The two Greek islands of Paros and Naxos offer different landscapes and experiences, and the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences. However, here are a few reasons why you might choose to visit Paros rather than Naxos:
- Atmosphere: Paros is often considered more lively and cosmopolitan than Naxos. It’s renowned for its lively nightlife, boutiques and restaurants. If you’re looking for a destination with a lively atmosphere, Paros could be the ideal choice for you.
- Beaches: Both islands have beautiful beaches, but Paros is often considered to have more varied beaches. Paros offers sandy beaches, rocky coves, lagoons and crystal-clear waters. The most popular beaches on Paros are Golden Beach, Kolymbithres and Santa Maria.
- Water sports: Paros is one of the best windsurfing spots in Greece. Golden Beach is renowned for its windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, as the wind blows frequently. Paros also offers boat trips to neighboring islands, as well as boat rentals and fishing excursions.
- Access to other islands: Paros is well-situated for day trips to neighboring Cycladic islands. You can easily visit islands such as Antiparos, Mykonos and Santorini by ferry.
Ultimately, the choice between Paros and Naxos depends on your personal tastes and preferences. Both islands offer natural beauty, fascinating history, rich gastronomy and exciting activities.
Why visit the Cycladic island of Paros?
Here are a few reasons to visit Paros:
Are the most beautiful beaches on the island of Paros?
Paros is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches with clear waters. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively beach with bars and water sports, or a secluded cove to relax in, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Paros culture to discover the wonders of Aegean Greece
Paros has a rich history and interesting culture to discover. There are many charming villages with narrow cobbled streets, churches and museums to learn more about the island’s history and culture.
Greek food
Greek cuisine is famous the world over, and Paros is no exception. Taste local dishes such as tzatziki, moussaka and souvlaki, as well as freshly caught seafood.
Water sports on the most beautiful beaches
Paros is a popular destination for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its strong, constant winds, and scuba diving.
The atmosphere on the island of Paros
Paros is an island that offers both a lively atmosphere and a more peaceful, relaxing one, depending on the places you choose to visit.
All in all, Paros is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy beaches, culture, food, water sports and a typically Greek atmosphere.
How to get to Paros
There are several ways to get to Paros, depending on your point of departure and travel preferences. Here are some common options:
- By plane: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Paros is to fly to Paros national airport. You can find direct flights from several major European cities in the summer season. It is also possible to fly to Athens and then take a connecting flight to Paros.
- By ferry: Paros is easily accessible by ferry from Athens (Piraeus), and from other islands in the Cyclades and Crete. The best-known ferry companies serving Paros are Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and SeaJets. Ferry schedules and frequencies vary according to the season, so it’s important to check in advance.
- By car: If you’re traveling to mainland Greece or the island of Crete, you can take a ferry to Paros with your own car, or rent one locally. This will enable you to discover the island more independently and visit the many beaches.
It’s important to note that transport timetables can vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so it’s advisable to check timetables and routes in advance.
3 must-do things on Paros
Paros is a beautiful Greek island with lots to see and do. Here are three must-see places I recommend visiting on your trip to Paros:
- Parikia: Parikia is the island’s main town, located on the west coast. It’s known for its charming town center, with narrow streets lined with traditional white houses and local craft stores. You can also visit the magnificent church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s most important religious sites.
- Naoussa: Naoussa is a picturesque fishing village on the island’s north coast. It is famous for its cobbled streets, white houses, churches and traditional tavernas. You can stroll around the picturesque harbor, visit Naoussa’s Venetian castle and explore the beautiful beaches and coves nearby. It’s also an excellent spot to watch the sunset.
- Antiparos: Antiparos is a small island just a short ferry ride from Paros. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere and impressive grotto. The Antiparos cave is a unique natural wonder with stalactite and stalagmite formations. It’s an ideal spot for a day trip from Paros. You can also hire a boat from Paros and get to Antiparos very easily.
There are of course many other wonderful places to discover on Paros, such as the beautiful beaches, traditional villages, ancient ruins, Livadi, Kastapoliani. We recommend using a car rental agency or hiring a scooter to explore the island at your own pace.
