Paros Island Travel Guide

Are you planning your next vacation and looking for a perfect destination? Greek island Paros might be your ideal place if you are looking for beautiful beaches, rich history, great cuisine, and incredible sights.

Paros is located in the middle of the famous Cyclades island group. Without a doubt, Paros is not as famous as its neighbouring islands of Mykonos and Santorini. However, it can rival them in practically every category. From sandy beaches to wild nightlife parties Paros has a lot to offer to his visitors.

If this gets your blood pumping, we have what you need.
Paros island travel guide with everything you need to know to plan your next vacation.

Getting to Paros island

Don’t worry, Paros is quite easy to reach by plane or by ferry. There are regular and daily connections from Athens and other islands to Paros.

Furthermore, we will explain how to get to Paros island in the easiest way possible.

By plane

If you are looking for the fastest way to reach Paros island then we recommend getting there by plane. 

Paros National Airport is located 9 kilometres south of the main city of Parikia, in the region of Aliki. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to pretty much anywhere on the island.

Normally, flights from Athens International Airport are the only regular flights to Paros. Nonetheless, during the summer Paros airport receives many direct flights to Paros from abroad. Flights from other Greek airports, such as Heraklion and Thessaloniki, are also more frequent during the summer.

Alternatively, you can take a flight to airports in Santorini or Mykonos and then take a ferry to Paros port in Parikia.

By ferry

If you prefer a boat ride rather than flying to Paros, we have good news.
Paros ferry port in Parikia is well connected to other islands of the Cyclades archipelago and Athens. 

Ferries from Athens to Paros are frequent and last about 3 to 6 hours depending on the type of ferry. Both Athens’ ports, Piraeus and Rafina offer ferry departures for Paros, so you can choose between the two.
The price of a ferry from Athens to Paros goes from 30 to 50 euros.

Ferries from other islands, such as Naxos, Ios, Mykonos, and Santorini to Paros port run daily. Additionally, the island is also connected with Heraklion port in Crete during the summer. Without a doubt, Paros is one of the most easily accessible islands in Greece by ferry.

Getting around Paros island

Finally, you have arrived on the island and now you are ready to explore. There are a few different ways you can get around Paros island.

Below you will find useful information about public transport, taxis, car rentals, and other transportation options on Paros island.

By bus

Paros’ bus system is well organized and you can use it to get to most beaches and towns on the island. Bus ticket prices on Paros range from 1,80€ to 4€, which makes it the cheapest way of getting around the island.

The main bus stations are in Parikia and Naoussa. From there you can take routes to inland villages like Lefkes or to beaches like Santa Maria. Even so, the buses get quite crowded during the high season in July and August, so have this in mind.

For more information about the Paros bus timetables, tickets, etc. check out the official carrier timetable.

By taxi

In contrast to the buses, a taxi is a more convenient, but also a more expensive option. You can find many taxis in Paros in popular places on the island, such as Parikia and Naoussa port.
However, it might be better to book them beforehand by calling or online!
Another tip is to keep the mobile phone number of the driver that you fancy, in case you will need a ride later on.

Paros taxi numbers: 0030 694 4540 556, 0030 694 4668 331 or 0030 699 9450 800

By car or motorcycle

Hands down the best way of exploring Paros island is with your car or a motorcycle. Driving at your own pace and discovering the most secluded places on the island is priceless.

Despite this, rental car prices on Paros are affordable. You can rent a car for less than 20€ a day! 
Nevertheless, demand for car rentals on Paros gets high during the summer months. Because of that make sure you book your car beforehand.

If you are island hopping, don’t forget that you can take your car or motorbike with you on a ferry

By bicycle 

There are many routes and places that you can visit by bicycle on Paros. Firstly, Paros is not as steep as other Cycladic islands. Secondly, the ring road around the island covers the majority of settlements and points of interest easily. Therefore, cycling around the island is enjoyable.

