Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors)
The great Byzantine church of Parikia, a complex of three connected chapels beside the ferry port. One of the best-preserved early Christian monuments in the Aegean and a free first stop on arrival.
Cyclades, Greece
Paros & Antiparos
Paros is the Cyclades island that balances beauty and ease: a lively ferry port with a Venetian kastro built from ancient marble, a fishing village at Naoussa that glows at sunset, granite-sculpted coves at Kolymbithres, windsurfing sands on the east coast and hill villages such as Lefkes joined by a Byzantine footpath.
Just across the strait, little Antiparos adds a giant stalactite cave and quiet beaches. This guide books the island properly, with island tours, hikes, wine, cheese and cooking experiences, horseback rides, Blue Lagoon and Antiparos boat trips, sunset cruises and day cruises to Delos, Mykonos, Santorini and the Small Cyclades, plus 9 hotels across Parikia and Naoussa and 6 practical travel guides.
Don't miss
Paros Highlights Tour: Parikia, Kolymbithres and Lefkes
A four-hour guided circuit of the main sights of Paros, taking in the capital, the sculpted rocks of Kolymbithres and the marble village of Lefkes. The easiest way to see the island without a car.
Lefkes and the Byzantine Path
The former capital of Paros and its ancient marble-paved footpath through the hills. A guided hike on one of the best-preserved old routes in the Cyclades, ending in a village of whitewashed lanes.
Antiparos and Despotiko Boat Trip
A full-day boat trip from Paros around Antiparos and across to uninhabited Despotiko, with swim stops, sea caves and a taverna lunch. The classic southwest Cyclades day on the water.
Blue Lagoon and Pirate Caves Cruise
A half-day boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and the sea caves along the southern coast, with swim stops in turquoise water. A shorter, snorkel-friendly alternative to a full-day cruise.
Things to do in Paros & Antiparos
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Parikia Old Town and the Venetian Kastro
The island's capital and main port, with whitewashed lanes, a Venetian kastro built from ancient marble and a lively waterfront. An easy, free wander that sets the scene for the rest of Paros.
Paros Highlights Tour: Parikia, Kolymbithres and Lefkes
A four-hour guided circuit of the main sights of Paros, taking in the capital, the sculpted rocks of Kolymbithres and the marble village of Lefkes. The easiest way to see the island without a car.
Lefkes and the Byzantine Path
The former capital of Paros and its ancient marble-paved footpath through the hills. A guided hike on one of the best-preserved old routes in the Cyclades, ending in a village of whitewashed lanes.
Naoussa Harbour and Village
Paros's prettiest port town, with a Venetian fortress at the water's edge, brightly painted fishing boats and a maze of lanes full of restaurants and boutiques. Free to stroll and best in the evening.
Naoussa Bay Sunset Sea Tour
A small-boat evening cruise from Naoussa across the bay, with swim stops and the village lit up as the sun drops. One of the most relaxed ways to spend a summer evening on Paros.
Kolymbithres and Monastiri Beaches
The north coast's signature beaches, famed for smooth sculpted granite boulders and calm turquoise water at Kolymbithres, with wide sand at nearby Monastiri. Free to visit and an easy half day from Naoussa.
Golden Beach and Paros Wind Sports
A long, wind-swept beach on the east coast, Chrissi Akti, known across Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with calm, sandy water for families on gentler days.
Marathi Marble Quarries
The ancient underground quarries that supplied the famous white Parian marble used for the Venus de Milo and the Hermes of Praxiteles. A short, atmospheric visit into the island's sculptural heritage.
Antiparos Cave and Antiparos Town
A day trip to the small island of Antiparos, with its giant stalactite cave, whitewashed town and castle square. A guided full-day tour from Paros that covers both sea crossing and sights.
Antiparos and Despotiko Boat Trip
A full-day boat trip from Paros around Antiparos and across to uninhabited Despotiko, with swim stops, sea caves and a taverna lunch. The classic southwest Cyclades day on the water.
