With its picturesque landscape of undulating verdant hills sprinkled with whitewashed villages, unspoiled fishing villages, lively nightlife and beautiful beaches, Paros offers all the ingredients you need for a perfect Greek Island honeymoon.
The picture-perfect winding stone streets of Parikia offer up marble fountains and humble whitewashed houses adorned with blue-painted doors, window frames and shutters.
Wander under whitewashed arches past churches and shops selling handicrafts and local artwork.
Visit the remains of a medieval Venetian castle and ponder the impressive 6th century Byzantine Church of Ekatondapiliani – Church of a Hundred Doors.
One of the best ways to explore the rolling hills and fertile valleys here is by hire car.
Discover scenic landscapes and picturesque villages such as Dragoulas, Mármara, Tsipidos and the sleepy mountain village of Lefkes, nestled on the slopes of the Mount Profitis Ilias (770m), the highest point on Paros.
Or discover on foot some of the numerous old stone-paved roads and dirt tracks that connect the island’s villages. Try the so-called Byzantium Road, a 4km path that links Pródromos and Léfkes, paved for the most part with marble slabs.
In antiquity, Paros was renowned for its white marble – most famously, the Venus de Milo was carved from Parian marble – and you can still visit some of the old quarries.
From Léfkes, follow a trail to the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias and be rewarded with panoramic island views.
In the north of Paros, just 10km east of Parikia, visit the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, which faces the wide Plastira Bay.
Here, explore the maze of narrow stone-paved streets and admire the many whitewashed houses and churches. Then relax on one of the many golden-sand beaches that fringe Naoussa Bay.
Paros is blessed with many beautiful golden-sand beaches that fringe the coastline.
The best beaches in Paros, include…
Discover the best beach on Paros, a small pocket of golden sand that gently shelves into an aquamarine bay that is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
The shallow water is ideal for small children and the picture-postcard beach is separated into several tiny coves by smooth, giant rocks.
Explore the shoreline, relax under a sun umbrella on the beach or enjoy a cool drink at one of the beachside tavernas.
Kolimbithres Beach is located on a peninsula on the north-east coast facing Plastira Bay, close to the town of Naoussa.
Sunbathe on this golden-sand beach that shelves into a small turquoise bay framed by huge rocky hills.
Named after a nearby monastery, this lovely beach is located a couple of kilometres north of Kolimbithres Beach on a windswept rocky peninsula on the northern tip of Paros.
Watch concerts and join beach parties during the high season of July and August. Sun beds and umbrellas can be rented from the tavern overlooking the beach and watersports facilities are also available.
This beach is accessible on foot or by boat, with caiques (small fishing boats) leaving regularly from the harbour of Naoussa.
Pick you own spot to sunbathe on this long crescent of golden sand that curves around Plastira Bay near Naoussa.
Relax under a sun umbrella on the beach, enjoy great views across to the island of Naxos from a beach bar or get active with a range of watersports including windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and paddle boating.
More commonly known as Golden Beach because of its smooth golden sand, this 700m-long strand is the largest beach on Paros and very popular with families and watersports fans.
With an offshore wind, the conditions here are ideal for windsurfing. As a result, Golden Beach has hosted the World Cup windsurfing championship every year since 1993.
Sunbathe, go swimming, take a windsurfing lesson or scoot around the bay on a jet ski. Then relax with a cold drink at one of the beachside bars and restaurants.
Chrysi Akti Beach is located about 9km south of Naoussa on the south-east coast of Paros.
If you enjoy endless parties, loud music and a choice of watersports, then this is the beach for you.
Pounda is a long crescent of golden sand lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Watersports facilities are available.
Pounda is located about 2km from Logaras on the south-east coast of the island.
This narrow crescent of golden sand sits between a grove of beautiful palm trees and a small picturesque cove, with calm turquoise waters providing excellent conditions for swimming and snorkelling.
Around a rocky headland sits another beautiful beach, which is also home to a lovely whitewashed Cycladic church. Behind the beach lies a campsite with a taverna serving traditional Greek fare.
Agia Irini is located a few kilometres south of Parikia on the island’s south-west coast.
The Island of Paros offers an excellent choice of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, including the following 4- and 5-star hotels…
Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa
Location: Parasporos Beach, Paros
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD293 per room
Description: Set against the bright blue Aegean sky and natural colours, Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa offers guests the most in sun, fun and pure relaxation. The Yria is set just 100 metres from Parasporos Bay, where you can enjoy the lovely beach with the dazzling, crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Alternatively, take a dip in the hotel's large swimming pool or simply sunbathe on comfortable deckchairs while sipping a delicious cocktail. For the more active, Yria Resort provides a variety of leisure activities, ranging from tennis to fitness programmes. After a day's exercise, relax with a drink at the resort's piano bar, or read quietly in the lounge and readers' corner. Enjoy the gourmet Mediterranean cuisine served at Yria's restaurant. You can also choose to visit the close-by restaurants for more variety.
Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel
Location: Agioi Anargyroi, Paros
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD224 per room
Description: Offering a pool and a fitness centre, the Cycladic-style Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel is 30 metres from Agioi Anargyroi Beach. It features elegant accommodation with a spa bath and free Wi-Fi. Naoussa Village is a 4-minute walk away. Fitted with arches, all air-conditioned suites at Stelia Mare come with a furnished balcony or patio with side Aegean Sea view. Each has a seating area with flat-screen, satellite TV and a mini fridge. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are included. A buffet breakfast is served at the property. Light meals and refreshing beverages are prepared at the snack bar, where guests may enjoy the pool view. Guests may relax at the sun loungers by the pool or visit the steam bath. Facilities include a games rooms and a fitness centre for those who wish to keep fit. The popular beach of Santa Maria is 3 km away while the island’s port and town of Paroikia are 10 km away. Paros Airport is at a distance of 20 km.
