Paros is a Greek island in the Cyclades group, neighbouring Naxos and is one of the most popular holiday destinations for visitors to the Greek islands.
Paros is the second largest island of the Cyclades. It has an area of 186 square kilometres and a coastline 120km long.
The island has the advantage of being located centrally in the Cyclades near Naxos, Ios, Sifnos and Syros. Most of the ferries to Naxos and Santorini make a stop first at Paros.
The island is the third in popularity of the group. First are Santorini and Mykonos.
Paros is considered as one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It is characterized by the many beaches and also the charming villages: Parikia (the main town), Naoussa, Lefkes, Marpissa and other. Naoussa is an old fishing village turned into a cosmopolitan top holiday destination. The village is characterized by its Venetian port and its many fish restaurants. The architecture of the area is also incredible.
Getting there
By sea
Ferries and Highspeed catamaran services run daily from Piraeus, Cyclades and Heraklion - Crete island.
The ferry landing is haunted by dozens of room-hawkers, and is manic. If you arrive during a high wind and/or at night, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Know where you're going, and book ahead.
By plane
Olympic Airways and AirSea Lines operate a daily air service from Athens.
Traveling around
Within the resorts walking is the best method of transport. Bus services operate between the towns. Car hire is readily available in all towns and is relatively cheap.
See
Don't miss the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani which means the church of 100 doors , in Parikia (very close to the harbour) a 17th century monument. The original church was built by St. Helen , the mother of St. Constantine , according to the legend .
The old town of Parikia is considered to be the biggest in the Cyclades island. You will find alleys untouched from the touristic wave that reduces the beauty of these settlements.
Lefkes village is in the middle of the island with many nice tavernas, and beautiful alleys.
From Lefkes you can take a very nice walk at the old stones of the Byzantine Route down to Prodromos.
Things to do
A fantastic place to take the kids is Aqua Park. Boats leave hourly from Naoussa and takes approximately 15 minutes.
Visit as many beaches as you can, don't stay in one every day. Every beach has a different feeling. Try Farangas, Parasporos, Krios, Kato yalos, Agia Irini, Logaras is very nice for families.
Paros is also famous for its watersports, specifically wind and kitesurfing. The eastern coastal town of Dryos with neighboring beaches of "chryssi akti" translated golden beach and "tserdakia" known as new golden beach are the most popular surfing destinations. The latter was the site of the 2000 and 2003 PWA IFCA international windsurfing championships as well as other international events. The location has once again been selected for the 2010 championships.
Tao's is a is a retreat and meditation centre located on top of hill, over-looking the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. There are on-going daily activities, self-development seminars and a long-stay Work & Study program, along with Oriental-Thai cuisine and Cafe-Bar.
Eat
In Parikia's sea front you will find many nice tavernas with excellent food,exacly behind in the old town wander along the narrow streets with the many kind of shops, and the unique cycladic atmospfere.
Don't forget to seat in one of the many "Ouzeri" in Naoussa and taste Gouna fish and octopus in vinegar.
Drink
The Jazz Bar on Market St in Parikia serves a great Martini!
A popular place to watch the famous sunsets is the windmill bar by Pandrossos Hotel.
One favourite bar to watch the world go by is Pebbles jazz bar on the south harbour promenade.
Resalto bar A very nice bar in the port of Drios, plays the best rock music in Paros.
The Pirates bar in the narrow roads of the Market of Paroikia plays the best jazz music and offers a great lounge environment!
Alexandros Cafe This is a unique cafe in an old windmill, nowadays a cafe with magnificent view to the traditional settlement of Parikia and the sunset.
The main night life destination is the quaint town of Naoussa where you can enjoy a meal by the sea.
Sleep
Budget
Ampeli Studios Family run studios located in Parikia close to the beach and the port. Very economy prices.
Anna Platanou This is a friendly family run accommodation offering rooms and apartments in Parikia close to the beach and the old town with sea view. Very nice and helpful owners.
Argonauta Hotel, +30(22840)21440,22278 , Paroikia 84400 Paros, A pleasant family run hotel in a characterful building which has the advantage of being centrally located and near the boat docks yet on a quiet square.
Corali Hotel (Corali Hotel - Paros Greece) , +30 22840 41880, Piso Livadi
Dryades Gardens & Studios Drios phone +30(22840)41422 mobile +30 694 848 0564. Located in the seaside village of Drios, these studio apartments operated by a young Greek-American family offer a clean, comfortable accommodation away from the crowds. All studios are equipped with a kitchenette, wc, air-conditioning, tv and a private balcony or terrace with an unobstructed ocean view. The 4 acre property is landscaped with a wide variety of flowers and fruit trees.
