What to Do in Paros, Greece: 2 Days of Cycladic Charm
LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: JULY 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 13 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Looking for the best balance of cubic villages, sandy beaches, dynamic nightlife, and Cycladic charm?
The Greek island that has it all, pretty in pink Paros is perfect for travelers looking for a bit of everything when it comes to quintessential Cycladic highlights.
The inland village trio of Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa offers an authentic slice of life to fill a half day exploration of traditional Greek culture. The Parikia port where ferries arrive is the more bustling entry point, lined with bohemian boutiques blending Mediterranean ease with modern chic as the ideal shopping destination. Further up the coast find upscale Naoussa, reminiscent of Mykonos’s elevated ambiance at half the price point. This picturesque harbor looks across the bay from the golden sand of Monastiri Beach and serves as the hub for Paros’s infamous party scene. Each piece—including the quaint whitewashed towns with pink bougainvillea around every corner—comes together to form the most balanced Cycladic isle with something for every type of traveler!
2 Days in Paros Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed what to do in Paros 2 day itinerary you’ll find below:
Day 1
2:00 - 3:00 PM: 🥧 Dig into a homemade savory pie baked with love at Sweet Smelling Kitchen (1 hr)
3:00 - 4:00 PM: 🏘️ Explore the tiered Lefkes village nestled in the hillside, full of boutiques and felines (1 hr)
4:10 - 5:00 PM: 🌸 Wander through fortified Prodromos and snap a flick with the bougainvillea (50 min)
5:05 - 6:00 PM: 🩷 Pose in front of Marpissa’s pink door and meander through the winding lanes (55 min)
8:00 - 9:30 PM: 🌅 Savor a seaside sunset at the island’s swankiest dinner spot, Siparos (1 hr 30 min)
Day 2
10:00 - 10:45 AM: 🥐 Snack on an assortment of baked Greek goodies from Ragoussis (45 min)
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: 💎 Snag jewelry and perfume dupes in Parikia, noting the Frankish Castle (1 hr 15 min)
1:00 - 1:30 PM: ☕ Grab a cookie and midday cap freddo pick-me-up from Tserki in Naoussa (30 min)
1:30 - 5:00 PM: 🌞 Hop on the boat to Monastiri Beach, basking the day away on the sand (3 hr 30 min)
8:00 - 9:30 PM: 🍖 Indulge in another sunset seaside dinner tucked behind the harbor at Luaz (1 hr 30 min)
9:30 - 11:00 PM: 🍹 Participate in the infamous Paros party scene grabbing drinks from Linardo (1 hr 30 min)
How to Get Around Paros?
WALK: Unlike compact cities, it’d be a fool’s errand to attempt to walk around any of the Cycladic islands. The highlights are far too dispersed to justify traveling all that way just to remain in the town closest to the ferry port. That said, many whitewashed settlements are built around narrow lanes that cars can’t access. The harbor around Naoussa, the three inland villages, and the boutique cobblestone alleys of Parikia are best traversed on foot, once you park your vehicle in a free lot on the edge of town.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Greek islands, including Paros, are connected by a network of KTEL buses, with one-way tickets costing €2-3, or €10 for unlimited rides the whole day. These tickets are purchased using cash at physical stands adjacent to bus stops and in select stores, mini markets, and kiosks with the KTEL sign, with employees inside often able to provide guidance if you have questions about a particular route. Tickets are also sold on the bus by the driver at an increased price of €2.50-3.50.
On Paros, the main bus terminal is in the Parikia port where ferries also arrive. Routes largely depart from this hub in a spoke-and-wheel model, with most lines beginning or ending in Parikia. While this is the cheapest method of transportation on Paros, you’ll be limited to the stops on the timetable—for this particular 2 days in Paros itinerary, every detailed destination is included on the bus timetable except for Monastiri Beach, which is easily reached by boat from Naoussa.
TAXI + TRANSFER: Only 40 legal taxis operate on the entire island of Paros, serving high-traffic areas including the airport and Parikia port. This is undoubtedly the most expensive way to get around, with flat-fares of €40 from the port and €60 from the airport enforced, otherwise the meter charges €15 per kilometer. Assuming you have scheduled flight or ferry routes lined up, it’s typically cheaper to arrange transfers to and from your accommodations in advance and only call taxis when more flexibility is required.
DRIVE: I would highly recommend renting a car on Paros—or at least while you explore the inland villages—as this method of transportation allows you to experience the best of the island at your own pace. ATV and buggy rentals are offered as well, however I appreciated the shade, air-conditioning, and added safety provided by a completely enclosed vehicle. If you do opt for an ATV, rent the highest CC, largest option possible to ensure you can keep up with the flow of traffic.
