10 Best Things to Do in Paros
What is Paros Most Famous For?
At the centre of the Greek Cyclades islands is Paros, an enchanting Mediterranean destination with plenty of great things to do. The entirety of the island is around 75 sq km, and the best things to do in Paros feature the small, quaint villages in the countryside and along the coast. Naoussa, in particular, is one quiet getaway worth exploring, outside of the bustling downtown Parikia.
Get out in nature at Paros Park or spend the day at the beach. Or explore archaeologic wonders from Byzantine-era churches to museums boasting historic recreations made entirely from materials dating back to the Bronze Age. Your busy but exciting Paros itinerary awaits.
What are the best things to do in Paros?
1. Parikia
A hilltop city overlooking the port
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Alimentação
Parikia, the capital of Paros, is the bustling hub of the island. One of the best things to do in Parikia is to take a boat cruise across the sea, where you can dive and swim in the warm Mediterranean waters. Don’t forget to explore the town’s picturesque white buildings and cobbled streets when you’re back on land.
The party begins when the sun starts to set. Paros is known for its gorgeous sunsets, so it’s recommended to find a coastal bar, order a cocktail and watch the sun go down in good company. From there you can visit any number of bars and breweries or a club for salsa dancing. Then end the night with a creamy gelato treat.
Parikia
2. Paros beaches
A perfect destination for windsurfers and sailing enthusiasts
Ideal para: Famílias, Vida noturna, Econômico
Paros beaches are dreamy spots where you can sunbathe, windsurf, snorkel and swim. Some of these beaches are secluded and quiet, while others are full of life and set to party.
Golden Beach, Kolymbithres Beach and Marchello Beach are among the best beaches in Paros. In fact, Golden Beach, south of Parikia, has gathered acclaim as the annual host of the Professional Windsurfing World Cup. Kolymbithres Beach is unique in its collection of small sandy coves that serve almost as small private beaches, while Marchello is beloved for its party atmosphere and bumping music.
Paros beaches
3. Naoussa
A thriving cultural hub
Ideal para: História, Alimentação
The small fishing village of Naoussa is a delightful getaway within Paros. Foodies, in particular, love to visit the area for its variety of restaurants, including those with stunning sea views along the bay. Taverns and ouzeries, establishments that sell a Greek aperitif called ouzo, are also popular here. Naoussa is also home to some of the best beaches in Paros, including the famous Kolymbithres Beach.
For those more interested in culture, Naoussa has several significant churches, museums and a handful of important archaeological sites that are worth visiting, including the remains of a Venetian castle.
Naoussa
4. Lefkes
The former capital of Paros in the Middle Ages
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
A day trip to the village Lefkes should be on any Paros itinerary. The village is quiet and peppered with gorgeous homes covered in colourful bougainvillea and awe-inspiring sites like the marble Agia Triada church. The beautiful town centre is where you’ll find both locals and tourists sipping their morning coffee or savouring their evening gelato.
One big draw to Lefkes is the historic Byzantine Trail. It starts in Lefkes and ends in Prodromos and is a modest 3.5 km hike along a road that is over 1,000 years old. In Prodromos, you can stop at a tavern for a beer and a bite before hiking back to Lefkes or simply take an hourly bus that connects the 2 towns.
Lefkes
5. Panagia Ekatontapiliani
A fascinating religious landmark
Ideal para: História, Foto
Made up of 3 churches, Agios Nikolaos, Church of Our Lady and the Baptistery, Panagia Ekatontapiliani is a monastery in Paros that draws in worshippers and curious tourists year-round. However, August is when most visitors come to see ‘the protector of Paros’, during the large festival surrounding the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
The Byzantine-era church was named ‘the church with 100 doors’, even though there are only 99 known doors. Legend says there is a hidden door inside, and you can learn more about the church in the Byzantine Museum. Don’t miss a chance to see the temple’s sculptures and the ancient baptistery that dates to the 4th century.
Localização: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece
Abre: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Telefone: +30 22 8402 1243
Panagia Ekatontapiliani
6. Antiparos
A hidden gem of the Cyclades
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Antiparos, a smaller, easily accessible island off the western coast of Paros, makes for a lovely day out and there are a variety of boat trips you can charter. Some will take you on an all-day cruise to Antiparos and other islands as well, offering refreshing swims and sumptuous meals onboard. Half-day excursions are available too, or you can easily hop on a public ferry, hire a rigid inflatable boat or a luxury catamaran.
Once you’ve touched down in Antiparos, get a taste of the authentic small Greek island life. Soak in the sun and the sea on the shore, play backgammon with the locals and explore the awe-inspiring Antiparos cave.
Antiparos
7. Museum of Cycladic Folklore
Icons of Paros made miniature
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
See intricate and beautifully crafted miniatures at the Museum of Cycladic Folklore. Cycladic culture dates back to the Bronze Age and is a major part of Greek history. The collection at the museum depicts ships, coliseums and important Cycladic buildings.
The miniatures were created by fisherman Benetos Skiadas using only materials true to Cycladic time. The museum takes approximately an hour or 2 to peruse and is worth the time spent to marvel at the craftsmanship. Photographers can enjoy playing with perspective while photographing these scale model replicas.
Localização: Aliki 844 00, Greece
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +30 69 8168 0086
Museum of Cycladic Folklore
8. Cine Enastron
An intimate outdoor cinema experience
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico, Vida noturna
There’s a certain romance to viewing a film at Cine Enastron, which translates as ‘star-studded’, and that’s what makes it one of the best things to do in Paros. The outdoor cinema is intimate, seating only around 100 people in a stone amphitheatre in Paros Park. The films are projected onto a large canvas screen after the sun has set.
You can easily tack a film screening onto the end of a full summer’s day in nature. Located within the natural park, Cine Enastron is only a short walk from the beach and directly connected to Monastiri cafe/restaurant. Film genres vary from animated kid’s flicks to internationally acclaimed documentaries.
Localização: Ai-Yannis Detis Kolimbithres Naoussa, Paros 844 01, Greece
Telefone: +30 22 8405 3573
Cine Enastron
9. Monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis
Biblical carvings adorn the entrance to this intriguing monument
Ideal para: História, Foto
One of the most beautiful views in Paros is that of the Monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis in Paros Park. The post-Byzantine monastery is a stark white structure, standing out against the brown stones of the cliffside and brilliant blue water of Naoussa Bay.
To learn more about the history of the Monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis, take a short walk down the road to the museum housed in the former monks’ cells. The permanent exhibit on display is called ‘Paros through Russian Cartography 1770-1775’, depicting the time when the peninsula was used as headquarters for the Russian Navy.
Localização: Paros 844 01, Greece
Abre: 24/7
Monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis
10. Louridis Winery
An expert family-owned winery
Ideal para: Casais, Compras
From harvests and grape pressing to bottling and labelling, experience the intricate craft and care of the full wine production process at Louridis Winery, all done onsite. As a family-owned winery and vineyard, the owners are around to welcome visitors and give personal tours.
While at Louridis Winery, make sure you try the varietals offered, of course. The dry white wine and dry red wine they produce pair perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine: the white wine with salads and fish, and the red wine with pasta and cheese platters. Some years, the winery also produces a unique sun-dried wine that will make your mouth water. Don’t forget to take a bottle home as a souvenir.
Localização: Marpissa 844 00, Greece
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 2 pm and 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Telefone: +30 69 7494 7740
Louridis Winery
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