EpiStudios Matsas Windmill, (+30) 210-6626878, 210-6026454, 22840-53017, Naoussa, Paros Island, info@epistudios.com
In Naoussa,
Rafaella Studios Clean, simple apartments close to the beaches of Parikia but still quiet. Very nice owners.
Ragoussis House - traditional cycladic rooms, studios and apartments located on a small hill between the Logaras beach and Pounda Beach near the small fishing-village of Piso Livadi. The Athens-based owners are very helpful, and offer transfer to the hotel from both the port and the airport.
Aloni Hotel, + 30 22840 43238, Piso Livadi, 84400, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Aloni Hotel is situated in the charming seaside village of Piso Livadi, Paros. It offers 37 tastefully-furnished rooms, an apartment (up to 6 persons) and a suite that may host from 2 to 4 people, all of which are air-conditioned and a veranda with seaview.
Mid-Range
Kallisti Paros hotelsin Paros Island is an elegant hotel, located a mere 400 meters from the center of Naoussa, overlooking the sparkling Aegean.
Lefkes Village Hotel, +3022840 41827, +306932753415, Lefkes 84400 Paros, A First class Hotel with 20 spacious rooms in the village of Lefkes.
Kalypso Hotel & Apartments, +30 22840 51777, Agii Anargiri beach, Naousa, Close to the cosmopolitan fishing village of Naousa lies hotel & apartments
Zefi Hotel and Apartments, +30 22840 51789, Naoussa Paros Greece, The Zefi Hotel in Naoussa, Paros Greece, is a traditional complex of 38 rooms and apartments - Cycladic Island style - that offer visitors comfortable accommodations. Facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, parking area etc.
Kosmitis Hotel, +30 22840 52466, Agii Anargyri - Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Kosmitis Hotel is a 4 star **** establishment situated on Agii Anargyri Beach, just 800 meters from the popular resort of Naoussa, Paros, Greece. It is comprised of 32 fully-equipped and traditionally styled rooms, assuring you relaxing accommodation on Paros Island.
Senia Hotel, +30 22840 51971, Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Senia Hotel belongs to the 4-star category and is situated in the extremely charming settlement of Naoussa, Paros Island, Greece. It is comprised of spacious rooms, apartments and suites that are stylishly designed and equipped for a comfortable and carefree stay and can accommodate from 2 to 6 persons.
Captain Nicolas, +30 22840 52340, Naoussa, 84401, Paros Island, Greece, Captain Nicolas Hotel Apartments and Studios complex belongs to the 4-star category of Naoussa Paros hotels. It is situated right on the beach, and is comprised of 18 spacious, comfortable and fully-equipped studios and apartments.
Kallisti Rooms & Apartments, +30 22840 52219, Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, Kallisti is an elegant hotel, located 400 meters from Naoussa of Paros, overlooking the Aegean Sea. All rooms and apartments are tastefully decorated and fully-equipped with a bathroom, a fridge, a TV, a phone, air-conditioning, and a veranda or a balcony with a seaview or mountain view. Facilities include a swimming pool, an indoor and outdoor cafe, a lounge and many more. Breakfast included.
Paliomylos Hotel Apartments & Studios, +30 22840 51151, Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Paliomylos Hotel is located in Naoussa of Paros, just 50 meters from the beach. All hotel apartments and studios are air-conditioned and have a bathroom, a kitchen, a phone, a TV, a fridge, and a balcony or veranda with breathtaking view of the sea. Visitors are provided with a swimming pool, a breakfast lounge, a bar, a living room, a café, a TV room, and a parking lot.
Sofia Pension Hotel, +30 22840 22085, Parikia, 84400, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Sofia Pension Rooms in Parikia Paros is a 4-star hotel. Offers double and triple rooms with private balcony or veranda with a wonderful garden view.
Villa Isabella Studios & Suites, Naoussa, Offers standard and traditional self catering studios, superior and junior hotel suites with seaview.
Splurge
Archipelagos Resort hotelin Paros Island is on the west coast of the island at the beach of Agia Eirini. This 5 star hotel caters for all types of guests but is ideal for families.
Astir of Paros, +30 22840 51976, +30 22840 51976, Kolymbithres Beach, Naoussa, Luxury five star hotel with private beach, 57 rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, excellent food, art gallery, health spa.
Talk
In Paros most of the population can speak English except the older generation. In many bars, pubs, restaurants and shops there is somebody who speaks English, Italian, or German.
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Peter Fitzgerald, Claus Hansen, Ryan Holliday, George, Dimitris Valakos, zenia, baby zoe, Andreas Routsias, Jean H, Joss and Nicolas Stephanou, Whatsinaname, Burmesedays, Tatatabot, Inas, Sailsetter, Msgr1, Morph, Maed, Pashley, Jonboy, Nils and Eeyore
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Paros is a major island of the Cyclades group.
Understand
Paros is a Greek island in the Cyclades group, neighbouring Naxos and is one of the most popular holiday destinations for visitors to the Greek islands.
