20 Unmissable Things to Do in Paros, Greece (2026 Travel Guide)

For years I couldn’t quite understand the social media hype around Paros, and I think we’re all pretty cynical when people call things a “hidden gem”. But after spending a week on this Greek island, I have to admit it has it all – the blue dome churches, quiet mountain villages and local tavernas that come alive at night.

Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, couples escape or group holiday, this is my curated guide to the 20 best things to do in Paros, Greece! And yes I’ve done them all – I’ll only recommend what I’ve personally experienced here.

Paros Travel At-A-Glance

• Best area to stay: Naousa for nightlife and boutique dining, Parikia for ferry access and budget accommodation
• Getting around: taxis get expensive fast, rent a car or atv for maximum flexibility – though buses do operate between main sights
• Ideal trip length: 3 to 4 days is perfect, 5 to 7 days allows you to slip in a day trip or two to surrounding islands
• Top 3 must dos: Sunset drinks at Methistra, authentic Greek lunch at Charoula’s Tavern in Marpissa, and a day boat trip to Antiparos.
• Best Time to Visit: June or early September for warm weather, clear water, and fewer crowds.

In This Guide: Table of Contents

1. Northern Coast: Naoussa & Surrounding Coves (Items 1–7)
   • 1. Wander the Bougainvillea Alleys of Naoussa Village
   • 2. Grab Brunch & Coffee at Cannelait
   • 3. Fuel Up at Almond Brunch & Specialty Coffee
   • 4. Walk to Wine Tasting at Moraitis Estate Winery
   • 5. Swim Among Granite Coves at Kolymbithres Beach
   • 6. Grab Fresh Warm Doughnuts at Λουκουμάδες Το Παραδοσιακό
   • 7. Sip Sunset Cocktails at Methistra
   • 8. Experience Nightlife at Medusa Bar
2. Western Coast: Parikia & Surrounds (Items 8–13)
   • 9. Stroll Through the Old Town of Parikia
   • 10. Dine Right by the Ferry Port at Tami
   • 11. Eat Fresh Sea Bass at Bountaraki
   • 12. Lounge on the Beach at Cabana Beach Club
   • 13. Sail the Coast on a Parikia Sunset Boat Cruise
3. Mountain Heart: Lefkes Village (Items 14–17)
   • 14. Explore the Marble Paths of Historic Lefkes
   • 15. Sip Greek Coffee at «Η ωραία πλατεία» Τα Μαγκαλάκια
   • 16. Eat Local Homestyle Cooking at Klarinos Taverna
   • 17. Treat Yourself to Gelato at Μέλι Cream
4. Southeastern Paros: Marpissa & Beyond (Items 18–19)
   • 18. Discover the Quiet Charm of Marpissa Village
   • 19. Enjoy a Traditional Lunch at Charoula’s Tavern
5. Day Trips: Antiparos Excursion (Item 20)
   • 20. Take a Day Trip to Neighboring Antiparos
6. Is Paros Worth Visiting?

🧰 Quick Paros Planning Links

• Hotels: Search top Stays in Naousa & Parikia on Expedia
• Car Rental: Compare local rates & book early on Local Rent
• Ferries: Check island routes & schedules on Ferryhopper
• Tours: Browse boat trips & day tours

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Northern Coast: Naousa & Surrounding Coves

1. Wander the Bougainvillea Alleys of Naousa Village

Getting lost in the stone paved paths of Naousa is the perfect way to soak in the essence of the island. Where else can you get your steps in surrounded by beautiful white houses and vibrant bougainvillea flowers?!

The best time to go is in the mid to late afternoon when the town slowly awakes and the boutique stores open their shutters.

2. Grab Brunch & Coffee at Cannelait

I wish I could have eaten here every morning of my trip. Cannelait is a casual eatery that serves a vibrant range of healthy bakes, salads, and sandwiches that are the perfect morning bite.

Alongside coffees, you can also pick up a home made smoothie filled with prebiotics, coconut water and all types of fruit. My go-to order was the Strawberry Glow which contains sea moss! It’s so easy to get sucked into the fried gyros and sweet treats on a Greek holiday so this creates some semblance of balance!

3. Fuel Up at Almond Brunch & Specialty Coffee

Almond is the ultimate go-to spot on the island for breakfast – I don’t make the rules. If you’re looking for a variety of fresh options, they’ve got you.

The best time to visit is in the late morning/early afternoon. And whilst their sugar free banana bread is a cult favourite, the carrot cake wins for the sweet tooth!

