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What to do in Paros

Visit the island’s wonderful villages: the lanes of the capital Parikia are ideal for walking. Cosmopolitan Naousa, one of the most beautiful villages in all the Cyclades, will enchant you and provide the perfect backdrop for photographs of its whitewashed lanes and picturesque little port. You will be captivated by the architecture at noble Lefkes, which also has the best view in the whole island.

Climb up the Castle hill, above the port of Parikia, to enjoy a stunning view and marvel at the sunset. The “castle” is nothing more than the remains of the Frankish castle, which the Duke of Naxos, Marco Sanudo, built in the 13th century to protect the island from pirates.

The island is also a destination for religious tourism, primarily for the holy pilgrimage to Ekatontapiliani in Parikia, where the Dormition of the Panagia is celebrated every 15 August. This Byzantine monument is unique in Greece and was built by Constantine the Great and Saint Helen, to the designs of the same architects who built the church of Agia Sophia in Istanbul. The sculptures on the inside of the church came from the ancient temple of Demeter that once stood on the island, while the church’s baptismal font, on the south side of the church, is the oldest in the whole of Orthodox Christendom. The island also has many monasteries.

Do not miss out on a visit to the Valley of Butterflies in the region of Psychopiana. Yes, that’s right, it’s not just Rhodes that has butterflies but also Paros. Thousands of butterflies live in the middle of a lush green forest with stone footpaths...

History buffs can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Art Museum at Alyki, which houses some amazing miniatures of boats and typical buildings of the Cycladic tradition, as well as the Ancient Cemetery, dating to the 8th century BC.

The beaches of Paros

The fantastic beaches of Paros give the island many blue flags each year! Livadia, Logaras, Marpissa /Chrysi Akti, Pounta and Tserdakia are the winners for 2019! Santa Maria, Chrysi Akti and Pounta, Kolymbithres and Monastiri are, however, the most famous beaches on the island, which stand out for their crystal-clear waters and golden sands.

At the beach of Agia Irini to the south of Parikia, you will feel as though you are on an exotic island thanks to the leaves of the palm trees that hug the coast, while Langeri, Voutakos and Kalogiros offer a more peaceful swim.

Unique experiences on Paros

Water skiing, surfing, kite surfing, jogging, tennis, riding, walking and cycling are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Paros. The island is heaven for lovers of extreme sports, while hot spots for surfers are Chrysi Akti, Santa Maria, Tsoukalia and Pounta. Each beach has its own difficulty level, which varies depending on the wind that is blowing in the area.

Paros has a network of footpaths with a total length of approximately 35 kilometres. Even the most sceptical will find that the hiking paths of Paros are a great discovery.

At the island’s fairs, which are held in the villages in honour of the saints, you can enjoy the famed Parian, Cycladic and Greek hospitality.

The Festival at the Park has been held every summer since 2009 and lasts from June to September. It includes cultural, sporting and other events, in the Archilochos open-air theatre, the Enastron summer cinema and the area around the Environmental Park. The open-air theatre impresses with its exceptional acoustics and wonderful view over the gulf of Naousa.

Day trips from Paros

Located right in the centre of the Cyclades, Paros can be used as a base for exploring the surrounding islands on day trips. Antiparos lies just half an hour from Paros and can be reached by boat from Parikia or Pounta. A dip in the crystal-clear waters of Antiparos is a truly memorable experience. If you have time, check out the cave of Antiparos, which contains the oldest stalagmite in Europe, at 45,000,000 million years old.

Food and Nightlife of Paros

The heart of Paros’s nightlife beats in the bars of Parikia and Naousa, which are packed on summer nights.

In the tavernas around the little port of Naousa you can try some Parian "gouna" (salted mackerel dried in the sun), the ruby-coloured red wine, as well as the local tsipouro known as “souma”. Do not leave Paros without having tried snail “giachni” stew, string beans with garlic dip, tomato patties and chickpea patties. The aroma of fresh bread, the revithada (baked chickpeas) baking slowly in the wood oven, and the octopus being grilled on a coal grill will tickle your nostrils and – later – your palate. One of the most select dishes on the island is patido: rooster filled with stale bread, local yellow cheese, cinnamon and cloves, spring onions, raisins and the rooster’s liver, cooked in a Dutch oven.

Before leaving the island, pack your suitcase with spoon sweets (watermelon, fig and/or carrot), souma and island honey. In gleaming white Parikia, which is vibrant at every moment of the day, you will find many shops selling clothes, accessories, folk art, jewellery and tourist souvenirs, while in the lanes of Naousa you will come across plenty of stylish boutiques and art galleries, with works for sale.

Travelling from Paros National Airport

When you land in Paros Airport, you can hire a car at one of the two car rental agencies in the airport, or take the bus or a taxi to Parikia or Pounta.

Book your tickets with Olympic Air and discover the brilliant white jewel of the Cyclades!