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A trip to Greece was on my bucket list for a long time. I was eager to see the iconic white-washed buildings, ancient ruins, and beautiful scenery. Not to mention indulging in all the delicious cuisine. One of my favorite stops during the trip was my stay in Paros, which is an island in the Cyclades. I’m so excited to share the top things to do in Paros, Greece!
Paros is a dreamy place. It has pristine beaches, delicious food, and even some hiking. There’s truly something for everyone.
Getting to Paros
After a great time spent in Naxos, we boarded Blue Star Ferries to Paros island. The average ferry ride takes around 45 minutes.
After we arrived, we walked over to a nearby Karent Rent-a-Car and picked up our rental. I do recommend renting a car in Paros as it allows you the freedom to fully explore the island.
Paros is a charming small island that you can drive all the way around in no time. In fact, the entire island is just 196 square kilometers and just 13 miles are separating the north from the south. You’ll love being able to stop at your own pace and spend as much time as you want at each stop.
Top Things to do in Paros, Greece
Whether you are hoping for a relaxing beach day, or the chance to wander around a charming village, Paros will quickly become your favorite destination. Here are the very best things to do in Paros, Greece!
1. Visit Lefkes
When in Paros, you must go to Lefkes. This is a whitewashed and marble village with traditional Cycladic architecture and pretty patios sloping upwards to look like an amphitheater. While wandering through its peaceful alleys, don’t forget to see the Byzantine Road, a marble-paved path, built to connect Marpissa with Parikia 1000 years ago.
2. Wine Tasting in Paros
One of the things not to be missed in the Cyclades is definitely wine tasting. We visited Moraitis Winery in Paros and absolutely loved it! Upon our arrival, the members of the Moraitis family introduced us to the modern technology they use in combination with long tradition to produce a high-quality wine of Paros.
3. Tour the Museum of Cycladic Folklore
As you wander through its exhibits at the Cycladic Folklore Museum, you’ll be transported back in time. From the Garden of Large Scale Miniatures to the handmade ship models, the museum is a fun stop for history lovers. The coolest part about this museum is that it’s all the hard work of one amazing artist, Benetos Skiadas. It’s a great way to see the rich history of this charming island!
4. Try Windsurfing in Paros
We visited one of the most famous beaches in Paros among surfers, Chrissi Akti. All surfers come here to practice their adrenalin-boosting skills in kitesurfing or windsurfing. Check out the Sunwind Surf Club in case you want to try windsurfing in Paros! It was a fun, yet challenging adventure in Paros!
6. Visit the Old Port of Naoussa
I’m absolutely obsessed with this little corner of the Greek islands. A visit to the Old Port of Naoussa is a must on any list of things to do in Paros.
After arriving, you’ll fall in love with the cobblestone streets and waterfront restaurants with fresh seafood. I enjoyed watching the fishermen clean their fish and popping in the cute shops! It’s such a fun small fishing village.
7. Have a Beach Day
No trip to Paros is complete without having a beach day! Among the most beautiful beaches, Kolymbithres stands out for its unique granite rock formations that sculpt the coastline into natural swimming pools, while the expansive stretch of Golden Beach is a haven for windsurfers.
Santa Maria Beach, with its vibrant beach bars and water sports facilities, offers a lively atmosphere perfect for the younger crowd. It’s important to note that while some beaches offer loungers and umbrellas for rent, others are much more secluded beaches where you are invited to bring your own!
8. Stroll Around the Village of Prodromos
Our next stop was at Tsitsanis Tavern in the traditional village of Prodromos. This picturesque tiny village is nestled in the green valleys 7 km south of Naoussa. I absolutely loved its whitewashed traditional cube houses, beautiful churches, and friendly local people.
9. Photograph the Monastery of Agios Antonios
I stumbled upon the Monastery of Agios Antonios while exploring the island (it was a recommended stop by a local), and it is 100 percent worth a stop. It’s perched upon a hill overlooking the island and does require a bit of a hike to reach.
