Paros is a Greek island that belongs to the Cyclades island group in the central Aegean Sea. Historically, Paros was particularly known for its white marble. In recent years, Paros has become a popular tourist destination.
Parikia is the capital and main town of the island, although Naoussa undoubtedly is the main destination for most tourists visiting Paros. Lefkes and Kolymbithres Beach are two other famous places along with the nearby island of Antiparos.
Naoussa
Naoussa is a very sleepy village during the winter but once Summer comes it attracts thousands of visitors due to its close location to many beaches including the beautiful Kolympithres Beach.
This village is quite typical for Greece, especially the Cycladic islands. It features numerous white houses and a lovely marina that is still largely dominated by local fishermen. Naoussa is very romantic with several cozy restaurants and bars with picturesque views.
The Venetian Castle is arguably the village’s biggest attraction, surrounded by turquoise water. It is located a few meters off the shoreline and only connected by a tiny footpath which allows fantastic 360° panorama views over the village and the sea.
Lefkes
Lefkes is one of Paros’ most beautiful villages. Unlike most other settlements it’s situated far away from the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Instead, the village is situated in an elevated position on the hills of the island’s interior and offers a spectacular view of the lush countryside.
Don’t miss the beautiful Agia Triada. It is undoubtedly the most impressive church in Lefkes. Many of the village’s visitors spend a few hours in the lovely bars and restaurants and enjoy authentic Greek food as well as the great panorama.
Kolymbithres Beach
During the summer months, most guests come to Paros to enjoy the warm water and the sea and there is no better place to do just that than Kolymbithres Beach.
Not only does the beach allow easy access to the beautiful turquoise waters of this part of the Mediterranean Sea it is also home to spectacular rock formations that are sure to impress any nature lover. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented at the beach.
Piperi Beach
The town of Naoussa is also home to Piperi Beach which is widely considered one of Paros’ most visited beaches. Needless to say, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants found nearby and there is a good beach infrastructure to be enjoyed as well.
This beach might not be the most scenic and isn’t particularly peaceful during the summer but it is a great place for children and visitors in search of relaxation.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
Parikia, the island’s namesake town, offers a great archaeological museum that offers a great chance to mix up sun and sand with some culture and history.
The museum offers a large collection of local artifacts and is great for anyone with an interest in what life was like here centuries ago. A visit to this museum can easily be combined with a relaxing walk through the romantic streets of the historic town.
Moraitis Winery
Moraitis Winery is located on the eastern outskirts of lovely Naoussa and is a great spot for wine lovers as it offers some of the best local wines on the island.
There are wine tastings held here regularly and needless to say the estate also offers its delicious wines in its own shop. Even if you aren’t a fan of wine, this is a lovely place to visit as the architecture of the houses makes a great example of traditional Greek architecture. The basements used to store the wines are open to the public and there is also a great restaurant on-site.
Golden Beach
The so-called Golden Beach is one of the most popular beaches of southern Paros and is home to many big hotel resorts as well as restaurants, bars, and shops catering to foreign tourists.
This beach is quite large compared to Paros’ other beaches and is ideal for families with children. The sand is great for playing and the waters here are quite calm and great for bathing.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and the beach becomes a real hub of activity during the summer. Not a great place for people who like it quiet and serene but nevertheless recommended for uncomplicated fun on the beach.
Museum of Cycladic Folklore
From May to September visitors get the chance to visit the Museum of Cycladic Folklore located next to the island’s airport in the village of Aliki. The first thing you will notice when coming here is the beautiful garden that surrounds the museum.
It features beautiful agaves, amaranth, and olive trees. The main reason to come here is all the beautiful hand-crafted miniature models showcasing Cycladic culture.
There are several great ships found here including a three-masted warship with 12 cannons. Models of beautiful structures are also found here including the monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa.
Parikia
Parikia is home to the island’s main port which acts as a popular transport hub to Santorini. It is usually very chaotic and busy but if you bother to explore more than the port you will find Parikia to be a nice city.
It is the capital of the island and offers a good array of shops, restaurants, and nightlife and, unlike most of the other villages and towns on Paros, is even lively and active during the winter.
There are two small beaches here and if you are interested in culture you can also visit the Frankish Castle which is situated in a beautiful spot overlooking the sea.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is situated a few kilometers away from Pounta and the sea and sits on the hills of the island’s elevated interior, offering stunning views of the Aegean sea.
The gardens of the butterfly valley are home to numerous beautiful butterflies which have turned them into a major tourist attraction in Paros.
Despite its popularity, there is plenty of peace and quiet found here and you can also use the Butterfly Valley as a starting point for hikes towards the hills of the center of the island.
Marpissa
Marpissa is one of Paros’ most beautiful villages. It is located on the eastern shore of the island and is known for consisting of buildings primarily built in the traditional Greek village architecture.
This village has a very authentic feel that you would not expect to find on an island as popular as Paros. There is also an interesting church found here dedicated to Saint Anthony.
The beaches Paralia Logaras, as well as Paralia Piso Livadi, are located just a few meters away from Marpissa and offer a great chance to combine a visit to Marpissa and its scenic streets with some sunbathing.
Day trip to Antiparos
Antiparos is an island located just 2 km off the western edge of Paros. In many ways, it feels like Paros’ little brother as it is home to only 1211 permanent residents and is a lot sleepier than Paros.
Despite its humble size, the island is a great spot for foreign tourists as it offers a great mix of historic Greek villages, beaches and serene countryside just off the shoreline.
Many boat tours bring visitors to the main town Antiparos which offers a few interesting sights that can easily be reached on foot including the Antiparos castle.
Enjoy the festivals of Paros
Each summer Paros becomes the venue for numerous festivals that are worth checking out.
Depending on your interests you can experience religious festivals such as the Kleidonas festival in Naoussa (which takes place during June), numerous open-air music festivals, or engaging festivals that are fun for the whole family like the Pirates Festival.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Panagia Ekatontapiliani is arguably the island’s most impressive church. It is located in Paros’ historic city center. It dates to the Byzantine era and is known for its stone masonry and the many icons and artworks found here.
The church is a must-visit for visitors interested in culture and beautiful architecture and can easily be reached on foot when visiting Paros and its historic center.
Paros Park
The Paros Park nature reserve can be found on the northern coast of the island and features numerous interesting trails, serene beaches, and the famous St. John of Deti monastery.
Many of the trails lead along with scenic lookout points and there are also plenty of rock formations that are worth exploring. Paros Park is also a popular spot for sunsets as you can watch the sun sink into the Aegean Sea during the evenings.
Visitors can also take a closer look at the ancient theater located in Paros Park. It is built inside the rocks and is known for its unique acoustics and atmosphere. Archilochos theatre is located in the historical and protected area of Ai Yiannis Detis.
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Have you also visited Paros in Greece? Leave a comment below and share your own recommendations!