Paros Travel Guide

Greece › Paros Travel Guide
Updated: September 1, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

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Paros is one of my favorite Greek islands and one of the easiest to recommend. It has excellent beaches, two very different main towns, good restaurants and nightlife, traditional inland villages, and easy ferry connections to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos. Naoussa has the upscale restaurants, bars, and shopping that many people associate with Mykonos, while the beaches and inland villages feel closer to Naxos. Paros is also the jumping-off point for Antiparos, just a 7-minute ferry ride from Pounta.

My Paros Travel Guide

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My wife and I in Paros.

Paros Basics

• Where to Stay in Paros
• Paros or Naxos?
• Paros Travel Maps

Paros Hotels

• Best Hotels in Paros
• Best Hotels for Families
• Best Hotels in Antiparos
• Best Beach Hotels in Paros
• Paros Hotels with Private Pool

Paros Activities and Attractions

• Best Paros Tours & Things to Do
• Best Paros Beaches
• Best Restaurants
• Best Bars & Clubs

Paros Trip Planning

• Getting Around Paros by Bus
• Best Time to Visit Paros
• Santorini to Paros Ferry
• Paros to Santorini Ferry
• Athens to Paros Ferry
• Paros to Athens Ferry

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Frequently Asked Questions about Paros

See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

How many days should I stay in Paros?

I recommend 4 full days, or 5 nights, for most first-time visitors. That gives you time for Naoussa, Parikia, a good beach day, Lefkes and the interior, and a day trip to Antiparos without rushing.

3 Days (4 Nights): This works if Paros is one stop on a longer island-hopping trip.

• Day 1: Explore Naoussa, visit the Venetian fortress, and have dinner around the harbor.
• Day 2: Take the ferry to Antiparos. Walk around Chora, visit the cave, and spend some time at the beach.
• Day 3: Visit Lefkes in the morning, spend the afternoon at the beach, then head to Parikia for sunset and dinner.

5 Days (6 Nights): Better if you like beaches and don’t want to plan every day tightly. Add a boat trip around Antiparos and Despotiko, more time at Kolymbithres or the east-coast beaches, and a drive through villages such as Lefkes, Kostos, Prodromos, and Marpissa.

I would avoid staying only 2 nights unless you’re simply using Paros as a convenient stop between islands. With one full day, you’ll barely get beyond your hotel town.

What’s the easiest way to get to Paros: fly or ferry?

If you’re already at Athens Airport, I usually recommend flying. Flights from Athens take about 40 minutes and save you the transfer to Piraeus.

If you’re staying in central Athens, I prefer the ferry. Getting to Piraeus is straightforward, and the fastest ferries reach Paros in about 2 hours 40 minutes. Blue Star ferries generally take about 4 to 4½ hours and have large outdoor decks.

Fly if you have a convenient connection at Athens Airport, are short on time, or are prone to seasickness. Take the ferry if you’re staying in Athens, carrying lots of luggage, or arriving from another Cycladic island. Ferries are the normal way to travel between Paros and Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and most neighboring islands.

My wife and I arriving in Paros by ferry.

Typical Ferry Times

• Piraeus to Paros: About 2 hours 40 minutes on the fastest ferries; roughly 4 to 4½ hours on most Blue Star ferries.
• Rafina to Paros: Roughly 3 to 6 hours, depending on the ferry and route. Rafina is useful if you’re traveling directly from Athens Airport.
• Santorini to Paros: Roughly 2 to 3½ hours.
• Naxos to Paros: About 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Mykonos to Paros: Roughly 40 minutes to 1½ hours.

How big is Paros?

Paros has a land area of about 195 sq. km, more than three times the size of Manhattan. The island is about 22 km long and 13 km wide. Driving from Parikia to Naoussa takes about 20 minutes, and most trips across the island take 20 to 40 minutes.

What is the best month to visit Paros?

September is my favorite month for Paros. The weather is warm, the sea is at its warmest, nearly everything is still open, and the island is a little less hectic than July and August.

July & August: The busiest and most expensive months. Naoussa is packed at night, beaches are busy, restaurant reservations are important, and the Meltemi can bring several consecutive days of strong wind. This is the best period for nightlife but not for avoiding crowds.

