One Week in Paros Greece: A Seven Day Itinerary
If you've never been to Paros, Greece, you are missing out on one of the most charming cities in all of the Medeterranean. In this article, travel enthusiast Sarah McDonagh shares all her favorite can't miss attractions to visit if you have a full week to spend in Paros, Greece.
Last updated: April 11, 2024
15 min read
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My love for the country of Greece started ten years ago where I spent my very first semester of college abroad in the city of Thessaloniki in the northern part of the country. I met some of my closest friends there, and now a decade later we knew we had to return for our grand reunion trip. It’s hard to pick which island to stay on and we were tempted to try and hit them all, but with only a week where all nine of us girls could overlap we decided to pick just one to enjoy to the fullest.
After some extensive research (and many google polls) the group settled on Paros, and I don’t regret the choice for a second. Paros is a stunning island located in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. It is known for its traditional Greek charm, beautiful beaches, and picturesque villages. It also has a mild climate, even having beach-friendly weather in the Mediterranean during the wintertime.
We ultimately chose it because it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Perfect for a girls trip! Whether you’re like us and coming with a group of friends, or going solo or with a partner you really can’t go wrong with coming here for at least a few days. If you’re fortunate enough to have a week to give to this incredible island here are some ideas for how to spend your time.
First, Getting to Paros, Greece
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Activities
Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Naoussa, Parikia, Kolymbithres, Golden Beach, Frankish Castle
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It’s no surprise getting to an island is not the easiest thing in the world, but we found Paros to be pretty doable if you plan it right. There is actually a very tiny airport (literally one room) on the island, so if you plan early enough you can grab a cheap 45 min flight from Athens to the island. Just be aware there aren’t many flight times, so you need to time it well with when you arrive at Athens or a nearby airport.
I was coming from Los Angeles and got in to Athens quite late, so I opted to grab a hotel in Athens for the night and then took the morning ferry over to Paros. Athens, you can take a taxi or public transportation to the port of Piraeus, which is the main ferry port. There are regular ferry services connecting Piraeus to Paros, and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose.
High-speed ferries are faster but usually more expensive, while regular ferries are slower but more budget-friendly. It’s recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to secure your preferred departure time. We opted for the slower ferry which was about fifty-five euros. I had heard they can be a bit unreliable in terms of schedule, but ours arrived right on time and we had no issues getting to paros as expected.
Even on the shoulder season (we went in May) it was extremely busy, however, so if you want a good seat I recommend showing up a bit early as it’s all first come first serve. There are a few outdoor decks as well as comfy indoor couches and table seating. The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, and upon arrival in Paros, you’ll be greeted by the island’s beauty and charm.
Day 1: Port Of Parikia
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Activities
Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Old Town, Archaeological Museum, Portside Cafes, Livadia Beach
Weather
The island’s main town and port where the ferry brings you is Parikia, a charming town with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The heart of Parikia is its picturesque waterfront promenade, lined with tavernas, cafes, and shops, where you can indulge in delicious local cuisine, sip on refreshing drinks, and savor breathtaking views.
The main strip along the water actually closes down to traffic during the summer months, so you can grab a cheese pastry at one of the dozens of bakeries and take your time strolling down the shops. Our favorite bakery was called Kipos, and they had one of the best spanakopita (spinach pie) that I tasted the entire trip.
We stayed at an airbnb just a few miles outside the port, so we came down here a lot for breakfast pastries and dined out for dinner and drinks a couple nights. The most glorious sunset we experienced was at a rooftop bar called Bebop. It’s right along the water, and the upper terrace looks out over the harbor and has a perfect view of the sun setting over the aegean.
The cocktails are definitely a bit pricier than other spots on the island, but it’s worth it for the view. We just came for drinks, but they also have an incredible menu of Peruvian inspired dishes and a stunning interior that would make for a romantic date spot.
While we found Parikia to be a bit sleepy during our time there, it was likely due to it being the shoulder season and also a bit colder than usual for that time of year. That said we still found some really fun spots to go out after dinner that are sure to be lively spots in the summer months.
Pirate Bar was our favorite, with an interior adorned with nautical decor, pirate flags, and rustic elements. It wasn’t too busy when we visited (and nine girls is enough to bring the energy into any sleepy bar) but we were told they host a lot of local bands and DJ nights in the summer which I would absolutely return for!
Parikia is also home to historical gems like the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a 4th-century Byzantine church with an intriguing past. If you spend a day just exploring the narrow alleys of Parikia you will find quaint boutiques, art galleries, and clothing stores. I found a stunning bracelet that I still have on to this day, and there are also a lot of cute local shops that have small trinkets that are perfect for souvenirs.
