10 Things to Do in Paros, Greece
Paros is a Greek island known for its beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning views, vivid nightlife, and traditional villages. In the heart of the Aegean Sea, Paros is your go-to destination if you want the best vacation in Greece.
This gorgeous island is very close to other Cyclades islands and it is even a tiny ferry ride away from the capital, Athens. So, it can be your base for visiting the most popular tourist spots in Greece.
Read on to learn more about Paros and the best things to do there!
About Paros
Paros is best known for its most beautiful places namely Naoussa, Parikia, and Lefkes. If you wish to have a budget-friendly vacation, then Parikia is the ideal place to go for.
Some of the best things to do in these villages are dining in luscious restaurants, relaxing at the beaches, and kitesurfing at Pounda Bay.
Paros is majorly known as a tourist spot where every year, hundreds of tourists gather to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the beaches and the villages next to them.
10 Best Things to Do in Paros
We have garnered a list of the ten best things that you can do on this island. This list includes places that you must visit and the must-dos at this Cycladic Island.
1. Stroll in the Village of Naoussa
A must-see place in Paros, Greece is the buzzing village of Naoussa. It is the second-largest village and is often called the center of nightlife.
Although, tourism in the village has increased substantially over the years. It has retained its authenticity and traditions. You will enjoy the amazing architecture and authentic essence everywhere around you
Naoussa is built around a port and the village offers a variety of top-notch restaurants and hotels, seafood taverns, fantastic shops, bars, and lots of other things to do.
It gets overcrowded at night time hence, it is best to visit the village in daylight. You can visit the place in the early hours of the day to capture a beautiful view. In the early hours of the day, hundreds of colorful fishing boats crowd the beach and the beautiful chapel of St. Nikolas looks picture perfect!
Naoussa is surrounded by shiny sandy beaches. Beaches like Santa Maria, Monastiri, and Kolympithres are accessible via a local bus. The village is also famous for its small traditional boats called caique, which can help you to reach all the famous beaches.
2. Visit the Beaches
You can’t come to Paros without witnessing its beautiful beaches. Sightseeing on the beaches is one of the best things to do on the island.
You will get the chance to discover crystal-clear waters, silky sand, and rocky coves on the island. Some of the beaches are barren and are waiting to be explored while some of them are filled with sports opportunities and other great facilities.
Here is a list of the best beaches on the island:
Santa Maria - This beach is located in the northeastern part of the island and is full of shimmering golden sand and clear waters. At this famous beach, you will be able to find both water sports as well as camping facilities. Diving and Snorkeling are the most recommended activities. You can arrive at the beach easily by car, any local bus, or small boat taxis that depart from Naoussa.
Kolymbithres - This beach is one of the most unique and unusual beaches on the island. It has shallow turquoise waters and wonderful rocky scenery attached to it which adds to its scenic beauty. This beach can be easily accessed by Naoussa. It has become very popular thanks to the small coves, and smooth granite rocks which have been created over time.
Marcello - If you are looking for a peaceful and clean beach where you can spend the day then Marcello is the one for you. It is no more than five kilometers from Parikia. It has crystalline waters and is eroded by rocky coves. For any traveler who prefers a flexible vacation, a nearby campsite fulfills the experience.
3. Explore the Island With Car
For years I was too scared of renting cars when traveling. I’m…ahem….not the best driver in the world. But Paros is a destination that I would 100% recommend renting a car in. The things to do in the island are a bit more spread out. And there isn’t much public transit to speak of.
The island is very easy to drive in - I don’t even think there are traffic lights if I recall correctly! And the speed limit is generally pretty slow/relaxed.
Plus, you will have the benefit of being able to explore at your own pace AND be in full control of your itinerary. It’s a win win!!
4. Stroll About the Parikia Village
Parikia is the main port of Paros Island. It is also known to be the center of all the cultural and commercial life on the island. It has retained its authentic Cycladic architecture and its neighborhood of Kastro consists of whitewashed cubic houses that have beautiful wooden doors.