June & September: The best months for most visitors. Hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and tours are running normally, but crowds are easier than at the August peak. June has longer days and slightly cooler water. September has warmer sea temperatures and very pleasant evenings.

May & October: Good for sightseeing, hiking, villages, and a quieter trip. Swimming is possible, especially in early October, but don’t count on beach weather every day. Some seasonal businesses are not yet open in early May or start closing in October.

November to April: Parikia remains a functioning year-round town, but Paros becomes a very different destination. Most beach hotels, beach clubs, tours, and seasonal restaurants close. I would choose Athens, Crete, or the mainland before Paros for a first trip to Greece in winter.

What is the best way to get around Paros?

Most visitors can manage well with buses, then rent a car for a day or two to explore the interior and less accessible beaches.

Public Bus (KTEL)

Paros has a useful bus network, especially in summer.

• Main hubs: Parikia and Naoussa. The Parikia bus station is beside the ferry port.
• Useful routes: Parikia to Naoussa, Pounta for the Antiparos ferry, Aliki, Lefkes, Piso Livadi, Golden Beach, and other east-coast villages and beaches.
• Frequency: Parikia to Naoussa runs very frequently in summer, often several times an hour.
• Fares: Most trips are inexpensive. KTEL also sells a €12 day ticket for unlimited travel.
• Tickets: Buying before boarding is cheaper than buying on the bus. KTEL currently processes regular ticket payments by bank card.
• Schedules: Check the KTEL Paros website. Timetables change several times during the season.

The Parikia bus station as seen from an approaching ferry. Buses are comfortable and have room for luggage.

Rental Car
A car is useful for Lefkes, Kostos, the south coast, smaller beaches, and restaurants outside the main towns. Roads are generally good and distances are short.
The main drawback is parking. Parking in Naoussa can be difficult in July and August, particularly around dinner time. If you’re staying in Naoussa with a car, a hotel with parking is a big advantage.

Water Taxis and Beach Boats

• From Naoussa: Seasonal boats run from the harbor to beaches around Naoussa Bay, including Kolymbithres and Monastiri.
• From Parikia: Seasonal boats cross the bay to Krios and Marcello, two of the best beaches close to town.

Taxis
Taxis are useful for airport and port transfers but limited in number compared with summer demand. Waits can be long in July and August. I would not rely on finding a taxi at the last minute for an important dinner reservation or ferry departure.

From Paros Airport (PAS)

• Bus: Public buses connect the airport with Parikia. Transfer in Parikia for Naoussa and many other destinations.
• Taxi: Taxis wait outside arrivals, but availability can be tight when several flights arrive close together.
• Transfer: For a hotel outside Parikia, I prefer to arrange a hotel transfer or Welcome Pickup in advance.

From the Ferry Port (Parikia)

• Walk: Many Parikia hotels are within a 5 to 15-minute walk.
• Bus: The main bus station is beside the port.
• Taxi: Taxis wait near the port, but queues are common after busy ferry arrivals.

My recommendation: If you’re based in Parikia or Naoussa, use buses for the main routes and rent a car for 1 or 2 days. I wouldn’t rent a car for an entire stay unless your hotel is outside the main towns or you plan to explore every day.

What are the main towns in Paros?

The two main bases are Parikia, the capital and ferry port, and Naoussa, the island’s main restaurant and nightlife town.

1. Parikia
Parikia is the most convenient place to stay without a car. Ferries and most bus routes start here, and the old town is much prettier than many first-time visitors expect.

• What you’ll find: Pedestrian lanes, the Old Market, Frankish Castle, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, waterfront restaurants, and good sunset views.
• Beaches: Livadia is walkable. Seasonal boats cross the bay to Krios and Marcello.
• Best for: Convenience, lower hotel prices, ferry connections, and travelers relying on buses.

The pedestrian lanes of old town Parikia, with traditional houses and Venetian balconies.

2. Naoussa
Naoussa is prettier, more polished, more expensive, and much busier at night. It’s my favorite base for couples and anyone who puts restaurants and nightlife near the top of the list.