Transportation Options
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Activities
Parikia Old Town, Naoussa Beaches, Nightlife, Water Sports, Delion, Panagia Ekatontapiliani
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If you’re staying by the port of Parikia or the opposite side of the island in Naoussa (will get there later!) you can definitely get by just walking around, but if you want to see any other parts of the island I highly recommend renting ATVs!
The Taxi’s can be quite hard to come by, when we were there in May there was only five for the entire island! They are also a bit pricey and it only takes around 30 minutes to cross the island so we opted for ATVs and ended up extending them for our entire trip. Stratos Rentals outside of Parikia ended up being a fantastic choice, and they even helped pick us up from the airbnb before and after our rental period.
Of course you need to be careful on the roads and most of us had prior experience, but they give you a great overview of how to operate the quads and we had no issues.
We took these all over the island, but my favorite excursion was ATVing up the Old Byzantine road to a small village at the center of the island called Lefkes..
Charming Morning in Lefkes
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Whitewashed Village, Panagia Church, Byzantine Path, Local Cuisine, Olive Groves
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Lefkes is a charming village nestled in the heart of the island and offers what we felt was the most unique and authentic Greek experience. With its traditional Cycladic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and picturesque surroundings, it really captures the essence of the Greek island life.Situated on top of a hill, it also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding landscape making for an awesome ATV ride out and back (would recommend doing it daylight given how windy it is).
One of the notable features of Lefkes is its well-preserved traditional houses, many of which have been converted into charming guesthouses and boutique hotels. We spent a morning just trolling through the labyrinthine streets, admiring the whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful doors and windows, bougainvillea-filled courtyards, and traditional blue-domed churches.
We also learned that the marble used in Lefkes has been mined from the local quarries for centuries. Its distinct gray and white patterns can be seen throughout the village, creating a visually striking atmosphere and many great photo ops!
We had lunch at Lefkiano, and it was not only one of my favorite meals because of how delicious it is but because of it’s location at the heart of the village. We loved just people watching and enjoying the restaurant’s charming outdoor seating.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Lefkes also offers several hiking trails that wind through the surrounding hills and valleys. After stuffing our faces with fried cheese, we opted for a hike in the afternoon and it was stunning!
We did the Old Byzantine road which starts at Loukis Cafe and winds down the hills. It took us about 45 mins to get down and a bit longer on the uphill, but it was a great way to see the area and enjoy the views. The trail is paved road that dates back to 1000 A.D. making it a pretty cool path for any history buffs!
Day Two: Sail To Naxos
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Portara, Chora’s Venetian Castle, Agios Prokopios Beach, Grotta Ruins, Mount Zeus Trails
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On our second day there, we booked a private catamaran through Paros Voyages. With a group of nine, it came out to around $200 each which was definitely a splurge but we all felt it was worth it for an excursion out on the water.
The captain and crew were fantastic, and took us over to the island of Naxos where we anchored in a gorgeous bay and had complimentary snacks and drinks. We were able to jump off the boat to swim and the front had a large net that was perfect for laying out and enjoying the sun.
In the afternoon they took us over to the port of Naxos where we spent a few hours walking through the old cobbled streets and exploring the temple of Apollo. While you can also get to Naxos by ferry from Paros, we felt a few hours was plenty of time to explore it as a stop on the sail.
If you do only have a few hours like we did, you must visit the old town portion of the island to see picture perfect colored doors and cute shops and restaurants tucked into every corner. Make sure you also try a taste of Kitron, a traditional liquor produced on the island from citron fruit leaves. Although we didn’t have time to visit, there is also a distillery at the center of the island where you can learn more about the production and try the Apertif.
Day Three: Santa Maria Beach
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Sunbathe, Swim, Windsurf, Paddleboard, Explore Ruins, Dine Seaside, Island Hop
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While Paros has an endless supply of beautiful beaches, we opted to spend our third day at Santa Maria Beach. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, it’s one of the sandiest beaches on the island with crystal clear waters.
We decided to ATV from our airbnb up to the beach which was a scenic 30-minute ride through some of the smaller coastal villages. We spent the afternoon enjoying the beach almost to ourselves, as we came during the shoulder season and it wasn’t yet packed with visitors.
Behind us we could see a large restaurant and beach bar that we learned becomes very popular for live music and DJ events in the heart of the summer. It’s the perfect beach for a peaceful getaway in the off months, and if you’re looking to enjoy the islands vibrant nightlife it certainly seemed like this would be the spot to do so in the busy months!
After we worked up an appetite, we decided to stop at a restaurant just down the street called Siparos. While you would likely need a reservation here in the busy months, we were lucky enough to get a table upon walking in. The restaurant sits right over the water with stunning views and a gorgeous interior. The food was fantastic and they also had a selection of interesting cocktails as well as some great wine options.
