Why Paros should be the next Greek island you visit

Sara Darling

Sara Darling

It might not be a contender for the wildest party island, but Paros*, with its laidback beach bars and sophisticated restaurants, is a popular choice that rivals Santorini* and Mykonos* for the more mature fun-loving crowd.

Discover the glorious beaches of pretty Paros, Greece
Discover the glorious beaches of pretty Paros, Greece © Pawel Kazmierczak - Adobe Stock Image

Along with the statement whitewashed buildings, which nod to the island's history of quarry mining, sun worshippers flock to this South Aegean island* for the crystalline beaches and bougainvillea-dotted villages, each with its own friendly vibe.

Getting to Paros: for a wide selection of departures, be sure to check out the current deals on holidays to destinations across Greece with TUI*.

Get to know pretty Parikia

Parikia, the island's historic hilltop capital, overlooks the port below. Packed with cobbled lanes, courtyards, ancient churches and every kind of shop and restaurant you require, it's the epicentre of life and commerce on Paros; it's where locals go about their daily lives, so expect better value than you'll find in the resorts.

If you have an appetite, head to Bountaraki for homemade, authentic Greek dishes, or ask for directions to the super hip Distrato Café Bistro, found in a shady square, and you'll be rewarded with delicious brunch, cakes and coffee options, which you can enjoy alongside super stylish locals.

Wander among the white-washed houses of Parikia
Wander among the white-washed houses of Parikia © Jason Knott - Alamy Stock Photo

Get lost in the pretty, twisty, flower-lined lanes to see locals going about their daily life and to find curious shops and boutiques.

Check out Retro Greco opposite the castle for an eclectic array of items and one-off vintage pieces. Meanwhile, Moods is where you can rummage through all kinds of antiquities.

Peruse the captivating selection at Anthologist concept store, which stocks furniture, homeware, clothing, jewellery and gifts.

The Frankish Castle is a must-visit too. Built by the Venetians who presided over much of the Cycladic archipelago in 1260 CE, its vast, thick walls of marble and rock support the upper parts of Parikia's old town and, although it is half "sunk', is still impressive.

Built into the walls is a bar called Hops and Colors, which specialises in Greek craft beers and hosts DJs on the terrace in the summer.

The highest point of the city is crowned by the stunning blue-domed Church of Agios Konstantinos. Soak up sunset views with a sundowner on the glorious roof garden at BeBop and enjoy the best views of the city.

However, if you really want to push the boat out for a celebration, book a table at Stou Fred, which offers international fine dining in a beautiful courtyard garden.

Make time for Naoussa

Smaller than Parikia, the former fishing port of Naoussa is becoming a hotspot in its own right. With a cosmopolitan feel, you can browse upmarket boutiques and art galleries or meander through the narrow streets and stumble across swanky restaurants and trendy cocktail bars.

There are just a few traditional Greek tavernas, so food and drink prices are higher than average. The cobbled alleyways are a delight to wander around but they get packed in high season with visitors descending from all over the island and by boat.

One of Naoussa's main landmarks is the Venetian fortress of Kastelli, right by the harbour. It's a great spot for photos but you'll need sure footing to cross the walkway, often battered by waves.

Admire colourful boats bobbing in Naoussa
Admire colourful boats bobbing in Naoussa © Alex Waltner - Adobe Stock Image

The bright pink Linardo club at the end of the harbour is a landmark and also makes a great photo spot. If you're feeling peckish, stop for some brunch at Fotis Bar, which has a terrace overlooking the harbour, or check out the local wine at Moraitis Winery which is buried at the depths of the east side of the town.

There's a beach for every interest

The closest beach to town is Parikia Beach. This long, white sandy bay has crystal clear water and relaxed vibes. Due to its shallow waters, this is perfect for families or those who prefer to wade, rather than swim.

Northeast of Parikia, you'll be rewarded by the most spectacular sunset and the busy Livadia Beach. With lots of restaurants lining the promenade, it draws in the crowds but doesn't have the inflated prices of the Old Town.

Pick a lounger on aptly-named Golden Beach
Pick a lounger on aptly-named Golden Beach © Vito Arcomano - Alamy Stock Photo

Close to popular Naoussa, try Plastira Bay, home to some spectacular coastal scenery with the western peninsula boasting large granite boulders known as Paros Paros. Along with a sandy bay, you can spend a day here exploring smaller coves and coastal trails.

Windsurfers (or wannabe windsurfers) should head to Santa Maria boasting a long sandy stretch offering equipment and lessons, while just next door is a sheltered family-friendly cove at Mikri Santa Maria with a pricey beach bar, sunbeds and umbrellas. The surf is always up at New Golden Beach too.

Close by is the beautiful gay-friendly bay at Laggeri, which is blessed with white sand and cedar trees to protect it from the north winds. The sheltered sands here are in a wild and undeveloped part of the coast, with many people stripping off to get an all-over tan.

Be at one with nature

If you have the urge to explore further, Paros Park is a beautiful nature reserve with walking trails, caves and an outdoor amphitheatre, which hosts a weekly summer showcase of events.

If you're into hiking, head inland to explore the interior village of Lefkes, which sits 300 metres above sea level; with only around 500 inhabitants, this serene village is abundant with olive and pine trees and offers stunning views of the nearby island of Naxos*.

Explore the village of Lefkes
Explore the village of Lefkes © Arseniy Krasnevsky - Adobe Stock Image

In the park, you'll also find an uncrowded family-friendly beach at Monastiri, which is the epitome of an idyllic Greek beach, complete with fine sands and shallow waters and a basic café and loungers; venture a little further around the rocky path for a completely different vibe at the nude-friendly cove at Perikopetra.

Perhaps you'd just like a dip on the way back to the car park; look out for signs for the deserted Turku Ammos, a narrow bay shrouded by dunes and cedar trees, and an ideal stopping point before returning to the lively town.

Weather in Paros

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Maximum daytime temperature °F
Hours of sunshine (daily)
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The above shows the weather in Parikia. Find out more about conditions across the island in our complete guide to the weather in Paros.

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Sara Darling

Sara Darling

Posted on Tuesday 4th April 2023 in: Beach Europe Summer

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