When you think of the Greek islands, Mykonos often comes to mind. It’s famous for its white-washed buildings, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere. But Mykonos has evolved, becoming a playground for the superyacht crowd, which means prices and crowds can be quite high. For travelers seeking a similar charm with a more relaxed and perhaps traditionally authentic Greek island experience, many are now looking at its neighbor, Paros.
Discovering Paros Charm
Paros offers a wonderful blend of experiences, reminiscent of what Mykonos might have been like in years past. It’s an island that has managed to hold onto its original character while still providing pockets of sophisticated luxury. Imagine exploring charming villages, enjoying delicious food, and soaking up the sun on stunning beaches. This island offers a diverse holiday, from vibrant nightlife to quiet escapes.
It’s worth noting that while Mykonos and Santorini can be quite expensive, with main courses often exceeding £38, Paros provides a more balanced approach to holiday costs. You can enjoy high-end experiences alongside more budget-friendly options. This makes it an attractive destination for a variety of travelers.
Exploring Island Hubs
Parikia the Main Town
Parikia serves as the main town and is a practical starting point for many visitors, especially those arriving by ferry. It’s a very walkable area, filled with a good selection of restaurants, shops, and cafes. You’ll find a lively atmosphere here, perfect for those who plan a shorter stay or want easy access to transport and amenities.
It’s a place where you can easily find a local bakery for a delicious spanakopita for around £2.50 or explore more of the island’s food scene. Parikia also offers a way to experience local life, with its mix of traditional architecture and modern conveniences.
Naoussa for Nightlife
For those who love a stylish night out, Naoussa is a must-visit. It’s become one of my favorite spots in Greece, with its incredibly pretty harbor. This area is a concentration of excellent harborside restaurants, lively bars, and chic boutiques all centered around a picturesque whitewashed port. It’s a place where you can enjoy a sophisticated evening.
You’ll find fantastic dining options here. For instance, a traditional taverna like Tsachpinis, located on the bustling harbor, serves up sublime grilled sea bass and other Greek specialties. It’s wise to book ahead as it’s very popular, and a meal for two with wine can be around £60. For sundowners, Agosta is a beautiful harborside bar in Naoussa, perfect for watching the sunset over a fishbowl cocktail.
Aliki for Families
Aliki is a wonderful choice for families. It boasts a long, quiet sandy beach that is perfect for children. The area is lined with small shops selling gelato and mini-markets filled with beach toys. You’ll also find low-key tavernas here, offering a relaxed dining experience. It’s a peaceful setting ideal for a family holiday.
In Aliki, To Balcony tou Aki is a traditional taverna that specializes in seafood and overlooks the sea. Similar to Tsachpinis, it offers good value. For a more intimate experience, Thalassamou is a hidden gem for couples, located on the edge of Aliki. With candlelit tables by the pebbly beach, it’s known for its fresh catch of the day and local wine selection, keeping prices reasonable.
Antiparos for a Day Trip
Antiparos is an island that should not be missed, even if you only visit for an afternoon. It’s like a smaller, more stylish version of Paros. You can easily take a short, seven-minute ferry ride from Pounda port in Paros for a return ticket of about £2.40. Antiparos boasts beautiful beaches and an ultra-stylish main town, all walkable from the ferry port.
This island offers a chic escape and is a perfect example of the charm that draws visitors to the Cyclades. It’s a delightful excursion that provides a change of scenery and a taste of another beautiful Greek island.
Selecting Your Perfect Beach
Golden Beach
Golden Beach is one of the island’s most well-known beaches. It’s a wide, sandy stretch on the north side and a central point for water sports enthusiasts. You can rent sun loungers from around £18 for the day at stylish beach bars. However, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast, as this beach can be quite windy.
When planning a family trip for 2026, considering beach wind conditions is essential. For instance, my own family always checks the wind direction before deciding on a beach day, especially when little ones are involved. It helps ensure everyone enjoys the time spent on the sand and in the water.
Faragas Beach
Located on the south side of the island, Faragas Beach is a pretty, sandy bay that is protected from the usual winds. It offers bars and sun loungers for hire, costing around £38 for a pair. Be aware that this beach can become crowded during the peak season, so visiting during shoulder months, like September, might offer a more relaxed experience.
Monastiri Beach
Monastiri Beach is a lovely, sheltered sandy cove situated on a peninsula in the northwest of Paros. It’s home to arguably the best beach club on the island. While the food is decent, offering items like wraps and burgers, the real draw is the comfortable sun loungers with thick mattresses. Prices for a pair of loungers with an umbrella range from £30 to £60. The water here is calm and shallow, making it great for swimming.
