Paros Park
Lighthouse Walks, Hidden Coves, Open-Air Cinema, And Big Sunset Views Near Naoussa
Paros Park, on the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula near Naoussa, is one of the best “non-beach” highlights on the island. Think easy-to-moderate coastal walks, raw rock formations, quiet coves you only reach on foot, and a lighthouse route that feels properly Aegean.
It is the kind of place you go when you want fresh air and views, when the beach feels like “too much sunbed”, or when you want a late-afternoon plan that ends with a sunset and a great dinner.
Paros Park At A Glance
- Location: End of the road past Kolymbithres, on the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula (north side of Paros, near Naoussa).
- Best For: Scenic walks, lighthouse views, sunset, quick nature reset, families with older kids, couples, photographers.
- Time Needed: 30 minutes for a short loop, 90 to 150 minutes if you do a longer walk toward the lighthouse and back.
- Entry + Parking: Free entry, free parking.
- Bonus: Summer cultural events and a real open-air cinema night under the stars.
Where Paros Park Is And How To Get There
Paros Park sits on the northern peninsula just outside Naoussa. The drive is simple, and the last part feels like you are heading into “end of the island” landscape, in the best way.
- By car or scooter: Drive toward Kolymbithres, then continue all the way to the end of the road.
- By boat in summer: There are seasonal boat connections from Naoussa that bring you toward the park area, which is a fun “arrive by sea” option if you want zero driving stress.
Local tip: If you are doing Paros Park in peak season, treat it like a popular beach. Go earlier, or go late afternoon, and you avoid the busiest window.
The Best Walks, Including The Lighthouse
The park has a marked trail network with signage and a map-style setup, so you can choose a route that matches your energy. The terrain is rocky and exposed, so wear proper shoes and bring water, especially in July and August.
Easy Short Loops (Low Commitment, High Reward)
- Quick scenic loop: A short route that gives you “dramatic coastline” feelings fast, ideal if you only have 30 to 45 minutes.
- Sunset walk option: Go late afternoon and aim for a viewpoint, then come back while the light is soft. This is one of the easiest “wow” moments on Paros.
Lighthouse Walk (The Classic Paros Park Move)
If you want the signature Paros Park experience, walk out toward the stone lighthouse at the far end of the peninsula. The scenery gets better the further you go, with hidden coves, wind-carved rock, and that “end of the Cyclades” feeling.
- Best time: Late afternoon into sunset for cooler air and better light.
- Wind reality: On strong meltemi days, the walk can feel intense. You can still do a shorter inland-feeling loop instead of committing to the exposed sections.
- Safety note: Skip cliff edges if it is gusty, and keep kids close in the more open sections.
If you want more walking ideas like this, pair this day with Hiking In Paros and build a “villages + trails + sea” rhythm for your week.
Beaches And Swim Stops Near Paros Park
One reason Paros Park is so easy to love is that you can mix walking and swimming without planning a complicated day. You get a proper nature walk, then a simple dip, then dinner.
- Monastiri Beach: Right by the park area, very popular, very convenient. Great for families and “easy mode” beach time. See Monastiri Beach.
- Kolymbithres: Not inside the park, but the most common pairing, especially if you want the famous rock formations first. See Kolymbithres Beach.
- Small coves on foot: If you walk a bit, you can reach quieter swim spots that feel more “found” than “arrived”. Bring water, and do not expect facilities.
Local rhythm that works: Swim first, walk second. A morning dip at Monastiri or Kolymbithres, then Paros Park late afternoon into sunset, then dinner in Naoussa.
If you want to compare the vibe of the north coast with the rest of the island, keep Best Beaches In Paros open while you plan.
Open-Air Cinema And Summer Events
Paros Park is not only nature. In summer it also becomes a cultural spot with events that feel very local and very memorable, especially if you want an evening that is not bars.
- Open-air cinema: A simple, classic island night, film under the stars, light jacket, relaxed crowd.
- Live events: Depending on the year, the park hosts cultural programming like performances and festival-style evenings.
Planning tip: Event schedules change every season. If you are visiting in July or August, check what is on during your dates and lock one “culture night” into your week.
Practical Tips So It Feels Easy, Not Annoying
- Bring water: There is limited shade on the trails, and the sun hits harder than people expect.
- Wear real shoes: Trainers or light hiking shoes beat sandals for rocky paths.
- Go at the right time: Morning or late afternoon is the difference between “magic” and “why did I do this at 2 pm”.
- Families: Great with kids who like exploring. For toddlers, keep it short and stick to the easiest paths.
- Pair it smart: If your day is already a heavy beach day, make Paros Park your sunset walk, not your midday mission.
Easy Ways To Combine Paros Park With Your Trip
- Half-day plan: Swim at Monastiri, short Paros Park loop, sunset viewpoint, dinner in Naoussa.
- North-coast day: Kolymbithres + Paros Park lighthouse walk + Naoussa night.
- Windy-day save: If the sea feels messy, do Paros Park for the views and walking, then choose a more protected beach later using Best Beaches In Paros.
If you want the full planning flow, connect this with Things To Do In Paros and build your week around a few “anchors”: one boat day, one village day, one signature walk, and the beaches that match the wind.
Paros Park: FAQs
Is Paros Park free to enter?
Yes, entry is free.
Is Paros Park open all year?
Yes, it is open year-round, but services like the cafe tend to be seasonal.
How long is the lighthouse walk in Paros Park?
It depends on your route and pace. Plan 90 to 150 minutes if you want a proper out-and-back walk with stops.
Is Paros Park good for kids?
Yes for kids who like exploring. Keep it short, bring water, and stick to the easier paths if it is hot or windy.
Can I combine Paros Park with a beach?
Yes, that is the best way to do it. Monastiri and Kolymbithres are the most common pairings.
What is the best time of day to go?
Late afternoon into sunset is the most rewarding and the most comfortable in summer.
What To Do Next
- Keep planning your week with Things To Do In Paros.
- Pair Paros Park with a proper Naoussa evening using Naoussa, Paros.
- Choose your north-coast swim stops from Kolymbithres and Monastiri.
- If you want more walks, open Hiking In Paros.
- For the bigger beach picture across the island, use Best Beaches In Paros.