The Paros List

In just a handful of years, the Cycladic island of Paros has morphed from a quiet, windswept island of modest family-run guesthouses into a place that everyone seems to be talking about, with a crop of boutique openings along its coast. Yet even as the whitewashed alleyways of Naousa can get pretty jammed in August, the island still has so much to explore beyond them—in traditional inland villages, secluded beach coves, tavernas serving slow-cooked goat in someone’s home, and through its artisanal traditions, from winemaking to ceramics. Who better to help us navigate it than our friends at The Cycladist? Petros Stamatopoulos and Maira Tagalaki run a travel consultancy specializing in bespoke experiences across food, culture, and adventure in the Cycladic islands. They’ve previously guided us through Sifnos  and Tinos, and Petros has been returning to Paros for thirty years—long enough to remember what it was, and to know why it’s still so worth it. Here is their guide.

Paros has a special place in my heart—and how could it not? My earliest summer memories were made on this island. The first ones go back to the early 1990s, when the airport had such a short runway that planes were sometimes not allowed to take off from Athens on windy days or would only do so with half their passengers. It was not unusual for me to sit on my father’s lap, or for both of us to sit behind the pilots in the cockpit!

I vividly remember… longing for the arrival of the slow ferry, which took almost six hours to reach Paros (no fast catamarans back then), yet we kept going week after week, even if it was just for the weekend. Showering after the beach with water from the well when the regular water pressure was low. Eating apricots fresh from the trees in our garden and their incredible sweet smell. Driving to the beach with the loud pulse of cicadas in the background, stopping to pick figs from the trees alongside the road when they ripened in August. Fig trees grow in abundance across Paros, particularly around the more mountainous areas.

Fast forward to today, and one could say Paros is a completely different place. The runway is now long, an international terminal is due to open in the next few years, quick ferries run morning and afternoon, and restaurants with elevated cuisine of every kind have opened across the island. High-end villas and hotels cater to all tastes. And yet, Paros is also the same place where I grew up: beautiful, unpretentious, varied, and ultimately, deeply Greek. That is the Paros I want to share with you.

VILLAGES & TOWNS

Paros is not just Naousa. In fact, I would argue it is the opposite—especially at those peak moments when the island, and Naousa in particular, grows too busy for its own good.

Parikia

Easy to misjudge on arrival, the capital of Paros can seem touristic on approach, with its long seaside promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. But its real beauty lies within. Its charming alleys run in every direction, beautifully threaded with bougainvilleas of all colors, hosting little shops and restaurants with genuine character, some tucked away in secret enclosed gardens or courtyards. The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, which literally means the church of a hundred gates, is a must. Even for non-believers, there is something quietly mystical about standing inside it. The Frankish Castle, perched above the town, is equally rewarding, and one of the finest sunset spots on the island. Parikia faces directly west, and in summer the sun sets very close to the twin rock formations known as the Portes (that means gates or doors in Greek).

Lefkes

Paros’ prettiest mountainous village, and perhaps my personal favorite. Lefkes sits in the green, terraced interior of the island. Its centrepiece is the Cathedral of Agia Triada: a grand, Gothic-influenced marble church that seems improbably magnificent for a village of this size, its white bell towers visible from the valley below. Lefkes has a long tradition in local desserts such as loukoumades (small, pillowy fried dough balls drizzled in honey) and amygdalota (soft almond cookies, fragrant and moreish). You can try them in the various traditional kafeneia, or coffee shops, spread along Lefkes’ picturesque cobblestone streets.

Dryos

On the water, serene and quietly picturesque. Dryos has a beautiful pebble beach with crystal-clear waters in every shade of blue, unfolding toward the neighbouring island of Naxos on the horizon. Its seafront promenade is smaller than those of Paroikia or Naousa, but what it lacks in size it more than rewards in charm!

Aliki

A proper fisherman’s village in the south of the island, which is pretty evident from the numerous traditional fishing boats, or kaikia, moored in its sheltered bay! The water here has that bright, pale turquoise quality that seems almost luminous in the afternoon light. The local fish tavernas are some of the best on the island. More on those below.

