Paros holidays

This Cycladic stopover offers a welcome respite from the intensity of Greek island-hopping. The best holidays to Paros ground you in the island’s many charms. Discover picturesque fishing villages, secluded beaches, historic hiking trails and some of the most memorable seafood tavernas in the Aegean. See why Paros has a reputation as Greece’s easiest island getaway.

Paros holiday highlights

Lefkes

Visit a monastery

Legend has it Saint Helene was brought to Paros by storm on her journey toward the Holy Land. She eventually returned to give thanks by building the Church of One Hundred Doors in Parikia. Add a tour of the 4th-century church to your Paros holiday itinerary to see if there really are 100 doors at this intriguing landmark.

Hike an ancient trail

Greeks have been taking the marble-paved Byzantine Road since AD 1000. Make your way from the village of Lefkes downhill to coastal Prodromos, enjoying elevated views over Naxos while passing olive groves, vineyards and fragrant oregano. The route isn't considered difficult but come prepared as you’ll find little shade from the baking sun.

Hop to another island

An island-hopping adventure is still possible during your Paros holiday if you’re tight on time. Antiparos is just minutes away by ferry, and its main draw is the Cave of Antiparos. The only vertical cave in Europe, it’s home to the continent’s oldest stalactite, estimated to be 45 million years old. The mouth of the cave offers idyllic views of the Aegean.

Paros: Know before you go

Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

December – February

Find the best time to go to Paros

Weather in Paros

March – May: Warm days, blossoming flowers and Easter festivities all signal spring in Paros. April and May are perfect for hikes and outdoor adventures.

June – August: June weather is exceptional, but things heat up come July and August. The long, sunny days and warm Aegean waters bring more visitors to the island.

September – November: Autumn sees comfortable days, with beach trips still possible in September and early October. Don’t miss tasting freshly pressed olive oil after the harvest in October and November.

December – February: Winters in Paros are mostly mild. You’ll get some rain, and the seas are cold. But it’s a great time to experience a more authentic side of this fishing community.

Events in Paros

Easter (March or April): Lent in Paros begins with octopus eating and kite flying on Clean Monday. And it ends with a huge celebration on Easter Sunday where a whole lamb or goat is roasted over the fire.

Fish Festival (July): Started by a group of proud fishermen in the 1970s, this day-long festival of fresh seafood, local wine, dancing and live music is one of Naoussa’s biggest parties.

Analipsi tis Panagias (August): Pilgrims from all over Greece travel tothe ‘Panagia Ekatontapiliani’ (Church of One Hundred Doors)to celebrate the Assumption of Mary. Known as the island of ‘Panagia’ (the Virgin Mary), Paros is the centre of Orthodox Christian ceremonies, parades and an all-night feast.

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The best neighbourhoods in Paros

Parikia

As the island’s capital and primary port, Parikia makes a convenient stop if you’re exploring the wider Cyclades. Visit the Venetian castle before exploring the lanes of the old town, finishing your day with a cocktail overlooking the sea. If you're looking for a cheap holiday to Paros, Parikia is where you'll find a variety of budget-friendly hotels.

Good for: Economy hotels, bars, castle

Naoussa

Picture-perfect Naoussa is the village Grecian dreams are made of. There are no better sounds and sights come sunset than the clinking of cutlery and fishing boats bobbing harbourside. Don’t miss nearby Monastiri Beach, which is overlooked by the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis and offers some of the best views on the island.

Good for: Tavernas, beach, views

Golden Beach

If you’re here for sun, sea and sand, consider basing your holiday to Paros in Golden Beach. Paros is a windswept island made for water sports and Golden Beach is a prime spot to hit the waves. The Blue Flag beach is the biggest on Paros, with plenty of kitesurf and windsurf schools ready to show you the ropes.

Good for: Spacious beach, water sports

Things to do in Paros

Antiparos

Places to eat

Look for seafood prepared using the ‘gouna’ technique in Naoussa. This sun-drying method is used by fishermen to preserve the catch through hot days. Once a fatty fish like skipjack or mackerel is caught, it’s dried in the heat of the sun and remains juicy come nightfall. Wash it down with Greek favourite ‘souma’, a post-dinner drink made of figs.

