Paros is one of the most underrated islands in the Cyclades! Anyone who has visited the Greek island knows it is a hidden gem of incredible beaches, historical sites, hiking trails, and whitewashed traditional villages.
Not only is the island beautiful, but it’s also affordable, at least compared to more well-known islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
Whether you’re looking to hang out at the beach clubs, spend the day hiking, or check out ancient historical sites, Paros is a perfect place to spend a few days in the Greek Islands!
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12 Fun Things to Do in Paros
Each of these incredible Paros destinations will help fill your Paros itinerary with memories that will last a lifetime! Here are the absolute best things to do in Paros:
1. Kolymbithres Beach
Kolymbithres Beach is the most popular beach in Paros, Greece. It’s right across the bay from Naoussa and is celebrated for its clear water and striking rock formations.
The beach is small but super popular in the summer and offers a fun atmosphere with water sports, beach bars, dining, and the chance to sunbathe on massive white boulders. It’s also a great beach and bay for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding!
The beach also features several bars and restaurants, so people love to spend the entire day here, enjoying bar food from Paros on the Rocks or local Greek dishes from Anemos Taverna.
2. Panagia Ekatontapiliani
The Church of 100 Doors, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, is a significant Byzantine landmark in Parikia, Paros.
As one of the oldest remaining Christian monuments in Greece, it was supposedly founded by Saint Helen in the 4th century. The church is a major religious site known for its original fourth-century baptismal font and exceptional iconography.
People who love architecture truly appreciate the mixture of early Christian, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine styles.
Remember that it’s also still a functional church, so visitors should be mindful of services and dress respectfully.
3. Enjoy the Nightlife in Naoussa
Naoussa boasts a lively evening atmosphere, making it Paros’s go-to destination after dark.
The town has various cocktail bars, lounges, and many venues hosting live music.
Barbossa Restaurant is probably the most notable spot to spend the evening. The prices are a bit steep, but it’s right on the water and a trendy venue for late-night drinks.
If you’re hoping for a more laid-back experience, Fotis All-Day-Bar is the best spot for casual drinks with friends any time of the day or night.
Finally, Kosmos Cocktail Bar offers an intimate ambiance, perfect for couples seeking a romantic setting in the evening.
4. Lefkes Village
Lefkes Village is a picturesque mountain town in Paros that offers a glimpse into the traditional Parian life of the past few centuries.
Just a 10-kilometer drive from Parikia and Naoussa, it sits near the highest point in Paros, which has an iconic viewpoint where you can see Agia Triada church against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Lefkes is full of unique shops, a historic Orthodox church, and remnants of the old Byzantine road.
The town offers a quiet retreat from the busier coastal areas, with several local cafes, authentic Greek tavernas, narrow cobblestone streets, colorful doorways, and beautiful flowers.
5. Aliki Village, Paros
Aliki is a small fishing village in southern Paros, characterized by its picturesque harbor with bobbing colorful boats and traditional tavernas along the waterfront.
It’s a quiet town with many locals and is famous for its beaches, quiet atmosphere, and traditional taverns serving delicious local dishes.
This area is best for travelers looking for a relaxing holiday away from the bustling cities and nightlife. Many great guesthouses serve breakfast and are much cheaper than spots in Naoussa or Parikia. It’s also close to the airport and the seaport, where you can take a day trip to Antiparos.
This cute little town is ideal for a day of swimming and sunbathing or taking a romantic stroll along the beach at sunset.
6. Old Port & Venetian Castle in Naoussa
The Old Port and the remains of the Venetian Castle in Naoussa stand as historical beacons that date back to the 13th century.
Originally constructed on a flat reef, the castle served as a formidable defensive structure, but the stone wall stretching out to the castle collapsed into the ocean a while ago.
The central fortress/castle is not very big, but when visiting, you can see how it would have been a strategic point of defense centuries ago.
Both attractions are well worth a visit for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the history of Naoussa.
7. Check out the Local Cafes
The cafes throughout Paros not only offer delicious espresso and hand-drip coffee but also capture the artistic essence of the villages on the island.