Blue Lagoon and Pirate Caves Cruise
A half-day boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and the sea caves along the southern coast, with swim stops in turquoise water. A shorter, snorkel-friendly alternative to a full-day cruise.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Hotel Paros
Parikia (Livadia waterfront)
A friendly two-class waterfront hotel in Parikia, one minute from Livadia Beach and a short walk from the port. Simple, central and good value for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
Check rates →Panorama Hotel
Vagia, Parikia
A three-class hotel on the Vagia side of Parikia with an outdoor pool, free breakfast buffet and balconies in every room. A short walk to Livadia Beach and the Church of a Hundred Doors.
Check rates →Nikolas Hotel
Parikia (beachside)
A three-class hotel on the beach at Parikia with sea-view rooms, a free breakfast buffet and a restaurant. A comfortable middle-of-the-road choice within walking distance of the kastro and port.
Check rates →Acqua Vatos Paros Hotel
Parikia (near the port)
A three-class hotel a ten-minute walk from the port of Parikia, with free breakfast buffet, a ferry terminal shuttle and a terrace bar. Handy for early ferries and for walking to the kastro.
Check rates →Paros Palace Adults Only
Parikia (near Livadia Beach)
An adults-only hotel in Parikia with a pool, poolside Greek restaurant, free breakfast buffet and suites with sea views. A calmer, couple-focused choice a short walk from Livadia Beach.
Check rates →Iris Hotel
Naoussa (village centre)
A three-class hotel in the centre of Naoussa, five minutes from the harbour and three from Piperi Beach, with a free breakfast buffet, garden terrace and sea-view rooms.
Check rates →Seaside Paros Naousa
Agioi Anargyri Bay, Naoussa
Beachfront duplex houses on Agioi Anargyri Bay with kitchens, terraces and room for seven. A self-catering base for families and groups two minutes from the sand.
Check rates →Naoussa Hills Boutique Resort Adults Only
Hills above Naoussa
A hillside luxury resort above Naoussa with sea-view suites and villas, an outdoor pool, spa facilities and a free breakfast buffet. Peaceful, scenic and a short drive from the harbour.
Check rates →Cosme A Luxury Collection Resort Paros
Agioi Anargyroi, Naoussa
A five-class beach resort on Agioi Anargyroi bay with a half-moon infinity pool, private beach club, spa and one-bedroom suites. The island's most polished address, so check seasonal dates.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Paros Highlights Tour: Parikia, Kolymbithres and LefkesStay
Hotel ParosParikia (Livadia waterfront)
Do
Lefkes and the Byzantine PathStay
Iris HotelNaoussa (village centre)
Do
Antiparos and Despotiko Boat TripStay
Cosme A Luxury Collection Resort ParosAgioi Anargyroi, Naoussa
Paros & Antiparos guides
First Time in Paros: How the Island Works and What to Do First
A first-timer's guide to Paros: getting there, choosing between Parikia and Naoussa, moving around and the experiences worth doing first.
Paros in Three Days: Parikia, Naoussa, Villages and the Southern Islets
A three-day plan that gives Parikia an evening, the north coast and villages a day, and the sea a day, with the wind and heat in mind.
Where to Stay in Paros: Parikia, Naoussa, the Beaches and Antiparos
A guide to choosing where to stay on Paros, comparing Parikia, Naoussa, beachfront areas and hillside resorts, with transport and noise advice.
Eating and Drinking in Paros: Tavernas, Wine, Cheese and Island Specialties
A food guide to Paros: what to order in tavernas, local wine and cheese, where to eat in Parikia and Naoussa, and food experiences worth booking.
Best Time to Visit Paros: Seasons, Wind, Crowds and Sea Temperature
When to visit Paros: how the seasons, the meltemi wind, crowds and opening dates shape beach days, boat trips and hiking.
Boat Trips and Day Trips from Paros: Antiparos, Blue Lagoon, Delos and the Small Cyclades
A guide to the cruises and island day trips from Paros, with advice on choosing between short coastal trips and long crossings, and on the wind.
