Sunset is strongest around Parikia promenade, the mill, and Agios Fokas. Naoussa has pretty sky color, with good sunrise from Agioi Anargyri and the Linardo side. On the east and south-east, Golden Beach, Piso Livadi, and the hill of Agios Antonios above Marpissa give beautiful sunrise views.
Where to Stay in Paros
Best areas, villages, and places to book
Best Areas and Villages to Stay in Paros
Choosing where to stay in Paros is the biggest factor in how your holiday feels. This guide helps you pick a base that matches your travel style, budget, and how you want your days to flow, then gives you quick shortcuts into the best areas and village guides.
If you want nightlife and easy transport, Naoussa and Parikia are the simplest first-time choices. If you want calmer nights and quick access to protected swims on breezy summer days, the east and south-east bases often win, especially Drios, Piso Livadi, and the Golden Beach area. For real village charm, add a slow evening in Lefkes or a practical base in Marpissa.
Use this page together with beaches in Paros, boat tours in Paros, and things to do in Paros so your base supports the days you actually want.
Find Stays In Paros
Always Confirm Property's Listing Location Before Finalizing Booking.
1Pick dates
2Choose your base
3Book in 2 clicks
The One-Base Rule.
Don't split your stay. Paros is small enough that one base allows you to unpack once and truly relax.
The Meltemi Guide.
North winds? Head South. South winds? Head North. This is the key to finding calm, clear water every day.
The Rental Rule.
No car? Stick to Naoussa, Parikia, or Drios hub. These areas have the best bus connections and walkable services.
| Village | Vibe | Car Needed? | Best For… |
| Naoussa | Luxury / Nightlife | No (Optional) | Boutique style & late nights |
| Parikia | Central / Historic | No | First-timers & ferry access |
| Drios | Calm / Authentic | No (Very Walkable) | Long stays & slow living |
| Lefkes | Traditional / Views | Yes | Romance & mountain walks |
| Aliki | Fishing Village | Yes | Families & quiet dinners |
| Logaras | Beach-Front | No | Stepping from bed to sea |
| Golden Beach | Active / Windy | Optional | Windsurfing & sandy days |
| Piso Livadi | Harbor Charm | No | Waterfront dining & families |
Naoussa: The Cosmopolitan Heart & Nightlife Hub
Naoussa is Paros’ most famous village, a mix of traditional fishing port charm and intense nightlife. By day, it is a bright, photogenic maze of whitewashed alleys. By night, it turns into a dense web of high-end restaurants and bars. It is the best choice for travelers who want energy and atmosphere within walking distance, though it is often the busiest and priciest area in July and August.
Best for: Nightlife, cosmopolitan vibe, and high-end dining.
Parking: Difficult in peak season; park on the outskirts and walk in.
Beach Access: Walking distance to Piperi; short boat hop to Kolymbithres.
Parikia: The Historic Capital & Essential Transport Hub
Parikia is the capital and main port, serving as the year-round heart of the island. It blends a historic old town featuring the famous “100 Doors” church with practical services like banks and major bus hubs. It is a very central, affordable base for those without a car, offering a real “town” feel rather than a pure resort atmosphere.
Best for: First-timers, ferry access, and sunset waterfront strolls.
Parking: Stressful in the center; use peripheral lots and walk in.
Beach Access: Walkable town beaches (Livadia) or short taxi-boat to Marcello.
Lefkes: The Traditional Mountain Hub
Lefkes is a picturesque mountain village framed by olive groves and pine-covered slopes. It offers the most authentic Cycladic character on the island, with marble details and quiet squares that feel untouched by the busier coastal scene. It is ideal for a romantic stay or a morning hike, especially for those who prefer cooler mountain air and a slower, traditional pace of life.
Best for: Traditional atmosphere, mountain views, and romantic walks.
Parking: Park on the peripheral mountain road; the village core is 95% foot-traffic only.
Highlight: Starting point of the historic Byzantine Road stone path.
Drios: The Calm and Classy Escape
Drios is one of the most genuinely calm fishing villages on Paros, offering a low-key seafront and a relaxed rhythm. While it is possible to stay here without a car due to hourly bus links, having your own wheels opens up a cluster of the island’s best-protected beaches. It is the perfect base for travelers who want a high-quality, quiet stay away from the heavy nightlife of the north.
Best for: A quiet, classy base and a genuine “hidden gem” feel.
Parking: Generally easier than the main hubs; most accommodation offers private space.
Beach Access: Walkable to Drios beach; very close to Golden Beach and Lolantonis.
- Expert Tip: Drios is one of the best-kept secrets for a 7+ night stay. Because it is flat and connected by a seaside path to Golden Beach and Piso Livadi, you can enjoy a full “no-car” lifestyle while feeling 100% away from the tourist crowds.