Prodromos

I only discovered this little village a few years ago, and it was a genuine revelation; a place that gave me a feeling of serenity and of traveling back in time. In the center of the village you will find a traditional mageirio (Tsitsanis), a Greek restaurant of the old school where the day’s dishes are prepared in large pots and served simply, without menus or ceremony. On some evenings local musicians play in the square, with locals of all ages enjoying.

Naousa

The queen of Paros and deservedly so. Cosmopolitan, buzzing with life, Naousa is the place to go out—but it is also lovely to explore in the cooler hours of the morning or early afternoon, before the heat and crowds arrive. The old fishing port is the heart of it all: a puzzle of whitewashed houses, waterfront restaurants, and fishing boats surrounded by fashion boutiques and cocktail bars. In the evening, the whole village becomes a stage.

 FOOD

Paros has some of the finest food in the Cyclades. Like most of the islands, it raises its own livestock and cultivates its own produce, but unlike most of its neighbors, it also has a long tradition in fishing that predates tourism entirely, with several working fishing villages and a daily catch that still ends up on the plate. Over the last few years, Paros has developed an elevated culinary scene, both in the traditional and more modern sphere. What follows is a selection from both worlds.

Mario Restaurant (Parikia) – Mario Tsaxpinis has been cooking the best modern Greek food on the island for more than two decades, and the loyalty of his regulars says everything. Do not miss the torched vlita with marinated anchovies, or the squid ‘tagliatelle’ with cuttlefish ragu. His in-house desserts are also exceptional so leave room for those!

Mouragio (Aliki village) – Our favourite seafood taverna in Paros, set right on the water in Aliki village. Ask Dimitris what came in that morning, and follow his lead on the grilled fish. The Mouragio salad and the steamed mussels are both essential.

O Katsounas (Little Santa Maria Beach) – Maria has been preparing mouth-watering homemade recipes since 1994 at the courtyard of what was her own home. The chickpea stew, the slow-cooked goat, and the milk tart are all worth the journey.

Thalassa Mou (Aliki) – A very thoughtfully composed mix of traditional and modern seafood in a beautiful setting by the water on Aliki’s promenade. The grilled octopus and the fresh fish carpaccio are among their standouts.

Levantis Restaurant  (Parikia) – Modern Mediterranean cuisine served in a beautiful, intimate courtyard tucked into the alleyways of Parikia. A Paros culinary landmark for over forty years, Levantis has earned its reputation with consistent elegance and a creative hand.

Siparos  (outside of Naousa) – One of the most popular spots on the island, and for good reason. Opt for a reservation around sunset and simply enjoy watching the colours as the sun sets.

Taverna Julia (Dryos village) – A traditional taverna right on the water, with all the classic staples done properly and sea views that make you feel as though you are dining in front of a moving painting.

Markakis  (Piso Livadi) – A beloved local institution on the water with simple, honest seafood, where locals return to season after season.

Buon Vento (Outside of Piso Livadi) – I do not usually recommend non-Greek restaurants, but this Italian place is a little gem worth noting. Run by a Neapolitan couple, it sits beautifully on a hill overlooking the sea, serving authentic southern Italian cooking.

Blue Oyster (Ambelas) – A welcome addition to the Paros dining scene. Fresh oysters and thoughtful seafood in a setting that feels grown-up without being stiff. A good choice for those who want something a little different from the classic Greek taverna formula. 

Maremma (Kolympithres Bay) – Greek cuisine and seafood with the right ingredients and amount of modern touches, set in an elegantly decorated deck overlooking the beautiful bay.

BARS

Sousouro (Naousa) – A small bar with cool tunes and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe. Also a surprisingly good spot for a healthy breakfast.

Trickster (Naousa) – Small and full of energy – dance inside, or get a table outside and watch the Naousa night unfold. It sits on a corner where the main crowd flows past, making it one of the best spots on the island for people-watching.

