What are the best things to do in Paros? In the heart of the Cyclades, Paros combines two very lively white villages, Parikia and Naoussa, a variety of sandy beaches, inland villages linked by old paved paths and, just opposite, the small island of Antiparos. Larger and cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini, it makes a good base for a first trip to Paros and the Cyclades. This guide helps you choose what to visit in Paros, where to stay, when to go and how to plan your stay. If Naxos also tempts you, our Naxos or Paros comparison sets the beaches, atmosphere and budget of the two islands side by side.
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Paros at a glance
- Location Cyclades archipelagoIn the Aegean Sea, between Mykonos to the north and Santorini to the south, facing Naxos
- Airports Paros airport, with domestic flights from Athens · details
- Ferry from Piraeus or Rafina(Athens), by high-speed or conventional ferry, depending on the company
- Ideal length 4 to 7 days, including Antiparos
- Best time late May-June and September
- Time zone UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer: 2 hours ahead of London, 7 hours ahead of New York · detailsLocal time now: –:–
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US citizens (tourism or business) and UK citizens (in any 180-day period) · US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK
- Currency the euro · currencies
- Electricity 230 V / 50 Hz, type F plugs (Visit Greece); US and UK travellers need an adapter, and US devices must accept 230 V · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
When to go to Paros
The best times to go to Paros are late May-June and September: 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F) in the afternoon, practically no rain, a pleasant sea and reasonable crowds. July and August are hot (27 °C / 81 °F) and very busy, especially around 15 August, and the meltemi often blows hard. From November to March, the island is quiet and wetter; many hotels and restaurants close.
No official climate normals are published for Paros. The table below uses those of the Greek weather service’s Naxos station: the two islands are separated only by a narrow strait and have very similar climates. The meltemi, the north wind of Cycladic summers, cools the air but makes the sea rough; windsurfers on the east coast love it, and it can disrupt ferries.
When to go to Paros: the essentials
- Best times: late May, June and September
- For the beach: June to September, warmest sea in August-September
- For hiking and villages: April-May and October
- For windsurfing and kitesurfing: July-August, with the meltemi
- Hottest month: July, average high of about 27 °C (81 °F)
- Wettest months: December and January (nearly 70 mm / 2.8 in)
- Low season: November to March, many places closed
Paros climate month by month
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.4 (58) | 9.6 (49) | 67.9 (2.7) | Very low | Low | ❌ Cool and wet, island in slow mode |
| February | 14.6 (58) | 9.4 (49) | 56.3 (2.2) | Very low | Low | ❌ Cool and wet |
| March | 15.8 (60) | 10.4 (51) | 45.7 (1.8) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Still cool, few services |
| April | 18.7 (66) | 12.5 (54) | 17.6 (0.7) | Medium (Easter) | Medium | ⚠️ Mild, cold sea, Easter |
| May | 22.1 (72) | 15.7 (60) | 10.6 (0.4) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, few crowds |
| June | 25.9 (79) | 19.6 (67) | 2.4 (0.1) | High | High | ✅ Hot, one of the best months |
| July | 27.1 (81) | 22.0 (72) | 0.9 (0.0) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Hot, windy, very busy |
| August | 27.0 (81) | 22.2 (72) | 1.6 (0.1) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Peak crowds and prices |
| September | 25.1 (77) | 20.1 (68) | 7.7 (0.3) | High | High | ✅ Hot, sea at its best |
| October | 21.9 (71) | 17.0 (63) | 38.6 (1.5) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, end of season |
| November | 18.8 (66) | 13.7 (57) | 52.3 (2.1) | Very low | Low | ❌ Rain returns, closures |
| December | 15.9 (61) | 11.1 (52) | 69.0 (2.7) | Very low | Low | ❌ Cool and wet |
Paros season by season
- Spring (April-May): 19 to 22 °C (66 to 72 °F) in the afternoon, much less rain in May. The hills are still green and the paths pleasant; the sea stays cool. Hotels gradually reopen.
- Summer (June to August): 26 to 27 °C (79 to 81 °F) by day, warm nights, almost no rain. Everything is open, Naoussa and Parikia are very lively, and the meltemi often blows in July-August.
- Autumn (September-October): 22 to 25 °C (72 to 77 °F), sea still warm in September, fewer crowds. The first rains arrive in October and closures begin at the end of the month.
- Winter (November to March): 14 to 19 °C (57 to 66 °F) by day, rain and wind. Paros follows the rhythm of its residents; fewer ferries.
Paros month by month
January: 14 °C (57 °F), one of the wettest months. A very quiet island, no swimming.
February: 15 °C (59 °F), still damp. For walking and seeing the villages without tourists.
March: 16 °C (61 °F), less rain, green hills. Few places open.
April: 19 °C (66 °F), the season starts, often around Easter. A good month for hiking.
May: 22 °C (72 °F), almost dry. Ideal for visiting Parikia, Lefkes and Antiparos before the crowds.
June: 26 °C (79 °F), pleasant sea, everything is open. One of the best months.