Santa Maria and Little Santa Maria
These are real personal favorites, but you’ll need a car to reach these quieter spots. Located in the north near Naoussa, they are pretty, sandy coves. You can rent paddle boards and kayaks here. There are a couple of tavernas nearby, and the Santa Maria Beach Bar offers a very relaxed atmosphere with bean bags.
Kalogeros Beach
For something quite unique, head to Kalogeros Beach on the east side of the island. This cove is partly rocky and partly sandy. What makes it special is the natural, mineral-rich clay found on the rocks. You can scrape this clay, mix it with seawater, and apply it to your body for a natural spa treatment.
A Culinary Journey
The food scene on Paros is truly outstanding. You can find everything from a simple, delicious spanakopita from a local bakery for just £2.50 to high-end dining experiences. The island is dotted with an incredible array of reasonably priced tavernas, many situated right on the beach.
Beyond the tavernas, there are restaurants offering sophisticated takes on Greek flavors. Olvo restaurant, for example, serves a sensational homemade tagliolini with lemon confit and smoked eel, and beef picanha. Main courses here start from around £38, reflecting its high quality.
For those who appreciate a chic, yet authentic Greek dining experience, Siparos, just outside Naoussa, is highly recommended. It’s known for its stunning sunset views and creatively presented Greek classics. Dishes like Dakos salad and seafood linguini are highlights, with main courses starting from £22.
When considering a trip, I always look for places that offer a genuine taste of the local cuisine. Paros stands out for its ability to deliver both authentic taverna fare and more refined dining, ensuring that there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget.
Where to Stay
Budget-Friendly Apartments in Naoussa
If you’re traveling on a budget, apartments in Naoussa are an excellent choice. Even for a few nights focused on enjoying the nightlife, dining, and shopping, you can find bijou apartments within walking distance of the Old Town starting from around £40 per night. These offer a comfortable and convenient base.
Andronis Minois for Luxury
For a luxurious escape, the Andronis Minois is a stylish, five-star boutique hotel. It offers 44 suites, a spa with Thalassa treatments, an open-air gym, a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. This hotel is perfect for couples seeking high-end pampering, with incredibly delicious food and friendly staff. Prices here start from £315 for two, including breakfast.
Saint George Hotel for Families
The Saint George Hotel is a large, lively hotel that is ideal for families. It overlooks Golden Beach and features a pool and a beach bar. Prices for a double room, including breakfast, start from £110 per night, making it a good option for families looking for amenities and a great location.
Getting to and Around Paros
Travel Options
You can fly into Athens and then take a ferry or hydrofoil from Piraeus Port to Paros. The journey typically takes between three to four and a half hours and costs from approximately £45 one-way. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Mykonos and then catch a ferry or hydrofoil to Paros. This ferry ride is shorter, taking 35 minutes to two hours, with prices ranging from £21 to £62 one-way. There are also direct flights from Athens to Paros, with tickets starting from around £42 one-way.
Navigating the Island
Paros is a long, thin island, measuring about 21 kilometers (13 miles) from end to end. While local buses and taxis are available, they can involve waiting times and might limit your ability to reach more remote locations. Hiring a car is generally the best option for exploring the island at your own pace and discovering its hidden corners.
When planning transportation, especially if you’re traveling with young children, ease of access and flexibility are key. Renting a car offers the freedom to stop whenever you please, whether it’s for a spontaneous swim or to explore a charming village. You can verify car rental availability and pricing as part of your travel cost planning.
A Planner’s Perspective
When I plan family holidays, I always consider the balance of activities and relaxation available. Paros seems to offer just that. From the fun of the beaches and the choice of watersports to the simple pleasure of wandering through whitewashed villages, there’s something for everyone. The island’s ability to provide both luxury and authentic charm makes it a compelling destination.
For anyone considering a trip to Paros in 2026, I’d recommend looking at visiting during the shoulder seasons. This often means fewer crowds and more pleasant weather, allowing you to experience the island’s true character. Taking a local cooking class or simply enjoying a leisurely meal at a seaside taverna are experiences that truly capture the spirit of Greek island life.
I hope this guide helps you discover the unique appeal of Paros. It’s a place where you can create wonderful memories, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply the joy of experiencing a beautiful corner of Greece.