Even so, make sure you always have a bottle of water and a snack with you. It gets really hot, especially during the summer period, when the sun is quite warm.

Weather on Paros island

Weather on Paros island is typically the Mediterranean, with warm, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters.

The Meltemi, a persistent cool and dry wind from the north, blows from late spring to early autumn. Because of Meltemi, the maximum temperature remains almost always below 30 °C (86 °F), even in the hottest periods.

Precipitation on the island is not abundant and most of it falls from October to March. It should be noted, in summer it almost never rains. During the summer most days are sunny with blue skies, while during the winter clouds often prevail.

Sights on Paros island

This beautiful island is a true delight to explore. Many sights from different eras of history can be found next to each other. Ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire, Venetians, Ottomans, and Mother Nature. All of them left their mark on Paros.
Below you can find some of the most interesting sights to see on Paros.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani 

Panagia Ekantontapiliani literally means the church with 100 doors. According to tradition, the church has 99 doors and a secret door will open when the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople will be Orthodox again. However, in reality, the church has nowhere near 100 doors.
Nonetheless, Ekantontapiliani is one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece and a must-see sight when in Parikia.

Agios Konstantinos Church

Paros Agios Konstantinos Church is one of the most important monuments on the island. This architectural masterpiece is located on the seaside near Parikia village. The church’s exterior practically invites you to take pictures in front of it, and the view is nothing less than spectacular. The interior is decorated with a unique mixture of wood, marble, and murals which is hard to replicate.

Park of Paros

The Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros was established in 2009 to preserve the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula.

The total area of the Park is 800 hectares and includes caves, fascinating rock formations, and beautiful bays. You can experience this beautiful scenery by hiking across the 3 charted walking paths, which are suitable for all ages. Walking path 1 takes you to the Cape Corakas Lighthouse which has some of the best sunsets on the island.

From July to October, many cultural and sports events are organized in the Park. For movie lovers, the open-air cinema “Cine Enastron” is located in the park. For music lovers, many concerts of different genres are organized throughout the summer.

The park is free to enter and open 24-hours a day throughout the year.

Agios Ioannis Detis church

Known for its blue-coloured dome and an epic view of Naoussa Bay, the church of Agios Ioannis Detis attracts many visitors every year.

The church is estimated to have been established in the 17th century and has since gone through many tribulations. 
Today, the area surrounding the church has become part of the Park of Paros. Consequently, the area is home to rare flora and fauna species. Along with that, the area around the church also includes facilities such as a cafeteria, sports & recreation area, etc.

Naoussa Venetian Castle

The Venetian Castle is located in the port of Naoussa and it is the most characteristic landmark of this town. The fortress was built in the 15th century by Venetians and it was originally used as a watchtower.
Today only half of this fort survives and it is connected to the land by a small path. 

Ancient marble quarries

Paros used to be known for its high-quality white marble. The marble was so good that the term “Parian” was used to describe marble and china of similar quality. Today, as a reminder of those ancient times, abandoned Marathi Marble Quarries can be found on the island

Parian marble was used to carve some of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture. Some of the most notable statues include the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Medici Venus, and the Venus de Milo.

Butterfly Valley Nature Reserve

The valley of butterflies is Paros’ hidden gem. This unique natural site on Paros can be found just 7 kilometres from Parikia, near the monastery of Agios Arsenios. From late May to late July, and again in September, you can see a large amount of Jersey Tiger Moth butterflies here. Distinctive for their wonderful brown-black coloring with yellowish extremities, these butterflies can only be seen in a few places in the world.

To enter the valley, you will have to pay a small admittance fee.

Museums

Due to its rich history and strong tradition, Paros has a lot of museums.

