What to Do in Paros, Greece: 2 Days of Cycladic Charm
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The most balanced Cycladic escape, pair sugar-cube village and golden-sand days with seaside dining that melts into lively Aegean nights in this 2-day Paros itinerary—a boutique rival to the region’s headline islands.
The Greek island that has it all, pretty in pink Paros is perfect for travelers looking for a bit of everything when it comes to quintessential Cycladic highlights.
The inland village trio of Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa offers an authentic slice of life to fill a half day exploration of traditional Greek culture. The Parikia port where ferries arrive is the more bustling entry point, lined with bohemian boutiques blending Mediterranean ease with modern chic as the ideal shopping destination. Further up the coast find upscale Naoussa, reminiscent of Mykonos’s elevated ambiance at half the price. This picturesque harbor looks across the bay towards the golden sand of Monastiri Beach and serves as the hub for Paros’s infamous party scene. Each attribute—including the quaint whitewashed towns with pink bougainvillea around every corner—comes together to form the most balanced Cycladic isle with something for every type of traveler!
2 Days in Paros Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed what to do in Paros 2 day itinerary you’ll find below:
Day 1
Driving Around the Village Trio
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🥧 Dig into a homemade savory pie baked with love at Sweet Smelling Kitchen (1 hr)
3:00 - 4:00 PM: 🏘️ Explore the tiered Lefkes village nestled in the hillside, full of boutiques and felines (1 hr)
4:10 - 5:00 PM: 🌸 Wander through fortified Prodromos and snap a flick with the many bougainvillea (50 min)
5:05 - 6:00 PM: 🩷 Pose in front of Marpissa’s pink door and meander through the winding lanes (55 min)
8:00 - 9:30 PM: 🌅 Savor a seaside sunset at the island’s swankiest dinner spot, Siparos (1 hr 30 min)
Day 2
Chic Boutiques, Sunbathing, & Seaside Nights
10:00 - 10:45 AM: 🥐 Snack on an assortment of baked Greek goodies from Ragoussis (45 min)
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: 💎 Snag jewelry and perfume dupes in Parikia, noting the Frankish Castle (1 hr 15 min)
1:00 - 1:30 PM: ☕ Grab a cookie and midday cap freddo pick-me-up from Tserki in Naoussa (30 min)
1:30 - 5:00 PM: 🌞 Hop on the boat to Monastiri Beach, basking the day away on the sand (3 hr 30 min)
8:00 - 9:30 PM: 🍖 Indulge in another sunset seaside dinner tucked behind the harbor at Luaz (1 hr 30 min)
9:30 - 11:00 PM: 🍹 Participate in the infamous Paros party scene grabbing drinks from Linardo (1 hr 30 min)
Click the star next to the title of this interactive map featuring all the stops detailed in the 2-day Paros itinerary above to add it to your Google account for easy navigation during your trip!
Where is Paros?
In the heart of the Cycladic archipelago, the Greek island of Paros sits almost exactly at the center crossroads of the group, positioned along major Aegean ferry routes. Well-connected to nearly every major island, it lies west of larger neighbor Naxos, east of smaller sister isle Antiparos, and roughly midway between the northern Cyclades like Mykonos and Syros and the southern islands including Santorini, Ios, and Milos. Home to around 15,000 permanent residents, Paros blends breezy bougainvillea lanes in Naoussa with sandy coves near Kolymbithres and Monastiri Beach—offering one of the most balanced atmospheres in the Cyclades: lively yet unmistakably local.
Roughly circular in outline with the largest natural bays opening into Parikia and Naoussa, Paros is defined by rolling hills, marble-rich mountains, and low, soft shorelines that slope gently into the Aegean. The prettiest waterfront pocket is on the northern curve of the island, where Naoussa’s enclosed harbor creates a postcard-perfect setting of fishing boats, boutique lanes, and stone quays. Navigation on Paros is far more straightforward than on cliffside islands: a simple ring road connects nearly all villages, making cross-island travel quick and intuitive whether you’re beach hopping on the north coast or heading inland toward Lefkes.
How to Get Around Paros?
