There’s so many Greek islands to choose from. How do you choose exactly which ones to visit?

Paros was one of those islands that I immediately knew I wanted to slow down and explore, and it turned out to be the place in Greece I now recommend the most.

Of course, there are the beautiful beaches and whitewashed buildings you expect to see in Greece, but what I loved most about Paros was how much there was to do beyond simply spending the day at the beach.

Why Travel to Paros, Greece?

Not only does Paros offer another unique island experience in the Cyclades, but it’s also only a 45 minute ferry from Mykonos, which makes it easy to combine with other island trips.

The island is beautiful and built for exploring. From wandering through the streets of Naoussa and Parikia to taking an ATV around the island and learning how to cook traditional Greek food, Paros has a little bit of everything to offer to its visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Paros, these are the experiences I would add to your list. (Definitely some of them, maybe even all of them if you have time!)

1. Explore Parikia

Most journeys in Paros start in Parikia, the island’s main port town. This is where you’ll likely arrive if you’re taking the ferry, and it’s a great part of the island to explore.

Parikia is full of whitewashed streets, shops, restaurants, churches, and waterfront views. One of the highlights is Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors.

I loved simply wandering around without much of a plan. Grab a Greek yogurt bowl, walk along the waterfront, peek into the shops, and let yourself get a little lost. We saw a lot of original art and regrouped at some relaxed cafes.

That’s one of the best parts of exploring Paros: the slower pace you notice immediately after you arrive from a more “happening” island, like Mykonos.

2. Stay in Naoussa

While Parikia is the island’s main port, Naoussa is the fishing village you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.

Naoussa is a beautiful village on the northern coast of Paros, filled with colorful doors, fishing boats, restaurants, boutiques, and winding little streets.

I mean, check out this shot of octopus drying… what’s more “Greek Island” than that?

I think the best way to experience Naoussa is to stay there. Make Naoussa your home base, because you’ll want to be there for the early slow mornings, the stunning sun sets and the lively nights after dark.

3. Try Loukoumades

You can’t come to Greece without trying loukoumades.

These little Greek doughnuts are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with honey, sugar or other toppings. I opted for milk chocolate and white chocolate drizzle.

Make sure you try Loukoumades from To Paradosiako in Naoussa… I felt like I stepped back in time while ordering from their window with a hand painted menu.

Loukoumades are the perfect treat to grab while you’re walking around Paros.

4. Adventure on an ATV

One of my favorite ways to explore Paros was by ATV.

Walking is nice and relaxing, but with the ATV, the island seems a lot more accessible.

Instead of staying in one area of the island, renting an ATV gives you the freedom to drive from village to village, stop whenever you see somewhere interesting, and discover parts of Paros you might otherwise miss.

This is especially fun if you want to visit other villages without relying on a bus or ride-share, explore smaller roads, stop at beaches, or make your own island itinerary for the day.

Always follow the rental company’s safety requirements, and make sure you have plenty of gas before hitting the streets.

5. Take a Greek Cooking Class at Anezina Village

This was one of the experiences I would absolutely recommend adding to your Paros itinerary. You actually can’t miss it if you’re going to find yourself anywhere NEAR Paros.

The experience is led by Maria Anousaki, and she teaches the family recipes of her mother and grandmother. The class works together to cook a full traditional meal. Anezina’s cooking classes include multiple traditional starters and entrees paired with dessert, wine, dancing and storytelling.

Dancing and singing with a group of people you just met before enjoying some of the best Greek food you’ll ever have with quickly become the way you remember this wonderful island. Check out more about this unique experience in my article here.

6. Spend a Day on the Water

If you’re visiting Paros in the summer, you need at least one boat day. Seeing the Cyclades from the water is a great way to take in more of the Island and spend some time in the Aegean.

Depending on the boat trip you choose, you can spend the day swimming in crystal-clear water, exploring little coves, stopping at sea caves, and visiting areas around Antiparos and Despotiko.

