15 Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece
Paros is one of those Greek islands that has a little bit of everything without feeling overwhelming. There are plenty of things to do in Paros, from exploring whitewashed villages and relaxing on sandy beaches to joining a cooking class or spending the day out on the water.
Naousa may be the island’s best-known village, but Parikia, Lefkes, Marpissa, and Piso Livadi are equally worth adding to your plans. You’ll also find scenic walking trails, local wineries, and easy day trips to Antiparos, so you won’t struggle to fill your time.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best places to visit and experiences to try, along with practical tips to help you plan your trip.
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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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Best Things to Do in Paros
1. Relax on Kolymbithres Beach
Kolymbithres Beach is one of the most recognizable places in Paros, thanks to the smooth granite rocks that line the shore. These unusual formations divide the beach into several small sandy coves, each with clear, shallow water that is perfect for swimming.
Some parts of the beach are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, while the smaller coves offer space to put down your own towel. There are also a few tavernas and beach bars nearby, along with options for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports.
The coves are relatively small and fill up quickly during the summer, so I recommend arriving early in the morning. This also gives you more time to explore the rocks and enjoy the water before the beach becomes crowded.
Kolymbithres is located across the bay from Naousa and can be reached by car, taxi, or a seasonal water taxi from the harbor. You can easily combine your visit with nearby Paros Park and Monastiri Beach.
2. Explore the capital of Parikia
Exploring Parikia is one of the best things to do in Paros, especially if you want to experience more than the island’s beaches. As the capital and main ferry port, the town can feel busy around the waterfront, but the old town behind it is full of quiet alleyways and traditional Cycladic buildings.
One of its most important landmarks is Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a historic Byzantine church located close to the port. From there, continue into the old town to see the Frankish Castle, which was constructed using marble taken from ancient buildings, including a former temple dedicated to Athena.
Parikia is also home to the Archaeological Museum of Paros, where you can learn more about the island’s history and its famous marble. If museums aren’t your thing, spend your time browsing the small shops, stopping at local cafés, and wandering through the whitewashed streets instead.
The waterfront is particularly lovely in the evening, with plenty of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea. Parikia faces west, making it one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.
3. Join a Greek cooking class
A cooking class is a great way to learn more about Parian cuisine while picking up a few recipes you can recreate at home. During this Greek cooking class, you’ll help prepare several traditional dishes using local ingredients and guidance from experienced cooks.
The exact menu can vary, but the class typically covers a complete Greek meal with salads, savory pies, meat or fish dishes, and dessert. Once everything is ready, the group sits down to enjoy the food together with local house wine.
The experience lasts around three and a half hours and also includes a brief introduction to traditional Greek dancing. You’ll receive the recipes afterward, so you can try making your favorite dishes again at home.
Pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations around Paros, making this an easy activity to add to your trip even if you haven’t rented a car. Make sure to mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Best cooking classes in Paros
4. Wander around Naousa
Naousa is the prettiest and liveliest town in Paros, built around a small harbor filled with colorful fishing boats. The waterfront is lined with restaurants and bars, while the streets behind it are packed with boutiques, cafés, and whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillea.
At the entrance to the harbor, you’ll find the remains of a Venetian fortress dating back to the fifteenth century. A narrow walkway leads out to the ruins, although it can become slippery when the waves are strong.
Naousa is charming throughout the day, but it really comes alive in the evening. Arrive before sunset so you have time to explore the quieter streets, browse the shops, and watch the harbor gradually fill up before dinner.
Parking close to the center can be difficult during the summer. Leave your car in one of the public parking areas outside the old town and explore everything on foot. If you want to photograph the streets without the crowds, return early in the morning.
5. Head out on a cruise
Some of the most beautiful swimming spots around Paros can only be reached by boat, making a cruise one of the most worthwhile activities to book during your trip. Popular routes sail around Antiparos and stop at places such as the Blue Lagoon, sea caves, and secluded coves.
This full-day catamaran cruise departs from Piso Livadi and includes several swimming stops around Paros and Antiparos. A freshly prepared BBQ lunch, transfers, and towels are included, so you only need to bring your swimsuit and sun protection.
