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The 2 Best Tours in Paros
- A Full Day Sailing Cruise in the Small Cyclades.
- A boat trip visiting Delos and Mykonos islands.
One can experience snorkeling around a wrecked WWII aircraft, taking in views of scattering Greek islands, and learn sailing basics all throughout a day on the waves of the Aegean Sea. The exact agenda varies depending on conditions but possibilities include swimming near Iraklia and floating off the shores of Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Naxos, Antiparos, or Despotiko while donning goggles to spot underwater scenery. A Greek lunch with wine is included. Departing from Piso Livadi.
Independent full-day trip to Delos and Mykonos. The morning starts at Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and among the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Hiring a guide or joining a small organized tour upon entrance is highly recommended. Next, head to Mykonos for 3 hours of free exploration in the afternoon. Stroll, snack, and shop the charming lanes of Little Venice, the Old Port, and the Kato Mili windmills.
The 19 Best Things to Do in Paros
1. Paros Park
A park spreading over eight hundred acres on the northwestern tip of the island, Paros Park provides a taste of various attractions: three hiking routes, a spectacular rocky landscape, both lively and secluded beaches, a picturesque lighthouse, an all-day café, a historic monastery that now hosts a cartography museum, an ancient amphitheater currently holding festivals and performances, and an open-air cinema (free entrance, films start at 9:00 p.m.). The primary beach, Monastiri, has chairs and umbrellas available for rental in summer months, and features a lifeguard from July to August. Access to the park is complimentary and it remains open around the clock year-round. Paros Park can be accessed by automobile, water taxi from the Naoussa port, or bus (roughly a thirty-minute stroll from the Kolymbithres Beach bus stop).
2. Kolymbithres Beach
Paros’ most well known normal wonder is Kolymbithres Beach with its moon-like rock structures shaped over thousands of years by the wind and ocean. Situated in a southeast-facing gulf, Kolymbithres is normally partitioned into two primary beaches, each with laid-back beach clubs offering sunbeds and umbrellas for rental. The rocks additionally break up these beaches into still littler areas, so on the off chance that you’re fortunate to get there before the groups, you can guarantee your own little private beach. Toward the south end of the beach, there is a sailing focus offering windsurfing and little sailboat rentals and lessons; farther north there are kayaks and SUPs for rental. Kolymbithres Beach can be come to by vehicle, transport, or by a fascinating water taxi voyage from Naoussa’s Old Port.
3. The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Dating back to the 4th century A.D., the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, otherwise known as the Church of 100 Doors, stands as one of the most significant churches in Greece. The original chapel is believed to have been established by Saint Helene, and after her death transformed into a larger church and monastery by her son, Emperor Constantine. A dome was added in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian. Over the centuries, the complex has been well-maintained and showcases artistic and architectural styles from the Early Christian, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine eras, with many construction materials sourced from the marble ruins of even older temples. According to legend, the church possesses 99 visible entrances, and a 100th door will materialize once the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul regains its Orthodox identity. In reality, the number of doors at the church does not come close to 99. The small Byzantine Museum of Paros is situated inside the complex, containing rare icons, relics, and ecclesiastical items, mostly dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Panagia Ekatontapiliani is found in Parikia, approximately a 3-minute walk southeast of the ferry port and about a 5-minute walk from the Parikia bus stop.
4. Naoussa
The village Naoussa combines Cycladic tradition with worldly refinement in a compact, walkable space dotted with beaches in a natural bay. Fishing boats float in the sea next to a half-submerged Venetian castle in its picturesque Old Port. Inside the village, a network of cobblestone lanes overflows with top-tier restaurants, stylish cocktail lounges, all-night dance clubs, luxury boutiques, a winery, and scenic, domed places of worship. Three sunny, swimable beaches (Piperaki, Piperi, and Agii Anargyrii) sit on either side of the port. Being a favored getaway spot for Athenians, Naoussa has managed to retain its Greek identity, despite its glamorous, international standing. Naoussa sits on the north side of the island, about 9 km from the ferry terminal in Parikia (under 20-minutes by bus) and about 20 km from the airport.
5. Parikia
Parikia serves as the capital and largest village on Paros Island. Most travelers arriving and leaving the island will pass through the ferry port located here. As the main harbor and commercial center for centuries, Parikia houses many of Paros’ most important landmarks, such as Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the ruined Frankish Castle, and the Archaeological Museum, along with excellent restaurants, craft workshops, boutiques, and lively bars with sunset views over the sea. Similar to Naoussa, Parikia’s port is bordered by beaches on both sides, with Livadia and Marcello stretching northwards in a circle, a small unnamed beach to the west, and Delfini and Parasporos Beaches situated at the westernmost outskirts. Architecture incorporates tidy, whitewashed Cycladic homes alongside centuries-old neoclassical mansions favoring a style preferred by descendants of the former Venetian rulers of the island. Parikia sits on the shores of a stunning bay on Paros’ northwest coast, approximately 9 km from Naoussa – a less than 20 minute bus ride – and around 10 km from the airport.
