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Things to Do

Best Things To Do In Paros

Boat days, village nights and everything in between.

 

Paros is one of those Cycladic islands where you can keep your days simple and still feel like you did a lot. If you are trying to figure out the best things to do in Paros on a first or second visit, this guide gives you the full picture.

Clear water, small villages, good food and easy access to nearby islands make it an easy choice if you want a mix of relaxed and active holidays.

If you are wondering what to do in Paros, this page brings the main ideas into one place. You will find boat tours, experiences and outdoor activities, beaches, villages, wine tasting, arts and wellness, and day trips from Paros, so you can build your own version of the island.

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do In Paros If You Only Do A Few

If it is your first time on the island, you do not need to do everything. You just need to pick the right few.

For most people:

  • A short break is 3 nights, enough to see the main highlights without feeling rushed.
  • A comfortable stay is 7 nights, you have time for a boat day, villages, several beaches, and slower mornings.

If you only choose a handful of things, make it these:

One signature experience day
A day built around experiences in Paros. This can be a Greek cooking class, a pottery workshop or marble workshop, a sea kayaking outing, a wellness session, stargazing, or something more original like an FPV-style session through drone services in Paros. It gives you stories and memories that go beyond just another beach day.

One full boat day
A good boat tour in Paros is usually one of the strongest memories from any trip. You get turquoise water, sea caves, quiet bays and the feeling that you actually met the coastline of Paros and Antiparos instead of only seeing it from the road.

One village and beach day
A half day in Lefkes with the Byzantine Road, plus a quiet evening in Naoussa, Parikia or a smaller village, and at least one swim stop on the way.

If you have five to seven nights, you can add:

Experiences And Activities In Paros

This is where Paros really opens up. Beyond beaches and villages, the island has a wide range of experiences and activities you can add around your beach time.

If you want a curated list of what is bookable, start with Experiences in Paros and Outdoor activities in Paros.

Boat Tours In Paros

Boat tours in Paros sit right at the top of the best things to do on the island. A boat day gives you turquoise water, sea caves and swim stops you simply cannot reach by road, plus the feeling that you actually met the coastline of Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko, not just the parts you can drive to.

Quick decision guide

What most routes look like
Most shared cruises follow variations of the Paros–Antiparos–Despotiko loop, usually with a mix of caves, a “blue lagoon” style swim stop, and one longer stop where you eat and properly relax. If you are staying around Parikia, Naoussa, Piso Livadi or Aliki, you are well positioned for departures and easy pre and post-cruise logistics.

RIB vs catamaran vs traditional
Here is the simplest way to choose without overthinking it:

  • RIB = fast, flexible, more coastline, more swim stops, fewer compromises. Ideal if you want to keep the day efficient.
  • Catamaran / sailing = space and comfort, shaded deck time, relaxed pace, usually a smoother experience for families and chilled groups.
  • Traditional boat = the classic Greek feeling, social energy, simple food, and an easy “first boat day” choice that most people love.

High season booking tip
In July and August, the good options sell out. If there is one thing worth booking early, it is your boat day, then you can build everything else around it using experiences in Paros and the Paros beaches guide.

How the meltemi wind affects boat days
The meltemi (summer north wind) is real, but it does not automatically kill boat plans.

  • Windiest period: usually mid summer, especially July and August.
  • Typical rhythm: calmer mornings, stronger midday, softer late afternoon and evening.
  • Reality: some days trips are cancelled for safety and moved or refunded.

If your boat tour is cancelled, you still have great Plan B options that often become trip highlights: Greek cooking classes, pottery workshops, marble workshops, art workshops, archery, stargazing, or a protected-coast beach day using best beaches in Paros.

For the full breakdown by boat style and vibe, head to Boat tours in Paros and pick the one that matches your pace.

Outdoor Activities And Active Days

Paros is ideal if you like to move your body but still stay in holiday mode. You can add one or two active days without turning the trip into a training camp.

The Byzantine Road (Lefkes to Prodromos)
The Byzantine Road between Lefkes and Prodromos is the classic island walk and easily one of the best things to do in Paros if you like walking.

