What is the best area to stay in Paros?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
Forming part of the Cyclades group of islands in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Paros is an idyllic oasis of golden sun-kissed beaches, gin-clear waters, and beautiful natural landscapes. Easily accessed by a short ferry trip from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina in Athens, Paros is close to several other Cycladic islands such as Naxos, Mykonos, and Santorini, making it ideal for island-hopping in true Greek style.
Explore the island capital of Parikia, which is the busy commercial centre of Paros and has a wealth of places to stay, many excellent restaurants and some beautiful beaches on either side of the port. The picturesque fishing village of Naoussa is a fantastic spot to make your base with a buzzing nightlife, fancy restaurants, and stylish seaside bars, and the seaside village of Aliki on the southern side of Paros is exposed to the famous Greek Meltemi winds and is one of the best places to holiday if you like windsurfing.
Head to the east coast and be charmed by the sleepy fishing village of Ambelas and the diminutive port town of Piso Livadi. Both have clear waters and fantastic local taverns serving up the freshest seafood the island has to offer.
Soak up the sun on the stunning beaches of Chrissí Aktí and Logaras where you will find a great selection of accommodation and can enjoy a range of water sports or simply sip a cocktail at one of the beach bars and take in the beauty of the island.If you are interested in where to stay in Paros maybe you could be interested in where to stay in Naxos, where to stay in Santorini or where to stay in Mykonos.
Best resorts to stay in Paros
Naoussa
Best area to stay in Paros for nightlife
Located on the northern end of the island, Naoussa is an enchanting fishing village and a great place to stay if you want to explore this side of Paros. Nestled amphitheatrically around a sheltered bay, the picturesque village oozes traditional charm with a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses and churches draped in bright bougainvillea.
The main square is the beating heart of the village and has an information booth, cash machines, and bus stops, as well as plenty of bustling restaurants, sidewalk cafés, and nightclubs where you can dance until dawn. If you want to spend the day on the beach, there is a great choice from wild, secluded beaches like Piparaki to busy beaches with full amenities and plenty of water sports like Kolymbithres Beach.
Parikia
Best area to stay in Paros with family
Parikia, also known as Paros Town or Hora, is the capital and the main port of Paros with a lively atmosphere. Built on the site where the ancient capital used to rest, the port town is the commercial and cultural centre of Paros and a good base if you want to explore the whole island or go island-hopping.
Tucked around the port, the village boasts traditional Cycladic architecture with charming whitewashed houses and coloured wooden doors, windows, and balconies. The trademark of Paros is a magnificent whitewashed windmill that welcomes the visitors and the town has plenty of great restaurants, bars, seaside cafés, and nightclubs if you want to enjoy a night on the town. Parikia has beautiful beaches with plenty of water sports for families with children, and many interesting museums if you want to explore the history of the island and the Cyclades.
Aliki
Best area to stay in Paros for couples
Tucked away on the southern side of Paros, Aliki is a small tourist resort and very close to the airport, making it a perfect place to stay without having to travel too far. The lovely coastal village has a pretty port and many traditional taverns that serve some of the freshest seafood around. The village has a peaceful, laid-back ambiance and is one of the best places to stay on the island if you are looking for a quiet escape from the touristy crowds.
Beautiful sandy beaches are ideal for families with children and there are many secluded little coves along the coast that offer total privacy and relaxation. Charming hotels and family-owned pensions provide welcoming hospitality, and if you are a foodie, you will love the fresh, island-grown food served at most of the restaurants and cafés.
Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach)
Best area to stay in Paros for beaches
Paros is best known for its world-class beaches and Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) is one of them. Stretching along the south-east of Paros for over 700 metres, the long golden sandy beach is famous for being one of the best places to windsurf with ideal wind conditions. There are many comfortable hotels, apartments, and rooms to rent in the area and plenty of local buses that travel to the beaches, so if you want to hit the waves, then this is the best spot to stay.
The blue flag beach can be quite windy, so it’s not ideal if you want to simply soak up the sun, but it’s a great little town in which to base yourself for relaxing and watching the windsurfers ride the waves while enjoying traditional Greek food next to the sea.
Logaras
Best area to stay in Paros for a relaxing seaside getaway
Logaras Beach is nestled along the southern coast of Paros and a few kilometres away from the endearing village of Piso Livadi. This is a fantastic place to stay if you want to enjoy the beautiful long sandy beach and explore some of the eastern side of the island. The mountain village of Marpissa is a short drive away and there are many relaxed seaside taverns, restaurants, and bars along the beach serving traditional Greek cuisine.
There is a variety of accommodation in the area, ranging from lovely little pensions for couples to resorts with plenty of amenities for families, and the little coastal settlement is very easy to get to by road. Logaras Beach is a must if you love spending the day on the beach, swimming, sunning, and people watching.
Piso Livadi
On Paros’ east coast looking across the azure water of the Aegean to the neighbouring island of Naxos is the small and picturesque port village of Piso Livadi. Once a calm fishing hamlet the village has become a tourist favourite thanks to its waterfront setting, lively bars and taverns serving up exceptional Greek cuisine.
South of the village is Golden Beach, one of the best spots in the Mediterranean for slalom windsurfing. Day trips to the islands of Ios, Santorini, Naxos, and Amorgos all depart from the village’s small harbour. Local buses and taxis connected the village to the rest of the island but renting will allow guests that extra bit of freedom.
Once a year on Ascension Day the village bursts into celebration, much of which is centred around the 13th-century church of Agios Georgios Thalassitis. One of only four Byzantine churches still standing on Paros.
Ambelas
Those looking for a quiet alternative to Naoussa should take the short drive to Ambelas, a small but very charming village on Paros’ northeast coast. Famous locally for its fishing port, it’s no surprise that the village is home to a host of a collection of the island’s finest fish taverns serving up delightful seafood.
13km from Paros Town, Ambelas has a small clean sandy beach with crystal clear waters and a fine choice of hotels, villas and apartments. It’s a good choice for those looking for a tranquil and relaxing break and are willing to sacrifice nightlife to get it. That said, Naoussa is only a short 5km taxi ride away should the tranquillity get too much. Irregular local busses do ply the routes behind Ambelas and Paros’ other towns but private or rental cars may prove more convenient.
Our recommended hotels in Paros
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in ParosNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
