Where to Stay in Paros

Greece › Paros › Best Towns
Updated: June 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

Quick Tips: Where to Stay in Paros

• Most visitors should choose between Parikia and Naoussa. Parikia is the practical choice: ferry port, bus hub, better value, sunset walks, and easiest logistics. Naoussa is the prettier and more romantic choice: boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping, and a polished Cycladic feel.
• Best first-time base: Naoussa if you want charm, dining, and nightlife. Parikia if you want ferry convenience, lower prices, and easier bus connections. I like Naoussa more, but I recommend Parikia more often than people expect.
• Best for short stays: Parikia. If you are staying 2 or 3 nights, arriving late by ferry, leaving early, or traveling without a rental car, staying near the port makes the trip easier.
• Best for couples: Naoussa, Ambelas, Livadia/Kolymbithres, or Antiparos. Naoussa is liveliest and most walkable. Ambelas and Livadia are quieter but require a car, hotel shuttle, or taxi planning.
• Best for families: Aliki, Piso Livadi, Logaras, and Golden Beach. These are calmer, beachier, and easier with kids than staying in the middle of Naoussa.
• Best beach areas: Golden Beach for space and windsurfing, Santa Maria for organized beach days, Kolymbithres for scenery, Aliki for families, Piso Livadi and Logaras for a relaxed beach-village stay, and Parasporos for beach clubs 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, inland villages, or spontaneous exploring.
• Best value: Parikia, Aliki, Piso Livadi, Drios, and some inland villages. Naoussa has the most charm but also the highest prices and the biggest July/August crowds.
• Best day trip: Antiparos. It is easy, fun, and worth doing, but staying there is a quieter trip with extra ferry logistics.
• Book early: For July and August, book the best hotels 4 to 6 months ahead, earlier for Naoussa luxury hotels, beach resorts, and family rooms. June and September are the best months for most travelers.

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

Paros is one of the best all-around islands in Greece: easy ferries, good beaches, two excellent main towns, lively restaurants, stylish hotels, and enough villages and day trips to keep a week interesting. It is more relaxed than Mykonos, less dramatic than Santorini, and easier to explore than many smaller Cycladic islands. The challenge is choosing the right base.

The most important decision is simple: Parikia or Naoussa? Parikia is the ferry port and capital. It is more useful than glamorous, with the island’s main bus station, good-value hotels, sunset waterfront restaurants, and an underrated 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 peak season.

Beach areas such as Golden Beach, Piso Livadi, Logaras, Aliki, Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, and Parasporos can be better than either town if swimming, space, and quiet are the priority. The tradeoff is transport. Some beach stays are wonderful by day but feel isolated after dinner, especially without a rental car.

My wife and I in the charming village of Parikia.

Parikia is best for ferry convenience, value, short stays, buses, and sunset walks. It is where almost all ferries arrive, so it works especially well if you are coming from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, or Naxos and do not want to start the trip with a transfer. The old town is charming, the waterfront is lively, and the bus station makes day trips easier. The downside is that parts of Parikia feel busy and practical rather than postcard-pretty.

Naoussa is the best-looking town on Paros and the obvious choice for many couples. The harbor is beautiful, the lanes are packed with restaurants and boutiques, and nights feel fun without being as full-on as Mykonos. But Naoussa is not a secret anymore. In July and August it can be packed, expensive, and hard to park near. “Near Naoussa” can also mean a 20-minute walk on an unlit road or a taxi ride you may struggle to get.

Naoussa harbor and its restaurants at sunset.

The beach areas are where Paros gets more interesting. Chrissi Akti, also called Golden Beach, and nearby Nea Chrissi Akti, also called New Golden Beach, are wide, sandy, and excellent for windsurfing. They are also exposed to the meltemi winds, especially in July and August, so they are not always the calmest swimming beaches for young kids. Kolymbithres is the most distinctive beach on the island, with sculpted granite rocks and shallow coves, but it gets crowded and the sandy pockets are small. Santa Maria is good for organized beach days and beach clubs. Parasporos is close to Parikia and has a lively summer scene, but it is not really a village base.

Chrissi Akti Beach at “golden hour.”

The smaller villages are better for travelers who want a slower trip. Piso Livadi and nearby Logaras are my favorite east-coast compromise: beach, tavernas, a little life at night, and easier access to Golden Beach, Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos. Aliki is excellent for families and low-key beach holidays near the airport. Ambelas is quiet, local, and close to Naoussa by car. Drios is calm and practical if you want the southeast beaches. Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos are lovely inland villages, but they are better for a car-based stay than a first-time no-car trip.

