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

Plan Your Travel To Paro

Places To Visit In Paro

Naoussa

Among the many traditional villages on the island of Paros, Naoussa is an old fishing village. It is located in the northern part of the island and is not as animatic as the main town of Paros, but it is certainly a place where you can closely observe the life of the local residents in Greece. The main attraction is the old port itself. You can sit and peacefully observe the water or enjoy the local cuisine at a restaurant by the water. The old port of Naoussa is also filled with a number of boutiques, restaurants, quaint cafés or if you prefer authenticity, a tiny tavern where fresh stock from the sea is laid to dry. Another local attraction you can explore is the ruins of the old Venetian fort. While today, only a partially submerged tower exists, in the 15th century, when it was built by the Ventians, it was used as a front line to observe the enemies and keep a watch on pirates. Read More

Panagia Ekatontapiliani

Located at a distance of just a few meters from the port of Parikia, the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is one of the most stunning Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece. You can appreciate how well the structure of these buildings has been preserved. In the outer part of the main church, you can also visit the chapels of Agios Nikolaos, Agia Theodosia, and Agios Dimitrios. It is a building featuring an amalgamation of Paleochristian, Byzantine and post-Byzantine elements. This church also features marble structures from old temples in Paros due to the practice by the first Christians to build Churches using parts from antiquities. Ekatontapiliani means the church with a hundred doors, and a popular myth is what has led to this name. The vast complex of the church includes the church of the Virgin Mary, which is the main church, along with the internal chapels of Agios Anargiros, Agios Philippos and Osia Theoktisti. If you want to understand what the life of ancient monks would have been like, you can visit the Monastery yard, where there is a baptistery and various cells for monks. The original church is said to have been constructed by Saint Constantine, who was the first emperor of Constantinople in the 4th century AD. It underwent reformations by the Byzantine and post-Byzantine emperors in the coming centuries to appear as what it is today. Remember to dress modestly, considering it is a place of religious value. Read More

Parikia Town

The old town of Parikia is the capital and chief port of Paros and the city's largest and most vibrant part. It has plenty of beaches if you want to sunbathe or enjoy the thrill of water sports. You can explore the cobbled streets of Parikia lined with whitewashed houses or appreciate the historical churches of the town, traditional Greek restaurants and taverns which offer an authentic Greek experience. Located on the city's west coast, facing Parikia bay, the town of Parikia is an idyllic old town connected with all major ports in Greece. While taking a walk, you can also visit the local shops in the lanes to purchase souvenirs or all that you need at cheap rates, which are as charming as the old town. If you want a more intimate experience, you can enjoy the sunset from the old Frankish castle and take beautiful pictures of the entire town from the apex of the castle. Parikia is a traditional port town, so you must not miss out on the sumptuous seafood served at the local restaurants along the port. Read More

Paros Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Paros displays several periodic excavations from Paros and Antiparos right from the Neolithic period to early Christianity. Some historical sculptures in the museum include the Cycladic figurines, mosaics from the Panatia Ekatontapiliani, Nike of Paros, Gorgon's statue, various Greek deities and kouroi. The highlight is Gorgon's marble statue, which belonged to the 6th century BC and was used as an ornament of a temple. You can also explore the marble statue of Artemis, a statue of an ancient Greek goddess, an ancient ionic capital, a statue of a woman sitting with crossed legs dating back to the Neolithic era, and a statue of a kore with chiton. One of the best things about this museum is the huge amphorae from a Parian workshop that are the results of the pottery and marble workshops from the island from the Greek and Roman era. The museum was founded in 1960 in just a room adjacent to the high school of Parikia. The two marble relief plates from the Memorial of Archilocus is another display that you cannot miss!. Read More

Paros Park

Occupying a huge area of almost 800 acres on the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula, the Paros Environmental and Cultural park is an important site of great ecological and historical importance. It is known for its magnificent rock formations, seashores with emerald-green waters and caves dating back to ancient times. It also has picturesque scenery and majestic flora across its hills. You can enjoy hiking on its three charted walking routes in the park's beautiful landscape. If you want a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy swimming on one of the three bays inside the park, take part in events happening throughout the year or experience the surreal sunset at Cape Corrakas Lighthouse. The Park also has the facility of a restaurant bar where you can savour refreshments and snacks while enjoying the beautiful view of the park's landscape. The best time to visit the park is during the months of June to September when the greenery is at its peak, and a couple of events are also organised in the park. It was the first of its kind when it was founded in 2009, intending to preserve the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula. Read More