Golden Beach: The Premier Destination for Sand & Windsurfing
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) is a 700-meter stretch of pure sand and turquoise water, offering a more organized “resort” feel than the traditional inland villages. It is the best base for travelers who want to prioritize the sea above all else. While it is quieter in the evenings compared to Naoussa, the beachfront tavernas and high-end beach clubs provide a sophisticated, athletic atmosphere that is perfect for an active Mediterranean holiday.
Best for: Windsurfing, active families, and “steps-to-sand” convenience.
Parking: Plentiful; most accommodation here offers dedicated parking spaces.
Wind Factor: Famous for the Meltemi winds; the premier spot for windsurfing and wing-foiling on Paros.
Piso Livadi: The Family-Friendly Harbor
Piso Livadi is a charming eastern port that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and calm. It’s famous for its waterfront tavernas serving fresh local fish and its proximity to some of the island’s best-protected sandy beaches. It’s an ideal base for families or those wanting a small-village feel with plenty of dining options and easy boat-trip access to neighboring islands.
Best for: Families, seafood lovers, and a relaxed “harbor life” feel.
Parking: Generally easy with a large public lot near the entrance.
Beach Access: Walkable to the town beach and the excellent Logaras beach.
Aliki: The Low-Key Fishing Village
Located on the southern tip of Paros, Aliki is a traditional fishing village that has remained wonderfully low-key. The harbor is lined with local-favorite fish tavernas, and the beaches are tucked away from the stronger northern winds. It is widely considered the best base for families with young children or anyone looking to escape the “boutique” polish of the north for something more grounded and peaceful.
Best for: Quiet evenings, toddlers (calm water), and authentic tavernas.
Parking: Plentiful and free in the designated village lots.
Beach Access: Three walkable beaches right in the village (Aliki, Piso Aliki, Saint Nicholas).
Marpissa, Marmara & Prodromos: The Traditional Trio
These three interconnected villages represent the soul of traditional Paros. Marpissa sits on a hill with a view of the sea, Prodromos is a fortified maze of flower-filled alleys, and Marmara is a quiet hub of local life. Staying here offers a peaceful, “slow-travel” experience where you are surrounded by locals rather than tourists, yet you are only 5 minutes from the beaches of Molos and Logaras.
Best for: Authentic Greek life, quiet stays, and photographers.
Parking: Plentiful at the village entrances; the interiors are pedestrian-only.
Highlight: Pink bougainvillea against white alleys in Marpissa and the famous “archways” of Prodromos.
Santa Maria: The Luxury Beach Escape
Santa Maria is a stunning peninsula near Naoussa that feels like a private island escape. It is home to some of the most famous beach bars and high-end boutique stays on the island. The water is shallow, emerald-green, and perfectly protected from the southern winds. It is the best base for travelers who want to spend their days in a sunbed with world-class service and their nights in nearby Naoussa.
Best for: High-end beach clubs, crystal clear water, and luxury villas.
Parking: Busy in peak season; most beach clubs have private valet or large lots.
Vibe: Sophisticated and sun-drenched; the “Mykonos” style corner of Paros.
Logaras: The Ultimate Beach-Side Base
Logaras is the perfect middle ground for travelers who want a high-quality beach right at their doorstep without the wind exposure of Golden Beach. It is essentially a continuation of Piso Livadi, offering a handful of excellent beachfront apartments and traditional tavernas. It is a quiet, walkable area where you can spend your entire holiday in a swimsuit, yet you are only a 5-minute walk from the amenities and harbor life of Piso Livadi.
Best for: Beach lovers, relaxed families, and “Blue Flag” water quality.
Parking: Large public dirt lot right behind the beach; very easy access.
Highlight: A protected, sandy bay with giant tamarisk trees for natural shade.
Antiparos (The Day Trip or Dual-Base)
Antiparos is Paros’ smaller, chic sibling. The main Chora is a single, long cobblestone street filled with high-end boutiques and intimate bars. While many visit for a day trip, staying here offers a unique “end of the road” tranquility. It is the perfect 2-night addition to a Paros trip for those who want to experience a smaller, more exclusive island rhythm.
Best for: A “village-within-a-village” feel, boutique shopping, and celebrities.
Access: A 7-minute ferry from Pounta (runs every 30 mins).
Vibe: Effortlessly cool, walkable, and very relaxed.
Where To Stay In Paros: FAQs
Where is the best place to stay in Paros for first-timers?