Beaches

The granite rock at Kolymbithres Beach forms a natural sculpture garden and the most unique backdrop on Paros. Punda Beach is the place to see and be seen, while a mixture of sand and clay makes Kalogeros Beach a free alternative to a day at the spa. Be aware that across the island sunbeds are expensive to rent.

Nightlife

Naoussa’s seaside hums with activity come nightfall, allowing you to move seamlessly from taverna to bar once you’ve eaten as much ‘meze’ (small savoury dishes) as you can manage. Another option is taking a boat to nearby Antiparos. Be sure not to miss the last boat home, though it may just be worth it for that Greek sunrise.

Shopping

Head to Market Street in Parikia for souvenirs such as Paros honey to drizzle over your Greek-style yogurt and fresh fruit back home. Pick up a bottle of ‘souma’, the Greek post-dinner drink of choice. And sample the ‘haloumi’ — the salty-tasting cheese is better here than anywhere outside of Greece.

Take in the culture

The Museum of Cycladic Folklore is a labour of love of fisherman Benetos Skiadas. His miniature ships and buildings provide a snapshot of Cycladic life throughout the ages. The museum aims to highlight the local trades at risk of being lost (including fishing) in hopes that younger generations will continue these Cycladic traditions.

Family-friendly things to do

Kids will love exploring the trails of Paros Park in search of hidden caves and coves, along with the historic monastery, gun battery and lighthouse that dot the landscape. The Greek heat can be fierce, so stick to mornings and late afternoons during summer, and be sure to bring plenty of water.

Plan your holiday to Paros

Budget

Unlike some of the more high-profile Greek islands, it’s fairly easy to pull off a cheap holiday to Paros. You’ll find a wide selection of traditional tavernas dishing up simple but tasty meals for around 12 euros (€). An ice-cold beer costs about €5, and a short taxi ride starts at around the same.

Day trips from Paros

Just west of Antiparos, the uninhabited island of Despotiko offers secluded sandy coves and ancient ruins. Join a tour to explore both. Local ferries make island hopping easy. Reach Naxos in 30 minutes, Mykonos in an hour or Santorini in two. Each island boasts stunning views, unique charm and plenty to discover.

Getting around Paros

Buses are the main form of public transport on Paros, with extra routes in peak seasons. Water taxis connect Parikia and Naoussa to the most popular beaches. Taxi rides can add up over the course of your trip. Consider hiring a scooter or e-bike for a fun, budget-friendly alternative to a car.

FAQs about Paros holidays

January brings the coolest weather. Set off on your Paros trip then and you can expect lows of 9ºC (48ºF).
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for purchases while on your trip to Paros. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, but carry a little cash for places that don't take cards.
The hottest month in Paros is August, when temperatures peak at 28ºC (82ºF).
While on your city break in Paros, everyday interactions will mostly happen in Greek.
A holiday to Paros will set you back less than the likes of Mykonos and Santorini. Look for cheap deals during the shoulder seasons, when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beach and most tourism businesses are open.
The rainiest month is January, which gets an average rainfall of 9 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Paros trip — there's still loads to do indoors like browsing shops, exploring museums, or hanging out in cosy cafes.
Paros is a fantastic place to visit if glassy waters, ancient ruins and colourful mezes sound appealing. Know that things are pretty low key here, so party animals might be disappointed. A holiday to Paros offers an alternative to nightlife hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini.
You can generally expect your holiday to Paros to be a safe and enjoyable experience, especially if you're staying within the popular tourist areas. That said, it's always good to exercise some precautions to avoid any issues during your trip. For example, keep your belongings in a safe place, be mindful of your surroundings, and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
Given its small size, a short break to Paros is possible for those with limited time to spare. Three days are enough to hit the highlights but we recommend allowing yourself four to five days to explore at a slower pace.
September is when airfares are at their lowest, so browse for Paros flights and hotels during that month. Use the savings to upgrade to a more luxurious hotel room or add a few more nights to your trip.