Paros Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Paros, Greece
Planning to spend 3 days in Paros? This Paros itinerary covers the island’s prettiest villages, best beaches, and must-see sights while still leaving you enough time to slow down and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Paros has everything you could want from a Greek island getaway, from the whitewashed streets of Naousa and Parikia to beautiful beaches, seaside restaurants, and traditional mountain villages. It’s also small enough that you can see a surprising amount in just a few days without feeling like you’re constantly rushing between places.
This itinerary will show you exactly how to spend 3 days in Paros, including where to stay, how to get around, and the best things to do each day.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.
Quick Travel Planning Tips for Paros
🏨 Where to Stay: Choose Naousa for its beautiful harbor, restaurants, and nightlife, or Parikia for easy access to the ferry port and bus connections. Paliomylos Spa Hotel in Naousa has a pool, spa, and lovely views over the bay, while Hotel Oasis offers affordable rooms directly opposite the port in the heart of Parikia.
🌟 Best Tours: Learn to prepare traditional dishes during a Greek cooking class, followed by a shared meal with local wine, or sail around Antiparos and the Blue Lagoon on a full-day catamaran cruise with swimming stops and a freshly prepared BBQ lunch.
⛴️ How to Get to Paros: Fly to Athens and take a short domestic flight to Paros, or arrive by ferry from Athens or nearby islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. Use Ferryscanner to compare routes, schedules, and ferry operators.
🚗 Getting Around: Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore Paros, especially if you want to visit the beaches, mountain villages, and more remote spots included in this itinerary.
📱 Stay Connected: Use an eSIM from Airalo to stay online for maps, transport, and bookings without swapping SIM cards.
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Overview of Your 3 Days in Paros Itinerary
Breakdown of your 3 days in Paros
- Day 1: arrival at Paros, Parikia, Parosporos Beach
- Day 2: Kolympethres Beach, Paros Park, Santa Maria Beach, Naousa
- Day 3: Lefkes, St. Antonios Monastery, beaches on the east coast
Map for your Paros itinerary
Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Paros itinerary.
I marked your 3 days in Paros with different colors: I used blue for the first day, green for the second day, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Day 1
Arriving in Paros
Your first stop in Paros will depend on whether you arrive by plane or ferry. Flights land at Paros National Airport, located around 10 km from Parikia.
From the airport, you can take a taxi, catch a local bus, or pick up a rental car (I recommend the latter!). The drive to Parikia usually takes around 15 minutes, although it can take longer during the busy summer months.
If you arrive by ferry, you’ll dock at the port in the center of Parikia. The area around the port can feel a little hectic when several ferries arrive at once, but the old town is only a short walk away.
If you’re staying elsewhere on the island, you can continue by bus, taxi, or rental car from Parikia. I recommend arranging your transportation in advance during high season, especially if your hotel is in Naousa or another part of Paros.
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Parikia
Once you’ve checked into your hotel and dropped off your luggage, start your Paros itinerary by exploring Parikia. As the island’s capital and main port, it’s one of the liveliest places in Paros, but its whitewashed streets and traditional Cycladic architecture still give it plenty of charm.
Begin with a walk through the old town, where narrow alleyways are lined with small shops, cafés, and family-run restaurants. One of the main sights is Panagia Ekatontapiliani, an impressive Byzantine church located just a short walk from the waterfront.
You can also visit the Archaeological Museum, see the remains of the Ancient Cemetery, and walk up to the Frankish Castle. The castle was built using materials taken from ancient structures, including the former Temple of Athena, and parts of the original marble columns are still visible today.
Parikia is compact and easy to explore on foot, so you can see its main highlights in a couple of hours without needing to follow a strict route.
Lunch at Cafe Symposium Paros
Once you’ve finished exploring Parikia, stop for lunch at Cafe Symposium Paros. Tucked away along one of the old town’s narrow streets, it has a relaxed atmosphere and a lovely outdoor terrace shaded by greenery.
The menu is ideal for a light lunch, with Greek salads, sandwiches, toasties, and other simple dishes. They also serve sweet options such as crepes, waffles, cakes, fresh fruit salads, and ice cream.
It’s a great place to take a break before leaving Parikia and continuing to Parosporos Beach.
Parasporos Beach
After lunch, head to Parasporos Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. It’s located just a few kilometers from Parikia, and although it’s technically possible to walk there, taking a taxi or driving is much more convenient.
Parasporos is one of the best beaches in Paros, with clear blue water and a long stretch of sand and small pebbles. You can rent a sunbed or find a free spot to lay down your towel, while the nearby beach bars and tavernas make it easy to grab drinks or something to eat.
The beach has a lively atmosphere during the summer, particularly later in the day when music starts playing at the beach bars. However, it’s still a lovely place to swim, sunbathe, and ease into your first day in Paros.
Dinner in Parikia
After a few hours at the beach, head back to Parikia for dinner. The town has some of the best restaurants in Paros, with plenty of options ranging from traditional Greek tavernas to international cuisine.
For souvlaki and other Greek classics, try To Souvlaki Tou Pepe or Hellas. If you’re in the mood for something different, The Little Green Rocket serves Asian fusion dishes, while Cuore Rosso is a great choice for authentic Italian-style pizza.
Other popular options include Distrato Cafe Bistrot, Mana Mana, and Brizoladiko Steak House Restaurant. You can finish the evening with a drink at Secret Cafe Bar or stop by Vanilla Gelateria for ice cream.
Restaurants in Parikia can get busy during the summer, so I recommend making a reservation if you have your heart set on a particular place.
Hellas 
Cuore Rosso
Day 2
Kolympethres Beach
Start your second day at Kolympethres Beach, one of the most recognizable beaches in Paros. It’s known for the smooth granite rock formations that divide the coastline into a series of small sandy coves, creating natural swimming pools filled with clear turquoise water.
Some coves have organized sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, while others are quieter and have space to lay down your towel. You’ll also find tavernas and beach bars nearby, along with options for renting kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports equipment.
Kolympethres is very popular and the individual coves are relatively small, so arrive early if you want to find a good spot before the crowds appear. Spend a couple of hours swimming and exploring the rock formations before continuing to Paros Park.
Lunch at Kolympethres Beach
After your morning at the beach, stop for lunch at one of the tavernas around Kolympethres. You’ll find several good options within walking distance, so you won’t need to move your car before continuing to Paros Park.
Maremma is a slightly more refined seaside restaurant serving Greek dishes, fresh seafood, grilled meats, and pasta. For something more traditional and relaxed, try Anemos Taverna or Taverna Vigla.
All three are conveniently located near the beach and make a good stop for a leisurely Greek lunch before the next part of your Paros itinerary.
Paros Park
Just a few minutes from Kolympethres Beach, Paros Park covers 80 hectares of the Agios Ioannis Detis Peninsula. Established in 2009 to protect the area’s natural landscape, the park features a 7-km network of marked walking trails.
You can skip the hiking for now since you still have several stops planned for the day. Instead, visit the Monastery of St. John of Deti, a small blue-domed monastery overlooking Naousa Bay. The views from here are just epic!
Monastiri Beach sits right beside the monastery and has soft sand with shallow water extending for around 100 meters. Stop for a quick swim or take a short walk around the area before making your way to Santa Maria Beach.
Monastery of St. John’s of Deti 
Monastiri Beach
Santa Maria Beach
From Paros Park, it takes around 20 minutes to reach Santa Maria Beach on the northeastern coast of the island. Spending a few hours here is one of the best things to do in Paros, especially if you enjoy swimming or water sports.
The area has two beaches: the main Santa Maria Beach and the smaller Mikri Santa Maria. The main beach is longer and livelier, with organized sections, beach bars, and several water sports available. Mikri Santa Maria has a more relaxed atmosphere and is the better choice if you simply want to swim and sunbathe.
Late afternoon is a lovely time to visit, as the beaches are generally quieter than they are around midday. Spend a couple of hours by the water before heading into Naousa for the evening.
Naousa
No Paros 3 day itinerary would be complete without spending an evening in Naousa! Once a traditional fishing village, it has become one of the island’s most popular destinations while still retaining plenty of Cycladic charm.
The old harbor is the heart of the village, where small fishing boats sit beside whitewashed buildings and the partially submerged ruins of a Venetian castle. Walk out to the castle for a closer look before exploring the maze of narrow streets behind the waterfront.
Naousa is particularly lovely around sunset, when the evening light falls across the harbor and the village begins to come alive. Take your time browsing the small boutiques, photographing the bougainvillea-covered houses, and soaking up the atmosphere before dinner.
Dinner in Naousa
Naousa has one of the best dining scenes in Paros, with everything from traditional tavernas to stylish restaurants around the old harbor.
Barbarossa is the place to book if you’re looking for a lively, upscale dinner in the heart of the harbor. The menu focuses on seafood and includes dishes such as lobster pasta, crayfish orzo, and calamari, but keep in mind that it’s one of the more expensive options in town.
For a more relaxed meal, try Sigi Ikthios for seafood beside the fishing boats, Taverna Glafkos for a seaside setting, or Yemeni Wine Restaurant for Greek dishes and local wine in the old town.
Save room for dessert at To Paradosiako, which specializes in freshly made loukoumades, or stop by Nonna Crema for homemade gelato. Reservations are highly recommended in Naousa during the summer, especially for dinner around the harbor.
Sunset from Barbarossa Restaurant 
Dinner at Barbarossa
Day 3
Lefkes
Paros isn’t only about beaches, and Lefkes is the perfect place to see a completely different side of the island. Set in the mountains around 11 km from Parikia, this former capital is full of whitewashed houses, quiet alleyways, and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.
There’s no need to follow a strict route here. Simply wander through the pedestrian streets, stop for a coffee, and take your time exploring the small squares and bougainvillea-covered courtyards.
The main landmark in Lefkes is the Church of Agia Triada, an impressive marble church with twin bell towers. You can also visit the Folk Art Museum and the Museum of Aegean Folk Culture if they are open during your visit.
Keep an eye out for the old windmills and viewpoints as you walk around the village. On a clear day, you can even see across to Naxos in the distance. Lefkes is a lovely addition to your 3 days in Paros and offers a welcome change from the island’s busy coastal towns.
Lunch at Ramnos Cafe
Ramnos Cafe is an amazing place to stop for lunch while you’re in Lefkes. Its terrace overlooks the village’s whitewashed houses and surrounding hills, so try to grab an outdoor table if the weather is nice.
The menu includes bagels, club sandwiches, omelets, and salads, making it a good choice for a casual lunch. They also serve cocktails and several non-alcoholic options, including a refreshing strawberry cooler.
The warm service makes the experience even better! The owner is incredibly friendly and may even share a few stories about growing up in Lefkes, giving you a more personal insight into life in the village.
Drive up to St Antonios Monastery
Just a 20-minute drive from Lefkes, you’ll find the beautiful St Antonios Monastery. Driving up is a bit of an adventure in itself and I would only recommend it for steady drivers. There is only one narrow road leading uphill which is pretty steep, so you have to be really careful while driving up.
The monastery dates back to the 17th century and was built on the ruins of a former Venetian castle. You can still see sections of the old fortifications around the hilltop, along with the monastery’s whitewashed buildings and traditional Cycladic details.
The main reason to come here is the view. From the top, you can see across the east coast of Paros, the Aegean Sea, and Naxos in the distance.
The monastery itself is only open to visitors on certain days and during limited periods of the year, so check the current schedule before setting off. Even if the interior is closed, the panoramic views and castle ruins still make the drive worthwhile.
Beaches on the east coast
The eastern side of Paros has several beaches within a short drive of St. Antonios Monastery, so you can choose one based on the kind of afternoon you want.
Golden Beach, also known as Chrissi Akti, is a long sandy beach with organized sections and plenty of water sports. Nearby New Golden Beach, or Tserdakia, is a separate beach particularly popular with windsurfers.