WALK: Unlike compact cities, it’d be a fool’s errand to attempt to walk around any of the Cycladic islands. The highlights are far too dispersed to justify traveling all that way just to remain in the town closest to the ferry port. That said, many whitewashed settlements are built around narrow lanes that cars can’t access. The harbor around Naoussa, the inland village trio, and the boutique cobblestone alleys of Parikia are best traversed on foot, once you park your vehicle in a free lot on the edge of town.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Greek islands, including Paros, are connected by a network of KTEL buses (official site), with one-way tickets costing €2-3, or €10 for unlimited rides the whole day. These tickets are purchased using cash at physical stands adjacent to bus stops and in select stores, mini markets, and kiosks with the KTEL sign; employees inside are often able to provide guidance if you have questions about a particular route. Tickets are also sold on the bus by the driver at an increased price of €2.50-3.50.
On Paros, the main bus terminal is in the Parikia port where ferries also arrive. Routes largely depart from this hub in a spoke-and-wheel model, with most lines beginning or ending in Parikia. While this is the cheapest method of transportation on Paros, you’ll be limited to the stops on the timetable—for this particular 2 days in Paros itinerary, every detailed destination is included on the bus timetable except for Monastiri Beach, which is easily reached by boat from Naoussa.
TAXI + TRANSFER: Only 40 legal taxis operate on the entire island of Paros, serving high-traffic areas including the airport and Parikia port. This is undoubtedly the most expensive way to get around, with flat-fares of €40 from the port and €60 from the airport enforced; otherwise, the meter charges €15 per kilometer. Assuming you have scheduled flight or ferry tickets lined up, it’s typically cheaper to arrange transfers to and from your accommodations in advance and only call taxis when more flexibility is required.
DRIVE: I would highly recommend renting a car on Paros—or at least while you explore the inland villages—as this method of transportation allows you to experience the best of the island at your own pace. ATV and buggy rentals are offered as well, however I appreciated the shade, air-conditioning, and added safety provided by a completely enclosed vehicle. If you do opt for an ATV, rent the highest CC, largest model possible to ensure you can keep up with the flow of traffic on busy roads.
The roads on Paros are generally easy to traverse—whether they are paved, gravel, or dirt. Tight, winding one-way roads through the hills pose the biggest challenge around Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa. As my second international driving experience after Milos, I found Paros to be slightly more challenging given there were significantly more people on the road—and consequently searching for parking spots—but it was still more than manageable. While all the listed destinations in this 2 day Paros itinerary technically have flat, free lots or street parking nearby, the traffic congestion and scarcity of available spots near Naoussa made having a vehicle the most challenging there, especially on the weekend. I ended up paying to leave my vehicle in a lot overnight, with Siparos being the only other stop where I paid for parking through the on-site valet service. When it comes time to refuel your vehicle before returning it to the rental office, attendants at the station will pump gas for you.
Pro Tip:
While I was never explicitly asked for it when picking up a rental car, it’s prudent to obtain an International Driving Permit from your local AAA office before leaving home.
How to Get to Paros?
FLY: Paros is served by a small airport with direct, 40-50 minute flights into PAS from Athens (ATH). Once you’re already in the Cyclades, there’s no reason to fly given the robust ferry system is typically the cheapest and fastest way to hop from one island to the next. However, if you’re arriving directly from the Greek capital then this newly renovated terminal can serve that transit need with a few departure gates and check-in counters, plus a snack bar. Located deep on the southwest side of the island with no points of interest nearby, a taxi, transfer, or bus ticket is required to reach your accommodations.
FERRY: Taking the ferry from another Greek island to central Paros is efficient and cost-effective. Larger Naxos is nearby with the quickest SeaJets lines taking only 25 minutes to sail this route, while the slowest option stops in Mykonos first, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. I sailed 1 hour and 45 minutes to Paros with SeaJets after spending 3 days in Milos. Find connections from any other Cycladic stops on FerryHopper with live schedule updates and ferry tracking.
All ferries dock in the Parikia port, conveniently located near northwest Paros highlights like Naoussa. As with all transit by ferry, time is saved upon arrival given that no security process is enforced as is standard at airports—simply walk up to the port, locate which corridor corresponds with your vessel, and board alongside other guests once the back door comes down. Check in to the trip ahead of time and present your QR code to the conductor while boarding, then place your luggage in the cargo hold alongside vehicles or the passenger lounge—carry-ons and backpacks can fit in either. Locate your seat with odd and even numbers typically split into separate sides; staff members can guide you to the correct location. Enjoy the amenities which typically include outlets, tray tables, and a full-service café before heading back down to the cargo hold once your intended destination is announced over the speakers.
Where to Stay in Paros?
