7x The best sights on Paros, Greece (with map).

Paros, a well-known and beautiful island of the Cyclades archipelago. The popularity of this island has skyrocketed in recent years and for good reason. Besides the picturesque caps with white houses and colourful flowers, this island is perfect if you go island hopping through Greece. Indeed, it fits into many different itineraries. The island is best known become by the various photogenic spots found all over Instagram. Hire a car, scooter or quad bike and explore the beautiful landscapes, friendly people and colourful villages! Read all about the best sights on Paros here.

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General information on Greece

Are you working on a travel plan for Greece? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and transport to and in Greece. You can find all information about Greece here.

How to get to the island of Paros

You can reach Paros in several ways. With more than 2 million tourists in Greece every year, transport is incredibly well organised. 

Ferry / Ferries: The Greek islands are well connected, with daily departures from the mainland (Athens) and the other islands such as Santorini, Milos and Sifnos ferries to Paros. The ferries are comfortable, cheap and fast. We used the website of Direct Ferries to check ferry times. However, we recommend buying tickets at the port itself. This will save you another few euros! 

Tip: Going to Greece in high season? Then book your ferry tickets in advance. This is because the ferries can be fully booked.

Plane: You also have the option of flying to Paros from Athens. Paros has a small airport where a number of flights from Athens arrive every day. However, we recommend taking the ferry.

Tours of Paros

Paros is perfect for exploring by motorbike, scooter, ATV or car. By arranging your own transport, you have complete freedom to visit the places below. It is best to arrange this at the port, at one of the various rental companies or at your accommodation.

Paros is relatively large but with your own transport you can visit all the sights in just a few days. We recommend spending 3 nights/4 days on the island.

Tip: The tip we actually always give is; arrange your own transport. This is by far the easiest way to get yourself around the island. Bear in mind that in the main season, you should book your car, scooter or ATV in advance. You can easily do this online at, for example Sunnycars.co.uk - book your rental car safely and quickly here.

Read also: 9x The best sights in Milos, Greece (with map).
Read also: Island hopping through the Cyclades, Greece. A 3-week round trip.

Things to do on Paros, Greece

Paros is often combined with islands such as Santorini, Milos and Sifnos during island hopping through Greece. Despite being similar to the other islands in terms of landscape, Paros too has unique sights. Below we share the best with you.

Tip: Check out the map at the bottom of this blog so you can create your ideal day layout!

1. Explore the village of Lefkes

This is a typical Greek village in the mountains. The streets are narrow, the houses snow-white and you will find colourful flowers everywhere. There is a large church in the central part of the town with stunning views over the sea. Get lost in the small streets and you will undoubtedly pass well-known ‘Paros Instagram spots’. We advise you not to stay in this area. This is because Lefkes is not close to the beach and there are not many restaurants or hotels. But it is definitely worth a day trip!

2. Discover the charm of Noussa

We stayed in this village and had absolutely no regrets. As mentioned earlier, this island fits into several itineraries & it is additionally perfect for different holiday styles. Besides the famous white houses, narrow streets and colourful flowers, the island offers beautiful beaches, many restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. All this comes together in Noussa. You will also find an old Venetian fort from the 15th century at the port.

3. Visit Monastery of St. John

At the far northern tip of Paros you will find the Monastery of St John. Let's just say the building is not ‘more’ that impressive in but the surroundings are! The church sits on a hill overlooking the bay. The blue dome and the waving Greek flag make for a perfect photo!

4. Paros Park

While you are at the northern tip of Paros, go straight to Paros Park. Drive a little further from Monastery of St John and you will arrive at the park's car park.

You then have a choice of different routes. All walking routes are simple and easy to combine with each other. They range from about 25 to 50 minutes. Funnily enough, it is often quiet and you have many places all to yourself. All walking routes offer beautiful views of the sea, rock formations, hidden coves, caves and even a few small beaches.

We started with route 3 and found several small beaches. Very occasionally, you have to deviate from the path for this and look over the edge of the cliffs. You will then find little beaches you can only get to if you climb down. Be sure to bring food and drinks because there are no facilities in the park itself. Only at the start of route 3 will you find a beach club where you can eat and drink.

5. Visit Paros' beautiful beaches

As on all Greek islands, you will find beautiful and unique beaches on Paros. You can choose between hidden gems or beaches with sunbeds, water activities and cool beach clubs. The latter beaches are easily found on Google such as Santa Maria Beach, Golden Beach, Kolymbithres Beach, or the Monastir Beach near Paros Park.

However, the hidden gems are a bit harder to find, or well, harder? The good thing is that you can find these beaches simply by following the roads along the sea. The most beautiful beaches can be found on the north and south sides of the island. Highly recommended are Tripiti Beach & Mirkrh (“Mikri”) beach. The latter is a quiet bay with a few facilities. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike to the left over a rocky point and find a small private inlet!

6. Head to the picturesque village of Marpissa

If you drive towards the coast from Lefkes, stop in Marpissa. The village is incredibly small and you don't have many shops or restaurants. However, you will find an authentic Taverna and the ‘real’ Greek life here.

7. Take a day trip to Antiparos

A trip to the neighbouring island of Antiparos is almost a must. Now, we must honestly confess that we did not do this. We visited Paros, in late October, and unfortunately just had a few bad days to contend with at the end of our trip. However, we still recommend Antiparos because of the many good stories we heard. The island of Antiparos is a lot smaller and more unknown than Paros but is easy to visit.

From Parikia, catch the ferry to Antiparos. You get there in 10 minutes and it will cost you €1.10 per person. You can also take your scooter, ATV or car for a few euros extra. This is the ideal way to explore the whole island! In high season, the boats run every 20 minutes.

All sights are easily combined and easily accessible by car, ATV or scooter.

Map sights Paros

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