While Greek coffee has its charm, the espresso culture here caters to travelers from Western countries, resembling coffee shops in England, Italy, Australia, or the USA.
Here are some of the top coffee shops in Paros:
- Afros Sip & Bites (Naoussa)
- Karino Cafe (Naoussa)
- Kiranos Cafe (Naoussa)
- Big Noses (Parikia) – Personal Favorite!
- Maroon (Parikia)
- Ragoussis Bakery (Parikia & Naoussa)
Truthfully, we aren’t big fans of Greek coffee, but Paros’ coffee shops had plenty of options!
8. Explore Parikia
Parikia is the port city and the heart of Paros. You’ll find a myriad of shops, cafes, and the main ferry port. Almost every traveler arrives in Parikia, so it naturally becomes the base for many people spending a few days on the island.
Some of the most compelling reasons to stick around the city include its many restaurants, affordable accommodations, and the Paros Archaeological Museum. It’s also a great place to pick up your car rental, find a taxi, or find reliable scooter rentals.
Also, travelers often overlook it, but the shopping scene is awesome in Parikia! The markets offer a variety of local crafts and jewelry. Handmade items, often incorporating Parian marble, can be found alongside woven goods and other traditional Greek artifacts. These markets are a good place to find unique souvenirs and support local artisans.
It’s also a convenient place to base, as it’s easy to get from Parikia to Naoussa and other parts of the island since buses and taxis are readily available.
9. Day Trip to Antiparos 
Antiparos is a separate island that’s incredibly close to Paros, and many travelers make an easy day trip to/from the island while staying in Paros. The ferry only takes 8 minutes.
This smaller island is a haven, boasting stunning beaches, intriguing caves, and the chance to explore rugged mountain roads by ATV.
Antiparos is an escape that promises both adventure and the chance to unwind amidst spectacular natural surroundings. Some of the best places to visit ion the island include the Cave of Antiparos, Agios Giorgos Beach, and explore Antiparos’ Chora.
10. See the Ancient Marble Quarries
The abandoned ancient marble quarries of Marathi are the source of the famed Parian marble, used historically for famous sculptures like the Venus de Milo. At the time, it was some of the most valuable marble in the world.
Today, visitors can hike through the open-air site, usually quiet and peaceful, to see mining traces and discarded marble pieces from the days of heavy mining. There’s no entry fee, and the quarries are typically open during daylight hours.
Make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes because the area is not well-maintained.
11. Golden Beach
On the northeast coast of Paros, Golden Beach is one of the longest sandy beaches in Paros.
It’s a hotspot for windsurfing, particularly during the summer, and even holds world competitions from time to time! The beach is well-organized, and there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife options nearby.
The beach is also worth visiting for families and swimmers, thanks to its shallow, clear waters.
During the summer, sun loungers, umbrellas, and various beach bars and restaurants are open for tourists. There’s also ample parking for those who rent a car in Paros, and the beach is easily accessible by public transportation.
12. Eat Authentic Greek Food
Souvlaki at Agora Beach Bar
Greek cuisine on Paros is characterized by its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients.
Many tavernas and restaurants in Parikia and Naoussa offer these traditional dishes, often accompanied by locally produced wines. You can find all the classic Greek staples, such as gyros, souvlaki, Moussaka, Spanakopita, Saganaki, and Ouzo.
However, if you want to try some dishes unique to Paros, you should try the Octopus, Baked Chickpeas (REvithia sto forno), or grilled snails!
Dining by the sea, especially in small fishing villages like Naoussa or Aliki, provides an authentic culinary experience, but expect to pay a bit more for seafood in Paros!
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Paros
So, there you have everything you should put on your Paros itinerary!
Paros is an island with good vibes, great food, and beaches that’ll make you want to book a return ticket before you leave the airport. It has everything you could want on a Greek island without the crazy crowds or prices.
With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to uncover the top attractions and hidden gems in Paros, Greece.
Have fun, and don’t forget to grab your morning coffee at Big Noses in Parikia!
Guest Bio: Caleb and Sarah Pasiuk are the creators of The Pazook Travel Journal, an adventure travel blog for couples who want to make traveling a more significant part of their lifestyle.
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