If you don’t want to dedicate an entire day to a cruise, you’ll also find shorter trips departing from Naousa, Alyki, and Pounta. Many of these focus on the Blue Lagoon and nearby sea caves, with snorkeling equipment, drinks, and snacks often included.
I recommend booking in advance during July and August, as the best small-group cruises regularly sell out.
Best cruises in Paros
6. Relax on Parasporos Beach
Located just south of Parikia, Parasporos Beach is a convenient place to spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing. It has a long stretch of sand and small pebbles, clear blue water, and enough space to feel less cramped than the tiny coves at Kolymbithres.
Parasporos is one of the best beaches in Paros if you prefer a lively atmosphere. There are organized sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, along with beach bars where you can order food, cocktails, and cold drinks.
The water becomes deep relatively quickly and can be wavy on windy days, so it may not be the best option for families with very young children. When conditions are calm, however, it’s a lovely swimming spot.
The beach is only a short drive from Parikia and has parking nearby. Visit earlier in the day if you want a quieter experience, as the music and atmosphere tend to pick up during the afternoon.
7. Visit the mountain village of Lefkes
Lefkes offers a completely different experience from the busy coastal towns. Set among the hills in the center of the island, this former capital is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, old stone houses, small squares, and cafés overlooking the surrounding countryside.
The village’s most impressive landmark is the Church of Agia Triada, built from white Parian marble and easily recognized by its twin bell towers. The streets leading toward the church are particularly photogenic, with plenty of bougainvillea and traditional Cycladic details along the way.
Lefkes is also the starting point of the Byzantine Road, an old paved trail connecting the village with Prodromos. The full walk is around 3.5 km each way, but you can follow it for a short distance if you don’t have time to complete the entire route.
Allow yourself time to wander without following a strict plan and stop at one of the cafés for lunch or a drink. Since cars aren’t allowed in the center, you’ll need to park outside the village and continue on foot.
8. Explore Paros Park
Paros Park covers the rugged Agios Ioannis Detis Peninsula near Naousa and combines walking trails, quiet coves, historic sites, and beautiful coastal views. The protected area spans around 80 hectares and has a 7-km network of marked routes.
One of the most popular trails begins near the Monastery of St. John of Deti and leads to the Korakas Lighthouse at the northern tip of the peninsula. The walk takes around 45 minutes without stops, but allow extra time for photographs and the smaller viewpoints along the way.
Before or after your hike, visit the monastery and stop at nearby Monastiri Beach. The beach has soft sand and shallow water stretching far from the shore, making it a good option for families and less confident swimmers.
There is very little shade along the trails, so avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water, particularly if you’re visiting in July or August. Entry to the park and its walking trails is free.
9. Go wine tasting at a local winery
Wine has been produced in Paros for centuries, and visiting a local winery gives you the chance to learn how the island’s climate and landscape influence its grapes. It’s also an easy activity to fit between exploring the villages and spending time at the beach.
This wine tasting at Myrsini Winery takes place near Marpissa and lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes. You’ll sample five different wines, accompanied by light snacks, while learning about the winery and its production process.
The experience also includes a look inside the cellar, and the small-group setting gives you plenty of time to ask questions about each wine. Tastings may include sparkling, white, rosé, and red varieties depending on availability.
Transportation isn’t included, so arrange a taxi or choose a designated driver if you’re staying farther away. The winery has private parking and can also be reached by bus, although you’ll need to walk a short distance from the nearest stop.
10. Take a day cruise to Delos and Mykonos
Paros also works as a convenient base for visiting other islands in the Cyclades. This island-hopping cruise departs from Naousa and offers two relevant options: a combined trip to Delos and Mykonos or a day trip focused entirely on Mykonos.
The combined option first stops at Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. You’ll have around three hours to explore its ancient temples, mosaics, statues, and the famous Terrace of the Lions before continuing to Mykonos.
In Mykonos, you can wander around Mykonos Town, see the windmills and Little Venice, browse the shops, and stop for lunch. If ancient history isn’t your main interest, choose the Mykonos-only option instead.
Both are independent day trips rather than guided tours. Admission to Delos and food are not included, although drinks and light snacks are available to purchase onboard. The sea can be rough between the islands, so consider bringing motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive to boat travel.