Here is a list of the most noteworthy museums on Paros:

• In Parikia, you should visit the Archaeological Museum of Paros. The museum hosts many findings from the Neolithic to the early Christian times. All of them were excavated on Paros and Antiparos islands. Nike (Victory) of Paros and the marble statue of Mermaid Gorgo are the most famous exhibits.
• Also in Parikia is the Byzantine Museum of Ekatontapiliani in Paros. The Museum is housed within the Ekatontapiliani Church. It displays church artwork, silver and metal findings, religious amphorae, wood carvings, and other objects from the Byzantine Era.
• In the centre of the mountainous village of Marpissa, you will find a small but very interesting museum.
  The Byzantine Art Gallery of Marpissa exhibits many religious findings from the Byzantine and the Post-Byzantine times. Most importantly, an old epitaph from the Monastery of Agios Antonios in Kastro and holy icons from the 15th and the 16th century.
• The Paros Folklore Art Museum is located in the mountainous village of Lefkes, the original capital of Paros. There you will be taken back to the Parian past and truly experience the soul of the island. All of the exhibits inside of the museum were donated by the locals and they include various everyday objects.
• Last but not least, is the museum located on the south of the island, in the village of Aliki.
  The Museum of Cycladic Folklore in Aliki exhibits beautiful handmade miniatures created by an ordinary fisherman Benetos Skiadas. Skiadas used only materials from Cycladic land and had no drafts or instruments while creating these magnificent miniatures.

Activities on Paros island

After you are done sightseeing, it’s time for some leisure activities. Paros has such a great variety of activities, that it is almost impossible to try all of them.

To make it easier for you, we have divided the activities into water activities and nature activities.

Water activities

Above all, Paros is a true paradise when it comes to water activities. There is an almost endless list of things to do in Paros.

For a start, you can rent a boat in Paros for a reasonable price and explore the Aegean sea on your own. There are options with and without a skipper, depending on your experience as a sailor.

Sailing around the Paros and surrounding Cycladic islands is a remarkable experience without a doubt. You can swim at beautiful remote beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear water of the Aegean Sea.

Snorkelling in general is a good idea on Paros. Clear waters, bays, capes, and reefs will leave you, literally, breathless.

Fishing is another activity to consider. Because of the insanely rich marine fauna, Paros has a long tradition of fishing and, even though the island is mostly touristic, some villages such as Piso Livadi remain fishing villages.

Scuba diving is quite popular on the island as well. There are many reefs, old wrecks, hidden caves, and uninhabited islets to explore.
In addition, scuba diving centres are located all around the island. Popular places to scuba dive are Golden Beach, Santa Maria, Naoussa, and Parikia. In the centres, you can rent your equipment if you are experienced or take a diving course.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing are very popular activities on the Paros also. Wind conditions are perfect for them and Paros is world-famous for it. Hence there are kitesurfing and windsurfing centres around the island. However, two beaches are worth pointing out. 
For windsurfing, Golden Beach is a place to go to. The beach is fully organized offering plenty of windsurfing facilities, gear, and courses for everyone.
For kitesurfing, the best beach is Pounda Bay beach across the Antiparos.

There is also a water park in Naoussa. There you can spend a day having fun on the slides and enjoying the drinks.

Nature activities

While water activities are highly popular in Paros, not everyone enjoys them as much. We gathered the best nature activities for those who would rather spend some time exploring the nature of the island.

Hiking across the island on the Byzantine road and visiting the mountainous village of Lefkes is highly recommended. The Byzantine road is the oldest trail on the island, dating back to the Byzantine period around 1000 AD. The trail, which is paved with Parian marble and 3,5 kilometres long, connects Lefkes to Prodromos.
Besides Byzantine road, Paros park is a great place to go hiking. There are 3 walking paths which you can take to explore the Park.

Horseback riding across Paros is a novel way to experience the island. Indeed, riding these proud animals to places where cars can’t reach is a sure way to create lasting memories.
During the summer, if the weather permits it, you can even dip in the sea while on your horse! There are several riding centres on the island. 

You don’t like to walk, and horseback riding isn’t really exciting for you.
There is one more way you can explore the island.