The roads on Paros are generally easy to traverse—whether they are paved, gravel, or dirt. Tight, winding one-way roads through the hills pose the biggest challenge around Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa. As my second international driving destination after Milos, I found Paros to be slightly more challenging given there were significantly more people on the roads—and consequently searching for spots in parking lots—but it was still more than manageable. While all the listed destinations in this 2 day Paros itinerary technically have flat, free lots or street parking nearby, the traffic congestion and lack of available spots near Naoussa made having a vehicle the most challenging there, especially on the weekend. I ended up paying to leave my vehicle in a lot overnight, with Siparos being the only other stop where I paid for parking through the on-site valet service. When it comes time to refuel your vehicle before returning it, attendants at the station will pump your gas for you.
Pro Tip:
While I was never explicitly asked for it when picking up a rental car, it’s prudent to obtain an International Driving Permit from your local AAA office before leaving home.
How to Get to Paros?
FLY: Paros is served by a small airport with direct, 40-50 minute flights into PAS from Athens (ATH). Once you’re already in the Cyclades there’s no reason to fly given the robust ferry system is typically the cheapest and fastest way to hop from one island to the next. However, if you’re arriving directly from the Greek capital then this newly renovated terminal can serve that transit need with a few departure gates and check-in counters, plus a snack bar. Located deep on the southwest side of the island with no points of interest nearby, a taxi or transfer is required to reach your accommodations.
FERRY: Taking the ferry from one of the other Greek islands to Paros is an altogether efficient pursuit. Naxos is the closest island nearby with the quickest SeaJets lines taking only 25 minutes to sail the route while the slowest option stops in Mykonos first taking 1 hour and 45 minutes. I sailed from Milos with SeaJets which took a breezy 1 hour and 45 minutes, but you can find connections from any of the other Cycladic stops on FerryHopper, which offers live schedule updates and ferry tracking.
All ferries dock in the Parikia port area, which is conveniently located near northwest Paros highlights like Naoussa. As with all transit by ferry, time is saved upon arrival given that no check-in or security process is enforced as is standard with airport travel—simply walk up to the port, locate which corridor corresponds with your vessel, and board alongside other guests once the back door comes down. Ensure you’ve checked into the trip and have a QR code to present to the conductor before boarding, then place your luggage either in the cargo hold alongside boarding vehicles or in the passenger lounge—carry-ons and backpacks can fit in either. Locate your seat with odd and even numbers typically split into separate sides; staff can help guide you to the correct location. Enjoy the amenities which typically include outlets, tray tables, and a full-service café before heading back down to the cargo hold once your intended destination is announced over the speakers.
Where to Stay in Paros?
For a short 2-day stay in Paros, it’s worth paying elevated rates for a central base allowing you to easily commute to nearby points of interest, whether with your own vehicle or using the KTEL public bus routes. Parikia and Naoussa are thus the top two choices, with the right town dependent on your preferences:
As the central destination where ferries arrive and the hub of the bus system, Parikia is convenient for transportation purposes and staying in this island capital means you won’t need to arrange transit to your accommodations—you can usually walk there. If shopping is the goal you won’t find a better base, and accommodation rates are typically cheaper than Naoussa, making it the better budget travel option.
For an upscale, seaside stay reminiscent of Mykonos, Naoussa is the clear choice. While definitively more expensive, you’ll be a quick boat ride away from the most beautiful beaches like Monastiri. In the heart of the nightlife scene, simply walk back to your stay after dancing the night away at one of the many cocktail hotspots bordering the picturesque harbor.
For an authentic, lowkey accommodation providing a glimpse into Greek village life, you could also stay in Lefkes. I wouldn’t even consider Prodromos or Marpissa given the lack of amenities nearby, and even Lefkes may pose a bit of a challenge in that the local dining and commercial options are quite limited. Renting a vehicle would be essential in this case, allowing you to find entertainment a drive away in other, more cosmopolitan destinations.
For a reasonably-priced accommodation just off the main harbor, I spent 2 nights at Pension Anna in Naoussa. This family-run guest house was squeaky clean and just steps away from all the nearby highlights, making it ideal for an efficient stop-over.
What to Do in Paros?
Day 1
Lunch - Sweet Smelling Kitchen
After picking up a rental car—since a personal mode of transit is vital to explore Paros’s trio of authentic inland villages—wind around the terraced hills to Lefkes for lunch to delight in a traditional, home-cooked Greek meal delivered straight from the Sweet Smelling Kitchen. Without a menu in sight, you'll be asked, “Do you like to eat?” with the resulting answer determining exactly what and how much you're brought from the day's lineup prepared by three generations of women from grandmother Effie’s family. My offering involved an oven-baked savory cheese and leek pie, almost like a quiche!
