Top Things to Do in the Paro | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Paro

Places To Visit In Paro

Frankish Castle Paroikia

Even though its name suggests a castle, the Frankish Castle Parikia does not have a physical castle in the present times. It is just a picturesque neighbourhood built where there used to be an ancient castle. Now, only a few walls and ruins of a splendid tower remain. Nonetheless, the intricate stonework on the walls, a hundred-foot-long carving of the Hekatompedon and the tall tower will help you journey back to the splendid history of Paros. The alleys of the neighbourhood are also specked by aged houses. If you look closely, you can also find the remnants of an ancient temple, what is suspected to be the temple of Demeter, dating back to 530 BC. The ancient kastro was built by the Venetian Sanoudos using marble from ancient Greek temples in 1260, when Paros was dominated by the Duchy of Naxos. The original purpose of the castle was to protect the island from the pirates, raiders, and enemies. Inside the Frankish castle, a Christian orthodox Church of Agios Constantinos still exists. It is pleasant to walk around the streets of this neighbourhood, exploring the local shops and buildings. Read More

Golden Beach Paros

Facing the island of Naxos, the 700-metre-long golden stretch of the golden beach in Paros is stunning. Due to its perfect winds, it is extremely popular among windsurfers. Every year in August, the Professional Windsurfing World Cup is organised here. Consequently, it is also visited by several windsurfing celebrities such as Bjorn Dunkerbeck, Robby Swift and others. The beach has shallow waters, also making it ideal for swimming. It is called the golden beach because of the golden sparkling effect that is created when the sun hits its sand. The beach is extremely picturesque with its crystalline water, soft golden sand and big white rocks on its shore. If you are looking for a more active beach time, you can also enjoy horseback riding or tennis on this beach. Across the beach, you can also visit the tiny but beautiful island, which can only be accessed by ferry. This beach also has a range of bars, nightclubs and restaurants for those looking for a beach party. Other than the liveliness of the eateries, a lot of them also serve sumptuous seafood. Read More

Kalogeros Beach

There are very few places on Earth where you can treat yourself to a spa offered by nature. Kalogeros beach is one of the most bizarre places for this very reason. While the crystal blue water of the beach and soft golden sand is a delight to experience, what heightens the great experience of this beach is its clay, which has healing properties. You can cover yourself in the healing clay of the beach while enjoying a day out in the sun to have a literal spa experience. Moreover, the beach has rocks and signature soft Greek sand, making it truly unique. The Kalogeros beach offers a picturesque view of the island of Naxos, which faces it. You can experience the process of making your own natural clay by scraping clay from the walls, mixing it with ocean water, applying it on yourself and letting the rich minerals in the clay do its magic. You must however carry your own cup and spoon to mix the clay. As the beach is relatively unpopular, you'll find it sparsely crowded on most days, but it is better to avoid the beach during the months of July and August when it is the peak tourist period in Paros. The beach has very limited facilities as it has no sunbeds, umbrellas, or cafés. Read More

Kolymbithres Beach

Located in the bay of Naoussa or Plastira, the Kolimbithres beach is one of the most popular beaches of Paros. It is known for the vertical granite rocks on its seashore, sculpted naturally, by the sea and winds.Apart from watersports, its a great spot for those who love water-cliff diving due to the presence of a number of cliffs. Water sport equipments such as kayaks, boats and hydrocycles can also be rented here. Right outside the beach, multiple taverns and bars greet you. The sea is calm, and the water is transparent and shallow, making it ideal for swimming. It is a good site for families looking for a relaxing time or children looking to play in the sand. There are no changing cabins or shower stalls on the beach, so, you must keep that in mind if you step into the sea. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available on rent at the beach. But, if you don’t want to pay pricey rates for sunbeds, it is advised to carry your own towels. The Beach is located on the northern coast of Paros and has received its name due to these unique granite formations which separates tiny natural cavities of water from currents and winds. The word ‘Kolimbithres’ refers to a swimming pool in Greek. Read More

Lefkes

Nestled in the hilly terrains of Greece, Lefkes is a quaint, tiny village in Paros which is famous for its quintessential Cycladic experience. You can walk along the famous Byzantine road or wander around the streets exploring local gastronomy through the amazing cafés, bakeries and restaurants. For connoisseurs of art, the majestic Triada church is a site one cannot miss. What distinguishes Lefkes from other villages in Greece: is the stunning view of the mountains of Naxos as you hike down its alleys. The slender lanes made of stones, conventional stone bridges, houses lined with olive groves, aged buildings boasting their neoclassical architecture, and a number of traditional taverns exhibit the authentic Greek culture at its finest. When it was built in the 17th century, its purpose was to protect the residents of Paros island from raiders and pirates. It is the centre point of farming in Paros and the old capital of the island. The squares panelled with bougainvillaea and the webbed lanes make for splendid photographs. Considering the extreme summers of Greece, the months of April to early June or mid-September to October is an ideal time to visit this village. Read More