If you want the real island vibe, base yourself outside Naoussa and Parikia. The south and south-east feel more authentic, with calmer mornings, friendlier prices and quick access to protected beaches on northerly wind days. Great bases are Drios and Golden Beach on the coast, plus Piso Livadi and Aliki for small-harbor life. If you like village charm, look at Lefkes, Marpissa, Marmara or Prodromos and drive to the sea.
Use Naoussa and Parikia for evenings, dinner, shopping and a walk, then sleep somewhere quieter for better rest and easier beach days. The only reason to base in Naoussa or Parikia is if you want nightlife at your door or you will rely only on buses and prefer zero transfers.
Quick picks
No car, want buses and small-village feel: Drios, Piso Livadi or Aliki
Quiet sea base with great access to many beaches: Drios, Golden Beach, Piso Livadi
Mountain village charm with views, then drive to beaches: Lefkes, Marpissa, Marmara
Naoussa or Parikia, which base should I choose?
Neither. You’ll probably have a better experience if you stay somewhere more authentic on the rest of the island, but if you are set on one or the other, then choose Naoussa if you want nightlife, boutiques, and fast access to Kolymbithres, Monastiri, and Santa Maria. Choose Parikia if you prefer value, sunset on the promenade, and simple logistics for buses, ferries, and day trips.
Do I need a car in Paros?
You can do a lot without a car from Naoussa, Parikia, Lefkes, Golden Beach, Piso Livadi, and Drios because buses and boats cover the main routes. A car gives freedom to chase the best beach for the wind and to explore quiet coves on your own schedule. For a car-free trip, stay near a bus hub and book boat tours and transfers.
How many nights should I stay and should I split bases?
Three to five nights is a good first visit, seven is better. Most visitors are happiest with one base because you settle in and learn your area, then day-trip everywhere. If you split, do two bases only, for example Naoussa plus Aliki, or Parikia plus Drios.
Which area is best for families with small kids?
Golden Beach and Logaras have soft sand and shallow entries. Aliki is calm with fish tavernas and small beaches. The South East side of the island is the most family-friendly. In Naoussa and Parikia, pick a short walk from the water.
Where can I stay to be closest to beaches?
Golden Beach has a long sandy strip and watersports. Drios, Logaras, and Piso Livadi for small beaches with food on the waterfront. In Naoussa, you will ride or boat to nearby coves rather than walk.
What area is calmest when the meltemi blows?
South and south-east coves are more protected on northerly wind days. Beaches like Drios, Piso Livadi, Kalogeros, Lolantonis, Tripiti, Faraggas, and Aliki give you quick access to sheltered water. Additionally, beaches like Kolympethres, Monastiri, and Santa Maria near Naoussa. Expect most summer days to be light to moderate northerlies, with a few calm or glassy days. Generally speaking, if on protected beaches, the water will be glassy 90% of the time
Where should I stay for nightlife and dining?
Naoussa has the highest density of bars, café terraces, and late kitchens. Parikia has plenty too, with better sunset spots and slightly lower prices. Piso Livadi is smaller and lively in a low-key way.
What is a good base for a quiet, local vibe?
Drios for a low-key seaside village with real year-round life. Aliki for a friendly fishing vibe and evenings by the water. Lefkes and Marpissa for mountain-village charm, then drive to beaches.
How is parking in Naoussa and Parikia?
In Naoussa, use the free lots 7 to 8 minutes south of the bridge near the bus hub, or paid lots closer in. In Parikia, look for street parking toward Livadia and free lots on the ring road, since the mill road goes pedestrian in summer evenings. Always park legally and wear helmets and seatbelts.
Are there any safety or access notes for popular photo spots?
Rocks near Linardo and the castle causeway in Naoussa can be wet and slippery on northerly days. Village stones can be smooth. Wheelchairs and strollers are fine to the entry squares, then lanes can get steep.
When do places open for the season?
Most hotels, shops, and restaurants open around Easter and close by mid-October. Parikia has the most year-round services, then Naoussa, while beach areas are more seasonal.
What is the best base for day trips and boat tours?
Parikia is easiest for inter-island ferries and many full-day cruises. Naoussa, Piso Livadi, and Aliki also have departures, especially for local routes around Paros and Antiparos. Book early in July and August.
Where can I get the best sunrise or sunset near my base?
What To Do Next:
Found a favourite area? Finish the plan around it so your week feels simple.
- See how nearby bases connect using villages in Paros.
- Build your beach plan with beaches in Paros.
- Add one sea day from boat tours in Paros, then choose a second only if the forecast is friendly.
- Fill one slower day with experiences in Paros so your trip is not only driving and beaches.
- Sort arrivals and late-night returns with taxi transfers in Paros and browse services in Paros if you want extra support.
- If you want wheels, start at rentals in Paros and compare car rentals in Paros with ATV, buggy and scooter rentals.