The island of Paros might be small but it’s magnificent! Attracting a wealth of visitors from island hoppers, young party people, older couples, honeymooners, and families, you can stay in fishing village resorts or in one of the traditional mountain villages. Whichever you prefer, we help you locate the best place to stay in Paros for your needs.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.
Where to Stay in Paros, the Best Areas
Parikia
The capital and main port town, Parikia aka Paros Town is one of the main places that people stay in Paros. Though busy around the port, tranquillity can still be found in its maze of narrow backstreets with typical Cycladic white-washed buildings that contain an array of cafes, bars, boutiques, and souvenir shops intermingled with holiday accommodation and residential properties along with quaint chapels including the impressive 4th-century Byzantine church complex of Panagia Ekatontapyliani aka the Church of 100 Doors.
The Paros Archaeological Museum, the remains of the Venetian fortress, and the 8th-century Ancient Cemetery are also highlights of Parikia that the culture vultures will want to explore.
The waterfront promenade is lined with cafes, tavernas, and accommodations, much of the town’s nightlife is located on the Eastern side of the dock close to the bus station but some of the cafes in the heart of the old town also double up as jazz bars and other music venues in the evening.
There is a good sandy beach too called Livadia Beach on the Northside of the town (10 minutes walk from the port) with water sports and sunbeds and small coves and coastal walks over the cliffs further around the bay.
Parikia is one of the best places to stay in Paros whether you’re a solo traveler doing some island hopping, a young couple, an older couple, or family, as it has everything anyone could ever need plus, the fantastic bus service allows you to easily access all other parts of the island and with the port, you could visit other islands on a day trip or go on an organised sightseeing tour.
You might also like A Guide to Parikia, Paros.
Recommended hotels in Parikia
Ampeli Apartments $
These conveniently located apartments (80m from the beach and 800 meters from the port) are decorated in a typical Cycladic style. Clean and spacious, they feature everything you need for a budget break. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Krotiri Bay Hotel $$
With magnificent views overlooking the Gulf of Parikia (especially at sunset!) the family-run Krotiri Bay Hotel provides a relaxed stay in its comfortable rooms and suites. A 5-minute walk from the beach and just 10 minutes into the heart of the old town, it features a pool, and on-site cafe, and has board games, music, and puzzles to keep the kids happy. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Paros Palace $$$
A peaceful hotel that oozes romance, Paros Palace offers guests standard rooms or premium suites with private pools. With amazing views over the bay, the hotel is on the outskirts of town, set back from the busy seafront, so provides free transfers to the town from 8 am-10 pm for guests. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Naoussa
The charming coastal village of Naoussa, located on the North of the island 10km from Parikia, is a picturesque yet lively cosmopolitan tourist development well known and loved for its maze of narrow backstreets, a pretty harbor filled with fishing boats, cosmopolitan bars, boutique shops, Venetian castle ruins, and numerous fish tavernas with octopus hanging outside.
A smaller version of Parikia, Naoussa is the party place of the island with several lively bars and nightclubs to be found in the height of the Summer months but visit in the daytime and you’ll find it to be a bustling tourist-filled fishing village with picture-postcard views around every corner.
There’s plenty to do in the village with the Byzantine Museum, Wine Museum, churches, and the Venetian fortress ruins that you’ll want to walk out to plus there’s a large water park nearby which the kids and teens will love and the opportunity to go horse riding and exploring the coastline in a kayak or on a day cruise.
For beaches you’re spoilt for choice with Kolymbithres Beach loved for its rock formations that line the shore, this also being a great place to snorkel, the quieter Lageri Beach, and the popular Santa Maria beach with beach volleyball and beach bar.
Popular with young people looking to let their hair down but also families and older couples, Naoussa has a little something for everyone attracting Athenians as well as Europeans enjoying a Summer vacation and island hoppers from as far afield as New Zealand which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Paros.
You might also like: A Guide to Naoussa, Paros.
Recommended hotels in Naoussa
Irini Rooms $
200 meters from the iconic Venetian harbor and castle and just 100 meters from the beach, these rooms are beautifully decorated in a shabby-chic style and have great views over the sea and harbor. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Sandaya Luxury Suites $$
Offering a high-end experience without breaking the bank, this elegantly decorated hotel has superb views from its rooms, sun terrace, and garden. The pool has a pool bar in the center of it creating a cool vibe, with attention to detail everywhere. Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel $$$
Just 30 meters from Agioi Anargyroi beach, the quiet and elegantly decorated Cycladic-style rooms have a spa bath and a furnished balcony or patio with a sea view. With the added benefit of a pool, fitness center, games room, and a large and varied breakfast menu, this is a great boutique hotel for the whole family, the village just a 4 minute walk away. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Lefkes
A traditional village nestled in the mountains 10km from Parikia, Lefkes was once the capital of Paros, founded in the 15th century. A sprawling maze of steep and narrow alleys filled with historic neoclassical mansions and white-washed churches and windmills that lead down to a village square, there’s a quintessential scene around every corner just waiting for you to photograph.
Step inside the 17th-century Agia Triada church with its rare Byzantine icons and learn more about Paros and Lefkes in the folk museum. Outside of the village, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pine-covered hills with several monasteries nearby that you can visit including the 17th-century Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Kaparos.
There’s also the Byzantine Road, a marble-paved 3.5km long path, that starts from the village and leads to the village of Prodromos and onto the sea.
Great for couples and solo travelers who are more interested in enjoying the authentic Greek way of life rather than a traditional beach holiday, Lefkes is the ideal retreat for artists, photographers, and even writers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues due to the climbing narrow streets, and cars having to be left on the road at the bottom of the village.
Recommended hotels in Lefkes
Studio Calypso $
Surrounded by olive trees on the edge of the village, these clean and bright air-conditioned studios have a large terrace providing great views of the village and out to the sea. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Villa Byzantino $$
An elegant boutique hotel located down a quiet street overlooking the Byzantine church of Agia Triada. Combining modern and traditional features, most rooms open onto private verandas with some suites having a hot tub. Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Traditional Apartment $$$
Stay in your very own quintessentially Greek white-washed house. Looking wonderfully rustic from the outside, step inside the apartment to see the splendor of the traditional décor with all mod-cons. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Click here for more information and to check availability.
Piso Livadi
This picturesque fishing village is peaceful, even sleepy, compared with Naousa and Parikia. Located 17km from Parikia, halfway down the east coast, it has been developed as a tourist resort so features numerous tavernas, cafes, and bars on the seafront along with seafront accommodation and many studio apartments within the village itself.
There are 2 beaches to choose from, a smaller beach near the small fishing port which is shady due to the pine trees, and a larger long sandy beach 500 meters from here called Logaras Beach, both have sunbeds available to rent, just watch out for the swell from the large ferries that pass in the distance as you won’t want your beach bag getting wet.
From the port, you can go on a day trip to one of the neighboring islands including Antiparos and Santorini, or you can rent a car or quad bike to explore more of the Paros such as the nearby Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) which is perfect for windsurfing or the nearby villages and main town of Parikia.
Piso Livadi is perfect for couples and families looking to unwind, happy to spend their days on the beach or by the pool with some souvenir shopping and a drink or ice cream in one of the bars in the evening.
You can also explore the quaint backstreets where you’ll find the 14th-century church of Agios Georgios Thalassitis, and, at the back of the village, the Athanasiadou Art Gallery together with lots of stunning scenic coastal walks.
Recommended hotels in Piso Livadi
Elena Studios Apart-Hotel $
Just 100 meters from the beach and 200 meters from the bars and restaurants, this Cycladic-style residence features several clean and tidy self-catering units, each with a private balcony with garden or sea views. A great budget option when you just need a place to lay your head at night. Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Cleopatra Seaside Homes $$
Just 50 meters from the sandy beach of Logaras and with all bars and restaurants within walking distance, these traditional apartments provide couples and families with fully equipped self-catering accommodation, each with its own terrace offering breathtaking sea views. Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Acquamarina Resort $$$
3.5km from the center of Piso Livadi, on the Nea Chrissi Akti beachfront (New Golden Beach) you’ll find a stunning 4-star resort providing high-end suites. With a large pool featuring hydromassage jets, water sports facilities, an onsite restaurant, this is a great place for couples to unwind. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Planning your trip to Paros, have a look at my guides:
Best things to do in Paros
Best beaches in Paros
Best day trips from Paros
How to get from Athens to Paros.