Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece: A Complete Guide

I love Greece. If you’ve spent any time on this site, you’ve probably picked up on that by now. There’s just something about this country—the warm, welcoming locals, the rich history, the incredible food and wine, the dreamy landscapes. It’s the kind of place that keeps pulling you back.

I’ve been seven times. I even got married here. And yes, I already have another trip planned. Told you, I love Greece.

We first visited Paros while scouting wedding venues, and it quickly became one of my favorite Greek islands. It’s beautiful, easy to get around, and packed with charm but without the overwhelming crowds of more famous spots like Santorini or Mykonos.

In today’s post, I’m sharing a complete guide including the top things to do in Paros, plus tips on where to eat, stay, and how to make the most of your trip.

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👉 Looking for where to stay in Paros? My top pick is Parilio. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate thoughtful design and food-focused stays.

Top things to do in Paros

1. Wander Around Naoussa

Naoussa is a great place to start your trip. This postcard-perfect fishing village is the heart of Paros. Mornings are great for exploring the winding alleyways, grabbing a coffee in the late afternoon, and popping into boutiques.

At sunset, the harbor comes alive with people gathering on the bridge for sunset, followed by cocktails and dinner at some of the island’s best restaurants.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss a pre-dinner drink at the popular spot, Come Back. Be sure to order a coffee negroni, one of the best I’ve had anywhere.

2. Spend a Day in Lefkes

Lefkes is one of the most charming villages on the island. With its cobbled lanes, peaceful cafés, and local bakeries (get the spinach pie from Stratis!), it’s a great contrast to the beach towns.

For a scenic activity, hike part of the ancient Byzantine Road from Lefkes to Prodromos, which winds through olive groves and feels like stepping back in time.

3. Swim at Faragas Beach

You’ll find no shortage of beautiful beaches in Paros, but Faragas was one of our favorites. It’s less windy, has soft sand and crystal clear waters, and there’s even a beach bar if you want snacks and drinks on hand.

Looking for more of the best beaches in Paros? Kolymbithres and Santa Maria beach are great options

4. Eat Your Way Around the Island

Honestly, eating was one of my favorite things we did in Paros. From traditional tavernas to stylish modern spots, the island’s food scene is so good—especially if you’re vegetarian like me.

Don’t miss:

• Yemeni (Naoussa) – A must-book experience and the best meal we had in Greece
• Minoa – Delicious mezze and a great vibe for dinner
• Greco (Parikia) – Fast-casual, vegetarian-friendly gyros with sea views

See my full restaurant guide here →

5. Do a Local Wine or Beer Tasting

Paros has its own microbrewery, 56 Isles, which is great for beer lovers. It’s a bit outside of town so you’ll need a car or taxi, but it’s worth the detour for something more off the beaten path.

Note at the time of writing this post it looks like 56 isles is temporarily closed. Fingers crossed it reopens but if it doesn’t, this will be removed from the post.

Prefer wine? Moraitis Winery is a great option near Naoussa that offers wine tasting. Just make sure to check their hours and book in advance if you’re visiting in high season.

6. Explore Parikia

Parikia is the main port town and often overlooked, but it’s worth a few hours of exploration. Wander through the old town, grab a drink at Hops & Colors, or have a dinner by the water.

It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

7. Take a Day Trip to Antiparos

One of the best things about Paros is how close is it to Antiparos. Just a short ferry ride from Paros (10 minutes from Pounta port), Antiparos is the perfect day trip. It’s quieter, less developed, and has that “hidden gem” feel. Every corner is truly stunning. If you have extra time, you could easily spend a whole day exploring Antiparos.

📍 How to get there: Drive or take a bus to Pounta port on Paros and hop on the quick ferry. You can even bring your rental car over if you want more flexibility. That’s what we did and I highly recommend it.

8. Charter a Boat or Join a Sailing Trip

For a splurge-worthy experience, book a private boat or small group sailing tour around Paros and Antiparos. Most trips stop at hidden beaches, sea caves, and snorkel spots you’d never find on your own—and many include wine and lunch on board.

It’s a great way to explore hidden coves and experience the Cyclades from the water.

Here are some great options depending on what you’re looking for from your boat tour:

• Pounta: Blue Lagoon Boat Tour – Snorkel through crystal waters on this boat tour from the Pounta village to San Nikolas Island, the Blue Lagoon, and Fira Antiparos
• Paros Antiparos: Full-Day Boat Tour with Lunch & Drinks – Experience a premium full-day boat adventure. Swim in crystal-clear waters, explore sea caves, enjoy cliff jumping, and indulge in a delicious lunch with local snacks and drinks.
• Paros: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming, Meal and Drinks – Sail around Paros and nearby islands. Enjoy a full-day cruise visiting 5 different locations.
• Naxos/ Paros: Sailing Cruise with Food and Drinks – Discover the wonders of Naxos on this sailing cruise. Explore picturesque swimming spots, snorkel, and enjoy a delicious lunch

9. Take a Cooking Class or Visit a Local Farm

If you love connecting with culture through food, this is the perfect place to do it. While not as widely advertised as on other islands, Paros has a few local experiences that let you roll up your sleeves and get hands-on.

Some options to consider:

• Greek Cooking Class with a Local Chef, Wine, & Meal
• Paros: Cooking Class with 6-Course Menu and Drinks
• Paros: Wine tasting at Local Winery

How Many Days in Paros?

I recommend spending at least 3 full days on the island. That gives you enough time to explore the charming villages, hit a few beaches, enjoy long meals, and soak up the relaxed pace that makes Paros so special.

If you have more time, even better—you won’t run out of things to do. You can slow down even more, discover quieter corners of the island, or take a day trip to nearby Antiparos, which is just a quick ferry ride away.

👉 Need help figuring out how to spend your time? Here’s my 3-day Paros itinerary with local spots, scenic stops, and food-focused recommendations.

When to Visit Paros

I’m a huge fan of visiting Greece during shoulder season. You’ll still get amazing weather, but with far fewer crowds. It’s also a more sustainable way to travel, helping to reduce strain from over tourism during the peak summer months.

My favorite times to visit Paros are April–May or September–October—truly the best time to enjoy the island without the crowds. September is especially great for end of summer vacations—the crowds thin out, but the weather is still perfect.

If you’re visiting in June–August, just know it’s peak season. Expect crowds, higher prices, and limited availability so be sure to book accommodations and restaurants well in advance.

Where to Stay in Paros

There are so many beautiful areas to stay in Paros, and each offers something a little different. Here are three of the best towns to consider:

• Naoussa – One of the best places to stay as many hotels are just a short walk from the town center. Also has nightlife and easy access to top restaurants
• Parikia – Great if you want to be close to the ferry port with a more local, laid-back vibe
• Lefkes – Ideal for travelers looking to go off the beaten path and the best place to experience quiet village charm

If you’re looking to splurge, Parīlio, a boutique hotel just outside Naoussa is high on my wishlist. While I didn’t stay there on my last trip, it’s absolutely on my list for next time—the design, food program, and location are all standout.

👉 Want more recommendations? Here’s my full guide to the best boutique hotels in Paros

What to Pack for Paros

One thing that surprised me about Paros? How dressy Naoussa gets in the evenings. It’s not over the top, but people definitely put in a little effort—think flowy dresses, linen shirts, and elevated sandals.

I always travel with just a carry-on backpack, so I stick to a capsule wardrobe that works for both day and night. Here are a few outfit combos I recommend bringing:

✔️ A maxi dress you can wear to dinner

✔️ Trousers + a cute top (linen or cotton works great)

✔️ Shorts + a dressier blouse

✔️ Swimsuits + cover-ups for the beach

✔️ A light sweater or jacket for breezy evenings

✔️ Comfortable walking sandals

👉 Need help packing light? Here’s my full Greece packing list including what I brought—and what I wish I’d packed.

How to Get to Paros

You can reach Paros by ferry or flight.

• Ferry: If you’re coming from another Greek island (like Santorini, Naxos, or Milos), you’ll likely take a ferry and arrive in the port of Parikia. From Athens, ferries depart from the port of Piraeus and typically take 3–4 hours depending on the route and vessel. I highly recommend booking your ferry through Ferryhopper.
• Flight: There are no direct flights from international cities, but you can easily connect via Athens. It’s a quick 40-minute flight, but note that planes are small and seats can fill up quickly—so book early if this is your plan.

Important tip: If you fly into Paros and aren’t renting a car, arrange your airport transfer in advance. The airport is small and doesn’t have taxis waiting outside like larger hubs.

If you’re arriving by ferry, you’ll dock in Parikia, which is well-connected by bus, taxi, and car rentals. It’s easy to continue on to wherever you’re staying from here.

How to Get Around Paros

Renting a car is the best way to get around Paros. While buses and taxis are available, having a car gives you way more flexibility to explore hidden beaches, charming inland villages like Lefkes, and lesser-known spots around the island.

Paros does have a bus system that connects the main towns, but schedules can be limited outside peak season.

Worried about driving? Don’t be. Driving on Paros is relatively easy. Roads are generally quiet outside of town centers, and locals are used to sharing the road with tourists.Let them pass if needed, and go at your own pace.

You can rent a car directly in Parikia (especially convenient if you’re arriving by ferry), or ask your hotel to help arrange one.

Want to book a car in advance? Discover Cars is my go to platform for car rentals.

Where to Go After Paros

With its mix of food, charm, and beach time, Paros easily ranks as one of the best islands in the Cyclades. It also pairs beautifully with nearby Cycladic islands.

• Antiparos – A quick day trip or overnight stay via 10-minute ferry from Pounta
• Naxos – Just a 30–45 minute ferry ride away with beaches, mountains, and rich food culture
• Folegandros – A quieter island with dramatic cliffs and incredible views
• Milos – Known for its lunar landscapes and photogenic beaches
• Santorini – Easy to reach by ferry if you want to experience its iconic caldera and sunsets

Final Thoughts on Visiting Paros

Paros really does have it all—beautiful villages, stunning beaches, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. Whether you’re here for a quick island hop or spending several days soaking it all in, this island offers the perfect mix of charm and adventure.

If you’re someone who loves discovering meaningful, well-curated experiences (and traveling in a way that supports local communities), I think you’ll fall for Paros just like I did.

I hope this Paros travel guide helps you plan a trip that’s as unforgettable as mine.

👇 And don’t forget to check out these helpful posts as you plan your trip:

• 🧭 3-Day Paros Itinerary
• 🍽️ Best Restaurants in Paros
• 🧳 What to Pack for Greece
• 🏨 Where to Stay in Paros
• 🌿 15 Greece Travel Tips

Wherever your Greek adventure takes you, I hope it’s full of good wine, long dinners, and unforgettable moments.

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