Historically famed for its flawless white marble, Paros now draws visitors for its sugar-cube villages, pristine beaches, and fascinating history - all without the crowds and high prices of neighbours Mykonos and Santorini. Planning a Greek getaway can have its challenges, with key decisions perhaps keeping you up at night - When to go? Where to stay? Where to sample the best fresh fish and souvlaki? Your sojourn in Paros shouldn’t start with stress, though, which is exactly where we come in. Here at Plum Guide, we’ve done the all the research and hard work for you, and sought out the very best of the island (you're welcome). Just as with our accommodation, we pride ourselves on offering expert tips to make sure your holiday goes off without a hitch, so dive into our Paros travel guide to get the lowdown on this gem of a Greek island.
When to visit
Umbrellas on the sand by clear blue water at a beach in Paros, Greece
Paros has hot, dry summers, and mild winters, with around 300 days of sunshine per year - be sure to pack your sunglasses. The strong Aegean meltemi wind blows between June and September, and is strongest in mid-to late-summer - cooling the air slightly and making this prime time for windsurfers. We recommend planning your Paros break between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for swimming. For a bargain break, May and October still usually boast warm weather, along with more generous prices and fewer crowds - just be aware that there’s a chance not all restaurants and bars will be open.
Shades of White, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Where to stay
A white building covered in green leaves on a sunny day, Parikia, Paros, Greece
To be fully immersed in the island’s culture and history, look no further than Paros’s vibrant capital - Parikia. Along with the bulk of the island’s nightlife, here you’ll find museums, diverse restaurants, and Byzantine churches. For a laidback and authentic yet cosmopolitan feel, the harbour village of Naoussa in Paros’s northeastern corner is a safe (and extremely Instagrammable) bet. Alternatively, inland Lefkes (the former capital) offers the chance to experience quintessential Cycladic village life - all while being surrounded by pine forests and olive groves.
The Gaze, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Where to eat
White boats docked at a harbour next to tables and chairs outside a taverna in Naoussa, Paros, Greece
Did you even go to Greece if you didn’t sample some horiatiki (Greek salad) and tzatziki? For the best of local flavours (including the freshest of seafood) with an unforgettable sea view to boot, head to Thalami in Ambelas, or make your way to Soso, hidden in one of the charming lanes of Naoussa. Gialos in Piso Livadi offers a modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine, using ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm, while Naoussa’s Siparos is known for elevated takes on classic dishes - slow-cooked lamb shanks with smoked aubergine puree, anyone? If you’re needing a break from feta and oregano, the Little Green Rocket in Parikia has plenty of international options to choose from, specialising in fresh Asian flavours.
Bright & Elegant, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Where to drink
A collection of tables and chairs ready for drinks by a church in Naoussa, Paros, Greece
No Paros travel guide would be complete without some tips on where to enjoy an aperitif or two. If cocktails (and panoramic port views) are your thing, make a beeline for Somaripa Consolato in Naoussa, where the speciality is cocktails infused with ingredients like fig-based souma spirit, and mastiha from the island of Chios. Live music and laid back vibes are the name of the game at Parikia’s Sativa, with Fotis All Day Bar in Naoussa helping you combine a day on the beach with the requisite quantity of delectable local drinks - all in the name of research, of course. To get a flavour of the local wine making scene, book in for a tour and tasting at Moraitis Winery.
Lemongrass Warble, Plum Guide home in Paros, Greece
Things to do
Hit up Kolymbithres Beach
Calm, blue water by a sandy strip with people sunbathing at Kolymbithres Beach, Paros, Greece
Though perhaps not as famous as its neighbours Mykonos and Santorini, Paros is arguably a better bet for travellers in search of some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. Seemingly plucked straight from a sci-fi movie, the otherworldly rock formations of Kolymbithres have made it the most famous of the island’s beaches. To keep your feet firmly on Earth but enjoy an atmosphere that is decidedly cosmopolitan, the bars and restaurants that line the sands of Santa Maria provide a stylish option. Alternatively, beachgoers seeking an extra dose of culture will appreciate the screenings and concerts that take place during the Summer Festival at Monastiri Beach. To give your beach day the thrill factor, head to Chrisi Akti (also known as Golden Beach), home to the Windsurfing World Championship.
Journey through Paros’s history in Parikia
A view of the Panagia Ekatontapiliani lit up at night, Paros, Greece
We couldn’t very well write a Paros travel guide without mentioning some history - this is Greece, after all. The island’s hub for all things historical is Parikia, perhaps most famed for its fourth-century Byzantine complex Panagia Ekatontapiliani (or the Church of 100 Doors), said to have been founded by St. Helen on her way to the Holy Land - it's regarded as one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece. Atop a hill overlooking the sea, the town’s Frankish Castle was built by the Venetians in 1260, while the Archeological Museum of Paros provides an excellent overview of the island’s rich history. Elsewhere, the Venetian Fortress at the port of Naoussa offers a taste of 15th-century Paros, when it served as a watchtower.
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