Santé (Naousa) – The quieter Naousa option, tucked into a cute little square, mixing excellent cocktails.

Kosmos (Naousa) – The bar you go to when you want to start dancing.

Come Back (Parikia) – The bar you go to when you want to continue.

The Green Project (Dryos) – A more alternative, genuinely chilled bar set in a beautiful garden in the village of Dryos.

BEACHES

Paros has a beach for every mood: “organized” (with day beds) and lively, or wild and empty. Below, a selection that covers the full range.

Kolympithres (organized) – Shallow turquoise waters that are impossibly clear on calm days when the Meltemi is not blowing. Surrounded by extraordinary smooth granite rock formations that give the beach a lunar, otherworldly quality. A UNESCO-recognised natural landscape, and one of the most photographed spots on the island.

Marcello (organized & virgin sections) – Perhaps the most pristine waters on Paros, with good natural cover from the Meltemi – the northern winds that blow hard in July and August. The more intimate small coves beyond the main beach are worth the walk.

Farangas (organized) – A golden sand bay with crystal-clear water on the island’s southern coast, with a beach bar and recently added facilities. There is an equally beautiful virgin stretch right alongside it for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and the music.

Lageri (virgin) – Peaceful & remote wild beach with beautiful sand dunes & shallow waters; part of the beach is nudist.

Tripiti (virgin) – An understated, charming family beach. Go early and look for shade under the tamarin trees.

Krios – The most wind-protected beach on the island, also accessible by a short boat ride from Paroikia — part of its particular charm. Relax, swim, then take the little ferry back in the afternoon. It is quite small, so in peak season it is better to go early.

Parasporos (organized & virgin sections) – Rougher around the edges than most, which is part of its appeal. Zazala Beach Club is a good spot, and on windy days the waves make it ideal for games or surfing, for which a small school now operates there.

Golden Beach (organized & virgin sections) – The most famous and largest beach on the island, with long golden sands stretching further than most Cycladic beaches manage. Also the epicenter of windsurfing on Paros, with reliable conditions and well-established rentals.

Tripiti 2 (virgin) – A beautiful local secret. Park the car and follow the footpath — about fifteen minutes on foot. Absolutely worth the hike.

Voutakos (virgin) – Wild and peaceful, with Antiparos sitting across the water like a quiet companion. One of those beaches where you can still feel genuinely alone.

Mikri Santa Maria (partly organized) – A lovely, quieter alternative to its larger neighbor, Santa Maria, with calm waters and a more relaxed atmosphere.

WATERSPORTS

Paros is also a watersports playground: thanks to the reliable northern winds that sweep across the island in summer, it offers some of the best wind and kite-surfing conditions in the Aegean. The main spots are Golden Beach and New Golden Beach on the southeastern coast, Santa Maria on the northern side, and Pounta near Parikia, each with established schools and rental operations. For those who prefer calmer water sports, Paros also has two water-ski schools operating in the bay of Naousa—at Kolympithres and Monastiri beaches—offering water-skiing, wakeboarding, and other fun & games.

ARTISAN CULTURE

Paros has a richer craft tradition than most Cycladic islands. Its most storied material is marble, specifically known as Parian lychnitis, the fine-grained translucent white stone quarried here since antiquity and used for some of the greatest sculptures the ancient world produced, including the Venus de Milo. Ceramics have equally deep roots, with several working studios still producing handmade pottery today. And Paros has been making wine since antiquity too, with family wineries still working the island’s vineyards producing whites and rosés from indigenous grape varieties.

Moraitis Winery  – One of the oldest family wineries on the island, producing wine in Naousa since 1910. Their whites and rosés made from the local Monemvasia grape are the ones to try.

Yria Ceramics  – Founded in 1977 in the village of Kostos, Yria is Paros’ most established ceramics studio. Handcrafted pottery drawing on pre-classical, Byzantine and folk traditions, with an outpost in Lefkes worth combining with a village visit.

Noé Ceramics  – Handmade functional earthenware with a contemporary sensibility, tucked away between Glifa and Aspro Chorio.

