Paros

Paros has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. Once a quiet retreat primarily enjoyed by Greek vacationers staying in private homes, the island is now attracting a broader international audience. The opening of its first luxury hotel, Parilio, in 2019 marked a turning point, putting Paros on the radar of discerning travelers. Since then, a number of five-star accommodations have followed, bringing with them a new wave of visitors.

Today, Paros strikes a perfect balance—lively yet still authentic and vibrant but not as overcrowded as it’s neighbors Mykonos and Santorini. Easily accessible by a short flight from Athens or by ferry from nearby islands, Paros is quickly becoming a must-visit destination in the Cyclades.

Who it’s For

Everyone! Families, couples, the old and the young. There is something for everyone!

Best Things to do

  • Rent a vehicle and explore the island. It’s one of the more drivable islands so rent a car, scooter, or ATV and set off on your own adventure. Most rental companies are based out of Parikia and Naousa, the islands two largest towns.

    • Go the beach. There are over 40 beaches around the island, ranging from quiet coves to organized beach clubs with lounge chairs for rent, restaurants, and water sports. My personal favorite is Monastiri Beach Bar where you can spend the day swimming, lounging, eating and drinking. There is a lot of space and many sunbeds available for rent so you can easily spend the day there. There’s also activities like paddle boarding, sailing, and if that’s not enough there are hiking paths that begin at the beach and offer phenomenal views of the area. Also make sure to check out the nearby Kolymbithres Beach, one of Paros’s most famous beaches because of its unique rock formations. It’s smaller and there are less chairs to rent but even if you can’t find space for a long stay, it’s worth a walk or a quick dip.

    • Visit the island to Antiparos. Unless you have your own boat, the only way to get to Antiparos is by taking a ferry from Paros. The options are a 7 minute ride from Pounda for a little over one euro or a 30 min ride from Parikia for roughly 5 euros. If you want to take a car over, you must take the ferry from Pounda and there will be an extra charge. The only village in Antiparos is located at the port so it’s easy to hop off the ferry and stroll through town for some shopping or a meal at one of the many restaurants.

    • Eat, drink and shop. There are 11 villages in Paros (+1 in Antiparos), with Parikia and Naousa being the largest. Parikia is the capital and where you would arrive if traveling via ferry from a neighboring island. This is mainly where the locals hang out and do business. Naousa is more touristy but also more traditional and picturesque. There are many more shopping and restaurant options and it’s undoubtedly the most vibrant place to be in the evenings.  I won’t go into detail about all of them in this post but I do want to mention one of my favorites, Aliki, a beautiful coastal village perfect for a seaside meal that offers a more relaxing experience.

    • Get on a boat! Typically I am a private charter girlie, with a preference for a catamaran, but a trip with Michael Zeppos is too good to pass up while you’re in Paros. It feels like an authentic Greek experience with great vibes and great food and it won’t break the bank either. You can book it out privately but if you’re just a few people and are interested in meeting some like-minded travelers, I’d recommend the shared experience. I have had multiple clients tell me their boat day with Michael Zeppos was the best day of their whole trip.

Where to stay

  • Here is a list of my favorite hotels and a timeline of their openings:

    • Parilio, 2019

    • Cove Paros, 2022

  • Parrocks

  • Andronis Minois

  • Avant Mar