, and a quieter trip. Some beach clubs, boat trips, and seasonal restaurants will be closed or operating reduced hours.
• April and November: Very quiet and not months I recommend for a beach-focused Paros trip.