July: 27 °C (81 °F), frequent meltemi, high season. Perfect for windsurfing.
August: 27 °C (81 °F), peak crowds, especially around 15 August (a Greek public holiday). Book early.
September: 25 °C (77 °F), the sea at its warmest, fewer people. One of the best months.
October: 22 °C (72 °F), first rains. A quiet, cheaper end of season.
November: 19 °C (66 °F), about 50 mm (2.0 in) of rain. Most hotels are closed.
December: 16 °C (61 °F), the wettest month. Off-season Paros, very peaceful.
To compare with the other islands, see our page on when to go to Greece.
Things to do in Paros: the highlights
Parikia and Ekatontapiliani church
Parikia, the main port, is also the island’s capital. Behind the waterfront, the old town lines up white lanes, chapels and shops. The church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, « of the hundred doors », is one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in Greece, with origins in the early Christian period. Higher up, the 13th-century Venetian kastro was built partly with marble blocks from ancient temples. The small archaeological museum completes the visit. In the evening, the waterfront is one of the most popular sunset spots.
Naoussa, the fishing port
In the north, Naoussa is the most photographed village on Paros: a small port where caiques sit beside tavernas, guarded by the ruins of a Venetian fortress. The surrounding lanes are full of restaurants, bars and shops. The village is very lively on summer evenings and calmer in the morning. Boats also leave Naoussa for the beaches around the bay.
Lefkes and the Byzantine path
Lefkes, the island’s former main town, clings to the central hills. Its stepped lanes, white houses and marble Agia Triada church make it one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. An old paved path, often called the « Byzantine path », leads down from Lefkes to Prodromos and the east coast: allow about an hour’s walk, setting off early in summer. Neighbouring Marpissa and Prodromos are also worth seeing.
The beaches of Paros
Paros has beaches for every taste. In the north, Kolymbithres is known for its granite rocks sculpted by erosion, which form small coves. Santa Maria, further on, is known for water sports. On the east coast, Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti) and Nea Chrysi Akti, long and exposed to the meltemi, are renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. In the south, Piso Livadi and Logaras are more family-friendly; in the west, around Parikia, Agios Fokas and Krios are easy to reach. When the north wind blows, choose the southern beaches.
Antiparos
Separated from Paros by a narrow strait, Antiparos is a few minutes away on the Pounta ferry, or by boat from Parikia. The main village, around an old Venetian kastro, is quieter than those on Paros. The Antiparos cave, decorated with stalactites, is the main sight on the island; the southern beaches and boat trips to the islet of Despotiko, home to an ancient sanctuary still being excavated, round off the day.
Butterfly Valley and Longovarda monastery
South of Parikia, the Petaloudes valley is a shady garden where butterflies gather in summer. Northeast of Parikia, Longovarda monastery, still inhabited by monks, is known for its icons. Access is regulated: ask locally about opening times and visiting conditions.
Cape Korakas, Drios and boat trips
In the north, the Cape Korakas lighthouse offers a fine view over Naoussa bay and Naxos. In the southeast, the small ports of Drios and Piso Livadi remain peaceful. Day boat trips take you to hard-to-reach coves, Antiparos or Despotiko, and let you swim away from the crowds. Diving, snorkelling and windsurfing lessons can be booked in the main resorts.
Itinerary ideas for Paros
Paros in 4 days
- Day 1: Parikia, Ekatontapiliani, the kastro and sunset on the waterfront
- Day 2: Naoussa, Kolymbithres beach, Cape Korakas lighthouse
- Day 3: Lefkes, the Byzantine path to Prodromos, Piso Livadi beach or Golden Beach
- Day 4: a day on Antiparos (cave, village, beaches)
10 days in the Cyclades
- Days 1 and 2: Athens and the Acropolis
- Days 3 to 6: Paros and Antiparos
- Days 7 and 8: Naxos, a short ferry ride away
- Days 9 and 10: Santorini or Mykonos, then home
To plan your route, see our guide to things to do in Naxos, our page on what to see in Santorini, our Mykonos travel guide and our selection of Greek islands. For the first stop, see our page on visiting Athens.
Paros: who is it for?
Our verdict by traveller type, based on the information in this guide:
| Traveller type | Our verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | ✅ Ideal | The white villages of Parikia, Naoussa and Lefkes, sunsets on the waterfront, a day on Antiparos. |
| Families | ✅ Yes | More family-friendly southern beaches (Piso Livadi, Logaras), Butterfly Valley, an island larger and cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini. |
| Beach and water sports | ✅ Ideal | Varied beaches; Golden Beach and Nea Chrysi Akti are windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, especially in July-August with the meltemi. |
| Hiking and culture | ✅ Yes | The Byzantine path from Lefkes, Ekatontapiliani church, the Venetian kastro; April-May and October are the best months for walking. |
| Budget travellers | ⚠️ Possible | Cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini, but roughly €70 to €110 per person per day in high season; come in May, June or September. |
| Off season | ❌ Not ideal | From November to March, the island slows down and many hotels and restaurants close. |
Budget for a stay in Paros
Paros is cheaper than Mykonos and Santorini, but prices rise sharply in July-August, especially in Naoussa. Indicative amounts per person per day in high season, excluding flights:
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared double room) | roughly €35 to €60 | roughly €90 to €170 |
| Meals | roughly €20 to €30 | roughly €45 to €70 |
| Local transport | roughly €5 to €10 | roughly €20 to €40 (car, scooter) |
| Activities (boat, gear rental) | roughly €10 to €15 | roughly €20 to €40 |
| Total per day | roughly €70 to €110 | roughly €160 to €280 |
To cut costs: come in May, June or September, stay in Parikia or the southern villages rather than Naoussa, use the buses and eat in village tavernas.
Getting there and getting around Paros
- By plane: Paros airport, in the southwest of the island, has domestic flights from Athens; international travellers connect in Athens.
- By ferry: from Piraeus or Rafina. Paros is a Cyclades hub, with frequent connections in season to Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios or Amorgos. Ferries dock at Parikia. Book early in summer.
- Buses: the local network links Parikia with Naoussa, Lefkes, the southern villages and the main beaches.
- Car, scooter, quad: handy for beaches and villages. Roads are sometimes narrow; GOV.UK advises keeping valuables out of sight and locking your vehicle.
- Antiparos: car ferry from Pounta, a few minutes’ crossing, and boats from Parikia.
Where to stay in Paros
- Parikia: handy for ferries and buses, local life, lower prices than Naoussa
- Naoussa: the most charming and liveliest in the evening, but more expensive
- Ambelas and Santa Maria: in the northeast, quieter, near the beaches
- Piso Livadi, Logaras, Golden Beach: east and south coast, for families and water sports
- Lefkes and Marpissa: peaceful inland villages, car recommended
- Antiparos: for a quieter stay, a few minutes from Paros
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Greece is in the Schengen area: you may enter without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond your departure date, but the State Department recommends at least six months; you may be asked for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated February 19, 2026).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Under the EU Entry/Exit System, the Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect fingerprints and photos from UK travellers: follow the advice of officials on the ground (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
- Health: UK travellers can use a GHIC or EHIC for state healthcare; GOV.UK notes that treatment may be limited on the islands and that there are serious shortages of ambulances on some of them. Whatever your nationality, take out travel insurance covering medical costs, including evacuation from the island.
- Sea: according to GOV.UK, people drown in the sea in Greece every year; follow the beach flag system (a red flag means you must not enter the water).
- Wildfires and earthquakes: causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Greece, even if unintentional; set your phone to receive emergency alerts and follow @112Greece for official updates. There is also a risk of earthquakes (GOV.UK). Emergency number: 112.
- Theft: keep valuables out of sight and be alert to car crime (GOV.UK).
Our travel insurance guide helps you choose suitable cover, including evacuation from an island.
Practical tips for Paros
- Money: cards are widely accepted; keep some cash for buses and small tavernas.
- Bookings: in July-August, book accommodation, ferries and car rental in advance.
- Wind: when the meltemi blows, choose a southern beach; check ferry times the day before.
- Hiking: closed shoes, water and an early start on the inland paths.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees to enter churches and monasteries.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges and data limits before you go.
See also to plan your trip
To choose the period island by island, see when to go to Greece; our time in Greece page explains local time.
To plan a Cyclades itinerary, our selection of Greek islands presents the main islands, and our Naxos guide covers Paros’s neighbour.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to Paros?
Late May, June and September: 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F) in the afternoon, almost no rain, a pleasant sea and fewer people than in July-August. May and October suit hiking well.
How many days do you need in Paros?
Four to five days let you see Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, a few beaches and Antiparos. A week leaves time to enjoy the beaches or add Naxos.
How do you get to Paros?
There are no long-haul flights. Fly to Athens, then take a domestic flight to Paros or a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina.
Paros or Naxos: which should you choose?
Paros is more compact, with very lively villages and nightlife in Naoussa. Naxos is bigger, more mountainous and more agricultural, with long sandy beaches. The two islands are a short ferry ride apart: many travellers combine both.
What can you do in Paros when it is windy?
Choose the sheltered southern beaches, visit Parikia, Lefkes and the inland villages, or make the most of it by windsurfing at Golden Beach. Ferry services may be disrupted.
Is Paros expensive?
Less so than Mykonos or Santorini. Allow roughly €70 to €110 per person per day on a budget in high season, more in Naoussa. Prices drop noticeably in May, June and September.
Our sources
- Climate data: Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), « Climatic Data by City », Naxos station, consulted on 13 October 2026
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Greece country information (last updated February 19, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Greece (updated 11 August 2026)
- Electricity: Visit Greece (Greek National Tourism Organisation), travel tips, checked 26 October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Greece travel guide, our pages on visiting Naxos, a trip to Santorini, things to do in Mykonos, what to see in Crete and what to see in Corfu, as well as our guide to things to do in Zakynthos, on the Ionian side. For date ideas, see where to go in June or in September, and our other destinations in Europe.
