18 Top Things to Do in Paros Island: Must-See Spots and Fun Activities

If you’re planning a vacation on the Greek islands, you’ll be amazed by all the things to do on Paros Island. Located in the heart of the Cyclades, Paros is home to over 10,000 residents and boasts 120 km of coastline. It is one of the top destinations in this Mediterranean country. Visitors can enjoy serene landscapes, stroll through charming alleys lined with traditional architecture and whitewashed buildings, and explore ancient and medieval ruins, monuments, churches, and monasteries.

Whether you’re arriving at Paros Port via ferry or landing at Paros Airport, you’ll be greeted by the island’s inviting atmosphere and countless opportunities to explore. While on the island, you’ll be delighted to discover a variety of inviting restaurants, tavernas, and picturesque bars where you can unwind. For those who love to party, Paros also offers vibrant beach clubs featuring world-renowned DJs.

With so many activities to choose from, Paros truly has something for everyone.

Let’s explore more about what this beautiful island has to offer below.

Top Things to Do in Paros

If you visit Paros, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the things to see and do. So, what to do in Paros? Here are some of the best activities to enjoy:

1. Visit Parikia

Parikia, the capital and main port of the island, is also its commercial and business hub. Along the waterfront and through the maze of alleys in the old town, you’ll find numerous restaurants and cafés. True to Cycladic style, Parikia is a labyrinth of narrow, whitewashed streets and a great place to stay if you want to be close to everything.

In Parikia, you’ll discover several fascinating historical landmarks, including an ancient windmill and the renowned Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani. This town is a must-see destination with plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration.

You’ll also find essential services here, including banks, laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and various tourist offices.

2. Pray at Panagia Ekatontapiliani

One of Greece’s most important Byzantine monuments, the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, was originally built in the 4th century. It’s also known as the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” According to legend, 99 doors have been found, and the 100th will be revealed when Constantinople (Istanbul) is returned to Greece.

Entry is free, and opening hours (at the time of writing) are from 7 AM to 10 PM. During the low season, the church is open from 7 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.

3. Party in Naoussa

Located about 20 minutes north of Parikia, Naoussa is a lively fishing village and a great place to stay. While it’s quieter during the day than Parikia, Naoussa truly comes alive at night and can turn into quite the party town.

Despite its vibrant nightlife, Naoussa retains its charm as a fishing village, with much of the action centered around the compact harbor. This area tends to be the most expensive, but you can still find affordable, cheerful meals in the many winding backstreets.

4. Discover Greek Culture in Lefkes

Lefkes is a charming medieval town nestled in the mountains behind Naoussa, offering stunning views of neighboring Naxos. This quaint village embodies the Cycladic aesthetic, with whitewashed houses, blue doors, and vibrant pink bougainvillea draping over the streets.

It’s a lovely place to visit for a day, where you can explore excellent handmade pottery, jewelry, and other local crafts. You’ll also find fresh produce like honey and figs sold along the roadside. Some visitors return to Lefkes year after year, and it’s possible to find very affordable accommodations on Airbnb or Booking.com.

5. Have Lunch at Piso Livadi

Piso Livadi, a small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast coast of the island, is known for its charming tavernas, particularly those serving fresh local seafood. Tasting the regional cuisine is one of the best things to do in Greece — and you absolutely shouldn’t miss the mussels here!

Once a quiet bay, Piso Livadi has gained popularity in recent years and now serves as the main port for sailing trips to the Small Cyclades islands or Antiparos.

6. Try Watersports at Golden Beach

Just a bit south of Piso Livadi, you’ll find Golden Beach, often regarded as one of the best beaches in Greece for water sports. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, dedicate a day to riding the waves, soaking in the sun, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

There are several places along the beach where you can rent windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards. The area is also home to some unique beach-inspired shops and boutiques. While it can get windy when the Meltemi winds blow, for many, this is part of the beach’s appeal.

Extra Tip: After a fun-filled day of water sports, treat yourself to a traditional Greek meal at the nearby tavernas, where fresh fish is always on the menu.

 

7. Visit the Traditional Greek Fishing Village of Drios

Drios, a small fishing village that once served as the ancient port of Paros, is one of the greenest villages on the island. Here, you can experience authentic Cycladic hospitality, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and relax in tranquil surroundings. You can even rent a small room right on the beach for the price of a nice meal. The area features quiet, sandy beaches, including a nearby nudist beach. Don’t forget to explore Aspro Chorion, a charming settlement located just above Drios.

8. Swim at Kolymbithres Beach

Kolymbithres Beach, located west of Naoussa in Plastira Bay, is one of the most famous beaches in Paros. It’s known for its unique granite boulders, which have been shaped by the sea over centuries into smooth platforms perfect for sunbathing.

The shallow, crystal-clear water makes it a great spot for swimming, and there’s an excellent taverna nearby that offers some of the best home-cooked meals on the island. You can either drive to the beach or take a small public ferry from Naoussa. While there are many things to do in Paros, spending a day at Kolymbithres is a must.

