Location 📍
Paros sits in the heart of the Cyclades, about 40 km west of Naxos in the central Aegean. Its position makes it easy to combine with nearby islands while still feeling like a destination of its own.
How to Get There
You can fly into Paros’ small airport (PAS) via Athens in under an hour, or hop on a ferry from islands like Naxos, Santorini, or Crete. The ferry ride itself is part of the charm — sea spray, sun, and the first sight of Parikia’s whitewashed harbor.
Don’t Miss
Naoussa is the island’s star: a chic harbor village that feels both lively and relaxed. In Parikia, you’ll find centuries of marble legacy and the kind of waterfront sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Together, these two towns show both the polished and authentic sides of Paros.
Must-Try Food
Seafood is the island’s pride — grilled, fried, or tucked into pasta at Siparos or Mario’s in Naoussa. For a simpler pleasure, start your day at Mana Mana in Parikia, where pancakes and coffee are served with unfussy island warmth. Best panna cotta EVER at Mira.
Photo Tip
Head to Lefkes in the morning light, where bougainvillea spill across narrow lanes like frames waiting for your camera. At dawn in Naoussa, the fishing boats cast long shadows across the harbor, giving photos a texture you won’t capture later in the day.
Best Time
Paros, shines between May and October. Early summer brings warm weather and lively energy, while September and October settle into gentler winds, golden light, and quieter beaches.
Hidden Gem
On the east coast, coves like Damuli and Kalogeros feel like secret corners of the Aegean. They’re a bit of a ride to reach, but the stillness and beauty make them worth the journey.
Quick Vibe
Paros is lively yet grounded. It mixes beaches, food, and nightlife with a laidback rhythm that never feels forced — one reason it was voted Greece’s #1 island in 2025.
My wander notes
Paros may be small, but it has everything: food, architecture, nature, and that cozy charm that makes you want to stay longer. You can ride an ATV around the island in a single day, the warm air rushing past as you curve through olive groves and sleepy villages painted in white and blue. The beaches aren’t endless stretches; instead, they’re little pockets of gold and turquoise — intimate and inviting. And when the day winds down, the best reward is a freddo cappuccino at Coco Espresso Bar in Parikia, icy and strong, somehow tasting like the island itself.
I still think about the pancakes and coffee from Mana Mana in Parikia. They were simple and delicious, yet also the perfect start before wandering into the nearby boutiques. Because the beaches are smaller than on other islands, they feel more personal — intimate stretches of sand framed by clear water and rocky coastlines.
Why Paros Feels Different from Santorini and Mykonos
It’s no surprise that Travel + Leisure voted Paros the #1 island in Greece for 2025. In fact, the island balances liveliness with authenticity, offering something for every traveler without ever feeling overrun.
A perfect example of Paros’ charm is Naoussa, the island’s jewel. During the day, the harbor feels calm as fishing boats drift and locals sip coffee in shaded cafés. However, by night everything shifts. The port glows with sunset colors, seafood tavernas buzz with laughter, and music drifts through the lanes. It’s lively but never overwhelming — more cozy chic than flashy.
For a quieter escape, I found Kalogeros Beach on the east coast. Here, the hidden cove with soft sand and dramatic rocks felt untouched. As a result, the stillness made it seem like my own private slice of the Aegean.
Compared to Santorini, Paros may not overwhelm with drama, but it offers warmth, intimacy, and ease. And while Mykonos leans glamorous and party-driven, Paros keeps things relaxed — more chic-casual than flashy.
And while Paros feels cozy and intimate, if you’re curious about Crete’s blend of Venetian charm and lively waterfronts, take a look at my-Chania guide– for tips on what to see on your first visit.
PS: If you don’t know what is a Freddo cappuccino I suggest you immediately book your trip to Greece and come back to comment on this post afterwards 🙂