White Dunes Luxury Boutique Hotel
Location: Santa Maria, Paros
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD223 per room
Description: Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and sun terrace, White Dunes Luxury Boutique Hotel is set in Santa Maria. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. A balcony or patio are featured in certain rooms. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. White Dunes Luxury Boutique Hotel features free WiFi throughout the property. There is concierge service at the property. Pool towels are available for your convenience. The hotel also offers car hire. Náousa is 3.9 km away from White Dunes Luxury Boutique Hotel.
Poseidon Of Paros Resort & SPA
Location: Chrissi Akti, Paros
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD204 per room
Description: On Cape Choni, where the deep blue of the Aegean Sea blends with the light blue of the Cycladic sky, lies this luxurious hotel-apartment complex in an area of 5 acres. Built in 1998 in traditional Cycladic style and combining all modern comforts, these accommodations promise serenity and Greek hospitality. Enjoy a swimming pool, tennis courts with night lights and a peaceful private chapel. For those looking to get active outdoors, water sports can be arranged, whether you plan to try windsurfing, scuba diving or water-skiing. Fun evenings can be had with arranged barbecues and Greek nights. Enjoy the pool bar with its wonderful terrace, and the restaurant with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea.
Archipelagos Resort & Villas
Location: Parikia, Paros
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD170 per room
Description: Built just outside Parikia, 5-star Archipelagos Resort offers a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. It features an outdoor swimming pool with deck chairs and a gourmet restaurant. Archipelagos Resort offers minimal Cycladic-style rooms, most with sea-view balconies. Each is air conditioned and has an LCD satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, safety box and a kitchenette with minibar. Mediterranean and Greek flavours are proposed at the hotel’s restaurant. Room service is available for a romantic dinner on your veranda or terrace. A lighter fare is provided at the pool bar. There is also a tennis court, as well as a 3-in-one court for basketball, volleyball and tennis. The luxury Archipelagos Resort also offers a mini gym with a sauna room and hot tub. Reception is available 24 hours a day. Staff can assist guests with tickets or car rental, propose and make reservations to selected traditional restaurants and suggest places to visit. Archipelagos Resort is conveniently situated between the main port of Parikia at 5 km and the local airport 7 km away. Free parking is available on site.
Saint Andrea Resort Hotel
Location: Kolympithres Beach, Paros
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD124 per room
Description: he Saint Andrea Resort Hotel offers luxurious 4-star accomodation overlooking Kolympithres Beach and Naoussa Bay. A 32-inch LCD TV, a DVD player and free Wi-Fi is included in every room. Saint Andrea's rooms have private porches offering views of the Aegean Sea. All are air-conditioned and have satellite and cable TV. Each comes with a coffee machine and cups to enjoy your drink. At its centre, the Saint Andrea has a large, lagoon-style swimming pool with sun loungers, and a pool bar serving wine and cocktails. Breakfast buffet is available and Mediterranean cuisine made from fresh, local produce is served in Saint Andrea’s restaurant. Saint Andrea is just 1.5 km from Naoussa, which has many dining and shopping options for guests to enjoy. The hotel offers free private on site parking.
The best time to visit Paros is during spring and early summer, from April to June, and the first two weeks of September, when the excessive summer heat has passed – the seawater is still warm, the crowds have left and all the facilities are still open.
The peak summer months of July and August offer very warm weather but at a time when the island sees the most visitors and prices sky-rocket.
Summer, from June to mid-September, enjoys daily averages of 29°C (84°F) peaking around 35°C (95°F) on occasions.
You can expect average highs of 26°C (78°F) in June, 27°C (80°F) in July, 26°C (78°F) in August and 25°C (77°F) in September.
The cool and refreshing sea breeze - the Meltimi – is fairly consistent throughout summer. Sea temperatures peak around 24°C (75°F) in August.
Note: Peak season generally runs from July to August and is best avoided due to temperatures often exceeding 38°C (100°F) and to the fact that the main islands are swamped with European holidaymakers.
From March to May, the temperature is cooler, hotel prices are more reasonable and the crowds non-existent. The winter off-season, from November through February, is generally quiet everywhere, however many hotels are closed.
For more climate info: Paros weather guide…
Paros is located in the Cyclades in the southern Aegean Sea, just to the west of Naxos and around 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Piraeus on the mainland of Greece.
The Cyclades island group also includes Mykonos, Ios, Naxos, Milos and Santorini, plus a number of smaller islands.
The most convenient route to Paros is by air to Paros National Airport (PAS), located in the southwestern part of the island, about 10km (6.2mi) from Parikia, the port and capital.
Most international flights connect via Athens International Airport (ATH).
Parikía harbour is a major hub for ferries and catamarans, running to and from neighbouring islands in the Cyclades such as Naxos, Ios, Mykonos and Santorini, as well as daily sailings to and from Piraeus – the port of Athens.
By sea, the quickest route to Paros is from Piraeus by high-speed catamaran, taking 2 hours 50 minutes; by ferry, the same trip takes 4 hours 10 minutes.
Alternatively, high-speed catamarans also operate from the port of Rafina, taking 3 hours 20 minutes; several ferry operators also service this route daily.
Rafina is located on the eastern coast of Attica, only 17km (10.5mi) from Athens Airport (ATH), around 30 minutes by bus and 15 minutes by taxi; and 25km (16mi) east of Athens city centre, around 1 hour 15 minutes by bus.
By high-speed catamaran, Paros is 30 minutes from Naxos and 40 minutes from Mykonos.
For more info: how to get to Paros…
Latest update: Paros, Greece : 11 June, 2023
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