Piso Livadi

Piso Livadi is a small but beautiful fishing village. Its beautiful landscape consisting of emerald green waters and the view of the Naxos island right opposite its coast will provide you with a tranquil experience. The streets are lined with traditional Greek-style white houses that have blue windows. The port of the village is old but offers a rustic feeling with its aged architecture. It is a good spot to click photographs, particularly during the golden hour. The village is also famous for its taverns and restaurants that serve sumptuous seafood dishes. You can also find unique souvenir items at reasonable rates at the local tourist shops in the village. The beach at the Piso Livadi harbour is also relatively cooler due to the shade from trees. The Logaras beach and Punta beach are located towards the south side of the harbour. You can also choose to visit the Naxos island or the Small Cyclades from this port, as a number of small boats leave for those islands from the Piso Livadi harbour. Read More

Sailing in Paros

Paros is one of the cycladic islands in Greece. Due to its proximity to the water, it is famous for its anchorages and sails that originate from them. What makes sailing a surreal experience in Paros is the crystal-clear waters through which you can spot the rich marine life while sailing, the serene landscape of the islands in Paros. A number of catamaran cruises are also available in Paros if you want to have a more luxurious experience. Parikia is the main commercial harbour of Paros, but a number of yachts set out on day sails and ferries from this port. The second-biggest harbour of Paros is the port of Naoussa, which was specially rebuilt in 2011 to accommodate more yachts and cruisers. Yachts set sail from Naoussa, Lividia, Parikia, Naxos and Antiparos. Some boats have great sunbathing areas on deck, so that you can relax while taking in the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.Due to the number of nautical companies in Paros, the prices of such tours are comparatively reasonable as compared to other islands on Greece. Read More

Santa Maria Beach Paros

Santa Maria is a long coastline near Naoussa in Plastira Bay, known for its two golden beaches. The first beach is the Santa Maria camping, which overlooks the island of Naxos, offering a stunning view of the island enclosed by crystalline blue waters. The second beach is Santa Maria. It faces Aliki bay and other isolated islands near the bay. The beach houses a diving school and is famous for snorkelling in Paros. Water sports like scuba diving and paddle boats can also be enjoyed on this beach. The beach starts with a line of sun beds and right in the centre of the coastline, you will find the windsurfing and diving centre. Similar to other beaches in Greece, the water here is crystal clear and the sunlight percolates beautifully through it. When the sunlight falls on the soft surface of the sand on this beach, it looks white and has a glow that is difficult to find elsewhere. For couples looking to enjoy a cozy night on the beach, looking at the stars, there is a campsite right behind the beach. However, the beach is packed during the months of July and August, so plan your trips in the early months of vacations to avoid crowds. Read More

Scuba Diving in Paros

The island of Paros is marked by a number of inlets, ship wrecks, beaches and reefs, making it the perfect spot to enjoy water sports. Paros have a number of diving centres on most beaches and coasts such as the Golden beach, Santa Maria, Parikia, Naoussa and Aliki. One of the most popular diving spots on the island is the Bubble Reef, which has a depth of 12–18 metres and is suitable for divers at all levels of expertise. Other popular diving sites include the Cave on the Panderonisi, Barracuda point, the Stringway point, the Shipwreck, the Stingray point and many others. Some deeper sites can only be accessed by advanced divers, such as the Shipwreck. Most of the diving centers provide facilities to rent diving equipments, gears, and even offer diving courses and boat trips to novices in diving. You can explore the underwater ship wrecks and stunning rock formation, and if you have the necessary equipments, even create beautiful underwater pictures. Read More

Small Cyclades Boat Tour

The Small Cyclades or the Lesser Cyclades are located between the islands of Naxos and Amorgos. It is primarily made up of four small islands including Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi and Donoussa. Boat tours and cruises regularly set sail very frequently from Paros to the Small Cyclades. Boat trips typically leave from Naxos, Santorini or Antiparos to reach the Small Cyclades. The Small Cyclades can only be accessed via the sea or airways. After you reach the Small Cyclades, you can admire the beautiful beaches of these islands, which are as beautiful as the islands in Paros if not more but less crowded. Small Cyclades is also home to a number of archaeological sites, traditional taverns siestas and excursion routes which will give you a sneak peek into Greece, before it became a popular tourist destination. It is a great opportunity for those who enjoy island hopping and explore the secluded areas of Greece. Read More