Is Paros STILL Worth Visiting? 17 Reasons To Visit In 2026

Is Paros Worth Visiting?

Yes, Paros is one of the best islands to visit in Greece, and it is well worth a visit!

Paros is one of the most versatile Greek islands to visit.

It belongs to the Cyclades group of islands, just like the more popular Santorini or Mykonos.

Paros offers a vibrant nightlife in Naoussa, stunning beaches across the island, and plenty of affordable accommodation options!

At the same time, Paros isn’t a notorious party island like Ios, nor is it as expensive as Mykonos or Santorini.

However, it’s not as quiet or affordable as some of the smaller Cycladic islands.

TOP Reasons To Visit Paros, Greece

So, what are some of the best things to do in Paros to convince you to visit the island?

The best towns to visit in Paros, Greece, are Parikia and Naoussa.

They have very different vibes, so it’s best to visit both. If you have extra time on Paros, be sure to explore Lefkes and Antiparos as well.

Here are the best things to do in Paros to add to your Paros itinerary!

1. Picturesque Fishing village Naoussa

Naoussa is a charming old fishing village and the most high-end place on the island. 

The cobblestone streets of the city center are very picturesque.  Everywhere you look, there is a photo opportunity!

You don’t have to worry about whether Paros is expensive to visit as the best way to explore Naoussa is to stroll around and see what you will find.

The iconic spots are the ruins of the Venetian castle and the old port of Naoussa. 

The quintessential Cyclades landscape view is behind the Linardo bar and Come Back bar.

2. budget-friendly Mykonos-style seaside bars 

Naoussa first became known as a cheaper alternative to Mykonos, so the nightlife in Naoussa is one of the main reasons people visit the island.

If you want to have a cocktail in a waterfront bar and party without paying Mykonos prices, it is the best place to go! 

But if you are backpacking Cyclades on a budget, don’t be fooled.

Naoussa is a higher-end destination, so expect cocktails in the most popular places to be around 15€!

3. biking Routes along the northern part of the island

One of my favorite activities in Paros was renting a bike and cycling along the coastline.

Depending on your fitness levels, you might want to look into renting an electric bike.

I highly recommend renting an electric bike, as I did, to easily tackle the island’s uphill roads.

4. pristine beaches with crystal clear water 

Paros is famous for its beaches, so be sure to take advantage of the crystal-clear sapphire waters and swim at some of the world’s most stunning beaches.

You can find gorgeous beaches all over the island, and it is easy to get around by car.

If you don’t have a car, Parikia is the central bus hub of the islands, with several daily routes to most of the beaches.

5. Mycenaean Acropolis viewpoint

Paros has some amazing viewpoints, and hiking them is one of the best activities in Paros, Greece.

Mycenaean Acropolis stands on the top of a rock formation, around 3.5 km from Naoussa. 

There is not much left nowadays, but it is a fun activity to climb the huge rocks and enjoy the view of the island.

6. charming coast of Parikia

Parikia is the island’s capital, and it is sometimes called Chora.

It is one of the largest towns in the Cyclades and the island’s main port. 

Start exploring Parikia by strolling along the coast from the port to the windmill roundabout. 

7. Historic monuments in parikia

Parikia’s historical center is a compact, walkable maze of cobblestone backstreets.

This pedestrian-only area is great for wandering freely and immerse yourself in the charming Cycladic ambiance.

The best things to see in Parikia include the Venetian castle, a picturesque passage in Arhilohos Street, or this picturesque church close to the Pirate bar. 

8. Underrated Wine Region

Did you know that there are vineyards on Paros? Greek wines are not as well-known as French wines, but Greece has quite a few small wine regions throughout the country.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, joining the Paros wine tour is a perfect opportunity to taste local wines and explore the hidden vineyards.

The best way to learn more about wine culture in Paros is on a tour. Book a wine tasting in Paros here!

9. delicious (vegan) Greek food

One of the highlights of traveling to Greece is definitely Greek cuisine! 

Most Greek dishes aren’t naturally vegan, but you can find a few!

For example, a popular fava bean spread originates from the Cyclades. It is delicious and vegan! 

Greek salad can be vegan if you omit the cheese. Fresh tomatoes, olives, and olive oil make for a delicious and refreshing meal.

I absolutely loved the Mouragio Tavern in Parikia. The romantic waterfront and sunset view seating combined with a delicious vegan moussaka. 

Also, I suggest Distrato in the historical center of Parikia for breakfast or a casual meal.

10. Picturesque Mountain Village Lefkes

Lefkes, the first capital of Paros, is located in the island’s center, 18 km from Parikia.

This mountain village is a quintessential Cycladic destination. Small and pedestrian-friendly, the best way to experience Lefkes is by getting lost in its charming streets and scenic views.

Many people visit Lefkes on a day trip from Parikia or Naoussa, as there is a regular bus service connecting the villages.

Alternatively, you can spend a night in Lefkes, and have the whole village to yourself once the daytrippers leave.

Plan your trip according to the bus schedule, and check it on the KTEL website.

11. the oldest hiking trail: Byzantine road from Lefkes to Promodos

If you like hiking, I suggest combining a day trip to Lefkes with a hike on the Byzantine road.

Byzantine road is the oldest trail on the island, and it is paved with Parian marble to this day!

The hike begins in Lefkes and ends in Promodos, with the option to continue to Piso Livadi beach.

The 3.5 km trail to Promodos is mostly downhill and takes about an hour to complete.

To return to Parikia or Naoussa, you can take a bus. Remember to plan your return as buses don’t frequently pass through Promodos and check the schedule on the KTEL website.

12. unusual Kolymbithres beach

The north of Paros is home to many beaches, but Kolymbithres Beach, just 4 km from Naoussa, stands out as one of the island’s most unique.

Unlike Paros’s sandy beaches, this spot features small coves between large rocks, reminiscent of the impressive rock formations on Milos.

You can visit the beach even if you come to Paros without a car by bike, bus, or a taxi boat from Naoussa.

13. lively fishing villages

The best part about beaches in Paros is that many are in close proximity to traditional fishing villages, allowing you to combine beach days with sightseeing.

After a morning on the beach, take refuge from the midday sun in a cozy Greek taverna in Piso Livadi or Aliki.

14. easy Acess to Antiparos

Antiparos is one of the most popular day trips from Paros. 

To get to Antiparos from Paros, take a bus to Pounta and then a ferry to Antiparos. A ferry ride takes around 5 minutes. Check the up-to-date ferry schedule here. 

You can also join an Antiparos boat tour, where you’ll get to visit Chora and all the best beaches!

The city center of Antiparos is small and lovely, with pink bougainvillea trees shading the terraces. 

If you love seeing natural wonders, there is an impressive cave on the island you can visit.

Otherwise, you can choose between many beaches, and spend your day in Antiparos swimming. 

15. you can sail the small Cyclades

If you want to get a taste of sailing the Cyclades without committing to spending days on a boat, book a boat day trip from Paros to cruise the Small Cyclades. 

This group of islands is located in the south of Naxos. Usually, a boat trip consists of visiting a couple of islands and swimming on the best beaches in the area. 

This full-day Small Cyclades Sailing Cruise takes you from Paros to Iraklia and Schinoussa. You will sail with a small group and the trip includes swimming in hidden beaches, snorkeling, lunch, and delicious Greek wine.

⛵ Check prices and availability for the Small Cyclades Sailing Cruise!

16. short ferry ride to Naxos

There is a never-ending debate about whether you should visit Paros or Naxos.

But why choose? I say, see them both! 

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, well known for its beautiful sandy beaches.

If you are visiting on a day trip from Paros, you will have enough time to explore Naxos Chora and spend some time swimming on one of the sandy beaches. 

Check the schedule, and compare the prices of different operators
for the Paros-Naxos line on the Ferryhopper website!

17. Easy Access to Mykonos

Finally, if you were not convinced by Naoussa and you want to see Mykonos, it is just a one-hour ferry ride away!

Yes, you can visit Mykonos on a day trip from Paros. During summer, there are multiple daily ferries connecting Mykonos and Paros.

Usually, there should be a ferry that leaves Paros in the morning around 8 a.m. and one that comes back at night around 9 p.m.