11. Take a day trip to Antiparos
Antiparos sits just off the western coast of Paros and is easy to visit without booking a tour. The quickest option is the car ferry from Pounta, which takes around seven minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. A seasonal passenger boat also connects Parikia with Antiparos Town.
Begin in Antiparos Town, where whitewashed streets lead past small boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. At the center of the old town, you’ll find the remains of a fifteenth-century Venetian castle surrounded by traditional Cycladic houses.
Another major attraction is Antiparos Cave, located around 8 km from town. Reaching the bottom requires descending more than 400 steps, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the climb back up. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the current schedule before planning your day around it.
You can also spend part of the afternoon at Soros Beach or one of the smaller coves along the southern coast. Buses connect the port with the cave and several beaches during the summer, but having a car gives you more flexibility.
Check your rental agreement before taking a vehicle on the ferry, as not every company permits it.
12. Take in the views from St. Antonios Monastery
Visiting St. Antonios Monastery is one of the most rewarding things to do in Paros if you enjoy panoramic viewpoints. The monastery sits at the top of Kefalos Hill near Marpissa, overlooking the island’s eastern coastline, Naxos, and the surrounding Aegean Sea.
Kefalos Hill is actually an extinct volcano and was once occupied by a Venetian castle. You can still see sections of the old walls and other ruins scattered around the summit.
Founded in 1597, St. Antonios is one of the oldest monasteries in Paros. Its whitewashed buildings and peaceful courtyard are beautiful, although the wide-open views from the hilltop are the main reason to visit.
The road to the monastery is narrow and steep, so drive slowly and only attempt it if you feel confident behind the wheel. The interior is only open on selected days and during limited periods of the year, but the views and castle ruins are worth seeing even when the monastery itself is closed.
13. Spend a day at Golden Beach
Golden Beach, also known as Chrissi Akti, is a long sandy beach on the southeastern coast of Paros. Unlike the small coves at Kolymbithres, there is plenty of room to spread out, with both organized sections and space to lay down your own towel.
The beach is particularly famous for windsurfing, thanks to the strong Meltemi winds that regularly blow across this side of the island. Several water sports centers offer equipment rentals and lessons, so beginners can try it even without previous experience.
You’ll also find sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants along the shore, making Golden Beach an easy place to spend most of the day. The water is clear and generally shallow close to the beach, although conditions can become choppy when the wind picks up.
Don’t confuse Golden Beach with nearby New Golden Beach, also known as Tserdakia. They are two separate beaches, although both are popular with windsurfers and located only a short drive apart.
14. Explore Marpissa and Piso Livadi
Marpissa and Piso Livadi sit just a few minutes apart but offer two very different experiences. Marpissa is a traditional inland village, while Piso Livadi is a small fishing port on the eastern coast.
Marpissa is easy to explore on foot, with narrow streets leading past whitewashed houses, churches, and bougainvillea-covered courtyards. Look out for the four windmills near the entrance to the village, which are among its most recognizable landmarks.
Down by the coast, Piso Livadi has a small harbor lined with fishing boats, cafés, and seafood restaurants. There is also a sandy beach beside the village if you want to stop for a swim.
Visit Marpissa first and continue to Piso Livadi later in the afternoon. The waterfront is particularly lovely in the evening, making it a great place to stay for dinner after exploring the eastern side of Paros.
15. Visit Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach lies on the northeastern coast of Paros, a short drive from Naousa. The main beach has a lively atmosphere, with organized sunbed areas, beach bars, and water sports available throughout the summer.
The long stretch of sand and clear water make it popular for swimming, while the views across the Aegean extend toward nearby Naxos. However, its exposed location means it can become windy and wavy when the Meltemi is strong.
A little farther along the coast, you’ll find Mikri Santa Maria. As its name suggests, this is the smaller of the two beaches and generally has a more relaxed feel, although there are still sunbeds and places to order food and drinks.
Both beaches become busy in July and August, so arrive in the morning if you want a good choice of sunbeds or parking. Choose the main beach for a livelier day or Mikri Santa Maria if you prefer a smaller setting.
