A cosmopolitan Cycladic beauty

Paros, one of the most multidimensional Cycladic islands, will offer you exactly what you are looking for, no matter what it is. From laid-back absolute relaxation to a vibrant day and nightlife, here you can have it all.

Lose yourself between picturesque beauty and vibrant cosmopolitanism.

Paros is an island of many faces, and -along with its stunning natural beauty- that is why it has become one of the most popular and sought-after destinations in the Aegean Sea. In Paros you can have it all, and in quite an abundance. A huge array of amazing beaches, ranging from secluded little coves reached only by sea to large vibrant bays full of beach bars and water sports, with kitesurfing being quite the thing here. Small hidden villages that seem forsaken by time with quaint authentic tavernas, where you can enjoy a traditional meal under the bougainvillea. White-washed alleys filled with small local shops or posh designer stores just next to picture-perfect marinas showcasing some of Greece’s most famous restaurants and bars. Even Venetian castles and Byzantine ruins await to fascinate history lovers. As we said, Paros has it all!

Where to swim and dive

It is true that the beaches at Paros island are among the best in the whole of the country, and their wide variety is enough to keep everyone happy. From the modern families to the romantic couples, and from the loud companies of friends to the sworn party lovers and the water sports enthusiasts, Paros has a beach -or more- for each and for all. Beginning with the stunning Kolymbithres, one of the island’s most famous and photographed bays, this gold-sand and crystal-clear waters slice of heaven on earth showcases huge granite rock formations which shape small lagoons (in Greek “kolympithres”) between them. The beach is close to Naoussa and is fully organised.

Next stop the secluded cove of Monastiri beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, which has been named after the Monastery of Saint Ioannis Detis, located on its eastern side. There is a most organised and very elegant beach bar restaurant here, which offers all day opportunities for posh dining and cocktails on the beach. Its menu is curated by a famous Greek chef and serves traditional Greek cuisine with a twist, while the cocktail list is also prepared by award-wining mixologists. The soft sand and turquoise -relatively shallow- waters and the great service make Monastiri an excellent choice for families and people seeking for relaxed, yet cosmopolitan, vibes.

The white sand and emerald waters of Santa Maria beach await for all, to offer treasured moments of vibrant beach life, as here you will come across tavernas, restaurants, beach bars -in a definite party mood- and water sports centres. Next to it, the Small Santa Maria is somewhat more serene and offers more privacy, if that is more of your thing. However, if you want absolute seclusion and no facilities, then opt for the nearby Lageri beach, which is amazingly beautiful, as well as nudist friendly, so keep that in mind in case you are travelling with children.

Sports and adrenaline enthusiasts will also find their fair share of beaches with amazing water sports facilities, as Paros is famous for its kitesurfing and windsurfing scene, due to its strong and dependable winds. Chrissi Akti, translating as Golden Beach in English, is a famous windsurfing meeting point in the country. This huge gold-sanded beach with the deep blue waters has been awarded a Blue Flag and is frequented also by families, as it has many facilities for all preferences. However, when windy it is better to be avoided, if not a windsurfing lover. The same applies for Punda Kite beach, which faces Antiparos island and constitutes the most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing hub, as well as the place where the World Windsurfing Championship is held every year.

Dining & Bar Scene

Paros is a very cosmopolitan island and has been growing towards that end for several years now. It is full of luxurious villas and 5-star hotels, hosting a most elegant crowd that settles for nothing than the very best when it comes to its nights out. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in the country, and numerous award-winning chefs curating amazing menus for demanding palates. Last year the first Matsuhisa restaurant of the island opened its doors in a stunning hotel, and Nobu Matsuhisa himself will be hosting the famous Nobu Festival on the island.

At the same time, Galazia Hytra (sibling of the Athenian Michelin-starred Hytra restaurant) can be found here, and this year the only 2-Michelin starred chef in Greece took over Paron restaurant inside another 5star hotel. Adding to the list, some of Greece’s most celebrated chefs travel to Paros each summer, making the best of the island’s pure ingredients and offering guests elevated culinary experiences.

Naoussa, a most picturesque port with small marinas, is the place to see and be seen in the nightlife of Paros, as some of the best restaurants and bars are located here. Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys, check out the stores and shops, and then head towards the iconic marina, where all the venues set their tables one next to the other. After dining on delicious seafood and creative dishes, the party begins and it is epic, as all become one and lively crowds dance on the chairs and tables until late at night.

Not to miss when in Paros

Paros may be cosmopolitan and posh, but it also enjoys a quaint and peaceful side, traditional and authentic as can be. Lefkes, the first capital of the island, is surely not to be missed, with its amphitheatrical architecture and extent use of the world-famous Parian marble. Take a stroll through its white-washed alleys, check out the Byzantine Road, which dates back one thousand years, enjoy your coffee or breakfast under the bougainvillea and allow yourself to be transferred to the glorious past of the island.

Do take a day to visit the small villages of Prodromos and Marpissa, the 16th century traditional settlement with its picturesque windmills and churches. Amazing tavernas serving authentic local cuisine will keep you busy, before you enjoy your Greek coffee in the village square. If here for some days, it is totally worth it, to take the time to visit the neighbouring tiny island of Antiparos and spend a day in its oh-so-cute Chora or at one of its paradise like beaches.