• What you’ll find: The old fishing harbor, Venetian fortress, boutiques, cocktail bars, seafood restaurants, and some of the island’s best dining.
• Beaches: Piperi and Agioi Anargyroi are walkable. Seasonal boats run to Kolymbithres and Monastiri.
• Best for: Couples, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and upscale hotels.

3. Lefkes
Lefkes is the best inland village to visit. The former capital sits in the hills near the center of the island, with pedestrian lanes, traditional houses, cafes, and the start of the Byzantine Road walking trail.

4. Piso Livadi & Aliki

• Piso Livadi: Small east-coast harbor with several good tavernas and easy access to Logaras and Golden Beach. Quiet at night and good for families.
• Aliki: Relaxed fishing village on the south coast with family-friendly beaches and good seafood. A good choice for families with young children.

Where is the best place to stay in Paros?

For most first-time visitors, the best places to stay in Paros are Naoussa and Parikia.

• Naoussa: Best for restaurants, nightlife, boutique hotels, shopping, and couples. It’s also the most expensive part of Paros.
• Parikia: Best for ferry and bus connections, better-value hotels, sunsets, and travelers without a rental car.
• Aliki or Piso Livadi: Better for a quiet beach-focused stay. I recommend having a rental car if you’re based in either village.

Antiparos is worth considering if you want an even quieter stay and don’t mind adding the short ferry crossing whenever you travel to or from Paros.

The granite rock formations at Kolymbithres Beach, about 2 km west of Naoussa.

What are the best beaches in Paros?

• Kolymbithres: The most distinctive beach on Paros, with smooth granite formations creating a series of small coves. Close to Naoussa and easy to reach by seasonal boat.
• Santa Maria: Sandy, lively, and good for swimming and watersports.
• Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti): Long sandy beach on the southeast coast and one of the island’s main windsurfing beaches.
• Monastiri: Sheltered beach near Paros Park with shallow water. A good choice for families.
• Punda Beach: Best for music and beach-club atmosphere. Do not confuse it with Pounta, the west-coast ferry port for Antiparos.
• Krios and Marcello: Excellent sandy beaches across the bay from Parikia and easy to reach by seasonal boat.

What is the history of Paros?

Paros has been inhabited since prehistoric times and became especially important in antiquity because of its fine white marble.

Ancient Paros
Parian marble was prized throughout the ancient world for its white color and translucence. It was quarried extensively near Marathi and used for important works of ancient sculpture, including the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace. During the Persian Wars, Paros sided with Persia and was later attacked unsuccessfully by the Athenian general Miltiades.

Byzantine and Venetian Paros
Paros became an important Christian center during the Byzantine period. Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia dates to early Christian times and is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece. Tradition associates its founding with Saint Helen and Constantine the Great, with major rebuilding during the reign of Justinian.
After 1204, Paros came under Latin and later Venetian control. The remains of this period include the Frankish Castle in Parikia and the Venetian fortress at Naoussa harbor.

Ottoman and Russian Periods
Hayreddin Barbarossa captured Paros in 1537 and the island subsequently came under Ottoman control. During the Russo-Turkish War, the Russian fleet established a major naval base in Naoussa Bay from 1770 to 1775, building batteries and other military facilities around the bay.
Paros became part of the independent Greek state in the 1830s.

Modern Paros
After World War II, many islanders moved to Athens or abroad. Tourism grew quickly from the 1970s onward, helped by Paros’s central location and good ferry connections. Naoussa in particular has changed dramatically and is now one of the most expensive and busiest resort towns in the Cyclades.

What are the best things to do in Paros?

• Explore Naoussa: Walk the old harbor and pedestrian lanes, see the Venetian fortress, then stay for dinner and drinks. Evening is when Naoussa is at its best.
• Swim at Kolymbithres: The granite formations make this the most recognizable beach on Paros. Go early in July and August.
• Day trip to Antiparos: Take the 7-minute ferry from Pounta to Antiparos. Walk through Chora, visit Antiparos Cave, and continue to one of the southern beaches if you have a car or use the local bus.
• Walk from Lefkes: The old Byzantine Road between Lefkes and Prodromos is an easy way to combine an inland village with a walk through the countryside. Start early in hot weather.
• Visit Paros Park: The peninsula west of Naoussa has walking trails, a lighthouse, Monastiri Beach, and summer cultural events. It’s especially good late in the afternoon.
• See Panagia Ekatontapiliani: This early Christian and Byzantine church is a few minutes’ walk from the Parikia waterfront and is one of the most important historic sights on the island.
• Take a boat trip: Day cruises around Antiparos and Despotiko stop at coves that are difficult or impossible to reach from the road. This is one of the better ways to spend a full day if the wind is not too strong.