Cycling is another great way to explore Paros and remote parts of the island. Bicycles can be rented around the island, either for the day or by the hour. 
There are numerous cycling roads, some more difficult than others. The main ring road around the island is relatively easy and changes in altitude are not that noticeable. On the other hand, uphill routes that go inland can be quite a challenge for some.

Yoga in Paros is quite common and there are multiple centres around the island. Most of them offer different yoga classes for beginners so you can give it a try if you haven’t already. For those who are already committed to practising yoga, there are also various yoga retreats.

Best beaches on Paros

Paros is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Not only are they beautiful, but they also come in various kinds. From well-organized sandy beaches perfect for relaxation to more secluded, rocky beaches for adventurous kinds. Paros has it all.

Depending on your preference, we are sure you will find at least one that finds your needs.

To help you find your perfect place under the sun, we have gathered our list of best beaches on Paros.

Golden Beach

Chrissi Akti or Golden beach is one of the crowd’s favourite beaches on Paros. This golden sand beach is more than 700 meters long and has ideal wind conditions for windsurfing.

Owing to this, every August the Professional Windsurfing World Cup is organized on this beach. If you are interested in learning windsurfing, this beach has everything you need.

Besides windsurfing, it offers facilities for leisure activities as well.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria beach has golden sand, crystal clear water, and a beautiful view of Naxos island. 

It is fully organized and has everything you need to have a great time! You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and have a drink if that is your thing. If you are looking for adventurous things to do, there are water sports facilities for windsurfing, scuba diving, paddle boats, etc. 

Santa Maria is among the most popular and crowded beaches on the island because of the camping site nearby. If you want to have some quiet time and relax, maybe another beach would suit you better.

Fargas

On the southern part of the island, near Aliki village, is the beautiful Fargas beach.

Fargas is mostly unorganized, except for a lovely beach bar where you can have lunch or drinks. The water on this beach is among the cleanest and it offers a great chance to explore it by snorkelling.

Pounda Bay

Pounda Bay beach is among the biggest kitesurfing locations on all of the Cyclades. If you want to learn to kitesurf, you can take a kitesurfing course on the beach. 

Don’t confuse Pounda Bay beach and Pounda beach with the famous beach bar on the east side of the island! Pounda Bay is situated right across Antiparos. Ferries from Pounda Bay connect the two islands.

Monastiri

Monastiri Beach is located in Agios Ioannis Bay. Hence the second name is the beach of the monastery of Agios Ioannis.

This lovely beach is ideal for families with children because of the soft sand and shallow waters.
It is well organized with many facilities. During the summer, many concerts and parties are held on the beach. This often attracts yachts that moor in the bay.

Kolymbithres

Probably the most famous beach on the island is Kolymbithres. Kolymbithres means swimming pools, alluding to the small coves divided by huge granite rocks. 

This strange and unique beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Besides the natural beauty, bars can be found on the way to the beach. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas on some parts of the beach.

Unsurprisingly, the beach gets quite crowded during the peak season

Day trips from Paros island

Paros offers a perfect chance for island hopping.
Being in the middle of the Aegean sea and close to many other islands is an ideal setup.

Below we will give you our favourite picks of places to visit from Paros.

Antiparos

Only a single nautical mile west of Paros is his sister island, Antiparos.

Antiparos is the smaller, calmer, and more traditional of the two islands. In addition to this, Antiparos is full of secluded beaches such as Soros, Panagia, and Agios Georgis.
The ferry ride from Paros to Antiparos takes around 10 minutes and departures are every hour. For these reasons, this tranquil island is a perfect single-day getaway from Paros.

Chora is the capital village in Antiparos. Most of the bars, taverns, and markets on the island are in Chora. One of the main sights of the island, the Venetian castle surrounded by a fortress is also located in Chora.

The most famous sight on the island is located on its southeastern side. The cave of Antiparos is a natural wonder full of stalactites and stalagmites which form unique and stunning shapes. The oldest stalagmite in the cave is around 45 million years old.

