Paros:
A Le Collectionist Guide

Between boat trips along the coast, sunsets facing the Aegean Sea, and hikes among the olive trees, Paros offers a wealth of don’t-miss activities to intrepid travellers. Here are our favourite options to best enjoy the Cyclades sun!

Set sail for a boat trip across the legendary waters of Paros, an unforgettable experience to discover the island and its islets. Between hidden coves and intimate beaches, swim through crystal-clear waters, break out the mask and tuba for some snorkelling, or lay your towel down on the deck to top off your tan.

As the day breaks, slip on your most comfortable and sturdy shoes to set out on the island’s trails, weaving between traditional villages, olive groves, and cliffs while admiring the exceptional panoramic view over the Aegean Sea — the bravest of you could even watch the sunrise!

Sunsets in Paros are absolutely not to be missed. The radiant colours on the horizon, golden reflections on the sea, and last rays over the hills create a truly unique atmosphere. Marvel at this spectacle from the beach, a local taverna, or the comfort of your private villa.

Paros’s local tavernas are famous for their traditional cuisine. Here, you can savour delicious dishes like tzatziki, moussaka, or grilled squid. Settle on a sunbathed terrace to enjoy the breeze and the sound of waves with an ouzo-based cocktail in hand.

They say “sound mind, sound body,” so take some time off for yourself in Paros. In the morning, do your sun salutations during a yoga class on the beach or in your villa’s Mediterranean garden. Then, end the day in beauty with an oil massage under the shade of the olive trees.

Naoussa is the ideal spot to enjoy the traditional Greek spirit and a lively nightlife. It’s also the perfect place to set up camp if you want to visit the beautiful beaches of Santa Maria and Kolymbithres.

Capital of Paros, Parikia bursts with life. Balancing history and modernity — with whitewashed homes typical of the Cyclades, museums, and restaurants — this is the perfect starting point from which to discover the rest of the island.

Nestled in the mountains in the centre of Paros, Lefkes is a calm and picturesque village. Come here to discover traditional architecture and legendary white churches. It’s also the perfect spot for hikers.

A typically Cycladic fishing village, Piso Livadi flourishes on the east coast of Paros. A small port, seafood tavernas, and white sand bays: everything conspires for a perfect family holiday spent exploring neighbouring islands like Antiparos and Naxos.

Near the port in Naoussa, Kolymbithres Beach has everything you could dream of. This fine sand beach is simply an open-air museum, proudly displaying enormous granite blocks sculpted by the sea and the winds. Spend your day splashing in the crystal-clear waters before sipping a refreshing Greek Spritz cocktail in one of the many bars along the beach.

Lounge chairs, rows of beach umbrellas, and chic beach bars, Golden Beach is by far one of the island’s most beautiful postcards. Located on the south side of Paros, come and test yourself against its waves, where every year one of the windsurfing world cup events takes place, or opt for a scuba diving session in the crystalline waters.

Ideal for an afternoon on the beach with family, Lolantonis has remained a highly confidential slice of paradise. Sheltered from the wind, enjoy its public or private beach, The Cliff, while you tan on the golden sands of a crystal-clear bay.

An endless stretch of sand, Lageri Beach is a preserved gem on the north-eastern coast of Paros offering a breathtaking view of Naoussa’s bay. Facing west, come here to admire the sunset while feeling cut off from the world before heading back to the lively town of Naoussa for dinner.

In the bay of Plastira, in the north of Paros, the long Santa Maria Beach is the most developed on the island. Lined with sunbeds, bars, and water activities, it is particularly suitable for families looking for entertainment. Grab a volleyball to face off as a family! For those seeking calm, head a kilometre up the road to find the much more unspoilt Mikri Santa Maria beach, with golden sandbanks and azure waters.

You can’t miss Les Amis if you’re after Mediterranean specialties paired with a delicious glass of wine. Simple yet chic, dinners facing the sunset among family or friends are always scored with laughter and wonder.

Near Santa Maria, Siparos is a delicious seafood restaurant beside the sea. You’ll enjoy a meal here in the shade of the pines savouring grilled lobster or kakavia, a fish soup typical on the island.

Restaurant Mario and the creative imagination of its chef Mario Tsachpinis will delight your taste buds, especially if you dream of fresh products cooked according to the season. Artistic presentation, exotic flavours, and a direct view of the moored boats? Savouring red mullet with vinegar and sultanas or octopus brochettes has never been a better experience!

Between two narrow and winding streets of Naoussa’s old town, stop in at Yemeni to sample every Greek flavour. Decorated in a charming traditional style and offering excellent rustic cuisine, it’ll be difficult to choose between all the mezze, meats, and fish on the menu!

In one of the best traditional tavernas on the island, enjoy cuisine by the talented Yorgos, discovering his rich, inventive, and inspired menu. Don’t miss the house specialties like dolmadakias, stuffed vine leaves.

Located on the Ampelas seafront, this family-owned tavern is a rare pearl in the heart of a fishing village. Here, you’ll find the best fish soup and freshest grilled mackerel on the island, as well as local specialties like soutzoukakia.

At Stilvi, savour colourful cuisine by chef Ioannis Parikos in a setting at once refined and laid back. At the bend of one of Naoussa's winding streets, it's the perfect place to sip a cocktail, watch the sunset, and enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal under the starry night sky.

Ten minutes from Parikia, this is the perfect private beach for setting your colourful beach towel down and savouring a franco-greek meal with your feet dug into the sand. Sip a cocktail from your comfortable sunbed under the parasol while the music plays on the beautiful beach of Agia Irini.

Whether you’re an avid swimmer or one to spend the day lazing in the sun, set off to Ambelas Beach in Paros for a relaxing afternoon under the Greek sun. To make your day even better, we recommend you have some fish fresh off the barbecue with your feet in the sand!

Perfect for enjoying the gentle and festive atmosphere at the beach with your children, Faragas Beach Bar is known for its delicious seafood and feta salads, with a side of music and laughter.

Zazala is an intimate beach bar and restaurant with hippy-inspired decor, providing a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Under the lanterns, come sip on an ouzo-based cocktail while admiring the setting sun’s orange hues.

For night owls, the trendy bar Monastiri offers some of the best cocktails on the island. Take advantage of this idyllic setting to live a unique and luxurious experience on the coast of Paros.

Boat trip to Antiparos or Despotiko

A boat trip to Antiparos or Despotiko is an unforgettable experience for all. Take this opportunity to marvel at the beautiful Aegean Sea and the rocky formations on the coast of Paros. Once you dock in Antiparos, explore the island’s famous cave, known for being one of the most beautiful in Greece. In Despotiko, soak in crystal-clear waters, frolic on the beach, and admire archeological remains throughout the island.

For more adventurous families, there’s nothing like spending the day fishing out at sea. Learn the traditional fishing techniques of Paros, and discover the Aegean Sea’s many varieties of colourful fish. Will you be able to spot any dolphins under the sunset’s fiery hues?

Set off to a traditional farm with your children to learn the secrets of typical Greek cuisine. Learn to prepare local dishes like moussaka, Greek salad, or tzatziki. You can also learn to make pita and discover what goes into growing organic vegetables.

Kite surfing at Pounda

Set off as a family to discover the charming traditional villages of Paros, their narrow cobbled streets, the whitewashed homes, and picturesque chapels. Stop in at Aliki for your afternoon snack before a shopping spree in Naoussa. Finally, end your day watching the magnificent sunset at one of Lefkes’s tavernas.

Bike ride on Kolymbithres

Meet the fish of the Aegean Sea

Horseback riding on the Paros coast

Kids on the farm

Paros is perfect for an escape under the Greek sun all year long. In summer as in winter, enjoy the beaches, whitewashed buildings, picturesque trails, and the island’s mythical atmosphere during a legendary break.

To fully appreciate Paros, it’s best to visit in April or May. In spring, the island is calmer and overgrown with wildflowers. The Aegean Sea is already quite warm from the sun at this time of year, and thinner crowds make it easier to bond with locals around a glass of raki.

During the summer season, from June to August, Paros is a very popular destination. People flock here for warm temperatures and sunny days. A festive atmosphere takes over the whole island, with many events, festivals, and parties organised. A summer in Greece also rhymes with water sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing, or diving, there’s something for everyone.

Autumn is the best time to visit Paros if you’re trying to avoid the summer crowd while still enjoying the pleasant Cyclades climate. The weather is a little cooler, but still perfect for lounging on the unoccupied beaches. It’s also a great time to discover the island’s flavours through the season’s olive harvest and wine production.

This is the low season in Paros, with cooler and sometimes rainy weather. Tourists are scarce, but if you choose to visit the island at this time you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, as well as low prices. It is important to note, however, that some tourist sites and restaurants may be closed.