4. Walk to Wine Tasting at Moraitis Estate Winery

The greek islands have the perfect environment for rich, flavoursome wine and Paros is no different. There’s only 20 days of rain on the island which makes for concentrated grapes that they juice into their drinks.

How do I know this? I joined a Moraitis Estate Winery tour! They’re located less than a 15 minute walk from the centre of Naousa and take walk ins.

If you book ahead, you can also enjoy a 1 hour guided vineyard and winery tour, where you learn about the history of wine making on the island. The tour packages start from 25 euros with 3 wines included, and 55 euros for 5 wines paired with cheese. Yum!

5. Swim Among Granite Coves at Kolymbithres Beach

Kolymbithres is easily one of the most unique beaches I’ve ever visited in Greece. Millions of years of sea and wind erosion have carved smooth granite rock formations directly into the shore, creating natural private sunbathing coves and crystal-clear, shallow turquoise swimming pools.

I laid down my micro fibre beach towel, but you can also rent sun beds and eat from the local tavernas behind the beach.

Don’t make my mistake – at the start of the trip, I didn’t have a car so I walked 40 minutes from Naousa to the beach. It was a great way to get my steps in but I didn’t realise I could just grab a 10 minute shuttle boat from Naousa harbour front. It costs just 10 euros one way.

6. Grab Fresh Warm Doughnuts at Λουκουμάδες Το Παραδοσιακό

This unpretentious spot serves up the best loukoumades (traditional Greek doughnuts) on the island. Hand-rolled and fried to order, these golden crisp bite-sized spheres are soft and airy on the inside. You can can opt for modern toppings like melted Nutella or ice cream!

Because everything is made fresh in small batches right in front of you, there is almost always a line spilling into the street during peak evening hours but don’t let that turn you away. It moves quickly!

7. Sip Sunset Cocktails at Methistra

I found this bar by mistake and it ended being the best sunset spot. This chic bar offers incredible views overlooking the whitewashed rooftops of Naoussa, stretching out to the Aegean Sea.

The cocktail prices are on the premium side but taste absolutely phenomenal. Pro trip – get there an hour before sunset!

8. Experience Nightlife at Medusa Bar

Tucked into one of Naousa’s intimate stone alleys, Medusa boasts an electric atmosphere, fantastic music, and bartenders who really know their craft.

We dropped by for late night drinks and ended up staying for hours mingling with travellers and locals alike. It captures that fun, effortless Greek summer party vibe without feeling overly commercialised.

Western Coast: Parikia & Surrounds

9. Stroll Through the Old Town of Parikia

Away from the fumes of the ferry port and the chatter of the beachfront, you will discover a quiet maze of cobblestone corridors holding some of the most authentic Cycladic charm on the island.

Start from the Pirate Bar, and then get intentionally lost amongst artisan jewellery shops, courtyard churches and jazzy speakeasies.

Don’t miss the Frankish Castle (Frankish Kastro) constructed in the 1200s using recycled marble columns from ancient Greek temples.

10. Dine Right by the Ferry Port at Tami

There’s nothing fun about waking up early to stand in line waiting for a ferry. And indeed getting off a ferry and having to lug your suitcase around until check in is even more of a bore.

But TAMI Deli less than 5 minutes away with fresh bread, eggs, fresh juice and enough coffee to make it through. Pro tip – you can store your suitcases at Limani for a small fee.

11. Eat Fresh Sea Bass at Bountaraki

You know a spot is special when you walk past at 8:00 PM and see a line of locals waiting outside alongside travellers.

Bountaraki doesn’t do flashy tourist menus. Instead, they serve honest, soul-warming Greek comfort food straight out of a family kitchen. I ordered the grilled sea bass with lemon-oil sauce and a side of traditional chickpea stew (revithada). It ended up being the best seafood I tried in Paros. Pro tip – arrive before 7pm to avoid a long queue.

12. Lounge on the Beach at Cabana Beach Club

Situated right across Parikia Bay with sweeping views back toward the port and Old Town, Cabana Beach Club is the ultimate spot for a stylish, laid-back afternoon by the water.

It nails that upscale Mediterranean beach club vibe without feeling overly pretentious. The water in the bay is super calm, making it easy to drift back and forth between swimming and relaxing. Make sure to book your sunbeds online a few days in advance.

13. Sail the Coast on a Parikia Sunset Boat Cruise

I was actually in Greece for a wedding and the welcome event was a sunset cruise. Wow – what a show it was. It’s hard to beat sunsets in Greece and one of the best ways to enjoy them are from the comfort of a cruise with drinks and music.

You can easily book a cruise here.