What are the best areas and hotels for couples in Paros?

Naoussa is my first choice for most couples. It has the island’s best combination of restaurants, nightlife, attractive pedestrian streets, and upscale hotels, and you can walk to dinner instead of worrying about taxis or parking.

Parikia is better value and has excellent sunsets, a pretty old town, and easier ferry and bus connections.

Piso Livadi is much quieter and works well for couples who want good seafood and a relaxed base without Naoussa’s nightlife. For beaches, Kolymbithres is the most scenic, Lageri is quiet and undeveloped, and Krios and Marcello combine good sand with views back toward Parikia.

Best Hotels for Couples

• Parīlio: One of the best luxury hotels on Paros, near Kolymbithres and a short drive from Naoussa. Large pool, spacious suites, and a quiet setting. A car or regular taxis are useful.
• Cosme: Luxury beachfront hotel at Agioi Anargyroi, with an easy walk into central Naoussa. One of the best choices if you want both a resort and nightlife without needing a car at night.
• Lilly Residence-Boutique Suites: Adults-only hotel near Agioi Anargyroi Beach and about a 10-minute walk from central Naoussa. Several suites have private pools.
• Calme Boutique Hotel: Small luxury hotel near Drios with private pools and wide sea views. Very quiet, but I would rent a car.
• Paros Agnanti: Across the bay from Parikia near Krios Beach, with excellent sunset views and several rooms with private pools. Seasonal boats provide an easy way into Parikia during the day and evening.

How do you get to Antiparos?

Antiparos sits just west of Paros and is an easy day trip.

The seasonal passenger boat from Parikia to Antiparos. The year-round car and passenger ferry runs between Pounta and Antiparos.

There are two ferry routes to Antiparos:

• Pounta to Antiparos: This is the main year-round route and carries both vehicles and foot passengers. The crossing takes about 7 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day, with late-night service in summer. Current fares are €1.50 per adult and €7.30 per car each way. Tickets are sold at the ferry and are cash only. Buses connect Parikia with Pounta.
• Parikia to Antiparos: A seasonal passenger-only boat runs directly from Parikia and takes about 30 minutes. It’s convenient if you’re staying in Parikia and don’t have a car, but the schedule is much less frequent than the Pounta ferry.

For a simple day trip without a car, walk around Antiparos Chora, have lunch, and use the local bus if you want to visit the cave or beaches farther south. With a car, it’s easy to combine the cave with Soros or Agios Georgios.

What currency is used in Paros?

The currency is the Euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and organized beach clubs. I still carry some cash for small purchases, boats, and places where the card terminal isn’t working.

ATMs are easy to find in Parikia and Naoussa. There are fewer in small villages, so don’t wait until you’re somewhere remote to withdraw cash.
Always choose euros when a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency. Let your own bank handle the currency conversion rather than accepting dynamic currency conversion.

Most restaurants in Paros, including small tavernas such as Mouragio in Aliki, accept credit cards.

Is Paros expensive?

Paros is cheaper than Mykonos and generally cheaper than Santorini, but it is no longer a cheap Greek island. Naoussa in particular has become expensive in July and August.

• Hotels: Naoussa has the highest prices. Parikia has a much larger selection of good mid-range hotels and apartments.
• Restaurants: You can eat inexpensively at bakeries, souvlaki shops, and simple tavernas, but seafood restaurants and higher-end restaurants in Naoussa can be expensive.
• Beach clubs: Sunbed prices vary enormously. At fashionable beaches and clubs, a set can cost €30 to €60 or considerably more in high season. There are still beaches where you can put down your own towel for free.
• Transport: Buses are inexpensive. Taxis add up quickly, especially if you’re staying outside Parikia or Naoussa. A rental car makes sense for one or two days rather than necessarily for your entire stay.