For somewhere quieter, head to Molos Beach. This wide, natural bay has calm, shallow water and very few facilities, so bring drinks, snacks, and anything else you might need.
Punda Beach is the liveliest option and is home to Punda Coast, a large beach club with sunbeds, a swimming pool, a restaurant, cocktails, and regular DJ events during the summer.
The beaches are relatively close to one another, but you don’t need to rush between all of them. Choose the one that best suits you and spend your final afternoon swimming and relaxing by the sea.
Dinner in Piso Livadi or Parikia
Since you’re already exploring the east coast, I recommend finishing the day with dinner in Piso Livadi. This small fishing village has a lovely harbor and several excellent Greek restaurants, making it a relaxed place to spend your final evening in Paros.
Markakis Restaurant is a great choice for seafood and traditional Cycladic dishes beside the harbor. Halaris is another popular seafood restaurant nearby, while Anna & Giorgos, located closer to Marpissa and Logaras, is a good option for grilled meats and home-style Greek cooking.
If your hotel is in Parikia and you would rather head straight back, you can also return there for dinner and choose one of the restaurants you didn’t visit on your first night.
Reservations are recommended during the summer, especially if you want a waterfront table in Piso Livadi.
Useful Info for Visiting Paros
Where to stay in Paros
For a first trip to Paros, Parikia and Naousa are the two most convenient places to stay. Parikia is the better choice if you want easy access to the ferry port and main bus connections, while Naousa is ideal for restaurants, nightlife, and a more polished resort atmosphere.
Piso Livadi works well if you prefer a quieter seaside base close to the beaches on the eastern coast. Parasporos is another peaceful option, but you’ll have fewer restaurants and shops within walking distance, so it’s best suited to travelers renting a car.
You can find a complete comparison of the different areas in my guide to where to stay in Paros. If you just want a quick recommendation, these are my top choices:
- Luxury: Summer Senses Luxury Resort
- Mid-Range: Paros Palace
- Budget: Argonauta Hotel
How to get to Paros
Paros has both an airport and a ferry port, so you can reach the island by air or sea. If you’re flying, you’ll first need to travel to Athens and then catch a domestic flight to Paros. The flight takes around 40 minutes, making this the quickest way to reach the island.
The planes serving Paros are relatively small, and seats can sell out during the busy summer months. I recommend booking your flight as early as possible.
Ferries offer more flexibility and connect Paros with Athens as well as nearby islands such as Naxos, Mykonos, and Santorini. From Athens, most ferries depart from Piraeus or Rafina, with the fastest crossings taking just over three hours.
Routes, travel times, and the number of daily departures depend on the season and ferry operator. I recommend using Ferryscanner to compare the available crossings, check schedules, and book your tickets.
Best time to visit Paros
The best time to visit Paros is from late May to June or in September. The weather is warm enough for sightseeing and spending time at the beach, but the island is generally less crowded than it is during the height of summer.
July and August are the busiest and hottest months, with daytime temperatures often reaching around 30°C. This is also when accommodation is most expensive, beaches are at their busiest, and reservations become essential at popular restaurants.
June is a great choice if you want long, sunny days before the largest crowds arrive. September is equally lovely, and the sea is usually warmer after heating up throughout the summer.
Paros is much quieter outside the main season, but ferry services are less frequent and some beach clubs, restaurants, and tour operators may be closed.
How to get around in Paros
Renting a car is the easiest way to follow this Paros itinerary. It gives you the freedom to move between villages, beaches, and more remote places such as St. Antonios Monastery without planning your day around bus schedules.
I recommend using Discover Cars to compare rental companies and find the best available rates. Book in advance if you’re visiting during the summer, as automatic cars and smaller vehicles can sell out quickly.
Paros also has a public bus network connecting Parikia and Naousa with several popular villages and beaches. It can work well if you’re staying in one of the main towns, but reaching every place included in this itinerary will be more difficult without a car.