Taking waterfront dining to a whole new level in Aliki.

If you have time, add Antiparos. It is easy as a day trip from Paros, with frequent car ferries from Pounta and seasonal passenger boats from Parikia. Staying overnight is even better if you want a quieter, more bohemian feel. But it is not the same as staying on Paros. You add one more ferry connection, and late-night logistics matter if you plan to dine or party on the main island.

Staying in Paros – My Advice

View of Parikia from an arriving ferry. Shops, bars, and restaurants are clustered in the streets straight ahead. A handful of hotels are within walking distance of the port. The bus station is visible to the right.

• Parikia vs. Naoussa is the big decision: For most travelers, this is the choice. Parikia is the port, capital, and bus hub. Stay here for ferry convenience, better prices, sunset walks, easy bus trips, and practical short stays. Naoussa is the pretty, chic, restaurant-and-nightlife base. Stay here for romance, boutique hotels, cocktail bars, shopping, and a livelier vacation feel. Naoussa is more special, but Parikia is often the smarter base.
• Do not overpay for “near Naoussa” without checking the map: Some hotels are genuinely walkable to the harbor. Others are outside town, uphill, on the ring road, or closer to a beach than the village. That can be fine with a car or hotel shuttle, but it is not the same as staying in Naoussa.
• Best for families and relaxed beach stays: Aliki, Piso Livadi, Logaras, and Golden Beach. These are easier with kids than central Naoussa, especially if you want beaches, casual tavernas, pools, and a quieter evening pace.
• Best for beaches: Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) has space, sand, water sports, and several good hotels. Kolymbithres is the most photogenic beach, Santa Maria is best for organized beach clubs, Aliki is good for families, and Parasporos is the closest lively beach area to Parikia.
• Wind matters: Paros is windy, especially in July and August. Golden Beach and New Golden Beach are famous for windsurfing for a reason. They are great beaches but not always the calmest swimming choice. Families with younger kids should also look at Aliki, Piso Livadi, Logaras, Monastiri, and more sheltered coves depending on the day.
• Buses are useful but not magic: Paros has a good bus network by Cycladic standards, with routes from Parikia to Naoussa, Lefkes, Piso Livadi, Golden Beach, Drios, Aliki, Pounta, and other main stops. But buses run on schedules, evening service can limit dinner plans, and beach-hopping is much easier with a car.
• Taxis are limited: In July and August, do not assume you can get a taxi on demand after dinner in Naoussa or from a beach club. Book transfers in advance for airport arrivals, late ferries, weddings, and any early-morning departure.
• Rent a car for at least part of the trip: If you stay in Parikia or Naoussa, you can do a no-car trip. If you stay in Aliki, Drios, Ambelas, Golden Beach, Livadia, Lefkes, or Antiparos, a car makes everything easier. Parking in Parikia and Naoussa can be frustrating, so choose hotels with easy parking if you plan to drive.
• Paros Airport is small: Flights from Athens are useful but limited, and schedules sell out in summer. The airport is south of Parikia and close to Aliki. For Naoussa, plan the transfer ahead, especially in peak season.
• Antiparos is easy but still a separate island: The short ferry from Pounta is simple and frequent in summer, and you can take a car. It is perfect for a day trip or a quiet overnight, but it adds another layer of logistics if you want to use Paros buses, beaches, restaurants, or ferries.
• Best months: June and September are the sweet spot. July and August are hot, crowded, windy, expensive, and require early bookings. May and October can be lovely but quieter, with some beach clubs and seasonal restaurants limited. April and November are not ideal for a beach-focused Paros trip.
• Booking Hotels: Booking.com is the best website for booking hotels in Paros. Book 4 to 6 months in advance for July and August travel, earlier for Naoussa luxury hotels, beach resorts, villas, and family rooms.

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.

