Activities Available in Paros The 10 Most Amazing Destinations in the World. You’re traveling to Greece, and you want to go to the island of Paros, right? You are interested in knowing what the finest activities to do on the island are, right?
excellent concept!
Your schedule for island hopping in the Cyclades should definitely include a stop at Paros because of its convenient position in the middle of the archipelago and its proximity to the Cyclades’ most well-known islands.
I hope that this list of the top things to do in Paros will be helpful to you as you make plans for your visit to the island.
In addition to the must-do activities and sites, I will also provide you with sample itineraries for visiting Paros in 1, 2, or 3 days or longer, as well as recommendations for the most suitable places to stay based on the amount of money you have available.
In addition, this travel guide includes all of my top recommendations for making the most out of your time there.
So, where exactly should one go in order to get the most out of their trip to Paros? Where can I get lodging?
Table of Contents
Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi, a charming little harbor, can be found on the eastern coast of Paros, not far from a number of the island’s stunning beaches.
Piso Livadi is a terrific spot to go if you want to enjoy a family-friendly and tranquil environment since the hamlet does not have the same level of style and sophistication as Parikia and Naoussa. It is the ideal location for a vacation with the whole family on Paros!
Piso Livadi is a great place to halt for lunch if you’re driving around the island of Paros, and you shouldn’t miss it. You’ll find some of the freshest seafood that’s been cooked on the island right here.
Parikia
Since Parikia is the island’s primary port, it is where you will begin and end your trip to Paros. If you take a boat from Athens or any other Greek island, you will arrive in Parikia without making any other stops along the way.
The city that serves as Paros’s administrative center is also among the most popular destinations for visitors to the island. There are a great number of cafes and restaurants there, in addition to a few boutiques selling local arts and crafts (mainly jewelry).
The following are some of the top attractions in and around Parikia:
The historic district with its charming cobblestone streets.
The Venetian Duke of Naxos is credited with the construction of the Kastro in the year 1260. It was constructed on the ruins of a temple that had been devoted to Athena, and stones from other ancient structures on Paros were used in its construction. It is characterized by a circular construction and a tower that is rectangular.
One of the most important buildings of Byzantine architecture in Greece is the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. It is known as “The Church of 100 Doors,” and it was constructed in the fourth century.
The Byzantine Museum, which has an extensive collection of icons, may be reached directly from the church’s courtyard.
The Archaeological Museum of Paros, where you may examine various remnants unearthed on the island; the Ancient Cemetery and its graves, which date back to the eighth century B.C.
It would take you around 15 minutes to walk from Parikia to reach Livadia Beach, which is located north of the harbor. Because it is the beach that is located closest to the city, it is often quite busy. If you’re staying in Parikia and don’t have a vehicle, there’s still no better location to kick back and relax at the beach than here!
Naoussa
The most fashionable coastal resort in Paros is Naoussa. It is widely acknowledged as the premier destination on the island for shopping and dining at upscale establishments.
When tourism started to pick up on the island, this formerly sleepy fishing town took advantage of its prime position on the water’s edge and transformed itself into Paros’ hip hangout spot.
In Naoussa, particularly around the shoreline, you will discover a concentration of high-end shops and dining establishments. You’ll get a good look at the characteristic architecture of the Cyclades if you take a stroll around the village’s backstreets, since there aren’t any famous landmarks there.
Lefkes
Lefkes is one of the most interesting places to visit on Paros since it was constructed in a natural amphitheatre on the slopes of Mount Agios Pantes, which is the highest peak on the island. It is often regarded as one of the most picturesque communities on the island.
The city that was formerly the capital of Paros may be found in the middle of the island, about ten kilometers away from the current capital of Parikia.
If you plan on going to Lefkes, the best place to park your vehicle is at one of the free parking spaces that are located on the hills above the town. After that, make your way through the winding alleyways to reach the Church of Agia Triada. The two bell towers that are erected on each side of the main structure of this church are a particularly magnificent architectural feature.
Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding mountains if you start your journey from Lefkes. The Byzantine Trail, which runs from Lefkes to Prodromos, is the most well-known of these paths. It takes around an hour to complete, and it is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable things to do in Paros.
The following are some of the other most beautiful villages on Paros:
In addition to Lefkes, the island of Paros is home to a great number of other picturesque settlements.
