Naxos Or Paros: Which Is Better To Visit In 2026
Are you planning a trip to the Cyclades and wondering if you should add Naxos or Paros to your itinerary?
I know it is hard to choose which one to visit as these two neighboring islands have as many similarities as differences!
I spent time on both Naxos and Paros when island hopping in the Cyclades.
I loved the charming towns and villages of Paros, the authentic beauty of Naxos Chora, and the island’s untouched nature.
If you’re short on time and can only visit one, here is everything you need to know to help you decide whether you should visit Paros or Naxos.
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Difference between Naxos and Paros
The main difference between Paros and Naxos is that Naxos offers a more authentic Greek island experience, while Paros is more of an idyllic holiday destination.
Still, they also have many similarities and you might not need to visit both if you’re short on time.
Both Islands
- Both Paros and Naxos are significantly cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini in high-season
- You’ll find picturesque corners, white-washed houses, and vibrant pink flower trees on both islands
- If you’re on a summer holiday, you’ll find beautiful beaches on both islands
Paros Overview
- Parikia and Naoussa are the two main Paros towns, unlike Naxos which only has one main town
- Paros is a smaller island, and it is easier to explore without a car
- Paros nightlife is superior to Naxos nightlife, which is better suited for a relaxing holiday
Naxos Overview
- Naxos is a large island with mountains in the center and excellent hiking trails
- Beaches in Naxos are considered the most beautiful among the Cyclades, especially popular among families
- There are many places to get away from the crowds in Naxos, but it can also feel too quiet
Paros Or Naxos: Which Is Easier To Reach?
Winner: Paros is slightly easier to reach
If you’re wondering where is Paros or Naxos, they are neighboring islands!
It is easy to reach both by ferry or plane, as they both have a ferry port and a small domestic airport.
Taking a ferry
Taking a ferry is the most common way to reach the islands. You can take a ferry from Athens or other Cycladic islands.
Paros is the closest Cyclade to Athens, and it is the first stop on a ferry route from Athens. If you’re taking a ferry to Naxos, the ferry will make a quick stop in Paros before continuing to Naxos.
It takes about an hour longer to reach Naxos from Athens compared to Paros.
If you’re island hopping the Cyclades, you can easily reach both islands from the neighboring islands of Santorini, Mykonos, or Ios.
Ferry ticket prices don’t change as the travel date approaches, but they can sell out in high season, so book in advance to make sure you have your spot reserved!
Taking a flight
If you want to fly to Naxos or Paros, you can do so from Athens. International flights don’t land at either airport.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the islands by plane. As these are small planes, you’ll have to pay additionally for luggage, so it’s a good idea to pack in a personal item only you can take on board.
Naxos has several daily flights connecting the island to Athens.
Paros also has several daily flights to Athens, but you can also fly to the island from Thessaloniki and Heraklion in the summer months.
One of the advantages of backpacking Europe in summer is that the islands are easier to reach, with more daily connections to the mainland and other islands.
Paros vs. Naxos: Sightseeing and cultural attractions
Winner: Both have plenty of things to do!
When I’m deciding which place to visit, the variety of things to do is the main deciding factor.
Luckily, both Paros and Naxos offer plenty of things to do and interesting places to see!
Best things to do in Paros
Parikia and Naoussa are the main towns of Paros, and they should be on your Paros itinerary.
As you stroll the cobblestone streets of Parikia, you’ll get to see the 4th-century Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the “Church of 100 doors” and 13th-century Frankish Castle built during the Venetian times.
To learn more about the history of this area, head to the Archeological Museum of Paros.
Naoussa is a charming fishing village, perfect for strolling around and admiring the
If you like to explore ancient ruins, Mycenaean Acropolis close to Naoussa is an interesting place to visit.
Lefkes is a picturesque village in the center of the island and a starting point of the ancient Byzantine Road.
Best things to do in Naxos
The main town of Naxos is Naxos Chora. That is where you’ll see the stunning Temple of Apollo on the tiny island of Palatia.
At the top of the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town, you’ll find Kastro.
You can visit 4 museums in Naxos Chora and learn more about Antic Greece and the period of Venetian rule over the island.
A visit to 3 mountain villages is one of the most popular Naxos day trips. These three small villages are Halki, Filoti, and Apiranthos.
The Kouros are one of the most unique things to see in Naxos. These giant unfinished marble statues are free to visit so they should be on your itinerary.
Naxos vs Paros: Beaches
Winner: Naxos has better beaches
Let me preface this by saying that I’m not the biggest fan of sandy beaches where you can walk forever with water up to your knees. However, I can see the appeal and beauty of long, white-sand beaches.
That being said, there are only sand beaches on both islands.
I liked the beaches on both islands equally. The water was clean and surprisingly crystal clear.
Some say Naxos is worth visiting solely for the beaches, as they are some of the best in Greece. If you want quick access to the beach, the main beach in Naxos is right in the city center.
For the best beaches in Paros, you can walk, take a car, bus, or a quick boat taxi from both Naoussa and Parikia.
From both islands, you can also take a boat trip to more remote beaches if you want to escape the crowds.
Paros Vs. Naxos: Day Trips
Winner: Both, but Naxos is closer to more islands for day trips
Since Naxos and Paros are just 10km apart, it is possible to take the same day trips from both islands.
Sure, some places will be easier to reach from Paros or Naxos, depending on where they’re located.
For example, Mykonos and UNESCO site Delos are closer to Naxos, but you can join a tour from Paros as well.
The Small Cyclades are a group of islands close to Naxos, and a sailing trip from Naxos to one of them is a great way to experience sailing the Cyclades without paying the hefty price for one.
One of the best things about staying on Paros is how easily you can go on an Antiparos boat trip and explore two islands instead of just one.
Taking a ferry from Paros to Antiparos is one of the most popular Paros day trips.
Paros Vs. Naxos: Nature And Hiking
Winner: Naxos has more hiking trails
I love hiking, so I always look for interesting trails to discover when traveling! Granted, not in the summer months when the sun is scorching and there’s no shade.
Naxos is home to Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades at 1003m. The island offers many interesting trails connecting the villages, leading to caves, and offering amazing views.
The most popular hike in Paros is the Byzantine Road connecting Lefkes to Prodromos. It is a 1000-year-old road paved with marble, and it is about a 6km long round trip.
Naxos Or Paros: Without A Car
WInner: It is easier to get around Paros without a car
You can easily visit both islands without a car!
However, Paros has a slightly better public transportation network, especially is you’re staying in Parikia.
The bus network in Paros connects virtually every village with the capital of Parikia. Bus tickets are affordable, and you can easily plan your day around the bus schedule.
I hired a car in Naxos for a day, as I found it complicated to do more day trips in the same day to the center of the island by bus. Also, the price of renting a car in Naxos was quite affordable.
You don’t need a car in Naxos. There are plenty of buses on the island, mostly from Naxos Chora to nearby beaches.
However, buses to mountain villages aren’t very frequent, and it can get quite boring if you’re stuck in a tiny village for 2 hours waiting for the next bus.
An alternative to renting a car is joining an organized tour, and both islands offer numerous daily tours.
Paros Or Naxos: Nightlife
Winner: Paros has the best nightlife
Paros is the clear winner when it comes to nightlife. Even Naxos locals take a ferry over to Paros on Friday and Saturday nights.
Naoussa is the center of nightlife in Paros. Charming cobblestone streets are lined with upscale cocktail bars.
As the night progresses many turn into dance clubs. Parikia has plenty of bars to enjoy too, but it is more laid back than Naoussa.
If you’re solo backpacking the Cyclades, you’ll have more fun backpacking Paros than Naxos. There aren’t any hostels in Naxos, while there is one backpacker hostel in Paros.
As a solo traveler, making new friends at hostel is a great way to have someone to go out with for drinks or activities.
While Paros is better known for nightlife, there are many bars in Naxos Town along the seafront and hidden in the winding streets of Naxos Chora.
Paros Vs. Naxos: Vegan Restaurants
Winner: There were more vegan options in Paros
As a big foodie, I often make travel decisions based on vegan offers at my travel destinations. If you’re vegan, you know it can often be hard to travel as a vegan.
The HappyCow App is one of my most used travel apps and one of the first I check as soon as I book a flight (sometimes even before!)
Despite the absence of fully vegan restaurants, I didn’t find it too challenging to be vegan in the Cyclades and Greece in general.
Greek cuisine offers plenty of plant-based dishes as they are traditionally eaten during the lent.
Nearly every restaurant had some vegan options, mainly side dishes, and appetizers. I loved the Fava bean spread that is accidentally vegan and a local specialty.
As a junk food lover, mushroom gyros were one of my favorite things to see on a menu. The best one in Paros was in Allas Souvlaki, while the best one in Naxos was in Yasouvlaki.
For vegan fine dining, I loved vegan moussaka in Mouragio, Parikia.
Paros Vs. Naxos: Accommodation
Winner: Both islands have plenty of options!
There’s no shortage of accommodation on both islands. From budget-friendly apartments to boutique hotels, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Where to stay in Paros?
Generally, the best place to stay in Paros is Parikia or Naoussa, especially if you don’t rent a car.
These two towns are well connected to the rest of the islands and offer plenty of things to do.
KOKOON
The best mid-range option in Parikia is KOKOON. It has boutique hotel vibes with beautiful decorations, and a secluded private terrace to enjoy on hot summer nights.
Madaky Hotel
The best mid-range option in Naoussa is Madaky Hotel where I stayed and absolutely loved it! It is located right next to the beginning of the pedestrian zone, so it is quiet at night and super close for walking home after a night out.
Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel
If you want to treat yourself, look no further than the Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel in the center of Naoussa.
Where to stay in Naxos?
The best place to stay in Naxos is Naxos Chora, especially if you don’t have a car. It is the most lively city, right next to the beach and many tourist attractions.
Soula Naxos
I stayed in the Soula Naxos Hotel and absolutely loved it! It was just a few steps away from the beach, affordable, clean, and tastefully decorated.
Blue Heart Luxury Suites
If you’re looking for something more upscale, look no further than Blue Heart Luxury Suites. These studios are right on the beachfront, beautifully decorated, and offer incredible service!
Is Naxos or Paros cheaper?
Winner: Naxos is a slightly cheaper island
Finally, if you’re traveling on a budget or backpacking around the Cyclades, you’ll want to know if is Naxos cheaper than Paros.
I found prices in Naxos to be slightly cheaper than in Paros. However, you can expect prices to be very comparable for the most part.
The average restaurant and accommodation prices are similar, but you can find better quality accommodation for the same price in Naxos.
Naoussa is the most expensive area in Paros and increases the average cost of traveling in Paros. That is where you’ll find boutique hotels, fine dining, and upscale cocktail bars.
However, Paros prices are much lower and similar to those in Naxos if you stay in Parikia.
Should You Visit Both Naxos And Paros?
Yes! There are just about 10 km and a 40-minute ferry ride between Paros and Naxos, so it is totally possible and worth visiting both.
These Cycladic islands have pretty much the same weather, so you can enjoy the beaches, activities, and day trips.
At the same time, they have a completely different vibe.
If you’re short on time, you don’t need to spend a night on both islands. If you decide to stay in Paros, you can easily go on a boat trip from Paros to Naxos and the other way around.
FAQ
Both islands are particularly picturesque, but Paros is where you’ll find more Instagram-worthy spots. Naoussa, with its white-washed houses and seafront bars, is one of the most beautiful towns in the Cyclades. Naxos offers a more rugged,
Naxos has more beautiful beaches, while Paros has more beautiful towns. The wide, sandy beaches of Naxos are perfect for those who like spending time on the beach. Small towns in Paros, like Naoussa and Lefkes, are perfect to stroll around.
Certain areas of Paros can feel more touristy than Naxos. Naoussa in Paros is the most popular and visited town on both islands. It is a small town, so it can quickly feel very busy. Naxos is a larger island with plenty of places to escape the crowds and enjoy the beaches and nature.
Both islands are great for couples. Naxos is a larger island with numerous quiet villages and beaches to spend time with your partner. Naoussa in Paros is a great option for a honeymoon destination, as it is the most elegant and romantic town in Paros.
Summary: Naxos Or Paros: Which Is Better?
I loved both Paros and Naxos, and I suggest you visit both islands if you have time. Each island has a different vibe and offers excellent experiences.
So, which is better Paros or Naxos?
If you can only visit one, as a solo female backpacker, Paros would be my first choice.
Paros is better if you care about nightlife, picturesque villages, and beaches. It is great for day trips, and there are plenty of things to do in Paros.
Naxos is better if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy hiking and wandering ancient archeological sites.
Beaches in Naxos are well known as the best among the Cyclades, but if you want to enjoy the nightlife and don’t care about hiking or ancient villages, you won’t miss out if you only visit Paros beaches.
Finally, you can easily visit the other island on a day trip and experience both regardless of where you decide to stay.