The Best Places in Paros for…

• Best Place for First Timers: Naoussa or Parikia
  Choose Naoussa if you want the prettiest town, the best dining, boutique hotels, nightlife, and a romantic village atmosphere. Choose Parikia if you want better value, ferry convenience, easier bus connections, and a more practical base for exploring. Naoussa is the obvious “wow” choice. Parikia is the better logistics choice.
• Best Place for Ferry Convenience: Parikia
  Parikia is the ferry port. If you are arriving from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, or Naxos, you can walk from the ferry to many hotels in 5 to 15 minutes. This matters more than people think, especially with luggage, late arrivals, early departures, or a short stay.
• Best Place for Dining and Nightlife: Naoussa
  Naoussa has the best restaurant and bar scene on Paros. It is fun, stylish, and walkable. The downside is price and crowding. In July and August, book restaurants, stay within walking distance, and do not rely on last-minute taxis.
• Best Places for Families: Aliki, Piso Livadi, Logaras, and Golden Beach
  These areas are easier than central Naoussa for families who want beaches, casual meals, and a slower pace. Aliki is good with younger kids. Piso Livadi and Logaras work well for families who want a real village feel. Golden Beach is best for families who want space, a resort setup, and water sports, though wind can be an issue.
• Best Places for Beaches: Golden Beach, Santa Maria, Kolymbithres, Aliki, and Antiparos
  Golden Beach is the best all-around long sandy beach, especially for windsurfing. Santa Maria is the best organized beach-club area. Kolymbithres is the most scenic but can feel packed. Aliki is relaxed and family-friendly. Antiparos has lovely beaches and a quieter feel, but it adds ferry logistics.
• Best Places for a Quieter Local Feel: Piso Livadi, Ambelas, Aliki, Drios, Marpissa, and Prodromos
  These are better for travelers who do not need big nightlife. Piso Livadi has the most evening life of the smaller villages. Ambelas is close to Naoussa by car but much calmer. Marpissa and Prodromos are charming inland villages, best with a rental car.
• Best Place for Inland Charm: Lefkes
  Lefkes is beautiful, historic, and worth visiting even if you do not stay overnight. It is best for repeat visitors, walkers, photographers, and travelers with a car. It is not the easiest base for beach time or late nights.

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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 instant boutique charm of Naoussa, but it has several things Naoussa does not: 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. Almost all ferry passengers arrive here, and many hotels are within a 5 to 15-minute walk of the port. The main bus station is just 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 with marble from an ancient temple. The great landmark is Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Church of 100 Doors, one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece.

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

The main 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 it is not a true village base and is much easier with a car or taxi.

Parikia is not perfect. The port area is busy, some streets are traffic-heavy, and the exact hotel location matters. For atmosphere, stay in or near the old town, the seafront promenade, or Livadia Beach. For convenience, stay within walking distance of the port and bus station. For quiet, avoid rooms directly above busy bars or facing the main road.

The Best Hotels in Parikia

• Argonauta Hotel – My favorite Parikia hotel for a stylish, central, good-value stay. It is close to the port, old town, restaurants, and bus station, with excellent breakfasts. Best for couples and short stays, not travelers who want a pool or resort feel.
• Pension Sofia – Friendly, affordable, and a good choice for travelers who want charm without Naoussa prices. Better for simple comfort than luxury.
• Apollon Boutique Hotel – A polished small hotel near Livadia Beach and an easy walk to the port. Good if you want beach access and Parikia convenience together.
• Paros Palace – A good step up in comfort, with a pool and more space than most central Parikia hotels. It is not right in the old town, so check walking distance and shuttle details if you do not plan to rent 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. If you want the classic Paros postcard, this is it.

This is my favorite town on the island, but I do not recommend it blindly. Naoussa is expensive in summer, busy at night, and not as easy logistically as Parikia. 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 be irritating. If you want to stroll to dinner and bars, stay in Naoussa village or at Piperi Beach or Agioi Anargyroi Beach. If a hotel says “near Naoussa,” check the map carefully.

From the old port, seasonal water taxis run to Kolymbithres, Monastiri, and Laggeri beaches. Kolymbithres is famous for its smooth granite formations and small sandy coves. Monastiri is more sheltered and family-friendly, near Paros Park. Laggeri is more rustic and known as a clothing-optional beach. Piperi Beach and Agioi Anargyroi Beach sit on either side of Naoussa and are useful for a quick swim, though neither is the best beach on Paros.

The picturesque Church of the Virgin Mary in Naoussa.

Naoussa is best for couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, and travelers who like boutique hotels and dinner-centered evenings. It is less ideal for budget travelers, families with young kids who want quiet nights, or anyone planning to explore only by bus. It can still work without a car, but your life is much easier if your hotel is genuinely walkable to the harbor.