Without any reservations and a leisurely service turning over the rooftop tables behind this home, expect a substantial wait when arriving at peak dining hours.
Lefkes
The largest village situated amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Agios Pantes, the staggered array of cubic, Cycladic houses makes Lefkes the most panoramically picturesque of the three as well. Surrounded by man-made terraced fields built on hillside inclines to make farming possible in the previous capital of Paros, each layer is separated by traditional dry-stone walls to create a stepped effect. Once wandering inside the quiet labyrinth of marble-paved alleyways, peruse the many boutiques and artisanal shops for handmade souvenirs—I’m partial to Enthimio for the Greek imagery stamped into their high-quality gold and silver creations.
At the base of town sits the Byzantine Agia Triada built from locally-sourced Parian marble. This monument marks the end of your journey back through time in Lefkes, with the second village of Prodromos up next as you return to your car, undoubtedly passing plenty of furry friends along the way. It’s also the trailhead for the 2.3 mile, ancient stone path known as the Byzantine Road if you prefer to make the 45-minute downhill trek on foot.
Prodromos
10 minutes down the road sits the smallest rural village of Prodromos, inviting you to experience an authentic slice of low-key local life—on Sundays find residents sitting about while their weekly laundry hangs dry on the line. Without much commercial entertainment and consequently no tourist crowds, the main activity here involves strolling through the maze of lanes lined with plenty of pink bougainvillea. This is undoubtedly the most aesthetic, postcard-perfect village ideal for snapping vacation flicks, and you don’t have to worry about photobombers cluttering up the background of this passageway village!
For any refreshments, Byzantino is the main taverna in town where you can grab a quick bite or beverage.
Marpissa
Last but not least, a 5 minute drive away Marpissa’s claim to fame is an Instagram-famous pink door, which is today one of many rosy landmarks scattered around the island. While a complimentary bougainvillea once made this shot stunning, it was looking a bit withered when I arrived—making Linardo my preferred location to snap a quintessential Barbie-approved Paros picture. Similarly situated on a hilltop like Lefkes but without rolling plains providing a rural background, the winding streets of Marpissa were designed to confuse pirates in the medieval era. Get lost meandering through quaint squares and past small churches once more to cap off your exploration of the quieter, more authentic side of Paros.
If you took the Byzantine Road and are interested in extending your hike, the Monastery of Agios Antonios crowns a nearby hilltop 30 minutes away from the center of Marpissa with sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.
Dinner - Siparos
20 minutes away back on the north side of the island, swanky Siparos is unequivocally known as one of the best restaurants on Paros complete with seaside sunset views and an in-house DJ spinning bohemian beats. Reservations are highly recommended in this sophisticated hotspot rivaling the elevated ambiance of Mykonos with modern Mediterranean flair expressed through their broader Greek cuisine. Committed to purity, precision, and craft, you won’t find a better refined seafood experience on Paros.
Day 2
Breakfast - Ragoussis
Begin day 2 in Paros with an endless array of sweet and savory Greek baked goods from Ragoussis Bakery, the perfect place to start your day with a spread of traditional treats. From baklava to basbousa they have it all inside the infinitely many glass displays and make a mean freddo cappuccino at the drink bar to go alongside your selection.
Parikia
Parikia is the capital and main port town of Paros where you’ll enter if arriving by ferry, also serving as the standard pick-up and drop-off point for rental vehicles. A bustling hub of travelers coming and going, the standout attraction here is undoubtedly the shopping—specifically the jewelry. Featuring the best boutique lineup out of any of the Greek islands I explored, you truly can’t go wrong with any storefront you pop into. For some initial direction, my favorites were White in Paros, Locus, Sigalas, Yria Ceramics, and Bizarre Boutique.
One quintessential Greek souvenir you can’t miss is dupe perfumes formulated using the same French recipes as the name-brand designer offerings you’re likely more familiar with. Aromatopoleion Perfumery in Parikia is one such “typou aromata,” selling sweet-scented imitations of labels like Chanel’s Chance for 1/20 of the price—I’m talking only €9 for 30 mL.
For a free bit of history, the Frankish Castle just up the road is a recycling project of sorts. The structure is more tower than castle in that there’s no interior to explore, but the hodgepodge façade with both rectangular and round stone serves as the main point of interest. Crafted out of repurposed fragments from much older structures—instead of quarrying fresh stone, in 1260 the Venetians reused materials from ancient Greek and Roman temples, plus local ruins. The Agios Konstantinos church overlooking the harbor around the corner and the ornate Byzantine Panagia Ekatontapiliani in the center of town are worth popping into as well.
