Welcome to the Aegean Essence guide to Paros, a Greek island in the Cyclades island group located in the Aegean Sea — our favorite destination!
Paros is quickly becoming the Aegean's newest hot spot, and many locals even say that it's poised to become the "new Mykonos" in the next few years. This island features the quintessential Greek island aesthetic, with whitewashed buildings, winding cobblestone streets, blooming bougainvilleas, and charm everywhere.
If you're traveling to Paros and wondering where to stay, eat, and most importantly, enjoy the beach, you've come to the right place.
Where to stay in Paros, Greece:
Base yourself either in Naoussa or Parikia.
Naoussa is incredibly picturesque, filled with gorgeous Greek scenery and many of the island's best restaurants and shops. With a bustling harbor, upscale dining options, lively bars and nightlife, and boutiques galore, you won't get bored here! It's the perfect place the spend the majority of your evenings on Paros.
Parikia is the capital of Paros, and has a similar vibe to Naoussa, though slightly less upmarket. It is one of the most central locations, featuring the island's main port, which is where visitors are dropped off and picked up by the ferries. (You can also fly to Paros via the PAS airport). Here you'll conveniently be able to catch boat rides to nearby beaches and neighboring islands like Antiparos for a day trip. The waterfront offers a long walkable strip of restaurants with sea views — be sure to catch a sunset here.
Where to eat & drink in Paros, Greece:
RESTAURANTS:
- Barbarossa is a must when visiting to Paros, known for it's napkin-swinging experience. This trendy (and pricey) restaurant is located next to the Venetian port, allowing you to enjoy dinner waterside. Make a late dinner reservation (10 PM and after) to take part in the festivities which feature music, napkin-swinging, and sometimes, dancing!
- Taverna Glafkos offers some of the most delicious Greek dishes in the most incredible location: right on the beach! Watch the waves lap on the shore as you eat freshly-caught seafood — and be sure to get their french fries, which are hand-cut and not to be missed.
- Almond in Paros is an excellent breakfast and brunch spot, with a stylish aesthetic, healthy ingredients (including vegetarian & vegan options), and good coffee. (Get a splash of their house-made almond milk in your freddo espresso!)
- Sigi Ikthios is one of the best places to people-watch as you eat. Located smack dab in the center of a small harbor, you'll be right in the hustle and bustle of Naoussa as you dine next to fellow island-goers.
- Grab a sweet treat at Loukoumades to Paradosiako; loukoumades are fried dough balls (similar to donuts) that can be topped with honey, cinnamon, chocolate, etc.
- Ragoussis Bakery has locations in both Naoussa and Parikia, with a wide assortment of baked goods, desserts, coffees, and juices. It's a great spot to grab something to-go before or after the beach.
- Have a cocktail at Stilvi, Linardo, Sommaripa Consolato, Sante Cocktail Bar, or Bebop x Joomla.
The best Paros beach clubs:
These beaches can be reached by bus and/or by water taxi, making them especially convenient if you are not renting a car.
- Marcello beach (also known as Martsello) - ultra relaxing with calm water, soft sand, and comfortable beach chairs, as pictured above.
- Monastiri beach - the water here is quite shallow, but the beach club is a total vibe. Be sure to visit the Monastery of St. John's of Deti which overlooks this beach for incredible views.
- Punda Coast - offering a pool, bar, and a beach club, this is a great place to spend a full day. The beach here has lush sand and perfect swimming water.
- Santa Maria - can be conveniently reached via the local bus, with a bustling beach club and water sports next door.
- Cabana beach - beach parties on the weekend with DJs.
- Kolymbithres - known for its fascinating rock formations. You won't necessarily find comfortable beach loungers or many facilities here (and it can get packed during high season) but it's a unique sight to see.
If you can't make it to Paros, you can still shop jewelry & accessories made in Greece here at Aegean Essence, where we make it feel like Greek summer all year long. 💙
