See also: Where to Stay in Paros
A beautiful sunny beach and pretty white sands, you lazing around and sunbathing, exotic locales surrounding you as you sip wine from your flute glass—just a few things that equate to paradise.
You can enjoy all this and more on the beautiful island of Paros in Greece, an archipelago located in the blue-white Aegean Sea.
As beautiful and exotic as it sounds, Greece is a country boasting marvelous ancient relics and structures.
Paros is a Greek island peppered with sandy beaches, charming villages with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets, tavernas serving excellent Greek cuisine, and vineyards where some of the world’s best wine is made.
What are you waiting for?
It’s time to explore this slice of paradise.
Here are the best things to do in Paros, Greece:
Enjoy Your Pick of Adventures at Golden Beach
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The golden beach is one of the most famous beaches all over Greece and the world.
It has some of the best water sports facilities available for you to enjoy.
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Try out windsurfing, rent kayaks, surf, or paddleboard on the choppy blue waters.
The winds blowing at high speeds also add to the thrill as you rush above the sea.
It’s the perfect place for those looking for an adrenaline rush.
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Pray at Panagia Ekatontapiliani
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Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors, is an important historical monument.
It was built during the Byzantine era and has intricate carvings and mosaics on its altar.
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There’s a myth surrounding its name as well.
Up to today, only 99 of the church’s 100 doors have been discovered.
The locals believe the last door will be discovered only when Constantinople becomes a part of Greece again.
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Explore Parikia, Paros’ Stunning Capital
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Parikia is the capital and central village of Paros.
You’ll notice its old-world charm while exploring the lanes and roads snaking through the city.
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Parikia is the island’s central tourist hub and is a great place to stay during your vacation.
With various quaint cafes and restaurants lined up on the street, it provides countless opportunities for you to sample authentic Greek food.
Many of Paros’ architectural marvels are situated on this part of the island.
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Enjoy Fresh, Mouth-Watering Seafood at Piso Livadi
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Piso Livadi is a fishing port located in the southeast part of the island.
It is small in size but bustling with a variety of sea fare.
You’ll spot many cute little taverns serving delicious Greek seafood around this port.
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With restaurants serving everything from mussels to trout to crabs and lobsters, seafood lovers are in for a treat.
Piso Livadi also acts as the central port linking Paros to Antiparos and other Cyclades islands.
Visit this port, have some fresh seafood, and then set sail and explore the surrounding islands.
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Tour the Charming Village of Lefkes
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This quaint little town cradled near the mountains of Naoussa is one of the best places to visit.
Lefkes boasts a myriad of vibrant colors, owing to the white-colored houses, deep blue seas, and bright pink bougainvillea growing everywhere.
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It can also be a great place to stay if you want to cut down on expenses since many affordable rentals are available in this area.
Enjoy some organic treats like figs and honey, which are sold as roadside snacks here.
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Spend a Day Exploring Naoussa
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Naoussa is a fishing village located in the North of Paros and one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island.
It is located near the Venetian Fortress, a major tourist attraction that stands tall and guards this port.
You can explore this monolithic structure, which the Ottomans built to safeguard this important port in olden times.
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The scene of the watersides and quarry looks like something straight out of a postcard and will inspire you to revel in its natural beauty.
Nearby, there are lots of restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine.
If you want to experience some exciting beachy nightlife, this is the place to do that.
Naoussa converts from a lovely little daydream into the ultimate party village at night, where you can drink your sorrows away as you groove to the music.
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Relax on Kolymbithres Beach
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You can visit Kolymbithres Beach after spending some time at Naoussa, since it’s just 10 minutes away.
Take the local public ferry from Naoussa, and you’re all sorted.
It’s an excellent spot for a day of family fun, as your children can build sandcastles while you laze on the sand.
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You can find many people sunbathing on the smooth granite rocks on the shore.
Kolymbithres Beach’s sandy coves, rock formations chiseled by strong winds, and the stunning sea make great backdrops to get the perfect Instagram photos.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Paros
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Any visit to a foreign land is incomplete without imbibing some information about the area.
That’s why museums are such essential landmarks in most tourist places.
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Visit this museum to gaze at some primitive artifacts and relics.
There are statues from as far back as the 5th century BC at the Archaeological Museum of Paros.
The displays are dedicated to various famous Greek philosophers and gods like Nike, Artemis, and Archilochus.
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Learn about Winemaking at Moraitis Winery
Most associate Greece with wine and champagnes, so won’t it be exciting to witness these being made?
The Greek art of winemaking is a tale as old as time.
It dates back to medieval times and is practiced even today.
Moraitis Winery was established in 1910 and has retained all the old winemaking principles.
The grapes used are sourced from their own vineyards and are endemic to Paros.
They are then brewed in ancient machinery to churn out the perfect red wine.
Laze at Faragas Beach
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Situated on the long coastline of Paros is this windy beach.
Hidden in the alcove of the rocky terrains and sandy coves, Faragas Beach is a great place to unwind.
A solitary bar makes its presence felt as you laze around on the white sands.
It serves excellent cocktails and is highly customer friendly.
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The bar plays soft, soothing music during the day to help you relax and later plays rock music as night arrives.
Groove to the summer beats and dance around.
It’s also an excellent place for some couples looking for peace and quiet.
There are many hidden nooks and corners for you to explore amid some seclusion.
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Experience Nirvana at Ambelas
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The village of Ambelas is nestled in a quiet spot near Naoussa.
It is also located just 15 minutes away and is a lovely spot to relax and unwind.
You can go for a nice family picnic near the shore.
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Have a nice refreshing swim in the calm currents, then sit and have a nice appetizing lunch under the shade of the trees.
There is a great restaurant nearby where you can dine in or take out some great ricotta or blue cheese Greek sandwiches along with some fine red wine.
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Get the Pirate Experience during the Pirate Festival
Paros is an exciting cultural hub, and the people here hold many festivals and enjoy their hearts out.
The Pirate Festival is one such quirky festival held usually in August.
It is celebrated in remembrance of the locals who fought and won against the Turkish pirates that raided them.
The festivities ensue with young boys dressing up as pirates and creating mischief.
This is then followed by fireworks and merry feasting while dancing until the wee hours of the day.
Shop till You Drop at Parikia
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Wondering where to shop in Paros?
Parikia is the place to splurge.
Explore all the beautiful little boutiques here and in nearby Naoussa for some great clothes and jewelry.
This is also one of the best spots to shop for souvenirs for your family and friends.
Watch the Sunset at Marcello Beach
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Have a day of fun in the sun at the lovely Marcello Beach.
Stay here until the evening to catch the famous Mediterranean sunset in full glory.
Greek sunsets are famous for being very soothing and heavenly to watch.
The sun looks vast from here, and it descends slowly and beautifully.
Marcello is also fantastic at night, as the beach’s crescent shape is emphasized under the pearl white moonlight.
Watch a Movie at Paros Park
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Paros Park’s open-air cinema is known for screening many delightful Greek classics.
Experience sitting in an amphitheater and watching a movie as the cool breeze caresses you.
The best part?
You can enjoy this experience without having to pay any admission fees.
Paros Park also has a little trail for walking or trekking.
There’s a lighthouse constructed nearby, too.
The park’s stunning garden features endemic wild species of flowers and herbs growing there in full glory.
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Though there are many traditional taverns to try out all over the city’s famous spots, some visitors may also wish to have a fine dining experience.
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For those looking to enjoy a candlelit dinner in Paros, some great options are Koralli Restaurant in Livadia, Parea Cuisine Paros in Parikia, and Seven Senses Gastronomy in Drios.
Treat yourself and your significant other to exquisite food, romantic ambiance, and beautiful scenes of Paros.
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The Museum of Cycladic Folklore is situated in the small village of Aliki.
Single-handedly built by a man named Benettos Skiados, this incredible museum honors Cycladic traditions and folklore.
It houses various boat models, which you can look at and learn about.
From modern ships and boats to ancient typical Greek triremes and steamboats, Skiados handcrafted most of the displays.
There are also models and small sculptures of famous monuments like the Venetian Castle of Parikia, the Touristic Lighthouse on Andros, the Ancient Theatre of Milos, and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
The museum also has a well-curated garden in front.
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Petaloudes is famous for the many butterflies that visit it and convert it into a vibrant, butterfly-filled valley.
To experience the Valley of Butterflies, it’s best to visit in the summer months.
Watch yourself feel free and light as you look at the sky enveloped in beautiful Jersey Tiger moths.
There is also a beautiful monastery nearby called the Monastery of Jesus of the Woods, where you can bask in quiet reflection.
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Few people have ever visited this east coast beach.
Ten kilometers south of Naoussa, Molos Beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful spot to chill and enjoy the beach.
The Kefalos and Antikefalos hills frame a sandy beach in the form of a mushroom with views of the island of Naxos.
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Toward the southern end of the bay lies a little harbor surrounded by granite rock formations.
In addition, the extinct volcano of Kefalos hill is worth a look.
Mount Etna is surrounded by a 16th-century monastery and a 15th-century Venetian fortress, which may be seen from its crater.
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On the island’s northeastern side, the Santa Maria bay has two beaches, both of which face the Aliko bay of Naxos, the island’s neighbor to the north.
There is no better place to unwind than on a sandy beach surrounded by the ocean’s calm waters.
If you dare to go under the surface of the ocean’s azure depths, you may discover what is beneath its majestic surface by diving or snorkeling.
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The vast majority of the beach is covered with umbrellas and loungers.
Additionally, there are several watersports and camping amenities nearby.
It is readily accessible from Naoussa by vehicle, local bus, or boat taxi.
Force 7 WindSurfing provides windsurf courses for novices and experienced surfers alike.
Force 7’s instructors and equipment are well-versed in the newest water sports techniques and technologies.
From your very first ride to sophisticated leaps and tricks, windsurfing instruction programs are available for all levels of riders.
Its complete windsurfing equipment rental package includes windsurfing boards, sails, and masts.
Additionally, you have complete freedom to switch out your equipment, depending on the availability.
Its windsurfing rental section features various boards, so you have many options.
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Paros has genuine and calm towns during the peak tourist season to counterbalance the experience.
On the slopes of southwest Paros, you’ll find the quaint Marpissa, a stone’s throw away from the beach.
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The whitewashed Cycladic town is attractive in its simplicity and keeps its identity without many tourist developments in its vicinity.
You can get there in a reasonable amount of time by car; it’s also near to the golden beaches of Punda, Piso Livadi, and Logaras.
Marpissa is a great place to start the day, allowing visitors to watch the everyday lives of the residents and learn more about the Parian legacy via the cultural institutions.
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One of the best things to do whenever visiting a new place is to experience its arts and culture.
Have a gallery date in Apothiki Art House.
It is housed in a 600-year-old structure known as the apothiki, which was used to store olive oil, wine, and other valuables.
Paros has inspired artists for more than 5,000 years, and Apothiki wants to bring creative individuals from across the world to learn about the island’s unique atmosphere.
Designed in collaboration with Greek and international artists, art galleries, foundations, and cultural organizations, this multi-purpose venue will showcase exhibits and cultural events while also serving as a home for artists on-site.
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Enjoy a lavish cruise as you take a ferry to the nearby island of Antiparos.
Pamper yourself and the in-house spas and Jacuzzis on the cruise ship.
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These cruises can be converted into one-day trips where they show you around various uninhabited islands in addition to Antiparos.
You can enjoy swimming and snorkeling as you traverse the calm waters.
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Greece is always associated with Santorini, but it’s undeniably an expensive place to stay.
When staying in Paros, you can enjoy more affordable accommodations and visit Santorini on a budget.
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Take one of the many day ferries to Santorini and spend the day exploring the city.
You can return at night and save on travel funds that would have been spent staying at an expensive hotel there.
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You won’t get bored at Paros since the island has so much to offer as far as activities and attractions go.
If you’re hoping to find a spot in Greece that’s both hip and serene, go no farther than Paros.
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