Marble Art Design Skaramangas  – A family marble workshop established in 1968, working with Parian lychnitis marble. Worth pairing with a visit to the ancient quarries at Marathi nearby.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotels

Yria – Set behind Parasporos beach, family-run Yria is the epitome of understated Cycladic luxury. Rooms and suites are beautifully considered and comfortably grouped in clusters, connected by alleys in true Cycladic fashion. The lagoon-like pool and beautifully landscaped gardens feel removed from the rest of the island in the best possible way, and when more action is wanted, the beach is only five minutes away on foot along a flat road.

Parocks – Simultaneously seafront and within easy reach of Naousa, Parocks is an excellent base for those who want access to Naousa’s energy without being in the thick of it. Just ten minutes from the village by car, and five minutes from Ampelas beach with complimentary sunbeds, Parocks features beautiful boho-chic design, its own small private beach, as well as attentive service and quality food.

See Soo – A hipper, more playful alternative, which is particularly well-suited for those interested in being near Antiparos, where the crossing is only minutes away, or closer to the kite-surfing scene at Pounta.

Villas

Makria Miti Estates – An estate of five seafront properties spread across 13,000 square metres of Parian coastline, a short walk from the fishing village of Aliki. The design draws on Patmos-inspired architectural cues: pastel floors, vintage furnishings, a meticulous eye for detail making the spaces feel personal rather than merely designed. Each villa has its own infinity pool and lush garden of native trees and flowers, with direct access to crystal-clear water just steps away. The estate also has its own organic garden producing seasonal vegetables and fruit  all finding their way into the meals prepared by the in-house private chef.

Votsalakia Seaside Escape – Five villas, each with its own character and private entrance, tucked twenty metres from the crystal-clear pebble beach of Piso Aliki and its nearby coves. Well sheltered from the Aegean winds and just a short ride from the centre of Aliki village. Votsalakia is a newer property: the architecture is clean, the design contemporary and low-energy, and considerable care has gone into the landscaping giving each garden a distinct personality. The villas range in size and configuration, making this a strong option for couples and families alike.

GETTING THERE

Paros is a three-hour quick ferry ride from Piraeus, or a convenient 30-minute flight from Athens. It is also easily reached from Mykonos which is just a 50-minute ferry ride away, with multiple connections throughout the day. In the summer, Mykonos International Airport is well connected with direct flights to most European capitals. 

WHEN TO VISIT

If you can, avoid August. The island remains beautiful, but the crowds can test even the most patient travellers, and Naousa in particular becomes a very different place. If August is your only option, book well in advance, go early to beaches, and lean into the energy rather than fighting it.

For something altogether different, consider Easter. As a moving Orthodox holiday falling anywhere from early April to early May, it brings Paros at its most quietly magnificent: few visitors, mostly local Greek crowds, a landscape still green and lush (not a usual state for any Cycladic island), and the weather carrying that specific quality where sunny spells feel like gifts and opportunities to dive into the windless but still chilly waters. The Easter traditions on Paros are remarkable: the candlelit Epitaphios procession through the village of Marpissa, with its live reenactment of the Passion of Christ; the midnight Anastasi service at a small monastery in Lagada, illuminated only by candlelight in an almost mystical setting; the Easter Sunday festivities in Naousa with live Cycladic music and dancing in the port. Easter is a bigger holiday in Greece than even Christmas—something you will feel, should you choose to visit Paros at that time.

September and October are also quietly wonderful. The sea is warm, the light is golden and softer, the crowds fewer and better. The restaurants and locals, freed from the pressure of peak season, often offer their best work.

Today, Paros strikes a fine balance between the traditional and the cosmopolitan, the quiet and the buzzy, relaxation and adventure. Whatever you are looking for, Paros has it all: adventure at sea or lazy days in dreamy beaches, numerous villages to explore (and even more trails for hikers), exceptional food, buzzing nightlife. Done right, it can reward even the most demanding traveler. After thirty-odd years, it still does that for me!