For a short, 2-day stay in Paros, it’s worth paying elevated rates for a central base allowing you to easily commute to nearby points of interest, whether using your own vehicle or public buses. Parikia and Naoussa are thus the top two choices, with the right town dependent on your travel preferences:
As the central stop where ferries arrive and the hub of the bus system, Parikia is convenient for transportation purposes. Staying in the island’s capital means you won’t need to arrange transit to your accommodations—you can usually walk there. If shopping is the goal you won’t find a better base, and accommodation rates are typically cheaper than Naoussa, making it the budget-friendly option.
For an upscale, seaside stay reminiscent of Mykonos Town, Naoussa is the clear winner. While undoubtedly more expensive, you’ll be a quick boat ride away from the most beautiful, golden beaches like Monastiri. In the heart of the nightlife scene, simply walk back to your accommodations after dancing the night away at one of the many cocktail hotspots bordering the picturesque harbor.
For an authentic, lowkey experience providing a glimpse into Greek village life, you could also stay in Lefkes. I wouldn’t consider Prodromos or Marpissa given the lack of amenities in each town, and even Lefkes poses a challenge in that the local dining and commercial options are quite limited. Renting a vehicle would be essential in this case, allowing you to find entertainment a drive away in other, more cosmopolitan destinations around Paros.
For a reasonably-priced room just off the main harbor, I spent 2 nights at Pension Anna in Naoussa. This family-run guest house was squeaky clean and steps away from all the nearby highlights, making it ideal for an efficient stop-over.
No matter where you stay, ensure you can sleep soundly at night by securing travel medical insurance before you go.
I prefer SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for convenient coverage across borders, since I’m always looking to maximize an international flight with multiple passport stamps collected along the way.
The Essential plan is best suited for mid- to short-term travelers like me balancing a 9-5 with unexpected medical and travel risk coverage.
What to Do in Paros?
Day 1
Lunch - Sweet Smelling Kitchen
After picking up a rental car—since a personal mode of transit is vital to explore Paros’s trio of authentic inland villages—wind around the terraced hills to Lefkes for lunch to delight in a traditional, home-cooked Greek meal delivered straight from the Sweet Smelling Kitchen. Without a menu in sight, you'll be asked, “Do you like to eat?,” with the resulting answer determining exactly what and how much food you're served from the day's lineup prepared by three generations of women from grandmother Effie’s family. My offering involved an oven-baked savory cheese and leek pie, almost like a quiche!
Without any reservations and a leisurely service turning over the rooftop tables behind this home, expect a substantial wait when arriving at typical lunch and dinner hours.
Lefkes
The largest village situated amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Agios Pantes, the staggered array of cubic, Cycladic houses makes Lefkes the most panoramically picturesque of the three as well. Surrounded by man-made terraced fields built on hillside inclines to make farming possible in the previous capital of Paros, each layer is separated by traditional dry-stone walls to create a stepped effect. Once wandering inside the quiet labyrinth of marble-paved alleyways, peruse the many boutiques and artisanal shops for handmade souvenirs—I’m partial to Enthimio for the Greek imagery stamped into their high-quality gold and silver creations.
At the base of town sits the Byzantine Agia Triada built from locally-sourced Parian marble. This monument marks the end of your journey back through time in Lefkes, with the second village of Prodromos up next as you return to the car, undoubtedly passing plenty of furry friends along the way. It’s also the trailhead for the 2.3 mile, ancient stone path known as the Byzantine Road if you prefer to make the 45-minute downhill trek on foot.
Prodromos
10 minutes down the road sits the smallest rural village of Prodromos, inviting you to experience an authentic slice of low-key local life—on Sundays find residents sitting about while their weekly laundry hangs dry on the line. Without much commercial entertainment and consequently no tourist crowds, the main activity here involves strolling through the maze of lanes lined with plenty of pink bougainvillea. This is undoubtedly the most aesthetic, postcard-perfect village ideal for snapping vacation flicks, and you don’t have to worry about photobombers cluttering up the background of this passageway village!
For refreshments, Byzantino is the main taverna in town where you can grab a quick bite or beverage.
Marpissa
Last but not least, a 5 minute drive away Marpissa’s claim to fame is an Instagram-famous pink door, which is today one of many rosy landmarks scattered around the island. While a complimentary bougainvillea once made this shot stunning, it was looking a bit withered when I arrived—making Linardo my preferred location to snap a quintessential Barbie-approved Paros picture. Similarly situated on a hilltop like Lefkes but without rolling plains providing a rural background, the winding streets of Marpissa were designed to confuse pirates in the medieval era. Get lost once more meandering through quaint squares and past small churches to cap off your exploration of the quieter, more authentic side of Paros.
