Discover Paros

Why Visit Paros?

Paros has become one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades, combining traditional Greek village life, beautiful beaches, excellent food, vibrant nightlife and easy transport links. Whether you are arriving for a weekend break, a family holiday or an island-hopping adventure, Paros offers an exceptional variety of experiences within a relatively compact island.

Most visitors arrive through Paroikia, the island's main ferry port, or via Paros National Airport, which has regular flights connecting the island with Athens. The island also attracts yacht owners, luxury villa guests and high-end travellers, but it remains broad enough to appeal to families, couples, backpackers, walkers, beach lovers and people who simply want a relaxed Greek island holiday.

Quick Guide to Paros

Not sure where to stay? Read our detailed comparison: Paroikia vs Naoussa.

Getting to Paros

Paros is easy to reach compared with many Greek islands. Ferries arrive into Paroikia from Athens and other Cycladic islands, while Paros National Airport connects the island with Athens by air.

Several ferry companies serve the island, including Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries. During the season, Paros also has useful links to neighbouring islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, Syros and sometimes Crete. This makes Paros a strong base for island-hopping as well as a destination in its own right.

For many visitors, the first view of the island is the port area of Paroikia. This is also one of the reasons Paroikia works so well as a base: you can arrive by ferry, walk into town, reach accommodation nearby, and use the bus station beside the port to continue to other parts of the island.

How to Get to The Jolly Roger

Paroikia – The Heart of Paros

Paroikia is the main port town of Paros and the place where many visitors first arrive on the island. It is practical, historic, walkable and often better value than some of the more fashionable resort areas. For first-time visitors, especially those without a car, Paroikia is one of the easiest places to stay.

The town combines a working ferry port with traditional Cycladic streets, old churches, shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and waterfront views. Just behind the harbour, visitors can wander into the old town and castle district, where narrow lanes, whitewashed buildings and sections of the old castle walls give Paroikia far more character than a simple arrival point.

The bus station is located beside the ferry port, making Paroikia the island's natural transport hub. From here, visitors can reach Naoussa, Lefkes, Aliki, Golden Beach, Piso Livadi, the airport and the ferry point for Antiparos.

Beaches Close to Paroikia

One of Paroikia's biggest advantages is that visitors can enjoy several beaches without needing a car. The town has two main beaches at either end of the seafront, both offering excellent sunset views. Krios and Marcello are located across the bay and can be reached by road, on foot for keen walkers, or by small seasonal passenger boats from the Paroikia waterfront.

• Livadia Beach – at the northern side of town and easy to reach on foot.
• Paroikia Town Beach – towards the southern end of the waterfront.
• Krios Beach – a popular sandy beach across the bay.
• Marcello Beach – known for clear water and views back towards Paroikia.

Practical Services

Paroikia is also practical for everyday needs. The police station is located in the main square, less than a minute from the port. The medical centre is only a few minutes from the waterfront in central Paroikia, and the nearest pharmacy to the port is approximately 200 metres along the seafront. ATM machines are available in the main towns around the island.

Close to the port, visitors will find The Jolly Roger Pub, an easy stop for brunch, beers, cocktails, live sport and relaxed evening drinks. It is particularly useful for visitors staying near the port, arriving by ferry, or looking for a comfortable pub-style alternative to the usual island bar scene.

Naoussa – Paros' Most Cosmopolitan Harbour

Originally a small fishing village, Naoussa has grown into one of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades while still retaining much of the character that made it special. Around the harbour, traditional fishing boats sit alongside waterfront restaurants, cocktail bars and boutique hotels.

The food scene in Naoussa is one of its major attractions. Some of the island's most highly regarded restaurants are found here, with several venues offering a premium dining experience. In July and August, popular restaurants can have long waiting times or be fully booked, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Naoussa is beautiful, but it can also be more expensive than Paroikia. A common approach is to stay in Paroikia for value and transport convenience, then visit Naoussa for an evening meal, harbour walk or late drinks.

Kolymbithres, Monastiri and Paros Park

Kolymbithres is one of the most distinctive beach areas on Paros. Its smooth granite rock formations create small, gentle swimming coves with shallow water and natural scenery that feels completely different from the island's longer sandy beaches. The view back across the water towards Naoussa also makes this area especially photogenic.

From Kolymbithres, visitors can continue towards Monastiri and Paros Park. This part of the island combines beaches, walking routes, rocky landscapes and seasonal cultural activity, making it a strong half-day excursion from Naoussa or part of a wider drive around the island.

Lefkes – The Old Capital in the Hills

Lefkes was once the capital of Paros and remains one of the island's most beautiful inland villages. Set high in the hills, it offers panoramic views across Paros and beyond, along with quiet lanes, traditional architecture and a much slower pace than the coastal resorts.

The village is also known for the Byzantine Path, a historic stone-paved walking route of around 3km that leads towards Prodromos. Many visitors walk the route downhill, then stop for food or drinks at the end of the hike.

Aliki – Relaxed Coastal Living

Aliki is a laid-back coastal village in the south of Paros. It has a relaxed beach resort feel and is popular with visitors who want beaches, traditional restaurants and a slower pace without the bustle of Paroikia or Naoussa.