The Best Hotels in Naoussa

• Cosme – The best luxury hotel in Naoussa, set on Agioi Anargyroi Beach and still walkable to the harbor, restaurants, bars, and bus station. Best for couples who want luxury without being isolated. Not the cheapest, and the exact room category matters for views and outdoor space.
• Cove Paros – A stylish beachfront resort on Agioi Anargyroi Beach. Good for travelers who want a pool, beach, and Naoussa access together. Better for a polished resort stay than old-town atmosphere.
• Avant Mar – Excellent location by Piperi Beach, with a sleek design and easy walking access to Naoussa. A strong choice if you want beach proximity without giving up the village. Some rooms and suites have better sea views or outdoor features than others.
• Opal Paros – A stylish 4-star choice close to Naoussa, good for couples who want modern rooms and a quieter edge-of-town feel. Check exact walking route before booking if you do not want to rely on taxis.
• Hotel Senia – One of the best Naoussa choices for views, pool time, and easy village access. Great for couples. Book early for the best room categories.
• Lilly Residence – Adults Only – Romantic, polished, adults-only, and best for couples who want a quiet boutique stay close to Naoussa. Not for families.
• Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel – Adults Only – Best for travelers who want to be close to the action. Adults-only and stylish, but location and nightlife energy mean it is better for couples who want Naoussa evenings than complete quiet.
• Kanale’s Rooms & Suites – A reliable Naoussa hotel with good views, pool, and village access. Works well for couples and older families.
• Parian Boutique Hotel – Small, simple, and beach-adjacent near Agioi Anargyroi. Good if you want a calmer setting but still want to walk 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 couples and families who want comfort without a huge resort.
• Kallisti Rooms & Apartments – Adults Only – A good adults-only option with apartment-style practicality. Better for independent travelers than full-service luxury.
• Liprando – Simple, central, and useful for travelers who want Naoussa location without luxury-hotel prices. Expect convenience more than resort amenities.
• Paliomylos Spa Hotel – A strong independent choice near Piperi Beach, with good views and easy access to town. Best for travelers who want a relaxed hotel feel just outside the busiest lanes.

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 travelers who want upscale hotels, larger grounds, pools, sea views, and calmer nights while still being a short drive from Naoussa.

I like this area for couples and families who plan to rent a car or stay at a hotel with reliable shuttle service. It gives you easier access to Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Paros Park, and the northern beaches, while keeping Naoussa close for dinner. The downside is that there is very little village life right outside most hotels. Do not stay here expecting to walk out the door to a dozen tavernas and shops.

Kolymbithres is nearby and worth seeing, but it is not a big beach. It is a series of small sandy coves between granite rocks, and in July and August the best spots fill quickly. Monastiri is more organized and easier for families. A car makes this area much better, especially if you want to explore beyond the hotel.

The Best Hotels in Livadia

• Saint Andrea Seaside Resort – A good luxury resort choice between Naoussa and Kolymbithres, with a pool, space, and a quieter feel than staying in town. Best with a car or shuttle plan.
• Parilio – Design-focused, stylish, and peaceful, close to Kolymbithres. Best for couples who want a high-end retreat. Not a village hotel, and not ideal if you want to walk to Naoussa nightly.
• Angels Villas – A good choice for families or groups who want villa space and a quieter base near Naoussa. A car is strongly recommended.
• Blue Mare Villas – Family-friendly villas with more space than a standard hotel room. Good for longer stays, but plan on driving.
• Villa Bellonia – A quieter, more personal stay outside the Naoussa bustle. Best for travelers with a car who value calm over walkability.

Staying at Chrissi Akti Beach & Nea Chrissi Akti Beach

Chrissi Akti Beach, also called Golden Beach, is one of the best beaches on Paros for space, sand, water sports, and a proper beach-holiday feel. It is long, wide, and more open than many of the island’s small coves. The sand is good, the water is clear, and there are beach clubs, tavernas, hotels, and windsurfing centers along the shore.

This is a strong choice for families who want a resort-style beach stay and do not need to be in Naoussa every night. It is also the best area on Paros for windsurfing. The important warning is wind. Golden Beach and nearby Nea Chrissi Akti, also called New Golden Beach, are exposed and can be breezy or properly windy, especially in July and August. That is great for windsurfing. It can be less ideal for calm swimming with young kids.

The area is not isolated in the middle of nowhere, but it is not a real town either. There are tavernas and beach venues, but evenings are quieter than Parikia, Naoussa, or Piso Livadi. I recommend a rental car for most stays here, especially if you want dinners in Piso Livadi, Marpissa, Lefkes, Naoussa, or Parikia.