Santorini

It would be hard to omit Santorini from any list of places to visit in Greece. This beautiful island is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world for a reason. A massive volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. created Santorini and its Caldera. Even though it is sleeping, the volcano is still active. You can find evidence of its activity in hot springs on the island.

Santorini Caldera is the only inhabited caldera in the world today. Caldera villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli are incredibly picturesque. Traditional Cycladic white and blue houses combined with magical sunsets are truly breathtaking.

The most popular beach on Santorini is Red beach. Its name came from the unique colour of its rock and sand.
There are many more things to do and places to explore on Santorini. For that reason, we compiled a list of the top things to do on Santorini.

The ferry ride from Paros to Santorini normally lasts from 2 hours to 4 hours. The ticket cost starts from 20€. 

Naxos

East of Paros and only a 30 minutes ferry ride away is the largest Cycladic island.
Naxos is a fascinating island. It has a unique mixture of beautiful beaches, imposing mountains, green valleys, and historical monuments.

Portara, an unfinished gate of a temple dedicated to Apollo, is a trademark of Naxos. It is the first sight of the island that you get as the ferry approaches the port.

Overlooking the island is the Mount of Zas. Zeus grew up on this mountain while being haunted by his father Kronos, according to Greek mythology. Mount Zas is the most popular hiking destination in Naxos. The peak is at an altitude of about 1,000 m (1,001-1,004 m).

On the coast, beneath the mountain, you can swim in crystal clear waters of the beautiful sandy beaches of Naxos. Naxos’ beaches, such as Plaka, are famous for their length and soft white sand.

Many more sights, monuments and natural wonders can be found in Naxos so be sure to give it a visit.

Mykonos

After Santorini, Mykonos is probably the second most popular Greek island. Similar to Santorini and Paros, Mykonos is full of traditional whitewashed and blue-domed churches. However, other things are behind the popularity of Mykonos.
“Ibiza of Greece” has a vivid nightlife and a party scene that won’t leave anyone feeling bored. During the day you can soak up the sun on Paradise and Super Paradise beaches. Later during the day, you should walk to the seafront and marvel at the sunset at Little Venice.

Crete, Delos, and other islands

Crete and other Cycladic islands such as Delos are also easily reachable by a ferry from a Paros port.

Delos is a Greek island and archaeological site near Mykonos. Absolutely a great place to explore if you are a fan of Greek history. It is also much quieter than its popular neighbour if you need a place to get away.

Crete is the largest Greek island and among the largest in the Mediterranean sea. It is also the most populous of the Greek islands. During the summer, there is a regular connection from Parikia port to Heraklion on Crete.

Nightlife on Paros island

Once the sun sets down, it’s time to party, and the nightlife in Paros doesn’t disappoint. You can find everything on Paros. From loud beach clubs with non-stop music to the quiet, by-the-sea bars that offer a terrific view of the Aegean sea. This contributed to Paros’ growing popularity among those seeking exciting nightlife and fun.

Most of the nightlife in Paros is located in the cosmopolitan towns of Parikia and Naoussa. 

Parikia has a beautiful seafront filled with different kinds of bars where you can enjoy a cocktail or two. Clubs with loud music where you can dance all night are located on top of the village.
The most famous club in Parikia is the Dubliner Irish Bar.

Naoussa is known as a centre of nightlife in Paros for a good reason. You can find countless small bars in the cobbled streets of the town. Bars cover all musical preferences, from mainstream Greek music to techno and r&b. We recommend the Linardo bar. Normally, they are open until the early morning hours, but working hours have changed since the COVID pandemic came.

The rest of the island is quieter and bars are restricted to seaside taverns and lounge bars. However, there is one exemption worth mentioning.

Pounda Beach is a massive party location where music practically never stops. Located on the southeastern side is the noisiest, most crowded, and craziest beach bar on the island. During the day, the atmosphere is more laidback, but during the night it gets pretty wild in Pounda beach bar.