Some full-day cruises from Paros include lunch and stops around Antiparos, Despotiko, and the Blue Lagoon.

A classic suggestion is Captain Bens, and there’s also this half day boat cruise to Antiparos and Despotiko.

7. See the Ancient Ruins of Despotiko

Just west of Antiparos is the tiny island of Despotiko, home to an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo.

Despotiko is often incorporated into boat trips around Paros and Antiparos, so it can be an easy way to combine sightseeing, swimming, and exploring into one day.

8. Explore Lefkes

Head into the mountains of Paros and you’ll find Lefkes, one of the island’s most charming villages full of old buildings, quiet streets and too many cats to count.

Walk through the narrow streets, admire the traditional Cycladic architecture, stop for something to eat, and take your time exploring.

This was one of my favorite places to slow down and see a different side of Paros, and I saw Lefkes while exploring the island by ATV.

9. Have a Beach Day

Of course, you can’t visit Paros without dedicating at least one day to doing absolutely nothing. Well… almost nothing.

Find a beach, grab a chair or a towel, and spend a few hours swimming in the Aegean. Views like this don’t exist just anywhere.

Paros has plenty of beaches to choose from, so this is one part of your itinerary where I would leave some flexibility. I really enjoyed Piperi Beach, and we could walk there from where we were staying in Naoussa.

A beach day is a great way to force yourself to slow down and enjoy.

Relax! You’re in Paros!

10. Go Jewelry Shopping

Paros has so many cute little shops where you can find jewelry, clothing, accessories, ceramics, and other Greek-inspired pieces.

I especially loved wandering through the shops in Naoussa, where shopping can easily become part of an evening of exploring the village.

If you’re looking for a souvenir that you’ll actually use after your trip, jewelry is one of my favorite things to bring home, especially a piece or two with an evil eye.

11. Take a Day Trip to Antiparos

Just when you think you’ve seen enough of the Cyclades, take a day trip to Antiparos.

The island is much smaller than Paros, making it easy to explore in a day, and its just a quick ferry ride away.

Spend some time wandering around Antiparos Town, explore the little shops and cafés, and then find somewhere to enjoy the slower pace of the island.

And if you are already heading over to Antiparos, you can also look into visiting nearby Despotiko.

12. Make Friends With the Cats

This one isn’t exactly an activity you can put on your itinerary. But somehow, you’ll do it anyway. It will happen.

There are cats everywhere around Paros, especially around the villages, restaurants, and little side streets.

They add such a personality to the island.

My Favorite Parts of Paros

What I loved most about Paros was that I never felt like I had to choose between relaxing and exploring.

You can spend the morning wandering through a village, the afternoon swimming in the Aegean, and the evening eating dinner with views of a harbor.

You can rent an ATV and explore the island one day, take a cooking class the next, and spend the following day doing absolutely nothing on the beach.

That’s what makes Paros such a great Greek island destination. And compared to the busy, partying island of Mykonos, I felt like a visit to Paros was perfectly placed in my itinerary.

If you’re looking to see exactly how you can spend seven days in Greece and make Paros one of your stops, check out my itinerary here.

My Paros Must-Do List

If you don’t have time to do everything, these are the experiences I would make room for:

☐ Explore Parikia
☐ Stay in Naoussa
☐ Try loukoumades
☐ Adventure on an ATV
☐ Take a cooking class at Anezina Village
☐ Spend a day on a boat
☐ See the ancient ruins of Despotiko
☐ Explore Lefkes
☐ Have a beach day
☐ Go jewelry shopping
☐ Take a day trip to Antiparos
☐ Make friends with the cats

Final Thoughts

Paros ended up being so much more than a pretty Greek island with beautiful beaches.

I’ll never forget driving an ATV around the island (wind in my hair and sun on my back), sitting down for a long Greek meal, swimming in the Aegean, shopping for little souvenirs, and stopping every five minutes because another cat was too cute not to photograph.

If you’re planning a trip through the Greek islands, don’t skip Paros.