If you are up for it, I recommend hiking to the top as the drive is a bit rough and scary (with very narrow roads). I saw a lot of people driving 2/3rds of the way to the top and then hiking the rest. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view.
10. Go Hiking in Paros Park
On our last day in Greece, we visited Paros Park for some hiking. This theme park has great historical importance and offers a variety of cultural and environmental activities all year round.
Paros Park is breathtaking. There is a cute little church right by the water that has the most lovely view and the hikes are easy, yet beautiful. We hiked to the lighthouse and it was wonderful.
11. Take a Sunset Cruise
You can’t visit Paros, without sailing across the sparkling turquoise waters! A sunset cruise is the perfect way to enjoy an evening. Naxos Catamaran offers a 3-hour sunset sail departing nightly at 6 pm. Onboard, you can enjoy fresh fruit, chilled wine, and of course the best sunset views.
You could also opt for a daytime boat tour if hoping to enjoy the views and water during the day!
12. Tour the Arsenis Farm
We also visited Arsenis Farm, the largest biological farm in the Cyclades. They offer hour-long guided tours with free tastings of local favorites. It’s a unique (and delicious) thing to do when visiting Paros!
13. Take Cooking Lessons in Paros
While in Paros, I got to spend the afternoon with a wonderful family and learn how to cook some favourite Greek dishes. We made Greek salad (of course) and beef stew.
It was so fun to immerse myself in the culture, meet new friends, and of course feast on a delicious homemade meal. I highly recommend this experience during your trip to Paros!
14. Go Horseback Riding
There’s no better way to combine adventure and good views than a horseback ride through beautiful Paros. Paros’ Horseback and Donkey Rides and Tours offers multiple different experiences to choose from ranging from swimming with the horses to donkey tours.
Unfortunately, we ran out of time for this experience. However, it’s definitely on my Paros bucket list for next time!
Where To Stay in Paros, Greece
During our stay in Paros, we stayed at the Adonis Hotel located in the village of Naoussa. It was a great central location.
The charming and elegant Adonis Hotel in Naoussa is located just 30 m from the beach. You’ll enjoy the stunning view of the Aegean Sea from your room, studio, or apartment. Almost all rooms in the Adonis Hotel have a view of the Bay of Naoussa and the open sea.
When is the Best Time to Visit Paros?
The best time to visit Paros, one of the most picturesque islands in the Cyclades, Greece, is between late spring and early fall, specifically from May to October. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging comfortably between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
While July and August mark the peak season, attracting the highest number of visitors due to the prime summer weather and numerous festivals, those looking for a more serene experience might prefer May, early June, or September when the island is less crowded.
Truly, this Greek gem is worth visiting whenever you get the chance!
My Trip to Greece Vlog
You can watch my trip to Greece vlog below or on YouTube for higher quality.
Best Things to do in Paros, Greece Recap
As you can see, there are so many exciting things to do in Paros. I recommend spending at least 3 days here to fully enjoy all the island has to offer while island hopping around Greece. Here’s a quick recap of the activities you must do in Paros!
- Visit Lefkes
- Go Wine Tasting
- Tour the Museum of Cycladic Folklore
- Try Windsurfing
- Visit the Old Port of Naoussa
- Have a Beach Day (Kolymbithres Beach and Golden Beach stand out as my favorites)
- Stroll Around the Village of Prodromos
- Photograph the Monastery of Agios Antonios
- Go Hiking in Paros Park
- Tour the Arsenis Farm
- Take a Sunset Cruise
- Take a Cooking Class
- Go Horseback Riding
What else would you add to this list of Paros activities? Start planning your Paros trip today!
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Beautiful! Greece is definitely one of my favorite places and I’m dying to go back. I was there was I was 16 I think it was? Great pictures hun!
How beautiful! I love that you explored some of the smaller cities and gems in Greece. I can’t wait to watch your travel video 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com