The Best Hotel at Chrissi Akti Beach

• Poseidon of Paros – My favorite Paros hotel for families. It has a resort feel, pools, space, and easy access to Golden Beach and New Golden Beach. Best for families and beach lovers who are happy to be outside the main towns.
• Golden Beach Hotel – A good practical choice if you want to stay right at Golden Beach without paying Naoussa luxury prices. Best for beach time and water sports, not nightlife.

The Best Hotel at Nea Chrissi Akti Beach

• Saint George Hotel – A good base for windsurfing and a quieter beach stay at New Golden Beach. Best with a car unless you plan to stay mostly on 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 a good choice if you want a beach base but still want to be near the port, old town, and bus connections. It is also one of the more social beaches on the island, with beach clubs, music, and a younger summer crowd.

The beach is sandy with some pebbles near the waterline, and good for swimming. It is livelier than Aliki, Piso Livadi, or Golden Beach and much less of a village. There are hotels, beach venues, and a campground, but not a full waterfront town with lots of evening restaurants. For dinners, you will often end up in Parikia, which means a car, taxi, or bus planning.

Parasporos is best for couples and younger travelers who want a beach-club feel near Parikia. It is not my top choice for families wanting calm evenings, and it is not as walkable or atmospheric as Parikia or Naoussa.

The Best Hotels in Parasporos Beach

• Andronis Minois – A high-end resort near Parasporos, with a polished design, pool, and more of a luxury retreat feel. Best for travelers who want resort comfort near Parikia, not a village stay.
• Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa – A peaceful resort-style hotel with gardens and space. Good for couples and families who want quiet and comfort, though a car is helpful for dinners and exploring.

Staying in the Fishing Villages

Paros’ smaller fishing villages are best for travelers who want a beachy, quieter stay without the prices and crowds of Naoussa. The best are Piso Livadi, Logaras, Aliki, Ambelas, and Drios. They are not all the same, and choosing the right one matters.

Piso Livadi is the most charming and lively of the east-coast villages, with a small harbor, good tavernas, and easy access to Logaras, Punda Beach, Marpissa, Prodromos, and Golden Beach. It is a good compromise for families and couples who want a village feel but do not want to be too isolated. Nearby Logaras has a better beach-holiday setup and is the practical choice if swimming matters more than harbor charm.

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, which is convenient for flights but less convenient for Naoussa nights. Aliki is a good choice if you want to settle in, swim, eat seafood, and avoid the peak-season scene.

Ambelas is tiny, quiet, and close to Naoussa by car. It works well for travelers who want calm nights and easy access to good seafood, but still want to drive into Naoussa for dinner or shopping. Without a car, it can feel too quiet.

Drios is the quietest of the group and works best for travelers focused on Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, and the southeast coast. It has a local feel, some good places to eat, and easier access to beaches than to nightlife. Nearby Marpissa and Prodromos are lovely inland villages for wandering, but they are better as car-based bases than no-car beach stays.

The Best Hotels in Piso Livadi

• Summer Senses Luxury Resort – The best luxury resort near Piso Livadi and Logaras. Excellent for families and couples who want pools, space, and a quieter east-coast base. It is not in the middle of Naoussa or Parikia, so a car is useful.

The Best Hotels in Aliki

• Parosland Hotel – A relaxed hotel near Aliki, good for families and travelers who want a quiet southern base. Best with a car.
• Aphrodite Boutique Hotel – A friendly boutique choice in Aliki, close to the village and beaches. Good value for travelers who want a slower trip.

The Best Hotels in Ambelas

• PAROCKS Luxury Hotel & Spa – A polished luxury option in quiet Ambelas, good for couples who want calm, design, and easy driving access to Naoussa. Not a walk-to-nightlife hotel.
• Margarita Studios – Simple, affordable, and good for travelers who want a quiet local base near the sea. Best with a car.

The Best Hotels in Drios

• Blue Waves Suites & Apartments – A good apartment-style choice for beach-focused travelers on the southeast coast. Works well for longer stays and independent travelers.
• Villa Vanta – Best for families or groups who want space and a quiet Drios base. A car is strongly recommended.

Staying in Lefkes

Lefkes is the most beautiful inland village on Paros and one of the best places to visit 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, small shops, and a slower pace than the coast.

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 excellent for repeat visitors, couples who want something different, and travelers who want to explore the villages of central Paros: Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa, Marmara, and Kostos.