Festivals & events on Paros island

Paros is a proud island that knows how to celebrate and they don’t hide it.
There are many festivals and events in Paros, especially during the summer. During the summer there is a festival practically every weekend, mostly celebrating the religious saints of the particular village. Traditional dishes, local wine, and music are always present during the celebrations which makes it hard not to have fun.

There are too many festivities on Paros to name them all, but we will list a few most interesting ones.

Cultural

Carnival in Naoussa is like no other carnival in Greece. During the two weeks of Apokries (or Carnival season), Naoussa celebrates its rich tradition and commemorates the heroes of the past. Accompanied by the music, groups of young men dance around the town. They are dressed in traditional costumes and clothing bedecked with silver and jewels. They also wear a “Prosopos”, a traditional, handmade mask, which is a little bit scary, to be honest.

The carnival season begins on the 17th of January, on the day of Agios Antonios. Festivities climax on the last Sunday of the carnival. If you are visiting Paros during the winter don’t miss it!

The Barbarossa Pirate Festival of Paros is organized every year in Naoussa, starting on the 23rd of August. This festival celebrates medieval times and the victory of locals against the Turkish pirate Barbarossa. During the festival, young people with masks and disguises reincarnate the pirates’ raids. Fireworks are thrown to represent the real medieval battles. After the parade, music, dancing, and drinking continues until dawn.

Festival in the Park has been organized by Park of Paros since 2009. From July to September, many events are organized throughout the Park. The main location of the festival is the open-air amphitheater Archilochos. The theatre was named after the great Parian poet and has excellent acoustics and a view of Naoussa bay. There are three main goals of ‘Festival in the Park’. Firstly, it promotes domestic and international artists. Secondly, it promotes quality events that enhance the cultural life of the island. Thirdly, it raises the ecological consciousness of residents and visitors.

The Festival of Karavolas at Lefkes is the folk festival held annually on the first Saturday after the 15th of August. The Festival is one of the largest events held at Lefkes and Paros as a whole. It has been organized for the past twenty-five years. Additionally, it should be noted that karavoles is a Parian expression for a large snail.
Many fantastic dishes are served during the festival. The main delicacy is the karavoles with skordalia (garlic sauce) and baked potatoes. There is also plenty of delicious local cheeses and wine. Clearly, the festival is a true delight for taste buds. 

Religious 

Epiphany is a national holiday and a continuation of the Christmas holidays. Cities around Greece are decorated and celebrate these holy days.
However, Epiphany is special in Paros because of Agiasmo ton Ydaton, or the blessing of the waters. At ports, stages are set and local priests throw a cross into the water. Brave, young swimmers jump into the cold Aegean sea and dive to find the Cross. Whoever finds the cross will have Theia Fotisi or the blessing of the water for the whole year. 

Easter is very special for the people of Paros and they certainly know how to show it. From Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday, the whole island sinks into an atmosphere of deep spirituality.
On Holy Friday the Deposition of Christ takes place. Service at Ai Yiorgis on Lagada hill is certain to awaken the emotions of all those attending.
At midnight on Holy Saturday, priests through the island shout the words Christos Anesti, or Christ is risen. Bells are ringing and fireworks are lighting up the sky, officially beginning the festive activities. Despite this, some churches on the island celebrate the resurrection of Christ in a deeply spiritual atmosphere with little celebration.

On Easter Sunday, the island is euphoric and celebrates Christ’s resurrection with dancing and traditional feasts of roasted lamb. In Naoussa, you can experience the Second Resurrection. Firecrackers and ships are firing, creating a unique atmosphere, during the procession of the icon of Panagia in Naoussa square. Nevertheless, that is not the end of the celebration.
On Easter Monday festivals are organized at various locations on the island.
Undoubtedly, Easter on Paros is truly different from anywhere else in the world, so don’t miss it.

