Planning to visit Paros Island? This is the best 3-day Paros itinerary you could possibly find, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
Paros is a nice, cosmopolitan island located in the Cyclades. It is a top destination for travelers of all ages and tastes who wish to explore the natural beauty, vibrant nightlife, and cultural life of this Cycladic Island.
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Helpful Information for Your 3-Day Paros Itinerary
So, here’s all you need to know about the island, from how to get there to how to move around the island. You can also experience authentic Greek hospitality by reading our guide on where to stay to enjoy your lovely holiday in luxury and comfort.
The best time to visit Paros
Paros has a Mediterranean climate, and it can get pretty hot during the summer days while its winters are mild but windy. Generally, the high season starts in July and ends in August.
Depending on your needs and tastes, the best time to visit Paros is anywhere between April and October, when the weather is good and you can explore the island freely.
If you want to see the vibrant nightlife, then you should visit the island during the high season, while if you want some peace and quiet, you could go in the spring or after September.
How to get to Paros
Fly to Paros from Athens
You can get to Paros from Athens either by air or by ferry. There is the Paros Airport (PAS) in Alyki, with flights mainly serviced by Olympic Air/Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. The flight lasts about 40 minutes, and you can find available flights all year round.
Hop on a ferry to Paros.
You can also get to Paros by hopping on a ferry.
From the Port of Piraeus, you will find daily crossings by BLUE STAR Ferries, SEAJETS, and GOLDEN STAR Ferries. According to your vessel type, it can take between 2 and a half hours to 4 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the Port of Rafina, with ferry routes that last from 4 to 6 hours, serviced by GOLDEN STAR Ferries, SEAJETS, and Cyclades Fast Ferries. You can also go to the port of Lavrion, which has a Hellenic Seaways ferry that crosses to Paros in 7 hours.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets
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How to get around Paros
Paros has a good road network, so you can get around the island very easily, either by car or by bus.
You can rent a car to have freedom of movement around the island and get to the beaches you wish to explore.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars, where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Alternatively, you can use the local bus (KTEL), which has scheduled bus routes around the island and tickets at affordable prices, usually starting at 1.80 Euros, and the option of having a daily ticket at the price of 10 euros.
Where to stay in Paros
Looking for good accommodation options for your 3-day Paros itinerary? We’ve got you covered!
Argonauta Hotel: This is a lovely hotel located 5 minutes from the port in Parikia. It has a quaint Cycladic style with minimal furniture and bright rooms to enjoy the sun! It also has a lovely courtyard to relax in, free parking, and all the luxuries you could need! The staff is very hospitable and friendly! Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Sandaya Luxury Suites: This luxurious resort offers everything you need, from an outdoor swimming pool to a bar, terraces, and lovely views. Situated in Naousa, 200 meters from the beach, these comfortable and cozy suites will make you feel at home. Breakfast is available for each room. The staff is super helpful! Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Cleopatra Seaside Homes: Located on the seaside –literally 50 meters from Piso Livadi beach- this resort offers self-catering suites of the most Cycladic style: minimal furniture, whitewashed houses, blue details, and a sense of cleanliness and freedom. The hostess, Cleopatra, is very kind and helpful to everyone who wishes to explore the island. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
A Perfect Paros Itinerary
- Day 1: Santa Maria Beach or Pounta Beach, Lefkes Village, Paroikia
- Day 2: Kolymbithres Beach or Monastiri Beach, Naoussa
- Day 3: Day trip to Antiparos
Now, here is the perfect 3-day Paros itinerary to spend your time getting to know the island and enjoying the lovely beaches.
Day 1 of your Paros Itinerary
It’s your first day! Buckle up and get to know Paros Island in all its authenticity.
Head to the beach at Santa Maria Beach or Pounta Beach
Once you reach the island, head to Santa Maria Beach or Pounta Beach for a swim. Santa Maria is a sandy beach with the most turquoise waters and a luxurious beach bar that offers all possible amenities to relax by the waves.
There is music, fun, and lots of people enjoying the sun and crystal waters. Pounta is another famous beach on the island, another sandy paradise with amazing waters, known as a watersport hub! There is also a beach bar with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a pool to lounge in.
Explore Lefkes Village
Hop in your car or the bus and head to Lefkes village, a quaint settlement located 11 km away from Paroikia. You will see amazing, whitewashed houses, cobblestone alleys, blue doors, and windows, and a breathtaking view of the island among pine trees and olives.
Go to the Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and visit the Folk Art Museum to learn more about its history or eat traditional cuisine at a local tavern.
Explore Paroikia
Next, head to Paroikia to discover the beauty of Paros. Paroikia is a port town worth exploring, and you can do so on foot since it’s relatively flat. While in Paroikia, visit the imposing Panagia Ekatontapyliani, the port town’s iconic church built in the 4th century AD by the Byzantines.
After that, walk to the famous windmills to take lovely photos. Don’t miss the Holy Temple of Zoodochos Pigi, a whitewashed church still in service. If you’re into history, visit the Archaeological Museum of Paros, with amazing findings such as pots and ornaments from Roman times. The ticket price for the museum is only 2 Euros.
Then, stroll around the alleyways of the Old Town, and discover great boutiques and souvenir shops for shopping, or sit at a small tavern for traditional delicacies. Head to the Frankish castle of Paroikia, built in the 1200s by the Venetian, which still retains its prestige and beauty.
Catch the sunset at the Church of Agios Konstantinos, and you won’t regret it. It’s an amazing sight, with orange and red hues in the sky and the vast Aegean Sea in front of you. Once the sun sets, get to know Paros’ nightlife by grabbing a cocktail at one of the lovely bars.
Day 2 of your Paros itinerary
Head to Kolymbithres Beach or Monastiri Beach
Start your day by basking in the sun and enjoying the lovely beaches of Paros. Head to Kolymbithres Beach, one of the best beaches in the Cyclades, where the rocks have peculiar formations that look like small pools.
You will find a beach bar there with sunbeds and umbrellas to relax or grab a snack/drink. You can also choose Monastiri Beach, another sandy paradise with a luxurious bear bar and restaurant.
Explore Naoussa
After that, head to Naoussa, another important village on the island. It is the most picturesque village on Paros island, combined with a cosmopolitan lifestyle and expensive bars and restaurants.
While in Naoussa, you can marvel at the traditional Cycladic element and rich history and tradition. To learn more about it, you can walk around until you reach the imposing Venetian Castle. It dates back to the 13th century, and it is a medieval building of exquisite beauty, as is the Old Port.
Explore its small port with its famous bars and restaurants, or go shopping in the alleyways. From jewelry to beautiful pieces for your wardrobe, Naoussa is the best place to shop.
While there, don’t forget to try out food and enjoy the lively nightlife. It is where most people flock to enjoy drinks and delicious food and relax after the sun sets.
Day 3 of your Paros itinerary
Take a daytrip to Antiparos
Take this opportunity and enjoy a day in Antiparos. Antiparos is an amazing little island opposite Paros, as its name suggests. It only takes 7 minutes to cross from the island of Paros. It is ideal for hiking around the romantic cobblestoned alleyways, greeting the hospitable locals, and drinking a coffee.
While in Antiparos, stroll around Chora and go to the Castle of Antiparos with its stone walls and great views, or head to Anti Art Gallery for some art and culture.
There are also lovely beaches you could explore, such as Glifa, Panagia, Psaralyki, and more. For a lovely sunset, head to Sifneiko beach, which overlooks the island of Sifnos (hence its name), and relax there.
There is also the uninhabited Despotiko islet, with amazing crystal waters and remote beaches to dive into. To get there, you can go on a daily cruise from Antiparos port.
If you have time, visit the Antiparos Cave, which is reachable by bus four times per day during the high season. There you can see one of the oldest stalagmites in Europe, which is estimated to be 45 million years old! There are steps you can take to go to inside the cave and explore it entirely.
How to get to Antiparos
Take the ferry from the port of Paroikia.
To get to Antiparos, you can take the ferry from the port of Paroikia. 5 daily crossings usually last 7 minutes. The earliest ferry to Antiparos from Paroikia departs at 10 in the morning and the latest, at 18:30.
Hop on a ferry from Pounta port.
Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry from the port of Pounta. There are about 36 daily crossings, with the earliest ferry departing at 06:30 in the morning and the latest at 01:30.
The ticket prices range from 2 Euros to 5 Euros. From Pounta port, you can also cross to Antiparos with your car.
More than three days in Paros?
Check out more beaches.
In Paros, you can never see enough beaches. Head to Golden Beach, Parasporos, Marchello, Livadia, Krios, Agia Eirini, Logaras, Farangas, Piperi, and many others.
Explore more villages
There is more to see in the rest of the villages where tourism isn’t prevalent, and the Parian way of life has retained its authenticity. Go to Prodromos village to wander around the magenta bougainvillea and visit Piso Livadi with its small port, lovely cuisine, and windsurfing tradition.
Check out the Marble Quarries
Since you have more time, explore the ancient Marble Quarries of Paros, where the famous Parian Marble was produced. Explore the deserted buildings for yourself and see where they used to get the marble that made masterpieces such as Venus de Milo and other sculptures.