The main sight is the Church of Agia Triada, built in 1830, though the real appeal is wandering. The Byzantine Road, an old stone footpath connecting Lefkes to Prodromos, is one of the best short walks on the island. Lefkes can get busy during the day when tour groups arrive, but evenings are much quieter. That is either the magic or the drawback, depending on what kind of trip you want.

The Best Hotels in Lefkes

• Sweet Path Villa – A good choice for travelers who want a quiet village stay with more space and independence. Best with a car.
• Agiasi Villas – Best for families or couples who want an inland base and do not mind driving to beaches and dinners.
• Villa Byzantino – A charming village option for travelers who want Lefkes atmosphere more than beach convenience.

Staying in Antiparos

Antiparos is the small island just southwest of Paros, and it makes a fantastic day trip or quiet overnight stay. The main connection is the short ferry from Pounta on Paros to Antiparos Town, which runs frequently in summer and can carry cars. There are also seasonal passenger boats from Parikia. The crossing is easy, but you still need to think about timing if you have luggage, a rental car, or a late dinner reservation.

Antiparos Town is charming, flat, and easy to enjoy on foot. It has a small port, pedestrian lanes, tavernas, boutiques, bars, and a compact Venetian castle area. The beaches are softer, quieter, and less developed than many on Paros. The famous Antiparos Cave is inland, and boat trips to Despotiko are a highlight in good weather.

Antiparos Town

Stay on Antiparos if you want a quieter, more relaxed island experience. Do not stay here if your main goal is Naoussa nightlife, Paros beach clubs, or easy access to the Paros bus network. It is close, but it is still another island. For many travelers, the best plan is to stay on Paros and visit Antiparos for a day. For slower trips, one or two nights on Antiparos can be wonderful.

The Best Hotels in Antiparos

• The Rooster – The top luxury retreat on Antiparos, best for couples who want privacy, design, and a true escape. It is not a walk-everywhere town hotel.
• Kouros Village – Adults Only – One of my favorite hotels in Antiparos Town, with sea views, a pool, and easy access to the port and village. Adults-only, so not for families with kids.
• Kastro Boutique Hotel – A good boutique option close to Antiparos Town. Best for travelers who want village access and a small-hotel feel.
• Artemis Hotel – Simple, friendly, and practical, good for travelers who want a well-located Antiparos stay without luxury pricing.
• Blue Dolphin Antiparos – Best for a quiet beachier stay away from the main town. A car or careful transport planning helps.

Paros Travel Logistics: What to Know Before Booking

Ferries and the Port

• Parikia is the ferry port: This is the biggest practical advantage of staying in Parikia. If you are arriving by ferry, you can often walk to your hotel. If you stay in Naoussa, Aliki, Golden Beach, or Antiparos, you need a transfer, bus, taxi, or rental car.
• Late arrivals: Book transfers in advance for late ferries, especially in July and August. Taxis can be limited, and ferry delays are common enough that you should not plan a tight dinner or onward connection.
• Short stays: If Paros is only 2 nights between Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, or Athens, Parikia makes the most sense. For 4 or more nights, Naoussa or a beach base becomes easier to justify.

Airport Transfers

• Paros Airport is small: Flights are mainly useful from Athens, but seats are limited in summer and should be booked early.
• Airport location: The airport is south of Parikia and close to Aliki. Parikia is the easiest transfer. Naoussa takes longer and should be arranged ahead in peak season.
• Do not rely on landing and figuring it out: In summer, pre-book a hotel transfer, taxi, or rental car pickup if arriving by plane.

Buses, Taxis, and Rental Cars

• Buses: Paros buses are useful and connect the main towns and many popular beaches. Parikia is the hub, so no-car travelers should stay there or in Naoussa.
• Taxis: Taxis are limited, especially late at night and in high season. This matters most for Naoussa dinners, beach clubs, weddings, and airport or ferry transfers.
• Rental cars: A car is helpful for Lefkes, Marpissa, Prodromos, Ambelas, Golden Beach, Drios, Aliki, and Antiparos. It is not always fun inside Parikia or Naoussa, where parking can be frustrating.
• 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.

Seasonal Advice

• June and September: Best overall months for weather, open restaurants, swimmable beaches, and manageable crowds.
• July and August: Busy, expensive, sometimes windy, and fun if you book early and enjoy energy. Naoussa is packed at night and taxis are hard to get.
• May and October: Good for lower prices, walking, villages, and quieter trips. Some beach clubs, boat trips, and seasonal restaurants may have limited hours.
• April and November: Very quiet. Fine for a slow local trip, not ideal for a beach-focused holiday.