If you took the Byzantine Road and are interested in extending your hike, the Monastery of Agios Antonios crowns a nearby hilltop 30 minutes away from the center of Marpissa with sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.
Dinner - Siparos
20 minutes away back on the north side of the island, swanky Siparos is unequivocally known as one of the best restaurants on Paros complete with seaside sunset views and an in-house DJ spinning bohemian beats. Reservations are highly recommended in this sophisticated hotspot rivaling the elevated ambiance of Mykonos with modern Mediterranean flair expressed through their broader Greek cuisine. Committed to purity, precision, and craft, you won’t find a better refined seafood experience on the island.
Day 2
Breakfast - Ragoussis
Begin day 2 in Paros with an endless array of sweet and savory Greek baked goods from Ragoussis Bakery, the perfect place to start your day with a spread of traditional treats. From baklava to basbousa, they have it all inside the infinitely many glass displays and make a mean freddo cappuccino at the drink bar to go alongside your selection.
Parikia
Parikia is the capital and main port town of Paros where you’ll arrive if traveling by ferry, also serving as the standard pick-up and drop-off point for rental vehicles. A bustling hub filled with travelers coming and going, the standout attraction here is undoubtedly the shopping—specifically the jewelry. Featuring the best boutique lineup of all the Greek islands I explored, you truly can’t go wrong popping into any storefront. For some initial direction, my favorites were White in Paros, Locus, Sigalas, Yria Ceramics, and Bizarre Boutique.
Quintessential Greek souvenirs you can’t miss are dupe perfumes formulated using the same French recipes as name-brand designer offerings. Aromatopoleion Perfumery in Parikia is one such “typou aromata,” selling sweet-scented imitations of labels like Chanel’s Chance for 1/20 of the price—or only €9 for 30 mL.
For a bit of free history, the Frankish Castle just up the road is a recycling project of sorts. The structure is more tower than castle in that there’s no interior to explore, but the hodgepodge façade formed from both rectangular and round stone serves as the main point of interest. Fashioned out of repurposed fragments from much older structures, in 1260 the Venetians reused materials from ancient Greek and Roman temples—plus local ruins—instead of quarrying fresh stone. Agios Konstantinos overlooking the harbor around the corner and the ornate Byzantine Panagia Ekatontapiliani in the center of town are worth passing by as well.
Naoussa
Paros’s upscale harbor rivaling the allure of Mykonos, Naoussa—also known as Naousa—is the place to be for elevated dinners, sunset cocktails, and parties going well into the early morning. Built directly on the waterfront with working fishing boats bobbing nearby, this also serves as the gateway to nearby beaches Kolympethres and Monastiri. The town is best experienced with no agenda; simply stroll by freshly-caught octopus hanging on the line to dry and pop into any modern cafés or chic boutiques that catch your eye.
Snack - Tserki
Just off the harbor, I highly recommend Tserki for a midday cap freddo pick-me-up. I stopped in multiple times and the consistent line speaks to just how silky their frothy drinks are. If a sweet treat is also calling your name, you can’t go wrong with the flavored cookies topped with ganache and assorted crumbles from this posh pastry lab.
Monastiri Beach
The best beach on Paros is just a boat ride away from Naoussa; buy a physical ticket directly in the harbor from a kiosk for €13 round trip and glide over to Monastiri Beach. This bohemian, organized stretch of sand offers every kind of amenity you could imagine from sun bed sets and cabanas to rattan recliners and plush lunch booths. Better yet, arrive with your own towel and secure a spot in the sand listening to the same tropical house beats bumping in the background, completely free of charge!
Pro Tip:
I mistakenly believed that Kolympethres and Monastiri could be visited within the same boat route; this is incorrect and a round trip ticket will only take you to and from one beach.
The idyllic, shallow bay is ideal for wading with a substantial amount of walking required to reach any deep water. Yachts park in turquoise pockets off to the side, and on the opposite end of the bay rent water equipment like SUPs, inflatable tubes, wakeboards, and more from Ntrl High.