We spent a few hours just enjoying the view and food, and I would recommend coming at sunset if you can secure a table as the waiters told us that is the perfect time to watch the sun set over the water. While my friends enjoyed some delicious seafood dishes, I am a vegetarian and was starting to crave something other than greek salad.
Luckily the restaurant had several vegetarian friendly specials of the day, including one of the best salads I had during my trip which was topped with a local goats cheese that just melted in my mouth. It was a bit pricier than some of our other meals, but for the view and the food it was well worth it.
A few other beaches that we were recommended but didn’t get a chance to visit:
Golden Beach
Located on the southeastern coast of Paros, Golden Beach is one of the most popular and longest sandy beaches on the island. It’s an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts, with excellent conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Kolymbithres Beach
Situated on the northern coast of Paros near Naoussa, famous for its unique rock formations that create natural coves and shallow pools. The beach is surrounded by granite rocks, which we’re told are great for both sunbathing spots and shady areas.
Pounta Beach
Located on the western coast of Paros, Pounta Beach is a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing due to its strong winds. The beach offers a vast expanse of sand and a laid-back atmosphere with a beach club.
Livadia Beach
Situated near the capital town of Parikia, Livadia Beach is a long sandy beach with shallow waters, making it the best one for families. We rode by here and noticed it had a good selection of beachfront tavernas, cafes, and sunbed rentals.
Farangas Beach
Tucked away on the southern coast of Paros, Farangas Beach is a more serene and secluded spot
Day Four: Cooking Class With Stella
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Indulge in Greek Cuisine at Stella’s Class, Explore Acropolis, Santorini Beaches
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After spending a few days in the sun we all needed a break, and decided to book a morning cooking class that was offered at Margarita Studios. While we all love to cook and were excited about this experience, I don’t think any of us expected it to be the highlight of the trip. After spending a morning with the lovely Stella it was hard to beat this day.
She runs the restaurant and also runs the classes, and gave us the most authentic and wonderful glimpse into life on the island. Having raised her family there, she had so many fun stories about what it was like to grow up on the island and where she learned some of her recipes. The property is absolutely stunning, and she brought us out back to the garden where we sourced all the food for the recipes.
The class was so much fun, with Stella doing most of the work and showing us her techniques while we assisted in prepping the food between sips of wine. She even accommodated my vegetarian diet, and made a side vegetable dish with some of the freshest produce I have ever eaten. At one point she brought out a massive block of feta cheese that she had gotten from a neighbor up the road, and I can’t even explain how incredible one taste of this cheese was.
We all dream about it to this day, and it was so fun to hear her speak about the differences between the way food is grown in Greece compared to the rest of the world. We learned so much, and then got to enjoy the meal together at the end while sharing stories with Stella and her daughter who happened to be visiting for mothers day.
At the end of the class she sent us all of the recipes we learned, and we have loved having them to refer back to and try to replicate back home. If you can do just one thing on the Island of Paros, this would be the thing to do.
Sunset In Naoussa
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Venetian Harbor, Naoussa Castle, Central Square, Folklore Museum, Agios Nikolaos Beach
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Another must-visit village is Naoussa, located on the northern coast of Paros. It’s a traditional fishing harbor with colorful alleys and quaint tavernas serving fresh seafood. There’s a more relaxed island feel to this port town, and it was my favorite place on the entire island of Paros.
While it still felt a bit sleepy due to the time of year we came, it was the most bustling part of the island and we were told it gets quite vibrant at night in the summer months. Fortunately for us, visiting on the shoulder season meant we lucked out with our lack of planning and were able to try all of the best restaurants without making any reservations.
We came over to Naoussa a few nights during our stay, and while we loved our airbnb on the other side of the island I would probably stay near Naoussa if I ever visited again. While we had no trouble ATVing or scheduling Taxis, it would be a fun village to be walking distance to and you could spend a week just enjoying this side of the island.
One of the best meals we enjoyed was at Barbarossa, which sits right on the harbor and is adorned with twinkle lights and cozy tables with blankets and candles. It’s a romantic setting, but also perfect for large groups as we were able to get a table for all of us right on the water. They have an extensive menu of seafood as well traditional Agean dishes and elegant cocktails.
It’s definitely a fine dining establishment with fairly high prices, but we enjoyed dressing up and coming here for a nice sunset dinner. It’s hard to beat the view of the sun setting over the small village and watching the buildings start to glow in the moonlight.
On the other side of the port, the restaurant also has a bar location that is more of a cocktail vibe and turns into a lively scene in the later hours. Although it was sleepier than it likely is in the summer months, we still found it got pretty vibrant at night and came to Naoussa several times to enjoy drinks by the sea and dance at some of the fun bars here. A few of our favorites:
- Medusa: More of a local spot for a laid back drink.
- Sommaripa: The danciest bar we found, with a second floor DJ.