6. Kalogeros Beach
Kalogeros, the Mud Beach, is a tranquil shoreline situated in a small inlet below towering stones on Paros’ eastern coastline. Its sandy and pebble shore and crystal clear water are similar to many other beaches in the area, but what sets Kalogeros apart is the cliffs at its eastern edge. The grey cliffs are made of a unique clay with softening and smoothing properties. Break off a handful, blend with seawater to create mud, spread it on, and let it dry. Leap into the sea to rinse off for extremely smooth skin. Kalogeros is an unorganized beach with no eateries or sunbed rentals, so bring your own snacks and gear. Molos Beach is just a 5-minute walk north for a sandier, more traditional beach excursion. Plan on driving here or taking the #1 or #5 bus to Marmara, Marpissa, or Piso Livadi and walk 30 minutes to the shoreline.
7. Day Trip to Naxos
The biggest Cycladic island of Naxos is just a 40-minute ferry travel away and offers a rustic contrast to Paros’ cosmopolitan feeling. There is no lack of excellent things to do in Naxos. The island is filled with farms, dairies, olive groves, ancient ruins, and marble quarries. Traditional villages are scattered through its mountainous interior, many linked by hiking trails that pass by some of the island’s over 200 Byzantine churches. Its coastline is wrapped in dreamy, sandy beaches lined with fresh seafood restaurants. The main village, Naxos Town, is built like a maze at the base of a 13th-century Venetian castle with boutiques, bars, and restaurants spreading down the hill. The ruins of an ancient temple devoted to Apollo sit on a small islet accessible by a raised footpath over the sea. Take in stunning sunset sea views over the marina and temple from one of the numerous rooftop or balcony restaurants or bars perched above the charming port.
8. Naoussa Old Port
Naoussa’s Old Port is the main focus of the village. Sitting within a naturally beautiful bay, the port has fishing boats docked at its marinas and a wide esplanade lined with open-air eateries and cafes. At the eastern tip is a notable landmark, the partially submerged 14th century Venetian fortress ruins. Constructed as a stronghold with two lookout towers added in the 15th century, the castle’s seawalls are entirely underwater presently and just one of the towers remains standing. From the Old Port, a water taxi runs on 3 routes: to Kolymbithres Beach, to Paros Park/Monastiri Beach, and Laggeri Beach. During summer, the water taxis circulate about every hour between 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
9. Lefkes
Lefkes is situated as the highest located mountain town on Paros island in the fertile middle region. Positioned near the center of the island, numerous spots in the town provide panoramic perspectives over the landscape, oceans, and neighboring Naxos island. As the historic agricultural center of the island, the town retains a well-protected stone route, the Byzantine Road, dating to 1000 AD that connects it to Prodromos village (3.5 km away) prior to heading to the busy port of Piso Livadi (an additional 3 km). This popular hike takes around 90-minutes one way to the seas or about 2 hours to hike to Prodromos and back. During the Middle Ages, Lefkes served as the island`s funding and wealthiest village, and remnants of its past can be seen in its design, with Venetian, neoclassical, and Cycladic structures coexisting, much of it dating from the 15th through 17th centuries. Looming over the village is Lefkes` landmark and most famous sight, the Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), constructed in 1830. Lefkes can be reached by bus, either by taking the #1 from Parikia or (if you`re ambitious) by taking the #5 from Naoussa to Prodromos and trekking the 3.5 km up. Lefkes is simplest to get to by car.”
10. Moraitis Winery
Run by family for over 100 years, Moraitis is the primary winemaker in Paros, with over 100 acres of vineyards spread throughout the island. The renovated winery sits above the initial 1910 cellar, where casks are still aged. Varieties include Assyrtiko, Mandilaria, Monemvasia, and rare grape strains local to Paros. The winery is open 6 days per week for tastings and self-guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Moraitis is located in Naoussa, about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop and 5-minutes from Agii Anargyrii Beach.
11. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Similar to most islands located within the Cyclades group, Paros experiences strong breezes that originate from a northerly direction, but its proximity to the neighboring island of Naxos amplifies the effect of these winds, earning this place distinction as one of the premier locales globally for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The premier beaches suited for windsurfing along Paros` southeastern coast include Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) and Nea Chrissi Akti (New Golden Beach, pictured above). Both beaches contain soft, sandy surfaces and feature water sports centers that offer equipment rentals and lessons as well as scuba diving centers, beachfront clubs, and wonderful tavernas specializing in local cuisine. Nea Chrissi Akti is the annual site that hosts the Professional Windsurfing World Cup held in August, so advance reservations are advised for visits during this event.”
12. Day Trip to Antiparos
Access from Paros island to Antiparos island either with or without a vehicle makes for an ideal brief trip. Antiparos offers a relaxed atmosphere in its traditional villages, charming harbors filled with fishing boats, idyllic beaches, and authentic Greek restaurants. Ferries from Paros arrive at the main port town of Antiparos, with its whitewashed, block-shaped homes and bougainvillea-lined paths. Just steps from the harbor are the remnants of a 15th-century Venetian fortress, constructed to defend the island from pirates (very little of the fortress remains intact). From the port or fortress, visitors are between 5 and 15 minutes` walk of 5 wonderful beaches (1 with a beach club, 3 with nearby restaurants, and 1 secluded nude beach with no amenities). However, the best beaches are farther south at Soros (on the way, check out the Cave of Antiparos with stalagmites and stalactites) and Saint George, with sunset views. Heading in or out of the port, grab a meal at To Stathero, the best seafood restaurant on the island.