  • It is a historic, marble-paved path that dates to the Byzantine era (often cited around 1000 AD).
  • Distance is roughly 3.5 km.
  • Most people take between 45 and 90 minutes depending on pace.
  • Difficulty is usually described as easy to moderate, with little shade, so bring water, a hat and good shoes.

Good tips:

  • Start early or late afternoon in July and August.
  • Park on the edge of Lefkes, explore first, then follow the signs.
  • Finish with a drink or lunch in Prodromos, or extend your day by continuing toward Marpissa and Piso Livadi.

Other outdoor activities
There is a wide range of outdoor activities in Paros that fit easily around beach days. You can find:

Many of these are available as bookable experiences in Paros, which you can plan around your base village.

Why windy days are not lost days
Strong wind days often turn into some of the most interesting days of a trip. Use the wind as a planning tool, then swap beach time for villages, workshops, or a protected-coast activity.

Paros Park And The Best Sunset Walks

Paros Park (the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula near Naoussa) is one of the best non-beach highlights on the island. It is ideal when you want a scenic walk, dramatic rock formations, and big Aegean views without committing to a long hike.

  • Best time: late afternoon into sunset for softer light and cooler air.
  • What to do: choose a marked route, walk toward the lighthouse, and add a swim stop at nearby coves.
  • Bonus: in summer, the park hosts cultural events and an open-air cinema experience under the stars.

If you want to keep planning simple, pair Paros Park with an evening in Naoussa, or do it on the same day as Kolymbithres and Monastiri.

FPV Drone Adventure In Paros

One of the most original things you can try is an FPV-style drone session in Paros.

  • You head out to cliffs and coastline spots with a local FPV pilot.
  • You wear FPV goggles and strap in for a real-time bird’s-eye view.
  • It feels like a roller coaster in the sky, with a serious adrenaline rush.
  • Under guidance, you can take the controls for a short, safe flight segment.

If you want to explore what is available, start with Drone services in Paros and Experiences in Paros.

Food, Wine And Cooking

Greek cooking classes
Greek cooking classes in Paros are one of the easiest experiences to recommend.

  • You cook with seasonal ingredients and learn recipes you can recreate at home.
  • You prep dishes together, then sit down and eat as a group.
  • It works well for couples, families, friends and solo travellers who like food.

Wine tasting
Wine tasting in Paros is a calm way to spend an afternoon or early evening. It fits perfectly after a beach morning and before dinner.

One popular option in the Naoussa area is to combine a tasting with a stroll and dinner in Naoussa or a quieter evening base like Piso Livadi.

Arts, Crafts, Wellness And Dance

Pottery, marble and art
Paros has a long tradition with marble and handmade objects, and you can tap into that through arts and crafts.

  • Pottery workshops let you sit at the wheel and create a simple piece.
  • Marble workshops introduce you to Parian marble with small hands-on projects.
  • Art workshops focus on drawing, painting or mixed media, often inspired by island light.

These are perfect when your skin needs a break from the sun, or when the wind is too strong for another long beach session.

Yoga and wellness
Paros has become a small hub for wellness retreats and yoga experiences. You can find multi-day retreats, drop-in classes, and massage or treatments, sometimes as private visits to villas and hotels.

Dance classes and social nights
If you like music and movement, look for social nights with short lessons before the dancing starts. It is a fun way to meet people without committing to a full club night.

Beach Days In Paros

A full drive around the island takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. In practice, most beaches are 5 to 25 minutes away from wherever you stay. Paros is not a one-beach island, it is more like a menu where you pick your mood for the day.

A simple way to think about beaches in Paros:

  • North and west for views and sunset, usually busier.
  • East and south for calmer water on windy days and a more local feeling.
  • Around Parikia for convenience.

One organised day, one quiet day, one combo

If you are here for three to seven nights, a simple rhythm works well:

Beaches and wind

The meltemi can actually help you choose the right beach.

When the wind is from the north (most of summer), calmer or more protected options often include:

When the wind is from the south (less common in summer), moving north often works well, for example:

On southerly winds, conditions can vary. If the south side looks less clear or feels sticky and humid, the north coast often feels fresher, so switch sides.

Sunrise and sunset moments

If you want a small “wow” moment that costs nothing, plan one sunrise and one sunset.

