Paros rewards travelers who explore beyond the beach. Between its two characterful towns, a string of good beaches, a gorgeous inland marble village, and an easy boat trip to a neighboring island, there's enough to fill a relaxed few days. It's an island that's stylish without being demanding, and its pleasures are the unhurried kind. This guide rounds up the best things to do in Paros for a first-timer.
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1. Wander Naoussa
Paros's most charming spot, Naoussa centers on a picturesque old fishing harbor where colorful boats bob beside seafood tavernas, beneath the remains of a Venetian fort. Behind the waterfront, a maze of whitewashed lanes is full of boutiques, bars, and restaurants. It's lovely by day and lively by evening — the place to have dinner and a drink and soak up the island's stylish-but-relaxed mood.
2. Explore Parikia and the Church of 100 Doors
The capital and ferry hub, Parikia, has a pleasant old town behind its waterfront and one of Greece's most important early Byzantine churches, the Panagia Ekatontapyliani — the "Church of 100 Doors" — well worth a visit. Wander the lanes, browse the shops, and enjoy a waterfront coffee.
3. Hit the beaches
Paros has beaches for every mood. Kolymbithres, near Naoussa, is famous for its smooth, sculpted granite rock formations creating little coves. Golden Beach and New Golden Beach on the southeast coast are long sandy stretches popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are also quieter coves around the island to discover with a car or ATV.
4. Visit the village of Lefkes
Up in the hills, Lefkes is Paros's most beautiful inland village — a former capital of marble-paved lanes, whitewashed houses, and churches, with views over the green interior. It's a peaceful, atmospheric escape from the coast and a window into traditional island life, with good tavernas for a village lunch.
5. Take a boat trip to Antiparos
Just across a narrow channel, the small, laid-back island of Antiparos makes an easy and rewarding day trip — a short ferry ride to a charming little town, good beaches, and a famous cave with impressive stalactites. It's a relaxed, low-key counterpoint to Paros, beloved by those in the know.
6. Try windsurfing
Paros is one of Greece's top spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the reliable summer winds on the southeast coast around Golden Beach. Whether you're experienced or want a lesson, the schools and rental spots make it easy to get on the water — a fun, active addition to a beach day.
7. Enjoy the food and evenings
Paros has a strong dining scene, especially the seafood tavernas around Naoussa's old harbor and stylish modern spots throughout. Evenings here strike a lovely balance — lively and social without the intensity of Mykonos. A long waterfront dinner followed by a drink in Naoussa's lanes is the quintessential Paros evening.
Fitting it together
A relaxed few days on Paros: explore Naoussa's harbor and lanes with dinner there on the first evening; spend a beach day at Kolymbithres or Golden Beach; and devote time to Parikia, the village of Lefkes, or a boat trip to Antiparos. Add windsurfing if you're active. Paros is easygoing and walkable, so don't over-schedule — its charm is in the unhurried pace.
How long you need for Paros
Paros is easygoing, so it doesn't demand a long stay, but it rewards an unhurried one. In two days you can enjoy Naoussa's harbor and lanes with dinner there, plus a beach day at Kolymbithres or Golden Beach — the island's essentials. A third day lets you add Parikia and the Church of 100 Doors, the inland village of Lefkes, or a relaxed boat trip to Antiparos without rushing. Active travelers can fit in a windsurfing session on the southeast coast. Because Paros is a major ferry hub, it also works beautifully as a two-or-three-night anchor in a wider Cyclades hop — long enough to feel the island's charm, short enough to leave time for Naxos or Mykonos. Don't over-schedule it: Paros's appeal is the relaxed, stylish pace, so leave room for a long harbor dinner and an aimless wander through Naoussa's lanes.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Paros?
Wander Naoussa's harbor and lanes, explore Parikia and the Church of 100 Doors, enjoy beaches like Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, visit the marble village of Lefkes, and take a boat trip to neighboring Antiparos.
Is Naoussa worth visiting in Paros?
Yes — it's the island's most charming spot, with a picturesque old fishing harbor, seafood tavernas, and a maze of boutique-lined lanes that come alive in the evening. It's the highlight of Paros for many.
Is Antiparos worth a day trip?
Definitely — a short ferry across the channel reaches a charming, laid-back island with a pretty town, good beaches, and a famous cave. It's an easy, rewarding day trip from Paros.
Is Paros good for windsurfing?
Yes — it's one of Greece's top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, thanks to reliable summer winds on the southeast coast around Golden Beach, with schools and rentals for all levels.
What is the village of Lefkes?
Lefkes is Paros's most beautiful inland village — a former capital of marble-paved lanes, whitewashed houses, and churches in the green hills, offering a peaceful escape and good tavernas for a village lunch.
