Things to do in Paros

One of the loveliest islands in Greece if it’s your first visit, Paros has a bit of everything including ruins, ancient churches, quaint villages, natural valleys, suitable beaches and a couple of museums full of Aegean antiquities. Its biggest attraction however is its atmosphere, and the entire island offers a quintessential Aegean experience with its white and blue domed orthodox churches, strikingly bright sun and traditional way of life.

Beaches

The island has plenty of lovely beaches, some of them crowded in the summer, while others are difficult to get to and secluded. Parakia is the busiest spot on the island, but you can still find privacy here. Livadia Beach is the most conveniently placed beach here, practically a five-minute stroll from the town and harbour, with plenty of room for all. Martselo and Krios are on the opposite side of the harbour and out of reach to walkers, so you’re guaranteed more privacy.

Naoussa, on the north coast, has several large and lovely beaches, but not all of them are close to this quaint fishing village and they can suffer from unpleasant onshore winds. Kolimbithres is the nicest; Piperi is closer to the town but smaller; and Monastiri is for naturists (nude bathing). Pisso Livadi, Logaras and Drios are pleasant and quieter choices on the east coast, among the small villages, while Pounda Beach (south of Parakia) is for party animals. Golden Beach is a windsurfing mecca and Parasporos is a long natural beach with little development and ideal for camping.

Parakia

The island’s main town is an ancient and delightful hive of small lanes and whitewashed shops and houses dominated by a pedestrianised market that blends in with the surroundings. Here you will find the key historic sites, such as the Archaeological Museum and the famous Church of Our Lady of 100 Gates – one of the loveliest in Greece. There is also an ancient cemetery dating from 700 BC and Venetian Kastro (castle) on the town’s elevated ground. Parakia is the liveliest of the island’s towns and has plenty of tavernas.

Naoussa

This delightful, sleepy fishing village on the north side of the island goes about life oblivious to tourists and though there are a few souvenir stores and restaurants (sans locals), you hardly get the impression tourism has arrived here. It sits on undulating ground and is perfect for exploring on foot to observe a traditional way of life unchanged by modern circumstances. There are several ancient churches here and some good vantage points. Some of the best beaches are nearby too, so it’s a great destination for a daytrip.

Lefkes

This is perhaps the loveliest village on the island; however, it’s difficult to reach, being stuck in a hidden valley among the high ground in the island’s centre. Its location may have helped preserve its typical Cycladic character. The Church of Aghia Triada dominates the town and is a magnificent example of Venetian architecture. The views of the rest of the island from near here are also rewarding, so that it’s worth taking the route through here on your way back from the east coast. There is also a good folklore museum in Lefkes.

Marpissa

This small village, on the east coast, attracts lots of day visitors to its quaint streets, pretty little harbour and waterfront restaurants. It retains an authentic feel to it and can be a nice quiet alternative if you can find a place to stay, although it has limited accommodation. Inland, farther up the narrow lanes, is a 16th century monastery and castle.

Convent of Christ in the Woods and Butterfly Valley

These are the two attractions on the otherwise unremarkable south side of the island. The convent is worth visiting as a combined trip to the valley, where, if you come on the right day, a mere twitch of an arm sends thousands of camouflaged tiger moths into the air.

Antiparos caves

A second, smaller island by this name is a short ferry ride away, with a much less developed tourist scene and a small centre. It offers far less than Paros, but the main attraction is some remarkable caves, which were once visited by Napoleon. Here you are more likely to come across genuine Paros residents, such as the old timers with their donkeys in tow.