If you only have one evening in Aliki, choose a traditional fish restaurant serving freshly caught seafood. Seeing octopus drying outside tavernas remains one of those classic Cycladic sights that still feels wonderfully simple and real.

Piso Livadi – Small Harbour, Big Charm

Piso Livadi is a charming harbour village on the eastern side of Paros. It is smaller and quieter than Paroikia and Naoussa, with a relaxed waterfront, traditional tavernas and easy access to nearby beaches.

During certain times of the year, Piso Livadi can also serve as a departure point for selected ferry services to nearby islands, including Naxos. These services vary by season, so travellers should always check current ferry schedules before making plans.

Golden Beach – Long Sands and Windsurfing

Golden Beach is one of the longest and best-known beaches on Paros, located towards the southern/eastern side of the island. It is especially popular with beach lovers, families and visitors interested in watersports.

The beach is well known for windsurfing, and the open setting gives it a very different feel from smaller sheltered coves such as Kolymbithres.

Antiparos and Despotiko – Easy Island-Hopping

Once regarded primarily as a quiet neighbour to Paros, Antiparos has developed an international reputation in recent years. The island has attracted a number of high-profile property owners and regular visitors from the worlds of entertainment, business and sport, helping to raise its profile far beyond the Cyclades. Despite this growing attention, Antiparos has managed to retain much of its relaxed charm, traditional character and laid-back atmosphere that made it popular in the first place.

Visitors can reach Antiparos in two ways. The most common route is via the short ferry crossing from Pounda on the western side of Paros, which carries passengers and vehicles. During the tourist season, there is also a direct passenger-only boat from the main port of Paroikia to Antiparos. Vehicles are not carried on this route, but it is a convenient and enjoyable option for visitors staying in Paroikia.

From Antiparos, boat trips also operate towards Despotiko, an uninhabited island known for its archaeological importance and the sanctuary of Apollo.

Beaches of Paros

One of the things that makes Paros so special is the sheer variety of its beaches. The island has dozens of beaches and swimming coves, ranging from long stretches of golden sand with organised facilities to small secluded bays tucked between rocky headlands. Many are located close to villages, while others reward those willing to explore a little further.

From the granite rock formations of Kolymbithres and the windsurfing waters of Golden Beach to the relaxed shores of Aliki and the family-friendly bays around Monastiri and Santa Maria, there is a beach for every type of visitor.

Getting Around Paros

Paros is compact enough to explore, but large enough that choosing the right transport matters. The KTEL bus network is one of the most useful ways for visitors to move around Paros. The main bus station is located beside the ferry port in Paroikia, with routes connecting many of the island's main villages, beaches, the airport and the Antiparos ferry point.

Useful link: Paros KTEL bus schedules

Nightlife in Paros

Paros has a varied nightlife scene. Paroikia is relaxed, walkable and varied, with tavernas, cocktail bars, pubs, live sport and late-night venues. Naoussa is more fashionable and often more expensive, known for harbour drinks, stylish restaurants, clubs and late nights.

While Paros has relatively few venues that specialise in live sport, major sporting events can often be found in selected bars across the island. The Jolly Roger Pub in Paroikia is one of the island's best-known venues for live sport, with multiple screens and coverage of major events throughout the season.

Compare Paroikia and Naoussa for a practical look at nightlife, transport, atmosphere and where to stay.

Festivals and Events in Paros

Paros has many festivals and cultural events throughout the year, especially during spring and summer. Easter is one of the most important celebrations, drawing many locals back to the island. The 15th of August, the Feast of the Virgin Mary, is also a major celebration, with processions, fireworks and events taking place across the island.

Dates change each year and many events are announced close to the time, so the most useful approach is to check a regularly updated events page rather than relying on a fixed annual list.

View Events

Suggested One-Day Island Tour

1. Start in Paroikia with coffee near the port.
2. Drive inland to Lefkes for a village walk and views.
3. Continue towards Prodromos or the east coast.
4. Stop at Golden Beach or Piso Livadi for lunch or swimming.
5. Head north towards Kolymbithres and Monastiri.
6. Finish with sunset or dinner in Naoussa.
7. Return to Paroikia for a relaxed drink close to where most ferries and buses connect.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paros

How many days do you need in Paros?

Three days is enough to see Paroikia, Naoussa and one or two beaches. Five days gives you time for Lefkes, Antiparos and a wider island tour. A week is ideal if you want beach time without rushing.

Do you need a car in Paros?

You do not need a car if you stay in Paroikia and use buses for main routes. However, a car makes it easier to circle the island, visit several beaches in one day and explore at your own pace.

Where is the best place to stay on a first visit?

Paroikia is one of the most practical choices for a first visit because it has the port, bus station, old town, restaurants, nightlife and good value accommodation.

Is Paros expensive?

Paros can be expensive in peak season, especially in Naoussa and premium beach areas. Paroikia and smaller villages often offer better value.

Last updated: June 2026. This guide is intended to be updated regularly as transport, events and local recommendations change.