When purchasing a ticket in Naoussa, you’ll be presented with two beach options—Kolympethres or Monastiri—and the latter is undoubtedly the right answer. Aside from the elevated amenities at the lavish beach club, Monastiri is located within Paros Park and thus offers infinitely more complimentary activities. Explore the Monastery of St. John's of Deti next to the beach, stroll to the geological wonder of the natural arc by the sea, or hike 25 minutes to the Akrotiri Korakas lighthouse.
Dinner - Luaz
Most Paros travel guides recommend Barbarossa for dinner, which should be avoided at all costs unless you’re seeking a tourist trap. The main draw lies in the portion of dinner where Mamma Mia! tunes are played as the whole restaurant spins napkins around, but this only lasts for a few moments before you resume a relatively mediocre dinner. Seek out Luaz instead for an idyllic seaside spot—this location was made for golden hour with the setting sun perfectly in view as the whitewashed waterfront is warmed by fading light.
Chilled glasses of Assyrtiko from Santorini compliment buttery lamb that falls off the flank and freakily fresh tomatoes paired perfectly with creamy burrata. With a picture-perfect Paros view and the menu lineup to match, dinner at Luaz is a no-brainer.
Drinks - Linardo
It would be a shame to miss the Paros party scene, so rally yourself after dinner for at least one harborside cocktail. Perfectly pink Linardo makes for a scenic shot if there’s still daylight out, although for drinks this should be your last stop of the night, ideally after 3:00 AM. Methystra is more appropriate earlier in the evening for casual cocktails, and if all else fails a smattering of other options line the waterfront including Agosta and Barbarossa—an acceptable stop for drinks and only drinks. No matter the day of the week, the party continues every night in this popping summer scene.
How Much Does Paros for 2 Days Cost?
Following the above Paros Greece in 2 days itinerary cost me $987.39 in total—or $493.70 per day—as a female solo traveler on a 2-month abroad stint. Given so much of Paros’ charm comes from strolls around notable villages, it’s an extremely reasonable island to visit, with lodging and transportation making up the bulk of unavoidable expenses. Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, you won’t need to splurge on pricey excursions or day beds to experience the best parts of the island. Things got a bit out of hand on the shopping front, but with more willpower those boutique purchases can easily be skipped.
Food — $198.88
Activities — $15.29
Lodging — $287.65
Transportation — $121.29
Souvenirs — $364.28
While I enjoyed having the freedom to explore the inland village trio by rental car, this itinerary can be entirely accomplished with public transportation. With tickets costing only a few euros, Paros’ buses are the easiest way to save a meaningful amount of money when traveling on a budget. The boutiques here were the best I encountered across all the Greek islands I visited, so treating yourself to jewelry souvenirs feels justified — and if not, you can always leave with a designer-inspired perfume dupe for just a few euros.
To stretch your budget even further, bring your own towel to Monastiri and revel in a beach club experience where the roundtrip boat ticket is your only expense. This frugal behavior deserves to be rewarded with a fancy dinner, which can stay affordable if you skip out on appetizers and a glass of wine. I found Naoussa’s elevated room rates to be worthwhile given the harborside ambiance and convenience of walking to both dinner and the beach-shuttle boat. However, Parikia remains the most reliable option for travelers seeking true budget accommodations without sacrificing convenience.
What to Wear in Paros?
Encouraging more glitzy, girly attire on the Greek island full of pink doors and lively beach bars, Paros looks fall into two distinct aesthetics depending on the day’s plans. In the rural hills, understated, down-to-earth ensembles feel right at home among the cottagecore villages and bougainvillea-filled lanes. Come evening in Naoussa, however, the energy shifts: its hip harbor calls for going-out gowns that seamlessly transition from sunset dinners to late-night bar hopping.
Lean into the scenery with pink dresses and white lace attire matching similarly rosy flowers and sugar cube village façades. Floral patterns make this reference more overt, while countryside kerchiefs are the perfect romantic accessory to top off a feminine frame. Up the ante for luxe beach club cabanas and seaside dinners, packing ritzy garments that make a statement:
Pretty in Pink
blend in with blooming bougainvillea lanes and painted pink doors in Barbie-approved hues
Golden Hour Glitz
reflect golden hour light during seaside sunset cocktails in sparkles that will keep the party going all night long
Floral Features
with flowering trees around every cubic village corner, embody the beauty of blossoms in full prints or finer floral features
Lovely Lace
on an island made for the girls, embrace handcrafted, feminine chic in lovely lace pieces to exude old-world charm
Countryside Kerchief
top off your outfit with a cottagecore accessory for winding strolls through the quaint countryside village trio
See-Through Slips
head to the beach club in see-through slips that let your suit peek through yet are polished enough for lunch with a view
When is the Best Time to Visit Paros?
