Last Updated on 23rd January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Maybe you’ve just decided to put Paros in your Greek island-hopping itinerary or maybe you’re just looking to find unique activities and things to do in Paros. This guide to 2 days in Paros is for you.
No matter how much time you’re planning to stay on the island these two days in Paros will give you more than just a bunch of things to do in Paros in two days! It will offer alternative things to do for you to find out how to better spend your time in this mesmerising Cycladic destination. Ready? Read on!
For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our top Greece quotes and our guide to the best hidden gems of Greece.
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Why Choose Paros?
Paros is a dreamy destination that is much less quiet and undiscovered in comparison to some of the more popular Greek island destinations. Often compared to the similar Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Paros has a character of its own that you will want to discover.
Although it is true that the island resembles Mykonos for its nightlife and party atmosphere, and that some areas in Paros could be easily as charming as the white alleys in Santorini, Paros has even more to offer.
Price tags are not as high as in the exclusive Mykonos, making it a good destination for young travelers on a budget who want to have fun without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a Greek honeymoon destination that’s a little off the beaten path, this is it!
Besides, the island has some really beautiful beaches, some of them perfect for water sports and some others ideal to sunbathe and relax. Add to that gorgeous Cycladic landscape, great outdoor opportunities, and you will have one of the best summer destinations in Greece!
Getting to Paros
Although the island has a small airport receiving seasonal flights from other Greek cities (Athens and Thessaloniki), the most practical and budget-friendly way to get there is by ferry.
You will need to board a ferry boat from the port of Piraeus, in Athens, or reach the port of Parikia (the capital of the island) from another island in the Aegean.
Naxos, one of the islands that sit closer to Paros is often a good departing point to reach Paros. If you’re planning to visit Naxos, check out our 2 days in Naxos itinerary. However, you can also travel to Paros from Sifnos, Serifos, Crete, or the small Donoussa.
Getting around in Paros
Paros is probably the best island to visit if driving in mountainous terrain is not something you’re eagerly looking forward to. When compared to other Greek islands, Paros looks rather flat, with a few soft hills that are easy to drive to.
For these reasons, it is certainly a good idea to rent a car in Paros if you’re planning to explore. A good alternative for a short stay is to rent a small motorbike, a moped, a scooter, or even a bike.
If you prefer to save a few euros, then you’ll be happy to learn that public transport is cheap, fast and efficient. It might not take you to every corner of the island, but you’ll be certainly able to visit the most famous landmarks that Paros has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Paros?
As with most Greek islands, the best weather spans from the end of May until mid-September. Being July and August the hottest and most crowded months not just in Paros but all over the Aegean.
For milder weather, but also more convenient prices, early June and September are the best months to explore Paros.
Is 2 days enough time in Paros?
Paros is a beautiful island with a plethora of interesting attractions. If you travel at a medium to fast pace, then you should be able to see the top highlights of the islands over the course of 48 hours.
However, if you want to spend time relaxing at the beach and at your accommodation as well as visiting the sites, the ideal amount of time to explore Paros is three to five days.
Where to Stay in Paros
There are two obvious choices when choosing a base on the island. You can stay in the capital, Parikia, especially convenient if you’re staying for just two days and want to remain close to the port and the main attractions. Check Parikia accommodation here.
However, the small seaside town of Naousa is a magnificent alternative, especially when looking for nightlife, great restaurants, and a more laid-back Greek-island vibe. This tiny fishing village is a popular option that has managed to maintain a unique and traditional atmosphere. Check Naousa hotels here.
If you’re a fan of the mountains and don’t care much about going to the beach, the solitary Lefkes village, which was the former capital of the island, is a picturesque alternative.
This is a perfect starting point to explore the hills, get impressive views, and splurge on Paros’ stunning cuisine. Check Lefkes accommodation here.
Now that you have a clear idea about when to visit and how to get there, let’s find out what to do in Paros in two days.
Day 1 in Paros
Although just two days in Paros won’t give you enough time to visit all the settlements and most of the beaches on the island, you should at least make time to explore two traditional towns and two or three of the most famous shores on Paros.
On our first day, we can focus on exploring the capital and some of its most beautiful buildings. We can relax in the afternoon on a good nearby beach to enjoy a drink and one of the most stunning sunsets in the Aegean Sea.
Parikia (also written Paroikia) is the largest settlement in Paros, home to its bigger port, shops, restaurants, and plenty of hotels too.
When arriving at Parikia, you will be greeted by a traditional Cycladic windmill, one of the most iconic views in town, however, heading to the old town of Parikia will be extremely rewarding if you’re eager to stroll along cobblestoned alleys with typical cubic whitewashed houses, arches and passages, and plenty of vibrant flowers such as Bougainvillea and Oleander.
The place is ideal for a stop for a rest in a square or a cup of Greek coffee in a traditional café, locally known as kafenio. Here, you can also order a few small dishes of appetizers, mezedes, in Greek, perfect with a cold drink or even a glass of ouzo.
One of the local treasures in Parikia is Panagia Ekatontapiliani the best-known church in Paros, which name actually means “the Church of 100 doors”. The building is part of a historic Byzantine religious complex that was originally built back in 326.
Although it was later damaged by a strong earthquake in the eighteenth century, the church has been restored and remains one of the most important pilgrimage spots in Greece.