Prodromos, Marmara, and Marpissa are considered to be the three most well-known.
You are going to fall in love with the traditional Cycladic towns, which include cobblestone lanes and charming white cottages decked up in floral garlands. The majority of the time, its pedestrian walkways are really peaceful and conducive to unwinding.
There you can discover a number of cozy cafes and restaurants, just what you need if you are interested in sampling the regional specialties.
You may reach these three settlements by automobile, or on foot by following the Byzantine Trail that I described earlier in this paragraph. This path links the settlements of Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa.
The area known as the Valley of the Butterflies
Another location that is worth seeing while you are in Paros is the Valley of the Butterflies. Be careful not to mistake it with the other, more well-known Valley of the Butterflies, which may be found in Greece as well, on the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese group.
The valley may be found between Parikia and Pounda, in close proximity to the Christo Dasous Monastery, in a location that is known as “Petaloudes.”
As you may have guessed, this location is well-known for the abundance of butterflies that can be seen there. However, I feel obligated to tell you that you won’t find beautiful butterflies of many sizes, shapes, and colors in this area. In this valley, there is just one species to be found, and that is the callimorpha.
Plane trees, laurels, olive trees, and fruit trees can all be found growing in this valley, making it home to a really one-of-a-kind ecosystem. In order to reproduce, the butterflies go to the valley between the months of May and July. After then, in August, they depart from the location, and they don’t return until September. Now is the perfect time to keep an eye on them!
The location is accessible daily beginning at 9 a.m. and closing at 19:30. It costs 2.50 euros each person.
You shouldn’t bother going there until you’ve already seen all of the other attractions that Paros has to offer.
Paros’ finest beaches
This travel guide to the top sights to see in Paros, Greece, will continue with a listing of the most stunning sand beaches the island has to offer.
If you are interested in going for a swim in Paros, the following locations are some of the greatest ones to visit:
Kolymbithres Beach, known for its enormous boulders. It reminds me of the Seychelles in several ways!
You can discover a restaurant and take part in various water-based activities at Monastiri, which is located in Paros Park. Lageri Beach is a serene beach that has fine sand and clear waves.
Naoussa Beach is the beach that is located nearest to the Naoussa coastal resort.
Santa Maria Beach is a fairly long beach, and a portion of it is reserved for private use. The spot to go if you want to try your hand at windsurfing!
Piso Livadi Beach, with its relaxed and kid-friendly vibe, is an excellent choice for families. Logaras Beach is another great option for families.
Punda, together with its associated beach club. It’s a fantastic spot for throwing a party.
Golden Beach, which is one of the major beaches on Paros, Messada, which is popular with nudists. This location plays host to the annual international windsurfing tournament known as the Paros Wind Odyssey.
Get yourself to New Golden Beach if you are interested in windsurfing or surfing.
The waves at Faragas Beach are calm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for families. The location experiences a lot of high traffic levels.
It is possible to hire deckchairs and umbrellas on Lividia Beach, which is the beach that is located closest to Parikia.
Due to the fact that the beach can only be reached through a walk, it is often quite peaceful.
Although it is a paradise for kitesurfers, this beach is not the finest area to go swimming.
Antiparos
Antiparos is a tiny island that sits opposite Paros.
Every half an hour, a boat departs from the port of Pounda and makes its way to the island. Antiparos may be reached in only ten minutes, and you are welcome to bring your rented vehicle with you on the boat if you so like.
You may also take tiny boats from Parikia to Antiparos during the summer months; however, these boats are only accessible to pedestrians and do not allow vehicles on board.
On Antiparos, you will find yourself in the principal hamlet of the island. You may take a stroll along the coast to explore the various stores and restaurants that are located there.
Since here is where the boats dock, you probably have figured that this is the most touristy part of the island; the rest of it is much calmer. So get in your vehicle, and go on over to the island!
You may explore the beaches and coves of Antiparos by using the local bus if you do not have access to a vehicle.
You might also go to the Cave of Antiparos, which is located about 10 kilometers distant from the harbor (accessible by bus). The stalactites and stalagmites are incredibly magnificent, and the cave is one of the most well-known in all of Greece, despite the fact that some of them have been stolen.