The Feast of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August is another spectacle organized on the island. This event is synonymous with the Ekatontapiliani church, where thousands of devout Christians gather. After the liturgy, there is a procession of the Epitaph of the Virgin Mary. The procession walks along the coastal road of the traditional Parikia village. Everything comes to a climax in the evening when the music is playing and everyone is on the streets celebrating. A special moment is a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

Food & drinks on Paros island

Paros’ culinary scene is nothing short of spectacular. From traditional Greek cuisine to Mediterranean and international cuisine, there is a great diversity of choices on Paros.

Food

‘Tavernas’ that offer fresh and local traditional Greek dishes are everywhere on the island. Most of them have reasonable prices and very friendly service. 

Seafood lovers will enjoy Paros a lot! Paros is one of the best places in Greece when it comes to seafood. Owing to the fishing villages on the island, such as Piso Livadi and Aliki.
If you haven’t tried Greek seafood yet, you will quickly realize that it is truly exceptional. Grilled octopus and Gouna (or roasted mackerel) are must-eat.

Other than seafood, there are many more Greek specialities to try out while on Paros. Real gourmet delicacies are giant snails or karavoles.

You can also find many staples of Mediterranean cuisine. Olives and olive oil, different kinds of cheese, stuffed lamb, and moussaka come to mind.

There are high-end restaurants on Paros as well if you are looking for something fancier. The growth of the island has brought in many world-class chefs and restaurants to the island. Most of them are located in the towns of Parikia and Naoussa.

Rest assured that you will find something that suits your taste on Paros.

Drinks

If you are looking for a chance to taste some ‘Kala Krasia’, meaning excellent local wine, don’t worry. Paros has some of the best local wines on the Cyclades.
We recommend Moraitis winery, Asteras Paros winery, and Koukos Paros bar. In late August, you also have an opportunity to observe the local wine.

If you are more into spirits than wine, give ouzo a try. Ouzo is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Paros.

Shopping on Paros island

Paros has nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to shopping. It may not have the glamour and high-end shops of Paris, but you can find everything you need, and more.

As with most things in Paros, the main shopping locations are in the towns of Parikia and Naoussa.

Kastro, the old quarter of Parikia, is probably the best place to shop on the island. While roaming through the streets of Kastro, you will notice many boutiques, food stands, and souvenir shops, all in one place. True heaven on earth for shopaholics.

Check out Leto, if you are looking for a local, contemporary fashion brand. And visit Memories Jewelry if you are looking for handmade jewellery to take back home.

Accommodation on Paros island

As a true tourist location, Paros offers many different types of accommodations. You can choose from luxury hotels and villas to charming bed & breakfasts or camping sites on Paros.

Where to stay on Paros is a common question and the answer is it depends. The best area to stay in Paros depends on your budget and on what you are looking for.

If you want a lavish, cosmopolitan experience then Naoussa is the way to go.
However, if you are looking for an authentic Paros experience then smaller, seafront villages are better. Drios, Aliki, and Piso Livadi are a good choice. The most authentic Paros experience is probably in Lefkes. Despite this, its inland location away from the sea is not what most people are looking for.
Parikia is somewhere in the middle and offers decent budget accommodations.

Additionally, there are a few camping sites on the island if you want an alternative. Blue Aura and Captain Kafkis are the best two.

Useful contacts on Paros island

Airport of Paros: +30 22840 92030

Police Station (Parikia): +30 22840 23333

Paros Police Station (Naousa): +30 22840 51202

Tourist Police (Parikia): +30 22840 21673

Ambulance: +30 22840 22500

Health Center (Parikia): +30 22840 22500

Fire Brigade: +30 22840 25199

Port Authority +30 22840 21240

Pharmacies: 

Attart Filippos, Naoussa, +30 22840 55152

Fragouli – Skiada, Parikia, +30 22840 21388

Theofanis Vasilis, Marpissa, +30 22840 41810, 6987766156

Vlassiadi Nena, Lefkes, +30 22840 44082

Rafailidou Anna, Dryos, +30 22840 42294

Sifnaiou Georgia, Alyki, +30 22840 9156

Map of Paros island