 

Villages And Evenings

Your detailed Paros villages guide goes deep on each village. Here the focus is how evenings feel in different parts of the island, which is a big part of the best things to do in Paros at night.

Naoussa

Naoussa is the most famous village on the island and deserves at least one night. Think whitewashed alleys, a small fishing port, bars and restaurants wrapped around the water, and a vibe that feels like a smaller, concentrated Mykonos in peak season.

By day it is bright and photogenic, with little squares, shops and seaside terraces. At night, especially after 10 or 11 pm in July and August, the energy jumps. The harbour and lanes become a dense, walkable nightlife zone with strong people-watching and lots of places to bounce between without planning.

  • Best for: nightlife, bar hopping, stylish dinners, couples and groups who want energy.
  • Practical tip: parking is easiest on the outer edges, then walk in. Once you are inside the old village, everything is on foot.
  • Easy combo: beach afternoon at Kolymbithres or Monastiri, sunset walk, then Naoussa dinner and drinks.

Parikia

Parikia is the main port and the year-round working town. It is where ferries arrive, locals run errands, and visitors naturally pass through. It feels more like a small Cycladic town than a quiet village, with banks, shops, and practical services alongside old lanes, churches and waterfront cafés.

The old quarter is great for wandering: narrow streets, quiet corners, small shops, and the area around Panagia Ekatontapiliani. Evenings here are more spread out than Naoussa and often better for simple, good-value food, especially if you like a town rhythm rather than a nightlife bubble.

In July and August, the smart rule is simple: do not drive into the tightest centre if you can avoid it. Park on the peripheral roads or in designated parking areas, then walk in. Once you step a block away from the waterfront traffic, it becomes calm surprisingly fast.

  • Best for: easy logistics, sunset promenade walks, shopping, travellers without a car.
  • Easy beach add-on: Livadia for a quick swim, or Krios and Marcelo for prettier water close to town.

Quieter village evenings

If you prefer calmer evenings, dinner becomes the main activity. These bases are ideal if you want a slower, more local night rhythm, with good food and early swims the next morning.

  • Drios: one of the calmest and most elegant small fishing villages, with a few excellent tavernas and a low-key feel near many top beaches.
  • Piso Livadi: small harbour atmosphere, tavernas right on the water, and easy access to Logaras and Punda.
  • Aliki: very family friendly, calm seaside meals, and an easy base for boat departures and relaxed beach days.
  • Lefkes: inland and romantic, best in late afternoon and evening when the air cools and the village atmosphere feels magical.

Every village on Paros has at least a few tavernas and meze places, so even if you do not go out specifically for nightlife, you will eat and drink well close to home.

Day Trips From Paros

Antiparos, the simple day trip

The easiest, lowest-stress day trip from Paros is Antiparos. It is close, flexible, and you can keep the whole day light and spontaneous.

  • How to go: drive or bus to Pounda (west coast), then take the short ferry across.
  • Time: the crossing is usually very quick, often just a few minutes, depending on the vessel and conditions.
  • What to do: walk the village lanes, swim at a beach that matches the wind, and eat in a taverna before heading back.
  • Extra option: if you want a “wow” version of Antiparos, do it as a sea day with boat tours in Paros, many routes include Antiparos and Despotiko.

If you want the smoothest logistics, you can also use taxi transfers in Paros to avoid parking and timing stress, especially in July and August.

Naxos, the easy “next island” day

Naxos is one of the most realistic “bigger island” day trips because ferries are frequent in season and the ride can be quite fast.

  • Time: the Paros to Naxos ferry ride often ranges from about 25 minutes up to around 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the route and boat type.
  • Best for: travellers who want a different island feel, a bigger town walk, and a change of scenery without an extreme travel day.

If you are considering this, it is smart to check the return timing first so you are not forced into a late, stressful ride back.

Santorini, the big long day

In high season, there are organised Paros to Santorini day trips, but this is the “big travel day” option. It can be worth it if you have a full week and you really want a taste of Santorini without changing hotels.

  • Typical departure area: many organised cruises depart from Piso Livadi in Paros.
  • Reality check: it is a long day, plan it when you have energy, not after a late Naoussa night.
  • Best for: people who have always wanted to see Santorini and are happy to trade a full day of travel for that “one big hit”.