At the extreme tip of the island, at the town of Agios Georgios, you may embark on a cruise to the island of Despotiko that lasts for half a day. You will get the opportunity to explore an ancient site as well as relax on a stunning beach while you are there.
It comes to around 25 euros for each individual.
Paros Park
There are a lot of different activities to do on the island of Paros, despite the fact that it is mostly famous for its beaches.
Take for instance going for a walk at Paros Park; you need to do it.
This park has an area of 80 hectares and may be found to the west of Naoussa in the north of the island. There are three pathways that have been identified for hiking on the beach of the island.
To get the most out of your time at Paros Park, we recommend walking on each of these three routes in order. The whole journey lasts around two hours and doesn’t provide too much of a challenge; along the way, you’ll get a stunning glimpse of the coastline and the Korakas Lighthouse.
You may unwind and cool down in the water at Monastiri Beach, which is conveniently positioned near to the park’s entrance. It’s a pretty wonderful area, and the water is pleasant and shallow here. Additionally, deckchairs and umbrellas are available for hire there.
excursions that visit the surrounding islands of Paros and Antiparos
Seeing as how you’re already on an island, why don’t you take a day trip to the neighboring islands of Antiparos and Paros?
You have your choice of sailboats, catamarans, or motorboats when you go on one of the many excursions that are offered by the many different boat businesses that are located in Parikia and Pounda. These cruises may last anywhere from a half day to a whole day.
The most secluded beaches on Paros and Antiparos are waiting to be explored on this trip, which takes place on a sailboat across both islands. You will not be short of opportunities to cool down in the water, that much is certain.
What follows is what you may expect to see:
The azure waters of the Blue Lagoon near Tigani
Antiparos’ famous undersea caverns are known as the Sea Caves.
The island of Despotiko, in addition to the reef of Saint Spyridon.
The starting fee per person is forty euros, and it includes lunch as well as non-alcoholic beverages. If you wish to take a cruise that is only partially open to other passengers, it will cost you around one hundred euros per person.
You also have the option of taking a boat excursion from Paros to the islands of Delos and Mykonos, both of which are included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This island, along with Santorini, is without a doubt another one of the Cyclades’ most famous and well-known destinations.
How long should one stay on the island of Paros?
If you hire a vehicle while you’re in Paros, you can see all of the island’s top attractions and activities in only two days. If you wish to unwind and take advantage of the island’s beaches, you may, of course, remain there for a longer period of time.
1 day in Paros
Your first day on the island should be spent concentrating on the northern portion of it.
Begin your journey at Parikia, the island’s capital and the port where the ferries dock, then make your way north to Paros Park. There are three routes that are recognized for hiking in the area.
After that, go to Naoussa for lunch at one of the numerous eateries that are located there. You may choose to spend the day at Siparos Beach, Stefano Beach, Lageri Beach, Santa Maria Beach, or Kolymbithres Beach, all of which are situated in the immediate area.
2 full days spent on Paros
On the second day of your trip to Paros, you will have the opportunity to explore the southern part of the island.
Visit the towns of Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa to get your day started off on the right foot.
After that, make your way to the harbor of Piso Livadi for your midday meal.
Spend the evening relaxing on Golden Beach, Logaras Beach, or Faragas Beach—three of the most stunning beaches in the area.
You also have the option of going to Antiparos, where you may take in the sights of the main town and explore the Cave of Antiparos.
Three days spent in Paros
If you are going to be on Paros for three days, you need to go on a boat tour that takes in both the main island and Antiparos. It’s the perfect opportunity to see Paros from a different perspective!
How do you get to Paros from other islands?
via airplane
The island of Paros is home to its own own national airport. Depending on the time of year, there are anything from two to four flights that depart from Athens each and every day. It takes just thirty-five minutes to complete!
The airport on the Greek island of Paros may be found in the southern part of the island, barely ten kilometers from the capital city of Parikia.
By ferry
There is also the option of taking a ferry from either the Port of Rafina or the Port of Piraeus to go to Paros (close to Athens). Between the two ports and the island, there are many connections that take place every day. The time it takes to reach Paros may range anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the port from where one departs and the size of the ship.
If you are already in the Cyclades Islands, you can go to Paros from Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Amorgos, Andros, and many more islands.