Naoussa
Paros’s upscale harbor rivaling the allure of Mykonos, Naoussa (also known as Naousa) is the place to be for elevated dinners, sunset cocktails, and parties going well into the early morning. Built directly on the water with working fishing boats bobbing nearby, this also serves as the gateway to the nearby beaches of Kolympethres and Monastiri. The town is best experienced with no agenda, simply stroll by freshly octopus hanging on the line to dry and pop into any modern cafés or chic boutiques that catch your eye.
Snack - Tserki
Just off the water I highly recommend Tserki for a midday cap freddo pick-me-up—I stopped in here multiple times and the consistent line speaks to how silky their frothy drinks are. If a sweet treat is calling your name you can’t go wrong with the flavored cookies topped with ganache and assorted crumbles from this posh pastry lab.
Monastiri Beach
The best beach in Paros is just a boat ride away from Naoussa; buy a physical ticket directly in the harbor from a kiosk for €13 round trip and glide over to Monastiri Beach. This bohemian, organized stretch of sand offers every kind of accommodation you could imagine from sun bed sets and cabanas to rattan recliners and plush lunch booths. Better yet, arrive with your own towel and secure a spot in the sand listening to the same tropical house beats bumping in the background, free of charge!
Pro Tip:
I originally believed that Kolympethres and Monastiri could be visited within the same route; this is incorrect and a round trip ticket will only take you to and from one beach.
The idyllic, shallow bay is ideal for wading with a substantial amount of walking required to reach any deep water. Yachts park in the turquoise water off to the side, and on the opposite end rent water equipment like SUPs, inflatable tubes, wakeboards and more from Ntrl High.
When purchasing a ticket in Naoussa you’ll be presented with two destination options—Kolympethres or Monastiri beach—and the latter is undoubtedly the right answer. Aside from the elevated amenities granted from the lavish beach club, Monastiri is located within Paros Park and thus offers infinitely more activities. Explore the Monastery of St. John's of Deti next to the beach, stroll to the geological wonder of the natural arc by the sea, or hike 25 minutes to the Akrotiri Korakas lighthouse.
Dinner - Luaz
Make Paros travel guides will recommend Barbarossa for dinner, which should be avoided at all costs unless you’re seeking a tourist trap. The main draw lies in the portion of dinner where Mamma Mia tunes are played while the whole restaurant spins napkins around their heads, but this only lasts for a few moments before you resume a relatively mediocre dinner. Seek out Luaz instead for an idyllic seaside sunset dinner—this location was made for golden hour with the setting sun perfectly in view as the whitewashed waterfront is warmed by the fading light.
Chilled glasses of Assyrtiko from Santorini compliment buttery lamb that falls off the flank and freakily fresh tomatoes paired perfectly with creamy burrata. With a picture-perfect Paros view and the menu lineup to match it, dinner at Luaz is a no brainer.
Drinks - Linardo
It would be a shame to miss the Paros party scene, so rally yourself after dinner for at least one harbor-side cocktail. Perfectly pink Linardo makes for a scenic shot if there’s still daylight out, although for drinks this should be your last stop of the night, ideally after 3:00 AM. Methystra is more appropriate earlier on in the evening for casual cocktails, and if all else fails a smattering of other options line the waterfront including Agosta and Barbarossa—an acceptable stop for a drink and only a drink. No matter the day of the weekend, the party continues in this popping waterfront scene.
Is Paros Worth Visiting?
Undoubtedly yes, Paros easily lands itself in my list of top, must-see Cycladic islands for a first visit to Greece. There’s truly no better option for the traveler looking for a little bit of everything. Many of the other islands are one-dimensional in the sense that there’s a single overarching characteristic they’re known for—Santorini’s romantic caldera, Mykonos’s unmatched party scene, Naxos’s rural settlements, the list goes on. Paros, on the other hand, encapsulates aspects of each of these destinations into one ultimate Greek island.
Ideal for travel maximalists, experience Cycladic charm in all its forms, from traditional villages in the hillside to swanky beach clubs in sparkling turquoise coves. Two days is the bare minimum I would consider spending here, with my own experience being a bit rushed considering I packed six islands into a single Greece trip. Ideally, you easily enjoy a relaxed 3-4 days on Paros, using the added time to explore highlights on the south side of the island, go out the Greek way and dance well into the early morning—with enough time to recover the next day—or take a boat trip to Antiparos, the blue lagoon Panteronissia, and Despotiko.
Assuming you have more Greek islands up next on your itinerary, 2 days in Paros is just enough time to sufficiently explore the two biggest and most important towns on the island, plus have enough time to experience traditional island life with a half day to spare touring the inland village trio.
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