Traditional villages, peaceful beaches and turquoise waters
Paros is an idyllic Greek island, which decorates the already beautifully mesmerizing Aegean seas, as part of a group of islands known as the Cyclades. It is the second largest island here and is famous for its bright sandy beaches which are lapped by perfectly turquoise waters, as well as its quaint yet traditional villages, connected by unrivalled Byzantine footpaths.
Parikia, the island’s capital is a colourful town and the main port of Paros. It is one of the most quintessentially Cycladic villages, known for its cosy cobbled streets dotted with old churches, as well as small, traditional shops and picturesque houses reflecting the sun and the sea with their shades of blue and brilliant white. The vast amount of white buildings adds by contrast to the vibrancy of the delicate trees and flowers found here, making this island even more picture perfect.
For those with an interest in the Byzantine history found here, the historic Byzantine church complex Panagia Ekatontapilia, also known as Katapoliani, is a must-see in the capital of Parikia.
Arguably the most famous beach found here is Kolymbithres, due to its fascinating geology where you’ll find beautifully sculpted granite rock formations which are several millions of years old. The island is well connected to the other islands nearby due to its central location among them, and most of the ferries to Naxos and Santorini stop off at Paros. This island is also a popular destination for those seeking to experience a range of water sports. Wind and kite-surfing are some of the most popular options here and the coastal town of Dryos found to the east, along with Tserdakia beach and Chryssi Akti beach – also known as Golden Beach – are the favourite spots among surfing fanatics.
Whether you spend your days here simply relaxing and enjoying the paradisaical surrounds on its glowing beaches, delving into its ancient roots, or honing your water sports skills on the dazzling waters, Paros is bound to become one of your new firm favourite Greek destinations.
Highlights
Wander the romantic, cobbled streets of Parikia
Visit the Byzantine church complex of Panagia Ekatontapilia
Relax on Kolymbithres Beach and admire its amazing geology
Try your hand at some windsurfing or kitesurfing amid the island’s popular water sports scene
Discover the gorgeous mountain village of Lefkes
Take to one or more of the scenic walking trails found in Paros Park
James Wakelin
Travel Designer
I love Paros for its charming villages and gorgeous little beaches. It’s slightly off the beaten track compared to some of its neighbours, giving it a calm peacefulness. You can really get under the skin of Paros, meeting the residents, trying local cuisine and totally immersing yourself in its history and culture. Paros is also a bit of a hidden gem in terms of activity - great hikes and exciting kitesurfing.
James Wakelin
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Paros
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Explore more of Greece
Athens
Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, it’s a city bursting at the seams with culture, intrigue and beauty.
Discover moreCrete
Crete was home to Europe’s earliest civilisation, the Minoans, and the legendary birthplace of Zeus. That’s quite a claim to fame but not content to just be historically interesting, the island also has a wealth of natural beauty and some of the country’s best beaches.
Discover moreFolegandros
Positioned in the southern reaches of the Cyclades and surrounded by the glistening blues of the Aegean Sea, Folegandros is a beautiful and largely undiscovered island, currently emerging as a rewarding and laid-back haven.
Discover moreMilos
The southwestern-most of the Cyclades, it encapsulates the beautiful beaches, rustic white-washed houses, cyan waters, great food and rich history of its neighbours without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.
Discover moreMykonos
Mykonos might be one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades complex but it makes up for it in character. Its reputation as a glamorous party destination has stuck since the 50s and while it’s true people here know how to have a good time, the island is incredibly beautiful, its beaches and secluded corners offering refuge to those who seek it.
Discover morePeloponnese
The southern peninsular of Peloponnese, separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal, encapsulates everything that is wonderful about Greece. It is both rich in culture and naturally beautiful.
Discover moreSantorini
Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.
Discover moreSpetses
Despite this rather diminutive size, it has a rich history dating back millennia and has been a favourite of well-to-do Athenians for over a century, now hosting a handful of wonderful boutique hotels.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit
A mild climate is enjoyed in Paros throughout the year, though the best conditions for visitors begin in April, as temperatures begin to rise and sunshine hours increase. July and August see the highest temperatures, as well as the greatest number of visitors, with June and September blessed by fewer crowds but just as pleasant weather conditions.
Summer
May - September
Hiking
March - October
Beach Breaks
June - September
Greece Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Paros
Whatever you want from your adventure in Paros, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Greece. Our experience with Jacada was great from the start. They listened to our wish list. Provided some good feedback, and helped us put together a wonderful itinerary customized to our preferences. Once in Greece, our transportation was on time and very comfortable. Our guides for excursions were engaging and knowledgeable. Restaurants…
Murray and Symmone planned an unforgettable trip to Greece. Our favorite locations were by far Crete and Paros. Athens and Santorini were worth visiting just once, but a bit crowded for our liking. Murray planned some wonderful spots off the beaten path and paired us with top-of-the-line expert, private tour guides. The food, accommodation, and experiences were priceless. I didn't…
From start to finish, everything was taken care of. The choice of accommodations was amazing. The guides were all really knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers the same. Every transport was prompt. The couple times we had to call the on site number for assistance, it was answered immediately and our concerns addressed. If you are looking for a luxury trip,…
The Jacada customer service planning and execution was outstanding. The service at each location superb and the hotels were first class. The guides were exceptional and well versed in the country history. A tremendous experience and would highly recommend Jacada as a travel agency. They do it the right way!!
We have taken two trips arranged by Jacada and both have been amazing. They pick the best hotels, restaurants and guides. This summer Melania and her team pulled together a 10 day trip in the Greek isles with only three weeks advance notice! Nothing about our itinerary felt rushed or not up to the standards of our previous trip. We…
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.