During my summer of island-hopping in Greece, I spent a few nights on the island of Paros in the Cyclades, primarily because it was a convenient waypoint between Ios and Mykonos. If you're looking for things to do in Paros, Greece, there's plenty to fill a few relaxed days.
Paros is not as expensive or well-known as the island of Santorini. Yet, it still attracts approximately 450,000 visitors during the peak summer travel season.
Overtourism has caused a backlash among the local community of 12,000 residents in recent years. One way to experience Paros with fewer people is to visit during the shoulder seasons, specifically spring and fall.
My original intention had been to see the Greek islands in the spring, but I ended up spending more time exploring Turkey than I had expected.
I stayed at the Anna Platanou Hotel in Parikia, the island's main port town, and used it as a jumping-off point to explore. I wandered through town both nights of my stay and spent an afternoon at nearby Krios beach.
Although I didn't rent an ATV or car to explore other parts of the island, I've included some noteworthy places and activities for you to consider. Now, let's dive into the best things to do on Paros in the Cyclades.
Table of Contents
Paros Attractions
1. Evening Strolls in Parikia
Parikia features the classic traits of a Cycladic settlement—narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, and bougainvillea draped over doorways. Walking around Parikia at night, it's easy to see why the capital and Paros have become magnets for tourists.
For dinner, I had kleftiko, a traditional Greek dish of lamb and baked potato in a lemon sauce with feta cheese. I couldn't resist a chocolate gelato from one of the little shops for dessert.
2. Visit the Beaches
Krios Beach
The day after I arrived on Paros, I boarded a small water taxi for the short ride from Parikia to Krios Beach at the north end of Paros Bay. The ride alone provided spectacular views of the cerulean waters.
As we approached the beach, the water shifted to a bright turquoise, as beautiful as any I've seen in the Bahamas or the Turkish Riviera. After disembarking the small boat, I walked along the sandy beach and rented a lounge chair and umbrella for a few hours.
Some people were swimming and chatting in the water, but the area wasn't too crowded. Parikia isn't a big city, but it still felt relaxing to get some distance from it. The view was lovely, and the Crios Beach Bar & Restaurant provided easy access to food and drinks.
Kolympethres Beach
About six miles north of Parikia is Kolymbithres Beach, near the town of Naoussa. This tiny beach is known for its smooth granite rock formations, which create natural coves and pools. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the rocks or rent sunbeds, while nearby tavernas offer a variety of local cuisine. Get there early, as the small size of Kolympethres Beach makes it particularly prone to overcrowding.
Santa Maria Beach
Sandy Santa Maria Beach, located on Paros' northeastern coast, is a well-organized and family-friendly beach. It's popular for water sports like windsurfing and diving, with facilities available for visitors. Santa Maria Beach has sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, and nearby dining options.
3. Go Windsurfing
Golden Beach is a 2,397-foot (700-meter) stretch on Paros' southeastern coast, popular for its golden sand and consistent summer winds.
Due to the windy conditions inside and outside the small bay, the beach has become a popular destination for windsurfers and kite-surfers from around the world.
Golden Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, a recognition of its high environmental standards and protection.
4. Watch (or Try) Kiteboarding
Pounta Beach, also known as Paros Kite Beach, is a prime destination for kiteboarding enthusiasts on Paros Island.
Situated on the strait between Paros and the smaller island of Antiparos, the beach offers consistent side-shore winds and shallow waters, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced riders.
Visitors can enroll in lessons at local schools, such as ParosKite and Paros Kite Pro Center, which offer instruction for all skill levels with certified instructors. Even if you'd prefer to be an observer, seeing the sky filled with so many kiteboarders at once can be cool.
The area also hosts international competitions, including events from the World Kiteboarding Championships, attracting athletes from around the globe.
5. Discover Traditional Villages
Visiting the villages of Lefkes and Marpissa offers a glimpse into Paros's quieter side. Lefkes, once the island's capital, is a hill town known for its whitewashed houses, narrow stone alleys, and views of the Aegean Sea.
Marpissa, closer to the coast, features winding streets designed to confuse pirates and a handful of family-run workshops and cafes.
Both villages retain strong ties to local traditions, with churches, small museums, and occasional craft fairs. A slow walk through either place reveals the enduring beauty of Cycladic architecture and the rhythms of everyday island life.
6. Hike the Byzantine Trail from Lefkes to Prodromos
If you'd like to explore Paros off the beaten path, consider hiking the Byzantine Trail from Lefkes to Prodromos. The 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) path, which dates back over 1,000 years, winds through olive groves and terraced hillsides and offers views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Naxos in the distance.
The route is mostly downhill and paved with ancient marble slabs, making it accessible for most walkers. Plan for about an hour, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring water—there's little shade along the way. Finishing in Prodromos, you can catch a bus back or linger in the village's quiet alleys and cafes.
7. Archaeological Museum of Paros
This small museum offers a comprehensive look at the island's history. Its collection spans from the Neolithic to Roman periods, featuring notable artifacts like the Nike of Paros, a 5th-century BCE marble statue depicting the goddess Nike.
The museum's layout includes two exhibition rooms and an open-air atrium displaying Roman mosaics and architectural fragments.
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