Paros
Photo: Haris Philip / Pexels
The Verdict
The most convenient base for Cyclades island hopping, with enough of its own character to stand alone.
Why go
For the marble village of Lefkes, the old town of Parikia, the beach of Kolymbithres, and the best ferry position in the Cyclades.
Understand the place
A central Cycladic hub — old marble villages, good beaches, and the easiest ferry connections in the group.
Where to swim
Beaches
Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach)
A long sandy beach on the south-east coast of Paros, and the island's windsurfing centre when the meltemi blows.
“Paros' best sand, with a bar scene that is about boards rather than posing. Windsurfers get the afternoon; swimmers get the morning.”
Kolymbithres
Rounded granite boulders carving out small sandy coves and natural pools. Paros' most distinctive beach, looking more sculpted than natural.
“Recommended — smooth granite boulders forming sculpted sea pools, the most distinctive beach on Paros.”
The old world
History & archaeology
Beyond the built
Outdoors & nature
Towns & villages
Naoussa
A fishing harbour in the north of Paros that became the best-looking town in the Cyclades without quite losing its port.
“Stay here rather than in Parikia. Naoussa has the harbour, the food and the evening, and Parikia has the ferry.”
Lefkes
The old marble-paved capital of Paros, up in the hills in the middle of the island, with a Byzantine path running down to the coast.
“Where Paros stops being a beach island and becomes a mountain one. Come up for an afternoon, or stay if you want the island without the harbour.”
Parikia
Paros's main port, built around a Frankish castle whose walls recycle marble from a vanished ancient temple, fronted by a working harbor.
“A solid, unglamorous base for island-hopping and a calmer, cheaper alternative to both Mykonos and Santorini.”
Easy to combine with
Logically reachable by transport. Confirm current ferry/flight schedules before booking.
Nearby
Booking links
Commercial links: we may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
Plan this trip
Greece Field Guide helps you decide. When you're ready to arrange it, take your saved places to an itinerary.