Reflecting the seasonal cadence of Cycladic life, Paros’ beaches, tavernas, and boutique-lined lanes open and close in tandem with the time of year. Although its popularity is rapidly growing as a staple Greek-island itinerary stop, it has yet to reach the overwhelming congestion of Santorini or Mykonos—though the high-season summer still brings traffic jams, scarce parking, and fully booked restaurants. Your experience, accordingly, will vary greatly depending on when you visit:
Spring (April–May): Paros emerges from its winter lull as wildflowers blanket the inland hills near Lefkes and ferry schedules become more frequent. By late April, most hotels, tavernas, and beach clubs have reopened as the weather turns pleasantly warm, though nightlife remains mellow. With comfortably warm highs in the 70s °F (21–25 °C) the Aegean can still feel chilly for swimming, but clear skies, quiet bougainvillea-filled lanes, and a renewed island energy make spring one of the most peaceful and picturesque times to visit before summer’s high-season spark.
Summer (June–August): Summer is peak season in Paros as the island truly comes alive. Expect highs in the 80s–90s °F (27–35 °C), reliable sunshine, and warm, calm seas ideal for sailing, swimming, and beach hopping. The Meltemi winds offer breezy relief on hotter days and Naoussa hums with life well past midnight each night as seaside harbor hotspots fill, beach clubs buzz, and ferries to Antiparos run constantly. Crowds grow to a level that is gradually upsetting locals— specifically around Naoussa and Parikia—making reservations essential and respect for your neighbors that live there year-round paramount.
Autumn (September–October): Assuming partying isn’t your main pursuit, autumn is arguably the best time to visit Paros. The sea reaches its warmest, hovering in the low to mid-70s °F (22–24 °C) thanks to a summer of sun, while daytime temperatures settle into the comfortable 70s and low 80s °F (22–28 °C) as Meltemi winds soften. Crowds thin dramatically, ferries run reliably until mid-October, and beach days remain blissful with more reasonable rates. Naoussa’s nightlife tapers slightly but stays lively enough for sunset drinks, balancing the beauty of summer without the busyness.
Winter (November–March): This is the island’s off-season; in other words, not the time for travelers to visit. While tourism-driven establishments close, Parikia—being Paros’ year-round port—keeps more businesses open than smaller Cycladic islands in the winter. Temperatures dip to the mid-50s–60s °F (10–16 °C) with occasional rain and gray skies. Paros remains reachable via ferries year-round, but the island shifts to a peaceful local haven best suited for permanent residents rather than a traditional beach holiday.
There’s truly nothing better than a Cycladic summer. Even with Paros feeling the growing pains of increased popularity, this congestion is centered around a few key areas and can be easily avoided. Nowhere near the level of Santorini crowds, the roads around Parikia and Naoussa are typically full of traffic and can extend drive times, but the towns themselves never felt claustrophobic. Visiting in early July, I found the inland villages to be practically empty, making these the best 2 day in Paros itinerary additions to experience peaceful, authentic Greek ambiance during the peak season.
For reduced rates that still deliver a quintessential summer atmosphere, the shoulder season in Paros is especially enticing. Late May and early September offer the perfect balance: regular ferry schedules, warm swimmable seas, and fewer crowds in the harbor hubs—although that means the late night scene is more toned down as well. The same dazzling beauty of high summer, set to a more relaxed rhythm.
Which Greek Islands are Near Paros?
A trip to the Cyclades is rarely a single-stop endeavor. With ferries connecting even the most remote outposts, island hopping is practically a rite of passage, making the long journey to this secluded archipelago even more rewarding. Once you’ve experienced Paros’ rolling countryside hills and sandy golden beaches, consider adding a few of its neighboring destinations to your ferry route:
Antiparos — Paros’ Chic Little Sister (7–30 minutes)
A quick hop from Parikia, Antiparos is the island locals escape to for laid-back luxury. Small, stylish, and effortlessly cool, it’s known for crystal-clear coves, minimalist Cycladic architecture, and a boutique-lined main street. Spend the day beach-hopping by boat, exploring the famed Antiparos Cave, or enjoying a long seaside lunch as the most rewarding micro-excursion from Paros.