- Sante: Tucked into one of the side streets, with a fun courtyard and music
- Linardo: Another cocktail spot with music right on the water, you can’t miss the gorgeous pink lettering adorned in flowers!
Days 5, 6 and 7: Weekend in Antiparos
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Cave, Soros, Psaraliki Beaches, Venetian Castle, Water Activities, Charming Town
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Just off the southwest end of Paros, is a small island called Antiparos. Known for its unspoiled beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and charming village, Antiparos is a peaceful and authentic Greek island experience that is a bit quieter than the bigger islands.
It has become a popular destination for celebrities like Tom Hanks and Sarah Jessica Parker, but unlike islands like Mykonos that are a hot spot for the rich and famous to flaunt their presence, Antiparos protects the privacy of its visitors and allows celebrities to go unnoticed. It is not the kind of place you go to party into the early hours of the night, but it’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the pure beauty of Greece.
In the summer months you can reach the Island from Parikia, or for an even faster ride you can go to the port of Pounta and catch a 7 minute ferry across. It’s easily doable as a day trip, although we opted to spend our final weekend over here to really soak it in.
Where to Stay
Unless you’re staying for a week and want to stay somewhere secluded, I recommend grabbing a room in a hotel walking distance to the village where the ferries come in and out of. There are dozens of cute boutique hotels and it’s easily walkable. We stayed at Hotel Mantalena for just under $40 USD, and we were shocked at how fantastic the hotel was for that price.
The staff was so sweet and greeted us upon arrival before bringing us to the upper terrace which overlooked the port. Our rooms were clean, spacious and comfortable and each had their own little balcony overlooking the ocean. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant right on the water and the food was great and the prices were reasonable.
Antiparos Town
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Antiparos Castle, Old Town, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Antiparos Cave, Psaraliki/Soros Beaches
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The main town feels like a smaller version of Naoussa or Parikia, but I found it to be even more charming and laid back. You can easily walk through all the picture perfect streets in an hour or so, leaving time to just pick a cafe to sit at and enjoy the afternoon sun.
There were people all over just enjoying a cocktail or sitting outside shops reading or drawing. Everyone in town is also extremely friendly, we found ourselves just chatting with shop owners as we walked down the square.
Cave of Antiparos
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Discover Antiparos Cave, Admire Stalactites, Guided Tours
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One of the main attractions on the island is the Cave of Antiparos. It’s a short distance from the main town, but you can buy $8 tickets right in town and there’s a bus that runs a few times a day and takes you out and back. We weren’t sure this would be worth the trip, but I am so glad we decided to do it.
The steps from the entrance take you deep into the cave down through impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, just be warned there are hundreds of steps so be ready to walk! You can take it at your own pace and go as deep down as you want, so there is no pressure to do it all. If you do make it to the bottom, it’s impressive to look back up and see how grand this cave is from the bottom.
Activities
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Swim, Sunbathe, Snorkel, Savor Greek Cuisine, Stroll, and Enjoy Aegean Sunsets
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While you can find hiking and snorkeling on the island, we decided to lean into the slow pace of life and spent the rest of our time just soaking up the sun. There are several beaches within walking distance of the town, our favorite being Psaralyki beach which was walking distance from the main town and had the clearest blue water for swimming.
A few others on the island:
Soros Beach
Located on the northeastern coast of Antiparos, known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Agios Georgios Beach
Situated on the southern coast of the island, a picturesque beach with a laid-back vibe and a beautiful natural setting.
Panagia Beach
Located on the eastern coast, Panagia Beach is a secluded gem with breathtaking views. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, this pebbly beach is ideal if you’re looking for something more off the beaten path. I think this was the most picturesque beach we visited, so well worth the trip if you’re up for a short adventure.
Glyfa Beach
Situated on the northwestern coast of Antiparos, Glyfa Beach is a quiet and relatively undiscovered spot. It features a sandy beach, calm waters, and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Faneromeni Beach
Found on the southwestern coast of Antiparos, Faneromeni Beach offers a unique combination of sand and large smooth rocks
If you are like us and love being pampered, I recommend also booking a massage with Art of Touch. About a 10 minute walk outside of the main port this center offers a variety of treatments.
I opted for the Swedish Massage and I think it may have been one of the best massages I’ve ever received in my life! Maybe it was the relaxing energy I had already been soaking up on the Island, but I left this massage feeling so rejuvenated and at peace. Highly recommend it if you have the time!
Overall there really is no shortage of things to do on the islands of Paros and Antiparos, and of all the islands in the Cyclades we felt it was the perfect blend of secluded beaches and traditional cuisine with a vibrant nightlife and buzzing bar scene.
Being fairly undiscovered still it’s the perfect place to get a real feel for the greek life and if you respect the culture and give yourself time to meet some of the locals you’ll fall in love with everything this magical place has to offer!