Paros is the second largest island of the Cyclades. It has an area of 186 square kilometres and a coastline 120km long. The island has the advantage of being located centrally in the Cyclades near Naxos, Ios, Sifnos and Syros. Most of the ferries to Naxos and Santorini make a stop first at Paros.
The island is the third in popularity of the group. First are Santorini and Mykonos.
Paros is considered as one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It is characterized by the many beaches and also the charming villages: Parikia (the main town), Naoussa, Lefkes, Marpissa and other. Naoussa is an old fishing village turned into a cosmopolitan top holiday destination. The village is characterized by its Venetian port and its many fish restaurants. The architecture of the area is also incredible.
Getting there
By sea
Ferries and Highspeed catamaran services run daily from Piraeus, Cyclades and Heraklion - Crete island.
The ferry landing is haunted by dozens of room-hawkers, and is manic. If you arrive during a high wind and/or at night, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Know where you're going, and book ahead.
By plane
Olympic Airways and AirSea Lines operate a daily air service from Athens.
Traveling around
Within the resorts walking is the best method of transport. Bus services operate between the towns. Car hire is readily available in all towns and is relatively cheap.
See
Don't miss the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani which means the church of 100 doors , in Parikia (very close to the harbour) a 17th century monument. The original church was built by St. Helen , the mother of St. Constantine , according to the legend . The old town of Parikia is considered to be the biggest in the Cyclades island. You will find alleys untouched from the touristic wave that reduces the beauty of these settlements. Lefkes village is in the middle of the island with many nice tavernas, and beautiful alleys. From Lefkes you can take a very nice walk at the old stones of the Byzantine Route down to Prodromos.
Things to do
A fantastic place to take the kids is Aqua Park. Boats leave hourly from Naoussa and takes approximately 15 minutes.
Visit as many beaches as you can, don't stay in one every day. Every beach has a different feeling. Try Farangas, Parasporos, Krios, Kato yalos, Agia Irini, Logaras is very nice for families.
Paros is also famous for its watersports, specifically wind and kitesurfing. The eastern coastal town of Dryos with neighboring beaches of "chryssi akti" translated golden beach and "tserdakia" known as new golden beach are the most popular surfing destinations. The latter was the site of the 2000 and 2003 PWA IFCA international windsurfing championships as well as other international events. The location has once again been selected for the 2010 championships.
Tao's is a is a retreat and meditation centre located on top of hill, over-looking the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. There are on-going daily activities, self-development seminars and a long-stay Work & Study program, along with Oriental-Thai cuisine and Cafe-Bar.
Eat
In Parikia's sea front you will find many nice tavernas with excellent food,exacly behind in the old town wander along the narrow streets with the many kind of shops, and the unique cycladic atmospfere.
Don't forget to seat in one of the many "Ouzeri" in Naoussa and taste Gouna fish and octopus in vinegar.
Drink
The Jazz Bar on Market St in Parikia serves a great Martini!
A popular place to watch the famous sunsets is the windmill bar by Pandrossos Hotel.
One favourite bar to watch the world go by is Pebbles jazz bar on the south harbour promenade.
Resalto bar A very nice bar in the port of Drios, plays the best rock music in Paros.
The Pirates bar in the narrow roads of the Market of Paroikia plays the best jazz music and offers a great lounge environment!
Alexandros Cafe This is a unique cafe in an old windmill, nowadays a cafe with magnificent view to the traditional settlement of Parikia and the sunset.
The main night life destination is the quaint town of Naoussa where you can enjoy a meal by the sea.
Sleep
Budget
Ampeli Studios Family run studios located in Parikia close to the beach and the port. Very economy prices.
Anna Platanou This is a friendly family run accommodation offering rooms and apartments in Parikia close to the beach and the old town with sea view. Very nice and helpful owners.
Argonauta Hotel , +30(22840)21440,22278 , Paroikia 84400 Paros, A pleasant family run hotel in a characterful building which has the advantage of being centrally located and near the boat docks yet on a quiet square.
Corali Hotel (Corali Hotel - Paros Greece) , +30 22840 41880, Piso Livadi
Dryades Gardens & Studios Drios phone +30(22840)41422 mobile +30 694 848 0564. Located in the seaside village of Drios, these studio apartments operated by a young Greek-American family offer a clean, comfortable accommodation away from the crowds. All studios are equipped with a kitchenette, wc, air-conditioning, tv and a private balcony or terrace with an unobstructed ocean view. The 4 acre property is landscaped with a wide variety of flowers and fruit trees.
EpiStudios Matsas Windmill , (+30) 210-6626878, 210-6026454, 22840-53017, Naoussa, Paros Island, info@epistudios.com In Naoussa,
Rafaella Studios Clean, simple apartments close to the beaches of Parikia but still quiet. Very nice owners.