Naxos — Paros’ Oversized Neighbor (25 minutes-110 minutes)
Just east of Paros lies Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades and one of the easiest day trips thanks to frequent, short ferry connections. Explore the waterfront Chora crowned by the Venetian Kastro, watch the sun set through the ancient Portara, or head inland for mountain villages and local cheesemakers. With broad, windy beaches ideal for kitesurfing, Naxos makes an excellent pairing for travelers wanting a more down-to-earth Greek experience.
Mykonos — The Party-Meets-Design Icon (45–90 minutes)
To the north, ferries connect Paros to Mykonos—the Cycladic island synonymous with world-class nightlife, luxury designers, and exclusive beach clubs. Wander Little Venice, visit the frequently photographed Panagia Paraportiani, or lounge on a glamorous day bed. Known for round-the-clock revelry, Mykonos brings the high-octane energy that complements Paros’ more versatile pace—making it a natural choice for an overnight escape, especially when summer ferry schedules are in full swing.
Ios — The Youthful Stopover (1–6 hours)
South of Paros, Ios blends golden beaches, cliffside Chora viewpoints, and a holiday nightlife scene that draws young backpackers from around the world. Day trips are possible when ferry schedules align, but Ios is most rewarding as an overnight stay where you can experience both its calm daytime atmosphere and buzzy after-dark ambiance.
Is Paros Worth Visiting?
Undoubtedly yes, Paros easily lands itself in my list of top, must-see Cycladic islands for a first visit to Greece. There’s truly no better option for travelers seeking a little bit of everything. Other islands are one-dimensional in the sense that they’re known for a single overarching characteristic: Santorini’s romantic caldera, Mykonos’s unmatched party scene, Naxos’s rural settlements—the list goes on. Paros, on the other hand, encapsulates aspects of each of these destinations into one ultimate Greek island.
Ideal for travel maximalists, experience Cycladic charm in all its forms, from traditional hillside villages to swanky beach clubs in sparkling turquoise coves. Two days is the bare minimum I would consider spending here, with my own experience being a bit rushed considering I packed seven islands into a single Greece trip. In a best case scenario, spend a relaxed 3-4 days on Paros, using the added time to explore highlights on the south side of the island, go out the Greek way and dance well into the early morning—with enough time to recover the next day—or take a boat trip to Antiparos, the blue lagoon Panteronissia, and Despotiko.
Assuming you have more Greek islands on your itinerary, 2 days in Paros is just enough time to sufficiently explore the two biggest towns of Naoussa and Parikia, plus experience traditional local life with a half day to spare touring the inland village trio.
Paros for First-Timers: FAQs
Do they speak English in Paros?
While Greek is the official language of Greece, English is incredibly common given the language has been a compulsory school subject for decades. I never encountered a language barrier once during my 2 days in Paros and successfully communicated with every local I encountered in the tourism industry.
What is the currency in Paros?
As a member of the European Union, the euro is the official currency of Greece. Visa and Mastercard payments are widely accepted in Paros, with cash nice to have on hand for mom-and-pop establishments like the Sweet Smelling Kitchen in Lefkes and other local boutiques around the inland villages. Tipping isn’t obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is a courteous gesture—especially when indulging in fine dining like Siparos.
After ordering, the bill will be immediately printed and placed in a small tray on the table for your review. Upon asking to pay, the waiter will review this total and input it into a handheld card reader.
Where is the pink door in Paros?
There’s not one singular pink door on Paros, but the rosy house with similarly painted shutters and a complimentary bougainvillea in Marpissa is the most famous. Alternatively, Linardo in Naoussa also boasts a pink door. Since this lively bar is a commercial establishment, it’s best to snap any shots in front of the aesthetic exterior in the early morning before the harbor starts to fill with visitors.
What to do in Paros for 2 days?
A 2-day Paros itinerary is best spent exploring its traditional villages and relaxing on its northern golden beaches. Begin in the hilltop towns of Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa, stopping for homemade pies and photo-worthy bougainvillea lanes before a sunset dinner at Siparos. On day two, shop the boutiques of Parikia, grab coffee in Naoussa, and spend the afternoon at Monastiri Beach. End the trip with a seaside dinner at Luaz and a night out at Linardo for a taste of Paros’ lively harbor scene.
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Keep a short list of my Paros recommendations handy (Benable)
Add this Paros map to your phone for easy navigation during your trip (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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