These houses are located in narrow alleys where the special bougainvillea trees give a beautiful touch to the already magnificent scenery.
While you stroll around the Parikia Village, you will find small and pretty boutique shops, centuries-old churches, the ruins and bits and pieces of the Frankish Castle, and many museums.
You will also find the most famous monastery situated near the port which is called the major landmark of the village, the Panagia Ekatontapiliani monastery.
A lot of cafes, hotels, restaurants, and small shops can be easily found in this village and the picturesque neighborhoods.
5. Snorkeling - Boat Excursion
As a part of the Cyclades, Paros displays wonderful underwater seascapes that are known to be perfect for snorkeling.
Whenever they are combined with the vistas of their shiny shores, becoming a part of a boat excursion is an ideal thing to do while you are on a vacation. Observing the magnificent sea life, and diving into the rejuvenated Aegean Sea will help you to enhance your Greek summertime.
6. Visit the Lefkes Village
Lefkes might be the cutest town I’ve ever seen. It’s absolutely picturesque. I’m stunned that people aren’t flocking here.
Lefkes, the former Parian capital, is situated eleven kilometers southeast of vivid Parikia. The village can host almost 500 people and the inhabitants make it a tranquil place.
It is located at an altitude of 300 meters which adds to its scenic beauty and it enjoys the presence of the Aegean Sea on the horizon.
Lefkes too abide by the traditional Cycladic architecture which implies that the houses are whitewashed and shaped in cubes. Many churches and landmarks enhance the cultural heritage of the village.
Make sure that you interact with the kind locals of that village and check out every nook and corner, who knows what could interest you.
7. Hike from Lefkes to Prodromos
One of my favorite activities while in Paros was hiking from Lefkes village to Prodromos (an even tinier village). It’s not a super long walk - just a few miles - but the views are lovely.
Keep in mind that there’s very little shade though, so bring a hat and plenty of water.
We started the journey in the morning. And the hike TO Prodromos is downhill, so not too bad. However, coming back can be a bit harder in the summer heat (since it’s uphill and later in the day).
8. Try the Amazing Food
The gastronomic scene of Paros is first-rate, delicious, and very diverse. Lovely meals that are made from local Greek products are found everywhere.
I’ve never tasted feta cheese so fresh and delicious. In some ways it ruined ever eating it again lol.
The majority of restaurants are located in the Naoussa and the Parikia Villages. And many of the seafront restaurants have great quality food. Both types of dishes, modernized Greek and Mediterranean recipes are found in these seafront restaurants. These dishes are available at moderate prices.
When visiting a seafront restaurant, make sure to try the local seafood delicacy- “Gouna”. Gouna is a sun-dried, roasted mackerel.
Some of the best restaurants for Greek seafood are Mario, Siparos, Thalassa Mou, and Soso.
If you are someone who likes to switch between different cuisines and flavors then you can also find excellent international restaurants in the village. The menus of these international restaurants range from Thai food to Japanese and even Italian and French food.
9. Go Wine Tasting
I was surprised to learn that there are actually a number of wineries on Paros! And a few of them have visiting hours where you can actually go and taste local wines.
Moraitis is probably the most well known winery and close to Naoussa. You can combine these two spots for a nice little day trip. Take a tour of the winery and then head to their tasting room for a cheese and wine pairing. It was outstanding!
10. Visit Picturesque Churches & Monastery
The most significant sight in the Parikia Village is the monastery, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, of the Byzantine era
This monastery is different and distinguishable due to its unique and unusual color and architecture. It is majorly built with stones and marble. Traditions say that the church has 99 games in aggregate. According to a folklorist, a 100th gate would appear if Agia Sophia became an orthodox Church again. The monastery has had a very committed pilgrimage. It is celebrated on 15th August of every year.
Or check out Agios Fokas, a photogenic church located in the bay of Parikia. Unfortunately they were putting up a fence around the church rooftop the day I got these pictures so you may not be able to access it as well as you used to. But can still admire from afar.
