Welcome to Paros, a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea. It's a place filled with stunning beaches, charming villages, and a rich history. Here, you can experience the perfect mix of old traditions and modern life, with traditional white-washed buildings and a lively local community. No matter if you love learning about the past, relaxing on the beach, or just want a peaceful vacation, Paros has something special for you. Let's explore this wonderful island together and discover its unique beauty and hidden treasures. In this post, we will guide you through the must-see attractions, activities, and best accommodations in Paros, as well as provide tips on getting around the island.
About Paros
How to get in Paros and where to stay?
Must-visit beaches
Activities
Food & drinks recommendations
About Paros
Paros is an island located in the central Aegean Sea, only 8km from Naxos. It is part of the Cyclades and the last couple of years it is gaining more popularity as a travel destination. It's main features are the sandy beaches with clear blue waters and the traditional Cycladic architecture which you can find across the whole island. Paros is home to a vibrant population of around 13,000 inhabitants who embrace their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. The capital of the island is Parikia which is situated on the North-West side of the island. The main harbor is also located here.
How to get in Paros and where to stay?
Getting to Paros is very easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation options. Travelers can easily reach Paros by air or sea. For those coming from abroad, the most common route is to fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and then take a short domestic flight to Paros National Airport. Alternatively, there are frequent ferry services from Athens' ports, such as Piraeus and Rafina. These ferry trips can take around 3 to 5 hours depending on the departure point. Additionally, Paros is well-connected to other neighboring islands, making it an ideal stop for island-hopping adventures. Once you arrive on the island, local buses, taxis, rental cars, and scooters are available for convenient transportation around Paros.
When it comes to finding the perfect accommodation in Paros, look no further than the delightful towns of Naoussa or Parikia. Each offers its own unique charm. Naoussa, though slightly higher on the budget, promises an amazing nightlife that will leave you mesmerized. On the other hand, Parikia offers a more laid-back and affordable atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation seekers. One of Parikia's major advantages is its prime location, right in front of the main port, making it convenient for travelers arriving by sea. We stayed in Parikia at a family-runned hotel named Porto Bello di Paros, we highly recommend this hotel because of its amazing location and the beautiful rooftop where breakfast is served every morning! Whether you choose Naoussa or Parikia, both towns offer an abundance of inviting taverns and bars, creating the perfect evenings on this beautiful Greek island.
Must-visit beaches
Although Paros is not a large island, it is a paradise for beach lovers, offering a diverse coastline with numerous breathtaking beaches waiting to be explored. The next beaches are a must when you visit Paros, most of them can be reached by local bus but as already mentioned before, it is recommended to rent a car or scooter in order to discover all the beautiful hidden places in Paros.
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti): Famous for its golden sands and ideal wind conditions, making it a paradise for windsurfers and kiteboarders.
Martselo Beach: right next to the town of Parikia you can find this amazing sandy beach. Moreover you can find here Marcello beach bar which offers food and drinks during your time spend at this beach.
Monastiri Beach: a sandy beach with crystal clear water surrounded by rock formations and amazing views. On this beach you can find one of the best beach bars on the island called Monastiri Paros. They also offer a variety of watersport activities so you never get bored at Monastiri Beach!
Santa Maria Beach: A trendy and lively beach offering water sports facilities, beach bars, and a vibrant atmosphere. It is the perfect beach for students and younger people.
Kolymbithres Beach: Famous for its unique rock formations, creating natural, sculpted swimming coves and a stunning landscape. Its a unique beach on the island which you can't miss out on!
Punda Beach: A popular spot with a young and energetic crowd, featuring beach parties and music events during the summer season.
Piso Livadi Beach: A picturesque fishing village with a charming sandy beach and waterfront taverns serving fresh seafood.
Farangas Beach: A serene and tranquil beach surrounded by rocky cliffs, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
Activities
Paros, offers a wide range of must-visit activities to make your island adventure unforgettable. One such highlight is taking a day trip to Antiparos from Punda Beach, a mere 8-minute ferry ride away. Antiparos is a charming small island next to Paros. It consists of pristine beaches, an amazing cosy Chora to walk through and the famous Cave of Antiparos—an underground wonder of stalactites and stalagmites.
For beach enthusiasts, a day spend beach-hopping is the perfect activity, discovering the diverse coastal wonders of Paros. Rent a car or scooter and explore multiple beaches in a day in Paros.
To immerse yourself in the island's culture, rent a car and bring a visit to the picturesque villages of Lefkes, Marpissa, Kostos, and Prodromos. Each village has its own character, with beautiful alleys, traditional architecture, and charming squares. These villages will amaze you by the white-washed houses, the colorful flowers in every corner and most important, the most friendly people offering you all the information needed to get a glimpse of the history of these towns.
As night falls, head to Naoussa for an unforgettable evening out. Indulge in a unique dinner experience at Barbarossa, where the amazing cuisine with live music and dancing, creates an enchanting atmosphere. After dinner you can head over to Linardo or Barbarossa bar for a cocktail.
And finally, no visit to Paros would be complete without a boat trip to the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon, Antiparos, and Despotiko. Sail across the azure waters, witness the amazing landscapes, and swim in secluded coves for an unforgettable island escape.
Food & drinks recommendations
Lastly we like to recommend some amazing local taverns & bars instead of the overcrowded tourist spots.
Dinner: Bountaraki in Parikia for the best traditional Greek dishes
Dinner: Moschonas in Naoussa for seafood
Dinner: Tavern Aliki in Aliki for the best seafood
Evening drinks: Kastro bar in Parikia which has an amazing view over the port
Evening drinks: Evinos bar in Parikia which also has an amazing view over the port
Evening drinks & food: Barbarossa, while this is the most famous restaurant & bar on the island, it is still highly recommended because of its amazing atmosphere
Coffee: Coffeeshop in Parikia, while wandering through the streets in Parikia you can take out your freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino here
We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next trip to Paros. Have you been to any of these places before? Or perhaps you have your own favorite spots on the island that we haven't mentioned. We would love to hear from you! Share your own experiences and photos with us on Instagram using the hashtag #travellingtogreece
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