After a visit to the church and its impressive exhibitions of religious objects, it’s time to head up for a panoramic view of the city and the port. The Castle of Parikia is also super popular at sunset and offers some of the best panoramas of the Aegean Sea.
The castle was originally built by the Venetians, who conquered many Greek during a period roughly spanning from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries. The walls of the Castle have been built with remains of ancient temples.
After a stop for lunch by the seaside promenade near the port, you can head to the small Archaeological Museum of Paros, which houses an interesting exhibition of objects and relics found in different parts of the island.
If you’re looking for a good beach near the city, then Krios Beach is your best choice. Since the beach is big and offers well-organised structures for snacks and drinks, as well as the possibility of renting umbrellas and loungers, you can easily spend the rest of the afternoon in the area.
This shore is about 4 km from the centre of town, and you can get there by the local bus or by car. This is a long sandy beach with a long row of tamarisks that offer natural shadow to protect you from the merciless sun in the early afternoons.
From this bay, you’ll be able to enjoy great views of the capital. And if you’re looking for a place to stay where access to the beach is fairly easy, then you can pick one of the many hotels in the area. Being both by the sea and close to the town, this is a great place to stay in Paros.
In the evening, check out some of the most traditional Parian taverns or ouzeri. An ouzeri is a small place where tiny bites, appetizers, and glasses of ouzo are the normal thing to have. Here, you can order a characteristic Greek dinner.
Good fish plates are served in Koralli Restaurant and Ouzeri, in the area known as Livadia, right by the sea. Alternatively, another good option in the same area is Ouzeri Apostolis.
Day 2 in Paros
A short car ride from Parikia will take you directly to the area of Naoussa, another hotspot that you will want to discover when in Paros. The impressive Bay of Naousa is home to one of the most famous beaches in Greece, a must-stop place if you ever travel to this island: Kolymbithres Beach.
It is a good idea to devote your morning to some swimming and sunbathing surrounded by one of the most magical landscapes you’ll ever find in Greece, the impressive, eroded stones that surround most areas on this beach form tranquil pools of crystal clear water and giving the place a unique moon-like character, ideal for unforgettable snapshots.
Kolymbithres is also well-organised, there are a few beach bars and informal restaurants along the road that leads to the beach, offering the possibility to enjoy snacks and cold drinks.
Once you’ve decided that you’ve had enough beach time (if you ever do!), it can be a good idea to drive to the mountains and visit the tranquil village of Lefkes.
Once the capital of the island, this is the best settlement to try Paros’ staple dish: snails. From the high settlement, the views of the whole island are simply breathtaking.
In the village, there are dozens of quaint whitewashed alleys to explore, which makes it one of the most authentic places to visit on the island. Here, the impressive church of Agia Triada is one of the landmarks you should visit.
To reach Lefkes, you can drive or take a taxi. There is a public bus that gets to the Lefkes several times a day, depending on the season. However, a small scooter can be the best way to get there (you can rent them both in Parikia and Naoussa). It takes less than 20 minutes to reach Lefkes from Naoussa, driving along the Epar. Od. Naoussas-Marpissas road.
Once you’ve spent some time in this timeless village, you can drive back to Naoussa for a night out. It’s a good idea to explore the little alleys, do some souvenir shopping, and have a memorable dinner in the port area.
The quaint harbor of Naoussa is one of the most picturesque views on the island. Dozens of small fishing boats and caiques give a special character to the area, while the small cubic whitewashed houses and the small church by the sea are nothing but enchanting scenes right after sunset.
Along the seaside, there are also several (cheaper) restaurants, often displaying the catch of the day right by the boats.
A stroll along the area will also surprise you with the views of the ancient, abandoned Fortress of Naoussa, another Venetian construction that was used to protect the island from foreign sieges and pirate attacks.
End your day listening to some musing in one of the many pubs in town. Agosta Bar is located on Naoussa’s waterfront and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Paros at night.
If you’re a fan of Instagram shots, instead, then head to Linardo. Probably one of the most photographed places in Naoussa, this white and pink Cycladic structure, right behind the port of Naoussa, has become the most popular disco on the island.
For a more extreme experience, the fantastic Shark Bar is a perfect spot to dance the night away in Naoussa. It features sitting areas in the open as well as a super fan dance floor inside the premises.
A Few Extra Things to Do in Naousa
If dancing is not your thing, you could enjoy some other activities, and move around your schedule a bit to fit an interesting wine tasting experience right before dinner.
The local Moraitis Winery is a well-known institution on the island and a place you should consider visiting if you want to discover some of the best wines in Greece.
The winery offers wine tasting experiences as well as guided tours of the cellars and a small winemaking exhibition. And if you’re a foodie at heart, check out the winery’s dishes, you will learn to pair the local food with the perfect Parian wine.
Another good place to visit a few hours before sunset is the stunning Mycenean Acropolis in the Naoussa area. The climb can be a bit challenging, but the spot offers incredible views of the sea right after the sun sets over the Aegean Sea.
So, there you go, some of the most iconic vistas of Paros all packed in just two days of adventure and fun. This incredible island is a perfect destination for young travelers, but also good and safe for families.
The island offers the right amount of night entertainment, dosed with pristine beaches and unique traditional settlements. Trust me, there is nothing but the best of the Cyclades in this two-day Paros adventure!
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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.