Ragoussis House - traditional cycladic rooms, studios and apartments located on a small hill between the Logaras beach and Pounda Beach near the small fishing-village of Piso Livadi. The Athens-based owners are very helpful, and offer transfer to the hotel from both the port and the airport.
Aloni Hotel , + 30 22840 43238, Piso Livadi, 84400, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Aloni Hotel is situated in the charming seaside village of Piso Livadi, Paros. It offers 37 tastefully-furnished rooms, an apartment (up to 6 persons) and a suite that may host from 2 to 4 people, all of which are air-conditioned and a veranda with seaview.
Mid-Range
Kallisti Paros hotels in Paros Island is an elegant hotel, located a mere 400 meters from the center of Naoussa, overlooking the sparkling Aegean.
Lefkes Village Hotel , +3022840 41827, +306932753415, Lefkes 84400 Paros, A First class Hotel with 20 spacious rooms in the village of Lefkes.
Kalypso Hotel & Apartments , +30 22840 51777, Agii Anargiri beach, Naousa, Close to the cosmopolitan fishing village of Naousa lies hotel & apartments
Zefi Hotel and Apartments , +30 22840 51789, Naoussa Paros Greece, The Zefi Hotel in Naoussa, Paros Greece, is a traditional complex of 38 rooms and apartments - Cycladic Island style - that offer visitors comfortable accommodations. Facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, parking area etc.
Kosmitis Hotel , +30 22840 52466, Agii Anargyri - Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Kosmitis Hotel is a 4 star **** establishment situated on Agii Anargyri Beach, just 800 meters from the popular resort of Naoussa, Paros, Greece. It is comprised of 32 fully-equipped and traditionally styled rooms, assuring you relaxing accommodation on Paros Island.
Senia Hotel , +30 22840 51971, Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Senia Hotel belongs to the 4-star category and is situated in the extremely charming settlement of Naoussa, Paros Island, Greece. It is comprised of spacious rooms, apartments and suites that are stylishly designed and equipped for a comfortable and carefree stay and can accommodate from 2 to 6 persons.
Captain Nicolas , +30 22840 52340, Naoussa, 84401, Paros Island, Greece, Captain Nicolas Hotel Apartments and Studios complex belongs to the 4-star category of Naoussa Paros hotels. It is situated right on the beach, and is comprised of 18 spacious, comfortable and fully-equipped studios and apartments.
Kallisti Rooms & Apartments , +30 22840 52219, Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, Kallisti is an elegant hotel, located 400 meters from Naoussa of Paros, overlooking the Aegean Sea. All rooms and apartments are tastefully decorated and fully-equipped with a bathroom, a fridge, a TV, a phone, air-conditioning, and a veranda or a balcony with a seaview or mountain view. Facilities include a swimming pool, an indoor and outdoor cafe, a lounge and many more. Breakfast included.
Paliomylos Hotel Apartments & Studios , +30 22840 51151, Naoussa, 84401, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Paliomylos Hotel is located in Naoussa of Paros, just 50 meters from the beach. All hotel apartments and studios are air-conditioned and have a bathroom, a kitchen, a phone, a TV, a fridge, and a balcony or veranda with breathtaking view of the sea. Visitors are provided with a swimming pool, a breakfast lounge, a bar, a living room, a café, a TV room, and a parking lot.
Sofia Pension Hotel , +30 22840 22085, Parikia, 84400, Paros, Cyclades Islands, Greece, The Sofia Pension Rooms in Parikia Paros is a 4-star hotel. Offers double and triple rooms with private balcony or veranda with a wonderful garden view.
Villa Isabella Studios & Suites , Naoussa, Offers standard and traditional self catering studios, superior and junior hotel suites with seaview.
Splurge
Archipelagos Resort hotel in Paros Island is on the west coast of the island at the beach of Agia Eirini. This 5 star hotel caters for all types of guests but is ideal for families.
Astir of Paros , +30 22840 51976, +30 22840 51976, Kolymbithres Beach, Naoussa, Luxury five star hotel with private beach, 57 rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, excellent food, art gallery, health spa.
Talk
In Paros most of the population can speak English except the older generation. In many bars, pubs, restaurants and shops there is somebody who speaks English, Italian, or German.
Get out
Move on by boat to Naxos, Mykonos, Ios or Santorini.
Contact & location
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Some photos courtesy of:
. The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
View full credits
Peter Fitzgerald, Claus Hansen, Ryan Holliday, George, Dimitris Valakos, zenia, baby zoe, Andreas Routsias, Jean H, Joss and Nicolas Stephanou, Whatsinaname, Burmesedays, Tatatabot, Inas, Sailsetter, Msgr1, Morph, Maed, Pashley, Jonboy, Nils and Eeyore
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits