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Paros sits in that sweet spot between Mykonos glam and Naxos earthiness — stylish enough to feel like a treat, relaxed enough that you never feel like you're performing.
Whitewashed villages, golden beaches, world-class windsurfing, a harbor full of fishing boats strung with fairy lights. It's the Cycladic island that first-timers fall for and repeat visitors keep coming back to.
But here's the thing about Paros: where you stay shapes your entire trip. The island's two main towns — Naoussa and Parikia — offer completely different experiences, and the beach areas along the east coast are a different vibe entirely. Pick the wrong base and you'll spend half your holiday wishing you were somewhere else.
I've stayed across Paros multiple times — from Naoussa's marina to Parikia's Old Town to the windswept stretches of Golden Beach. Here's what I'd tell a friend.
Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Paros
Short on time? Here's the cheat sheet:
- Best area overall: Naoussa — picturesque harbor, upscale dining, boutique hotels, best nightlife
- Best for first-timers: Parikia — ferry port, bus hub, affordable, walkable Old Town
- Best for beaches: Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) — long sand, watersports, beachside hotels
- Best for families: Aliki or Piso Livadi — calm waters, seafood tavernas, relaxed pace
- Best for honeymooners: Naoussa — romantic alleys, sunset cocktails, intimate boutiques
- Best without a car: Parikia — central bus station, ferry access, everything on foot
- Best for nightlife: Naoussa — cocktail bars, late-night spots, marina atmosphere
Find hotels in Paros on Booking.com
Paros at a Glance
Paros is a mid-sized Cycladic island, roughly 2–4 hours by ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina). It's well-connected to Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos by regular ferry service, making it an ideal island-hopping stop.
The island has reliable bus service connecting Parikia, Naoussa, and the main beaches — one of the better public transport networks in the Cyclades. That said, a car or ATV opens up the quieter southern coast and inland villages. If you're staying in Parikia or Naoussa, you can manage without wheels. Anywhere else, you'll want them.
Peak season runs July–August when prices double and restaurants need reservations days ahead. June and September are ideal — warm water, full services, manageable crowds. The shoulder months of May and October work too, though some beach bars and restaurants close early or late in the season.
Naoussa — The Chic Choice
Naoussa is the reason most people fall in love with Paros. A former fishing village on the northern coast, it's evolved into the island's most photogenic and cosmopolitan address — think Venetian harbor ruins, bougainvillea-draped alleys, and waterfront tavernas that become cocktail bars after dark.
The town clusters around a small horseshoe harbor where colorful fishing boats bob alongside expensive yachts. By day it's quiet — perfect for morning coffee and photography in golden light. By evening, it transforms: fairy lights come on, restaurants fill every cobblestone corner, and the bar scene runs until the small hours.
Naoussa's beaches are reachable by water taxi from the harbor — a fleet of small wooden boats shuttle visitors to Kolymbithres (famous for its sculpted rock formations), Monastiri, and Lageri every 30 minutes. It's one of the best beach-hopping setups in the Cyclades.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, nightlife-seekers, design-conscious travelers, anyone who wants the quintessential Greek island experience.
The trade-off: Naoussa is the most expensive area on Paros. In July–August, it's busy — reservations are essential at top restaurants, and the harbor can feel crowded. Book hotels 4–6 months ahead for peak season.
Getting around from Naoussa: Regular buses to Parikia (15 minutes). Water taxis to nearby beaches. A car is helpful for exploring the rest of the island but not essential for daily life.
Where to Stay in Naoussa
Avant Mar
A 5-star boutique on Piperi Beach, a five-minute walk from Naoussa's harbor. Contemporary Cycladic design, a stunning pool overlooking the bay, and the Matsuhisa restaurant bringing Nobu-style cuisine to the island (open mid-June to mid-September).
The rooms are spacious with sea views and the kind of refined finish you'd expect at this price point. Wellness treatments draw on ancient healing practices.
Price range: €250–600/night
Best for: Couples who want luxury within walking distance of town
Good to know: The hotel closes for winter and reopens in June. Book early — this is one of the most sought-after addresses on Paros.
Check prices for Avant Mar on Booking.com
Christina Hotel
An adults-only gem right in the heart of Naoussa — the kind of place where you step out your door and you're in the middle of everything. Rooms are elegant with Cycladic whites and blues, and the rooftop terrace offers views across the village rooftops. Intimate, well-run, and perfectly located for evening strolls to the harbor.
Price range: €120–280/night
Best for: Couples who prioritize location and atmosphere over resort amenities Good to know: No pool, but you won't miss it — the water taxi beaches are minutes away.
Check prices for Christina Hotel on Booking.com
Cosme Paros
Set slightly outside the village center, Cosme delivers a polished resort experience with a large pool, spa, and multiple dining options — while keeping Naoussa within easy reach. The design is minimalist-modern with natural materials. Suites are spacious enough for families.
Price range: €200–500/night
Best for: Travelers wanting resort comforts without sacrificing Naoussa access Good to know: A short walk or shuttle to town. The pool area alone justifies the stay on a hot day.
Check prices for Cosme Paros on Booking.com
Parikia — The Convenient Hub
Parikia is Paros's capital, ferry port, and transport nerve center. It's where most visitors first set foot on the island — and for many, it's the smartest place to stay.
The town has genuine character. Behind the waterfront commercial strip lies one of the most atmospheric Old Towns in the Cyclades: a dense maze of whitewashed alleyways, blue-shuttered houses, hidden churches, and small squares with tavernas where you're the only tourist at dinner. The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani — the "Church of 100 Doors" — dates to the 4th century and is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece.
Parikia's west-facing position means the sunsets are spectacular, and Livadia Beach — a long, sandy stretch just south of the port — is walkable from most hotels.
The town also has practical advantages: the central bus station connects to every corner of the island, the ferry port is right there for day trips to Antiparos (7 minutes by boat) or Naxos, and you'll find supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, and car rental shops all within a few minutes' walk.
Best for: First-timers, families, budget travelers, anyone without a car, travelers arriving late by ferry.
The trade-off: Parikia is more functional than Naoussa — the waterfront near the port can feel commercial, and the nightlife skews younger and louder. The prettiest parts are tucked away in the Old Town, not immediately obvious to visitors rushing through.
Getting around from Parikia: Walk to Livadia Beach (10 minutes). Bus to Naoussa (15 minutes), Golden Beach (25 minutes), Aliki (20 minutes). Boats to Antiparos and Krios Beach from the port.
Where to Stay in Parikia
Argonauta Hotel
An eco-conscious boutique in the heart of Parikia's historic center. The building is a beautifully restored traditional house with Cycladic decor, a courtyard garden, and rooms that feel both stylish and authentic.
The complimentary breakfast is generous, and the staff genuinely know and love the island. Walking distance to restaurants, the Old Town, and the bus station.
Price range: €100–220/night
Best for: Travelers who appreciate character and sustainability over resort amenities
Good to know: This is a small property — book early. The location in the Old Town is unbeatable.
Check prices for Argonauta Hotel on Booking.com
Paridian Elegant Living
A contemporary property near Livadia Beach — modern suites with private terraces, a garden setting, and that mix of stylish design and quiet comfort. Five minutes' walk to the beach, close enough to the port for convenience, far enough for peace.
Price range: €90–200/night
Best for: Couples wanting modern comfort near the beach and town
Good to know: The quiet location is a plus, but you'll want to walk 10–15 minutes into the main town for evening dining and bar options.
Check prices for Paridian Elegant Living on Booking.com
Pension Irene
A family-run budget option that proves you don't need to spend a fortune on Paros. Clean rooms, friendly hosts, breakfast included, and walking distance to the port and bus station. It's simple — but that's the point. Your money goes on experiences, not hotel lobbies.
Price range: €50–110/night Best for: Budget travelers, solo visitors, anyone who just needs a clean, well-located base Good to know: No pool, no frills. But the warmth of the family running it makes up for everything.
Check prices for budget hotels in Parikia on Booking.com
Parikia or Naoussa? The Big Decision
For 90% of visitors, the where-to-stay question comes down to these two. Here's the honest breakdown:
Choose Naoussa if: You want atmosphere above all else. Romantic dinners by the harbor, boutique shopping, cocktails at sunset, and the prettiest village on Paros. You're happy paying more for the experience and don't mind that you'll need a bus or car to reach the ferry port and some beaches.
Choose Parikia if: Convenience matters. Late ferry arrival? Parikia. Relying on buses? Parikia. Tighter budget? Parikia. Traveling with kids and want easy logistics? Parikia. You can always bus or drive to Naoussa for a night out — but having the port, buses, and everyday essentials at your doorstep simplifies everything.
The insider move: If you're renting a car, the decision barely matters. Drive to Naoussa for dinner, park at Golden Beach for the day, explore the mountain villages — your base becomes less relevant when you're mobile. In that case, pick whichever hotel and vibe appeals most.
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) — Best for Beach Lovers
If your ideal Paros holiday involves waking up, walking to the sand, and not moving until sunset, Golden Beach is your answer.
Stretching along the island's east coast, about 25 minutes' drive from Parikia, this is Paros's premier beach area. Long golden sands, turquoise water, and consistent summer winds that have made it one of the Mediterranean's top windsurfing destinations. The Professional Windsurfers Association has held world championship events here.
The area around Golden Beach is quieter and more spread out than either Naoussa or Parikia. There are a handful of beachside hotels, a few tavernas, and a beach bar or two — but no village center to speak of. The nearby area of Faragas Beach and Punda Coast add a party-beach option.
Best for: Beach purists, windsurfers, kitesurfers, couples wanting sun-and-sand simplicity.
The trade-off: Limited dining options (you'll eat at the same few places repeatedly). No real nightlife. You need a car or scooter to reach Naoussa or Parikia for variety. The east coast catches the Meltemi winds — great for watersports, not great if you want calm seas.
Where to Stay Near Golden Beach
Saint George Hotel
Right on Golden Beach, this family-friendly property has direct beach access, a pool, and spacious rooms. It's a solid mid-range base for anyone whose holiday revolves around the sand. The on-site restaurant saves you the drive into town for dinner.
Price range: €90–200/night
Best for: Families, couples, watersports enthusiasts
Good to know: The wind can be strong on this coast — fine for windsurfers, less ideal for small children on some days. Check conditions if traveling with kids.
Check prices for hotels on Golden Beach on Booking.com
Aliki — Best for Families & Quiet Retreats
Aliki is a small fishing village on Paros's southern coast — the kind of place where grandmothers sit outside their houses in the evening, cats own the narrow streets, and the seafood tavernas are supplied by the boats moored right in front of them.
The beach is calm, shallow, and sheltered — ideal for small children. The village has enough restaurants to keep a week interesting without being overwhelming, plus a couple of small shops. It feels genuinely local in a way that Naoussa hasn't for years.
Best for: Families with young children, travelers wanting authentic village life, second-time Paros visitors exploring beyond the main towns.
The trade-off: It's quiet. If you're under 30 and looking for nightlife, you'll be bored. Limited accommodation options compared to Naoussa or Parikia. A car is necessary.
Getting around from Aliki: Bus service to Parikia exists but is less frequent than the Naoussa route. A car or scooter is strongly recommended.
Where to Stay in Aliki
Most accommodation in Aliki consists of studios and family-run guesthouses rather than branded hotels. Look for properties on Booking.com with at least an 8.5 rating — the family operations here are consistently well-reviewed. Expect to pay €60–140/night for a clean studio with a sea view.
Browse stays in Aliki, Paros on Booking.com
Lefkes — Best for Mountain Village Charm
If you want to experience Paros as it was before tourism — or at least something close — head inland to Lefkes.
Sitting at the island's highest point, this mountain village is a postcard of marble-paved streets, Byzantine churches, and panoramic views across olive groves toward both coasts. The hike from Lefkes to the coastal village of Prodromos on the old Byzantine road is one of the best walks in the Cyclades.
Almost no tourists stay here — which is both the appeal and the limitation. You'll need a car for everything (beaches are 15–20 minutes' drive), and dining options are limited to a few excellent but simple tavernas.
Best for: Hikers, photographers, travelers who've seen the coast and want something different.
The trade-off: No beach, no nightlife, no resort amenities. This is a base for exploring, not lounging.
Where to Stay in Paros Without a Car
Parikia is the clear winner. The central bus station runs regular services to Naoussa (every 30 minutes in high season), Golden Beach, Pounta (for the Antiparos ferry), and most beaches on the west coast. You can walk to Livadia Beach, the Old Town, and the port. Boats to Antiparos and Krios Beach leave right from the harbor.
Naoussa is a close second. You'll have bus service to Parikia, water taxis to Kolymbithres and Monastiri beaches, and everything in the village is walkable. The limitation is reaching the southern and eastern beaches — for those, you'd need a bus to Parikia first and then transfer, which eats into beach time.
Everywhere else on Paros requires a car.
Where to Stay in Paros for Nightlife
Naoussa dominates after dark. The harbor area fills with cocktail bars — Sante, Fotis, Linardo — and the scene runs until 3–4am in summer. It's sophisticated rather than clubby, though there are late-night dancing spots too.
Parikia has a younger, more backpacker-oriented nightlife. The waterfront bars near the port are lively and affordable. The scene is more spontaneous — you follow the music rather than making reservations.
If nightlife is a top priority and you prefer upscale atmosphere, Naoussa. If you want affordable, casual, late-night energy, Parikia.
Where to Stay in Paros for Beaches
The best beaches in Greece include several on Paros:
- Kolymbithres — sculpted granite rocks, unique landscape, water taxi from Naoussa
- Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) — long golden sand, watersports capital
- Santa Maria — beautiful bay north of Naoussa, lively beach bars
- Faragas — hidden cove in the south, turquoise water, limited facilities
- Marcello & Krios — accessible by boat from Parikia, calm and scenic
For beach-hopping variety, Naoussa gives the best access (water taxis to Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Lageri, plus buses to the east coast). For a single, dedicated beach base, Golden Beach can't be beat.
Where to Stay in Paros for a Honeymoon
Naoussa is the romantic choice, and for good reason — candlelit harbor dinners, boutique hotels with private terraces, sunset walks through whitewashed alleys. The hotels here lean into the romance: private balconies overlooking the sea, breakfast delivered to your room, spa treatments for two.
For honeymooners wanting seclusion over nightlife, look at properties in the Stelida area (between Parikia and Agios Prokopios on Naxos — accessible by day trip) or the quieter edges of Naoussa near Piperi Beach.
Top honeymoon hotel pick: Avant Mar in Naoussa — beachfront luxury, intimate scale, Matsuhisa restaurant for special-occasion dining.
Practical Tips for Staying in Paros
Getting there. Paros has a small airport with seasonal domestic flights from Athens (35 minutes). Most visitors arrive by ferry from Piraeus (3–4 hours by high-speed, 4–5 hours by conventional) or Rafina. In summer, daily connections run to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and other Cycladic islands. Book ferries in advance during July–August via FerryHopper.
Island-hopping. Paros is perfectly positioned for Cycladic island-hopping. Naxos is just 45 minutes by fast ferry. Santorini is about 2–3 hours. Mykonos around 1–2 hours. The small ferry from Piso Livadi to Naxos (Agia Anna beach) is a local secret — beautiful crossing, gorgeous beach on arrival.
When to visit. June and September are the sweet spot: warm seas, full services, sane prices, and you can actually get a dinner reservation without planning three days ahead. July–August are hot, busy, and expensive — but the energy is electric. May and October are lovely but quieter, with some businesses closed.
Meltemi winds. From mid-July through August, the Meltemi (northern wind) blows hard. East coast beaches get the brunt of it — great for windsurfing, less great for sunbathing. West and south coast beaches are more sheltered on windy days. Ask your hotel staff which beaches to hit based on wind conditions that day.
Day trips. Antiparos is a 7-minute ferry from Pounta (or boat from Parikia). It's a gorgeous little island — a charming harbor town, pristine beaches with waterfront restaurants, and Europe's only vertical cave. Don't skip it.
Planning your trip. Use our AI trip planner to build a custom Paros itinerary — it accounts for ferry schedules, hotel preferences, and how many islands you want to cover.
Heading to neighboring islands? Check our guides to where to stay in Naxos and where to stay in Milos. For help choosing between islands, try our best Greek islands guide or let our AI trip planner build your perfect route.