Paros — Relaxed Charm
Paros (Greek: Πάρος) is the Cycladic island for those who find Santorini too touristy, Mykonos too loud, and Naxos too big. At 196 km², it's large enough for variety but small enough for manageability. Paros has two beautiful port towns (Parikia and Naoussa), excellent beaches, one of Greece's oldest and most significant churches, and the small sister island Antiparos right next door.
In recent years, Paros has become the darling of connoisseurs: Greeks who find Mykonos too expensive, French and Italian vacationers who defend "their" Paros, and windsurfers who find world-class conditions at Golden Beach. The island has maintained a pleasant balance between tourism and authenticity — the tavernas in Naoussa still cook for locals, not just for Instagram.
Plan for 3–4 nights. The ferry connection to Naxos (40 min.), Mykonos (45 min.), and Antiparos (10 min.) makes Paros the perfect island-hopping hub.
Parikia (Capital)
Parikia is the main port and the largest town on Paros — a typical Cycladic Chora with white houses, bougainvillea-lined alleys, and a Venetian castle standing on ancient foundations. Less glamorous than Naoussa, but more authentic and affordable.
★★★ Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors)
One of the oldest and most significant church buildings in Greece — founded in the 4th century, in its current form from the 6th century (Justinian era). According to legend, the church has 99 visible doors; the 100th will only open when the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul becomes a church again.
The three-aisled complex with an adjoining baptistery (one of the oldest in Christendom) impresses with its simple monumentality: mighty arches, ancient marble, Byzantine icons, subdued light. In the courtyard, a small museum with early Christian artifacts (2€). The church is located right at the harbor — 2 minutes from the ferry terminal.
Free (museum 2€). Daily 7–21. Appropriate clothing (shoulders covered).
Naoussa
Naoussa is the most photogenic fishing village in the Cyclades — some say in all of Greece. A tiny harbor, barely larger than a swimming pool, framed by colorful fishing boats (Kaiki), a half-sunken Venetian fortress ruin, and dozens of tavernas that set their tables right by the water. In the morning, fishermen sell their catch directly on the quay, and in the evening, the harbor transforms into an open-air cocktail bar with the sunset as a backdrop.
Naoussa has experienced a boom in recent years: boutique hotels, cocktail bars, designer shops. Yet the village (3,000 inhabitants) has retained its charm — perhaps because locals still outnumber tourists and the alleys are too narrow for cars. Those who venture away from the harbor into the side streets will find hidden churches, laundry lines over the alley, and grandmothers sitting on the steps.
Restaurants at the harbor: Sigi's Bar (cocktails 12–15€, best location), Barbarossa (fish taverna, daily fish from 14€), Fotis (Greek classics, reservation in the evening). Away from the harbor: The Little Green Rocket (vegetarian, unexpectedly great, mezze 7–12€).
Beaches
★★ Kolymbithres
Paros' most famous beach: Bizarre, smooth granite rocks shaped by wind and sea, arranged like by a surrealist sculptor, frame small coves with golden sand and emerald water. The rocks are perfect for climbing, the coves are sheltered and shallow — ideal for children. The northern end is more organized (loungers 8€), the southern part is wilder.
4 km from Naoussa. By boat from Naoussa (5€ return, 10 min.) or car. The boat ride through Naoussa Bay is a highlight in itself.
★★ Santa Maria Beach
Long sandy beach on the northeast coast with windsurfing and kite options plus a quiet swimming bay. The Monastiri Beach Bar at the neighboring beach is one of the best on the island (good food, cocktails, chill music). Easily accessible by bus or scooter from Naoussa.
★★★ Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti)
Paros' best windsurfing spot — international competitions have been held here for decades. 700 m of golden sand on the windy southeast coast. The Meltemi blows reliably from July to September with 5–7 Beaufort. Windsurf rental and courses from 60€/hour. Also nice for non-surfers, but windy — hold onto your sunshade!
Logaras & Piso Livadi
On the quieter southeast coast: Two family-friendly beaches with tavernas, shallow water, and little tourism. Piso Livadi is a tiny fishing harbor from which excursion boats depart to the Small Cyclades (Koufonisia, Schinousa — paradisiacal and wild).
Antiparos — The Little Sister
Only 10 minutes by ferry from Paros (from Pounta, every 30 min., 2€/person) lies Antiparos — a tiny island (45 km², 1,200 inhabitants) that has become famous in recent years because Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been vacationing here since the 1980s (and received Greek citizenship in 2020).
Antiparos is the anti-Mykonos: A main village (Antiparos Town) with a single main street, a few tavernas, beach cafes, and an atmosphere that lags 30 years behind the rest of the Cyclades — and that's exactly the charm. No designer shops, no beach clubs, no stress. Instead: open doors, friendly greetings, goats on the road.
★★ Cave of Antiparos (Spilia Antiparou)
One of the oldest stalactite caves in Europe, inhabited since the Neolithic period. 411 steps lead 100 meters deep into a hall with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Inside, an inscription from 1673 — the French Marquis de Nointel celebrated Christmas here with 500 guests and held a mass. King Otto's signature from 1840 can also be found.
6€. Daily 10–18 (summer). Bus from Antiparos Town (3€) or 8 km by car/scooter. Slightly climbing — sturdy shoes recommended.
Beaches on Antiparos
Soros Beach — The best beach: Sheltered bay, golden sand, beach bar, crystal-clear water. Loungers 8€.
Camping Beach — Right in town: Simple, free, popular with backpackers and locals.
Faneromeni — Lonely bay in the south, accessible by gravel road. Wilder, more beautiful, deserted.