Mountain Heart: Lefkes Village

14. Explore the Marble Paths of Historic Lefkes

Lefkes was the original capital of Paros and when you visit, you’ll understand why. To get there you have to leave the coast for the cool air of the mountains as the village was built high in the hills to protect islanders from pirate invasions.

The entire village is pedestrian-only, paved with gleaming white Parian marble that leads past blue-shuttered stone homes, sleeping cats, and quiet courtyards overflowing with bougainvillea.

15. Sip Greek Coffee at «Η ωραία πλατεία» Τα Μαγκαλάκια

Located right in the shaded heart of the main village square, this café is the ultimate place to slow down and embrace island time. You know you’ve found it when you see the burgundy and green wooden chais.

Go inside and order a refreshing greek coffee (freddo) and pair it with a slice of homemade orange cake (portokalopita). It’s the kind of spot where locals gather to chat over backgammon, making it ideal for taking a break after trekking up Lefkes’ marble alleys.

16. Eat Local Homestyle Cooking at Klarinos Taverna

This place was recommended to me by greek friends so I knew it had to be authentic. This family-run taverna sits elevated above the square, serving traditional Cycladic recipes passed down through generations. You have to try the local fried goat cheese with honey but my absolute fave were the grilled lamb chops.

Everything feels remarkably fresh and far removed from the polished tourist menus back down on the coast.

17. Treat Yourself to Gelato at Μέλι Cream

Whilst at dinner in Klarinos, a Greek girl turned to me and said there’s a dessert place on the corner and she really likes it. I knew I had to return and the next day.

Right near the edge of the village before you head back down to the coast, you will find Μέλι Cream selling handcrafted gelato. They use high-quality local dairy to whip up incredible flavours ranging from rich pistachios and dark chocolate to delicate Greek honey and thyme.

I recommend the Lefkes flavour which contains olive oil!

Section 4: Southeastern Paros (Marpissa & Beyond)

18. Discover the Quiet Charm of Marpissa Village

While most tourists flock exclusively to Naoussa and Lefkes, Marpissa remains delightfully under the radar. Meanwhile it’s was less than a 20 minute drive from Lefkes!

Built on a hill topped by traditional windmills, this pristine whitewashed village feels completely undisturbed. Take an hour to wander through its quiet, residential alleyways where blue archways connect ancient homes and local life carries on softly behind open windows.

If you’re feeling up for a mini hike, follow the trail up to the Monastery of Agios Antonios for sweeping views over the eastern coastline and neighboring Naxos.

19. Enjoy a Traditional Lunch at Charoula’s Tavern

Tucked under a leafy canopy in Marpissa’s tiny main square, Charoula’s Tavern feels like eating in a close friend’s Mediterranean garden. It’s famous across the island for its authentic hospitality and homemade dishes. Don’t skip the moussaka here – it comes out piping hot!

Section 5: Day Trips & Excursions

20. Take a Day Trip to Neighboring Antiparos

Just a quick 7-minute ferry ride across the channel from Pounda lies Antiparos, Paros’ laid-back sister island. Despite its small size, it packs a punch: a charming main street lined with boutique shops, pristine beaches like Soros and Psaralyki, and a massive ancient cave filled with stalactites.

You can easily rent a scooter or car for the day, explore the island’s coastline at your own pace, and finish with fresh seafood at the harbor before catching the evening ferry back.

• Getting There: Car and passenger ferries run continuously throughout the day between Pounda (Paros) and Antiparos harbor without needing advance tickets.

Alternatively, you can book a boat trip from Paros which will take you around Antiparos’s blue waters, caves and neighbouring island without having to figure it all out yourself! You get multiple swim stops, drinks and lunch included. Book here

Final Thoughts: Is Paros Worth Visiting?

For so many year’s I’ve seen people talk Paros being the underrated alternative to busy islands such as Mykonos or Santorini. And to be honest, you won’t completely avoid the crowds in Paros as it’s so well known now.

But it really does have that elusive Greek island balance: the stunning Cycladic architecture and lively dining scene of Mykonos or Santorini, but with a far more relaxed, authentic heartbeat. Whether you’re spending your days getting lost in Naoussa’s whitewashed backstreets, driving through the quiet mountain alleys of Lefkes, or lounging by the crystal-clear waters in Parikia Bay, it’s an island that lets you set your own pace.

My absolute best piece of advice? Don’t over-schedule your days. Leave room to linger over a two-hour lunch at a seaside taverna, get lost in a village you didn’t plan on visiting, or stay at the beach until the sun goes completely down.

If you’re deciding between the Cyclades for your next trip, Paros is easily one of the most versatile, rewarding islands you can choose.