9. Spend a Day at Santa Maria

Santa Maria is another popular beach, well-known for its windsurfing, water skiing, and scuba diving facilities. Located about 10 minutes east of Naoussa, Santa Maria is surrounded by beach bars, tavernas, and restaurants, giving it a lively, cosmopolitan feel. It has been a favorite of Scandinavian families for decades. The beach bar offers delicious, refreshing cocktails and transforms into a party atmosphere in the evening.

10. Relax at Ambelas Beach

Ambelas is a small village with a beach about 15 minutes from Naoussa. A man-made seawall ensures calm waters almost every day, making it a peaceful place to swim. The beach is home to several excellent tavernas, including the popular Thalami and Christiana.

There’s also a modern restaurant and beach club called Aspro, which offers sun loungers and beachside service. It’s the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch and a swim, with the added benefit of having fewer people around for a quieter experience.

11. Explore the Cultural Events in Aliki

Aliki, meaning “salt-marsh” in Greek, takes its name from the adjacent marsh at the southern end of the island. Close to the airport, Aliki is home to the Cycladic Folklore Museum, a treasure trove of local history and culture. The village also hosts several cultural events, including the Feast of St. John of Klidonas in June, the Feast of Christ the Savior on August 6th, and the Feast of the Holy Cross in September.

Aliki is a charming village, offering excellent seafood tavernas and a variety of small rooms and pensions for visitors looking to stay overnight.

12. See Nature in the Butterfly Valley

Located 5 km south of Parikia near the Monastery of Jesus of the Woods, the Butterfly Valley (known as Petaloudes in Greek) is a natural wonder. Every summer, the valley transforms into a lush green paradise, as thousands of Jersey Tiger Moths cover the area, creating a breathtaking and serene spectacle.

13. Visit Antiparos

Antiparos is a picturesque, laid-back island just off the coast of Paros island. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip, or if you have more time, consider staying for a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart every 30 minutes from Parikia, with the trip lasting about 10 minutes.

If you’re traveling with a car, you can take the car ferry from Punda, located a little south of Parikia, which shortens the trip to just 7 minutes. Antiparos is a favorite getaway for celebrities, including Tom Hanks and his Greek wife Rita Wilson, who are beloved by the locals and often participate in community events during their summer visits.

14. Island Hop to Naxos

Naxos, a beautiful island only 20 minutes from Paros by ferry, is both fascinating and fun. Known for its great beaches, Naxos is best explored with a car, especially if you’re short on time and want to reach more remote spots.

St. George Beach, located at the southern end of Naxos town, is a calm and family-friendly beach. There are also several excellent tavernas right on the sand, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the island’s charm.

15. Do Some Wine Tasting at a Winery

Paros is home to a couple of excellent wineries. One standout is Moraitis Winery, established in 1910, located just outside the town of Naoussa. It boasts an impressive wine cellar and offers light meals and cheese platters to accompany your tasting.

The ideal climate of the Cycladic landscape has led to the production of fantastic red, white, and rosé wines. As you explore the island, you may notice that the vines grow low to the ground instead of on trellises. This method helps protect the grapes from the strong Meltemi winds, which blow through the Cyclades from July to September. If you’re a wine enthusiast, visiting a winery to sample some of Greece’s finest wines is a must-do in Paros.

16. Do Some Shopping at Local Boutiques

Parikia and Naoussa are home to charming boutiques and shops, and you’ll also find unique stores in the smaller villages. From local markets and high-end boutiques to Greek designer wear and jewelry, there’s something for everyone, often at affordable prices. If you’re looking for a special souvenir to take home, this is the perfect place to find it.

17. Attend a Greek Festival

The Greeks love festivals, and Paros hosts over 10 religious festivals between July and September alone!

One of the most colorful celebrations is the Pirates Festival, which reenacts the pirate raids that were common during medieval times. Young boys dress in pirate costumes and leap from fishing boats, running through the crowd to “capture” young girls. Fireworks, traditional music, dancing, and feasting make this an unforgettable event.

Another popular festival is the Fish and Wine Festival, held in Marpissa on the first Sunday of July.

In addition, there are many smaller festivals celebrating the arts, including exhibitions, concerts, dance and music events, theatrical performances, and book fairs, particularly toward the end of summer. These cultural festivities are some of the best experiences in Paros.

18. Watch the Sunset on the West Side of Paros

Like all Cycladic islands, Paros offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sunset, with many ideal west-facing locations. The towns of Parikia and Punda, as well as restaurants like Siparos, provide stunning sunset views.

The beauty of a Greek sunset is indescribable, and the feeling it evokes is unforgettable. Watching the sunset in Paros is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to Move Around Paros, Greece

The easiest and most convenient way to explore Paros is by renting a car. Public buses run infrequently throughout the day, and taxi fares can be quite expensive. With a rental car, you won’t need to wait for public transit, allowing you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. This gives you the opportunity to discover the island’s hidden gems and visit even the most remote spots.

At Chaniotis Car Rentals, we’re here to help you make the most of your trip by providing the best rental service to explore all that Paros has to offer.

Experience the ultimate Greek vacation by renting a car from Chaniotis Paros Rental!