There are two ferry options available for traveling from Paros to Antiparos: One is a shorter (10-minute) voyage on a vehicle/passenger ferry departing from the minor port of Pounta, located on Paros’ western coast and accessible from Parikia via bus. The second ride takes a bit longer on the passenger-only ferry leaving from the popular and easily-accessed port town of Parikia, though it runs less frequently – often departing just after a ferry arrives.
13. Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is considered the best beach on Paros for its simplistic qualities: a lengthy, expansive stretch of soft, golden white sand, fantastic swimming in calm, clear, aquamarine waters, and views of the island of Naxos to the east. Activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing are available here, alongside laidback beach clubs and delicious taverns. Most amenities are along the northern end of the beach, while the southern end usually has less people. On windy days, head to nearby Mikri Santa Maria Beach around 1.5 km north in a safe cove facing south and sheltered from the breeze. Mikri Santa Maria has a dive center, a beach club with rentals of beach chairs and umbrellas, and two pleasant taverns nearby.
14. Fishing Villages
To experience local life on the island in a relaxed setting, as well as enjoy outstanding seafood, take time to visit one of the fishing villages. Two of the most charming are Aliki and Piso Livadi. Aliki is the biggest fishing village with 3 small beaches located inside (Aliki Beach in the center behind the marina), outside the marina to the east (Piso Aliki), and in the bay to the west (Agios Nikolaos). Families often frequent Aliki which boasts a playground, some windsurfing, and the tiny Museum of Cycladic Folklore containing handmade replicas of traditional boats. Piso Livadi, shown above, is a historic port town with a lively marina packed with fishing boats, small ferries, and pleasure boats for cruises during the day. Along the marina next to the main Piso Livadi Beach is an area with amazing restaurants and bars owned by local fishermen. South of the marina are two additional beaches for relaxing, chilled Logaras Beach and trendy Punda Beach.
15. Archaeological Museum of Paros
This excellent museum flawlessly displays artifacts, statues, and sarcophagi found throughout the island in both indoor and outdoor sections. It was originally constructed to house discoveries from the nearby Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliai but has since expanded to contain antiquities dating as far back as the Neolithic era along with items representing Mycenaean, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Among the most important works held here are a 6th century BC marble statue of Gorgon, a 5th century BC colossal marble sculpture of Artemis, and the earliest Greek figure of a seated form from the 8th century BC. Situated within the galleries year-round except Tuesdays, visitors can explore the collections from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm for the modest entrance fee of €2.
16. Nightlife in Paros
Paros provides excellent nightlife possibilities for all situations whether you`re searching for romantic sunsets, all-night dancing, or trendy cocktails. The vast bulk of the island`s bars and clubs are in Parikia and Naoussa, though there are a few beach parties and casual bars open late in the fishing villages. Naoussa is the primary nightlife hub with sophisticated cocktail bars overlooking the waterfront and Old Port and lively dance clubs and after-party spots in the heart of the village. The best bars in Naoussa include Fotis All Day Bar,Kosmos, and Sommaripa Consolato. Parikia offers a more casual nightlife atmosphere than Naoussa, with a string of rooftop bars providing direct sunset sea views and small bars inside the village with live bands. The best bars in Parikia include Bebop (where the above photo was taken from), Pirate Bar, and Sativa Music Bar.
17. Dining in Paros
Paros has no lack of restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, hearty Greek comfort foods, and contemporary high-end cuisine. Some local delicacies include sun-dried mackerel, white goat cheese, and a fish and vegetable soup. A few vineyards produce red and white wines, while the local spirit is a grape-based distillate. Among the best restaurants in Paros are Taverna Glafkos and Yemeni in Naoussa and Stou Fred and Ela in Parikia.
18. Frankish Castle
Tucked away in the winding, narrow lanes of Parikia are the remains of the Frankish Castle, a fortification built by the ruling Venetians in the Byzantine era. Not much survives of the castle, just a tower and a couple of walls, but its unusual construction makes it worth a visit. The 13th-century A.D. castle was built from the marble remnants of a 6th-century B.C. temple of Athena and a blend of materials scavenged from ancient residences and sanctuaries.
19. Butterflies Valley
A go to Butterflies Valley produces a pleasant minor detour on the route to or from the Antiparos ferry. In contrast to the name, there are no butterflies here. This green sanctuary is home to the Jersey Tiger Moth, a daytime moth that appears on the island beginning in June and disappears in August. These small moths have black and white patterned forewings and vivid orange back wings. Exterior of the moth season, the park offers an agreeable, shady escape from the heat of the day. The park is accessible from June through September from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with an entrance fee of €2.50. Situated about 5.5 km from Parikia and 4.5 km from the Pounta port.