Other organised day trips in summer

In peak season, some operators also run longer day trips to places like Mykonos and Delos, and sometimes other small Cyclades islands, depending on the year and schedules. 

These are best treated as “bonus” options if you have 7 to 10 nights and want one full day that feels like you visited another world, without giving up your Paros base.

For the most practical routing and what is running during your dates, use Day trips from Paros, and if you want an easier, sea-based version of “day tripping”, start with Boat tours in Paros.

Non-Beach Things To Do In Paros

If you want your trip to feel more like “real Paros” and not only beaches, these are high-impact additions that most visitors love.

Ancient marble quarries in Marathi
A short inland detour to the ancient marble quarries gives you context for why Paros is famous far beyond tourism. It is one of the most interesting cultural stops on the island, especially if you already plan to visit Lefkes, Marpissa, Marmara or Kostos.

Butterflies Nature Reserve (Petaloudes)
A shaded green valley that feels like a small oasis, great for families and anyone who wants a break from sun and wind. It is an easy add on a day that starts or ends in Parikia.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani on August 15
If you happen to be in Paros mid-August, the Dormition celebration in Parikia is one of the biggest local nights of the year, with crowds, ceremony, and fireworks.

Cine Rex+ open-air cinema
If you want an easy night that is different from bars, an open-air film in Parikia is a surprisingly memorable island evening, especially for couples and families with older kids.

How Long To Stay, Do You Need A Car And Where To Base

How many nights in Paros

As a simple guide:

  • Three nights: one boat day, one village plus beach day, one mixed day with an experience or extra beach.
  • Five to seven nights: more beaches, one or two experiences, and a day trip if you want.

Do you need a car

You can do Paros without a car.
  • Buses connect most main villages like Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Piso Livadi, Drios and Aliki.
  • In summer they often run every 30 to 60 minutes on the main routes.
  • The weak point is the stretch between Aliki and Drios, where bus connections can force a longer loop via Parikia.
With a vehicle you see more in less time: Private transfers and taxis in Paros Another very useful option, especially on shorter trips or for evenings out, is private transfers in Paros.
  • Arrange a door-to-door ride from port or airport straight to your accommodation.
  • Use pre-booked transfers for Naoussa or Parikia nights so you do not deal with parking or late driving.

Where to stay in Paros

For the full breakdown, use Where to stay in Paros. The short version:

Things To Do in Paros: FAQs

What are the very best things to do in Paros on a first visit?

Start with one day of boat tours in Paros, one easy village afternoon in Lefkes or Naoussa, and one relaxed beach day from best beaches in Paros. Add a Greek cooking class in Paros or wine tasting in Paros if you love food.

Base in Parikia or Naoussa and use buses for villages and beaches. Choose tours with central meeting points, or book private transfers in Paros. See things to do in Paros and where to stay in Paros for easy picks.

Head to south and east beaches for calmer water, or swap sea plans for pottery workshops in Paros, marble workshops in Paros, yoga in Paros, cooking classes, and village walks. The main things to do in Paros guide lists windy-day ideas.

Yes. Short kayaking in Paros in calm bays, pottery or art workshops, easy village walks with ice-cream stops, and a gentle sunset cruise in Paros. Pick protected coves from best beaches in Paros.

Choose short village walks, private island tours in Paros by car or van, workshops, and calm coves. Tell us needs in advance so we can match the right guide and route.

Three nights covers highlights. Seven nights lets you mix villages, beaches, boat trips in Paros, and a couple of experiences without rushing.

June, September and early October balance warm water with fewer crowds. July and August are busiest, so prebook popular Paros activities.

For July and August, yes. Prebook cooking classes, horseback riding in Paros, FPV drone adventure in Paros, and boat tours in Paros.

Good shoes for paths, hat, water, reef-safe sunscreen, light layers for evenings. For sea days bring a towel and a dry bag.

Sunrise is best on the east and south-east coasts. Sunset is best on the west side and around Parikia. A simple sunsets and sunrises in Paros guide is coming.

Village wandering, the Byzantine walk in Paros, beach days without sunbeds, and church visits. Pair with the Paros villages guide.

What To Do Next:

Now that you have the big picture, turn it into a simple plan: