Travel Guide  ›  Paros
Paros travel guide

Paros: the real Cyclades, just as you imagined

Fishing boats in Naoussa harbor, marble villages in the mountains, golden beaches and a laid-back island life. This is where Happy Move was born.

Best timeLate May–Jun, Sep
Ideal stay4–5 days
Airport → Parikia~15 min by car
Ferry portParikia
Why visit Paros

Our home island

Happy Move started in Paros, so this guide is personal. Paros has everything people dream of when they think of the Greek islands: whitewashed villages, blue-domed chapels, tavernas by the water and beaches for every mood, but without the overwhelming crowds of its famous neighbors.

Naoussa, the picturesque fishing village in the north, comes alive at night with cocktail bars and seafood tavernas around its little Venetian harbor. Parikia, the main port town, hides one of the oldest churches in Greece. Up in the mountains, Lefkes feels like time stopped a century ago.

Paros is also the perfect base for island hopping: Antiparos is just a short boat ride away, and Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini are easy to reach by ferry.

Local tipRent a scooter or book a driver for a day and explore the mountain villages. That's where the real Paros is.
Don't miss

6 unforgettable things to do in Paros

01

An evening in Naoussa

Fishing boats, a little Venetian castle at the harbor entrance and tavernas right by the water. The island's most charming spot after sunset.

Book dinner in advance in July and August.
02

The village of Lefkes

The old capital of Paros, high in the hills: marble-paved lanes, flowers everywhere and views down to the sea.

Have a coffee in the little square, then walk around without a plan.
03

Walk the Byzantine path

An ancient marble-paved trail from Lefkes down to Prodromos, through olive groves and countryside. About an hour, mostly downhill.

Ask us to pick you up at the end of the trail.
04

Kolymbithres beach

Smooth granite rocks sculpted by wind and sea into natural pools, in the bay opposite Naoussa.

Go early in the morning to find a spot between the rocks.
05

Ekatontapyliani church

"The church of a hundred doors" in Parikia, one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece.

Visit just before sunset, then walk the old town lanes.
06

A day in Antiparos

Paros's little sister: a relaxed village, a spectacular cave and beautiful beaches, only a short ferry ride away.

Ferries leave often from Pounta, just south of Parikia.
Where to stay

Where to stay in Paros

Paros is small enough that everything is close, but each area has a very different feel.

Charm & nightlife

Naoussa

The most picturesque village, with the best restaurants and bars. Lively in summer, close to great beaches.

Convenience

Parikia

The main town and ferry port, with shops, a lovely old town and easy connections. Ideal for short stays and island hopping.

Authentic

Lefkes

A mountain village with a slow pace, wonderful views and no crowds. Best with a car or a driver.

Windsurfing

Golden Beach & Drios

Long sandy beaches on the southeast coast, a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Quiet & local

Alyki

A small fishing village in the south, close to the airport, with calm beaches and seafood tavernas.

Island escape

Antiparos

Stay on the small island next door for a bohemian, barefoot holiday.

Swipe for more →
Getting around

Airport, port & village transfers

Approximate travel times by car. They depend on traffic, especially in July and August.

Paros Airport → ParikiaMain town & port
~15 min
Paros Airport → NaoussaNorth coast
25–30 min
Parikia Port → NaoussaMost ferry arrivals
15–20 min
Parikia → LefkesMountain village
15–20 min
Parikia → PountaFerry to Antiparos
~15 min

Arriving by ferry in Parikia?

Ferries arrive several times a day, and taxis at the port are limited in summer. We know Paros better than anyone: your driver will be waiting for you on the dock.

  • Fixed price per vehicle, no surprises
  • Free waiting if your flight or ferry is late
  • Child seats & vans for up to 12 people
  • Pay by cash, card or Apple Pay
See prices & book →
Where it all began “
Paros is where Happy Move began. Come for a few days, and you'll understand why we never left.
HM
The Happy Move teamBorn in Paros, driving across Greece
FAQ

Paros: frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Paros?

Four to five days is ideal for the villages, the best beaches and a day trip to Antiparos. Paros is also a great base for island hopping, so many travelers stay longer.

How do I get from Athens to Paros?

By ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or by a short flight from Athens Airport. Ferries arrive at Parikia, the main port.

Is Paros good for families?

Yes, very. Many beaches have shallow, calm water, distances are short and the island is relaxed and safe.

Do I need a car in Paros?

Buses connect the main villages and beaches. A car, scooter or driver is useful for the mountain villages and the more remote beaches. For port and airport transfers, book ahead in summer.

Keep exploring

Continue your island hopping