Marcello Beach

What makes the Marchello or Martselo beach particularly special is the number of sheltered recesses that have been created by the rock formations on the beach. These secluded coves are ideal for those looking to sunbathe nude or go skinny-dipping. It is located in Parikia bay and faces the Parikia port, just 4 kms north of it. Ferries regularly go from the Parikia harbour to Marchello beach. It offers a beautiful view of the island’s capital, coveted by emerald-like water. There’s also a campsite behind its beach to offer a surreal nighttime experience. The beach has some of the best facilities among the beaches in Paros. It has everything ranging from loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and volleyball courts to even a number of beach bars. But, due to the availability of many facilities, the beach is also one of the most crowded beaches in Paros. The prices of sunbeds and eateries are inflated during the months of July and August. The best time to visit the beach is, therefore, the months of April and May. It is located just a few metres away from the Krios beach and the huge rocks encircling it protect it from harsh winds. Thus, the water here is usually quiet and still. Read More

Marpissa Village

Resting on the hills of Kefalos, the quaint but beautiful village of Marpissa is located just kilometres away on the south-eastern side of Parikia. The untampered beauty of the village makes it a hidden gem in Paros. Tapered lanes, splendid white cubical houses, majestic windmills and churches are what attracts visitors to this Cycladic village. You can also explore the abandoned ruins of an ancient castle and the monastery of Agios Antionios in Marpissa. The Byzantine style Church and the monument of Stellas is a great way to familiarise yourself with the land's history. As it's very authentic in offering the Greek village experience, it has limited accomodation options. Unlike other Greek villages, this village is near a coastal region and thus, is just a few metres away from the beaches of Piso Livadi, Logaras and even the infamous Golden beach. For lovers of historical architecture, the Sculpture Museum of Perantinos is a must-visit site. Moreover, there are a number of taverns and bars in the village which can give you a taste of the local delicacies, particularly the seafood. However, it is better to plan your trip in the month of August if you want to experience the three-day festival in Marpissa to demonstrate the architecture, folklore, music, and arts of the village. Read More

Molos Beach

The Molos beach in Paros is the longest beach on the island. It is located near the village of Marmara and faces the island of Naxos. The sunrise and the evening sky is particularly beautiful to observe at this beach due to their isolated nature. You must walk a few kilometres from the main road to get to this beach. Except for the peak season in July and August, this beach is relatively sparsely crowded and tranquil. It is stunning and clean with its golden sand, deep blue waters and pleasant winds. You can adore the Cycladic architecture of the Church of St. Nicolas on its left, take a walk-up to the Kefalos hill to visit the St. Antonios church or click pictures near the Agios Antonios looms. It is unspoilt as compared to other beaches in Paros, but it also lacks any facilities. You can, however, engage in water sports, cycling or flying kites on the beach. Read More

Monastery of St John’s of Deti

Situated on the rocky terrain of the coast of Monastiri, the Agios Ioannis Detis church, or the formerly known monastery of St. John’s of Deti is one of the oldest monuments on the island. It is located facing the bay of Naoussa and the azure Aegean Sea. The area near the church now falls under the Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros. Adjoining the church, you can also visit the park of Agios Ioannis, which is home to a number of rare plants and picturesque views. The park has a cafeteria, a sports area, and a theatre where you can view a number of amazing cultural performances. The church was approximately established in the 17th Century and subsequently renovated in 1806. You can also visit an aged harbour after walking a few steps in front of the church. This old harbour was used to moor ships to protect them from extreme weather conditions. After the church was abandoned in 1833, it was only in 1964 that a painter was allowed to stay in the monastery and restore it. The restoration was completed in 1982. Visitors can now appreciate the traces of historical architecture in the Church. Read More

Monastiri Beach

The Monastiri beach is located just a few kilometres away from the Kolimbithres beach. The crystalline emerald water is flanked by a stretch of golden sand of 200 m. On the left side of the beach lie the imposing rocks. It has many hidden spots where you can spend private time or, on a less crowded day, try skinny-dipping. Due to the shallow waters until about 100 meters, it is ideal for swimming. Enclosed by the giant rocky hills of Hellas, it is located in a small bay known as the Agios Ioannis bay. It is a sight to behold at this beach. It is known as the ‘Monastiri beach’ as it actually overlooks an ancient monastery on its right side. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas from the tavern, on the entrance of the beach. But, if you want to try something adventurous, you can go further and try snorkelling if you are trained. The sand on this beach is unusually dense and deep. It's a famous spot for yachts to moor. It also witnesses numerous concerts and events. Avoid visiting the beach during the months of July and August, as it is excessively crowded during those months. Read More