Wondering where to stay in Paros for your next Greek island escape? We know the feeling. Paros has so many pretty towns, fishing villages and beach areas that picking the right base can be surprisingly tricky, especially on a first visit. We’ve travelled around Paros several times and stayed in different parts of the island, so this guide is here to help you choose the best area for your style of trip.
If you want an easy, practical base with good prices and great transport, Parikia is the best choice.
If you’re looking for boutique hotels, sunset cocktails, marina views and nightlife, Naoussa comes out on top. And if your dream holiday is all about sand, sea and watersports, Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) is hard to beat.
We’ve stayed in both Naoussa and Parikia — and because we usually rent a car, reaching beaches, mountain villages like Lefkes, and quieter corners such as Piso Livadi was easy from either place. The honest truth? Paros is very difficult to get wrong. It’s the kind of island you leave already talking about when you’ll come back.
Let’s go through the best places to stay in Paros so you can find the perfect base 👇🇬🇷
Best Areas To Stay in Paros – Quick Comparison
⭐⭐️ Our Favourite Area Overall
After staying in different corners of Paros, from busy Parikia to elegant Naoussa and sleepy east-coast beach villages — our overall favourite place to stay is Naoussa. Whenever we return to Paros, we somehow end up here again. There is something so special about having sunset drinks by the marina, getting lost in the whitewashed lanes at night, and waking up close to the sea. It feels romantic, stylish and relaxed in that effortless Greek-island way.
We really appreciate Parikia for its convenience (and we always suggest it for first-timers or anyone travelling without a car), but Naoussa is the place we’d personally choose for the most memorable Paros experience. Since we normally rent a car, we can explore the rest of the island during the day — beaches, small villages like Lefkes, quiet bays around Parasporos — and still return in the evening to some of the island’s best restaurants and nightlife.
🛳️ #1 Parikia Paros – Best Place To Stay In Paros For First-Timers.
BEST FOR | An easy stay close to everything, families, island exploring, great restaurants and transport links.
Parikia is one of the most popular areas to stay in Paros and one of the easiest bases for seeing the rest of the island. It is the main port town of Paros, which means almost everyone arriving by ferry begins their trip here.
Parikia has a lovely historic centre where you can wander through narrow lanes lined with white Cycladic houses, bougainvillaea and little blue-and-white churches. There are several beautiful churches, including the Church of Agios Konstantinos, which is one of our favourite sunset spots on the island. History lovers can look for the remains of the Frankish Castle, while everyone else will enjoy the hidden cafes, atmospheric corners and small boutique shops tucked around the old town.
The town stretches along the waterfront and has a few beaches within easy walking distance. Parikia is also close to some of the best beach clubs in Paros, most of them reachable within about 30 minutes by car. One of our favourites is Monastiri Beach.
Staying in Parikia is extremely convenient because you can often walk straight from the ferry to your hotel or apartment. On top of that, Parikia has excellent bus connections to other parts of the island. If you don’t want to drive in Paros, this is definitely the easiest place to base yourself.
Parikia also has a fantastic range of practical amenities, including supermarkets, lovely restaurants, relaxed bars, tour offices, and car and ATV rental shops. Because everything is so accessible, Parikia is also one of the best places to stay in Paros with kids and for family trips.
THINGS TO DO IN PARIKIA
- Spend a lazy afternoon on Parikia Beach
- Watch the sunset from Agios Konstantinos
- Go out for drinks at The Dubliner
- Explore the ruins of Frankish Castle
- Stop for tea or coffee by the windmill at Alexandros Cafe
BEST RESTAURANTS PAROS PARIKIA
- Nick’s Burgers | great burgers, including a vegetarian option, plus gyros and pitas
- Bountaraki | one of the top spots in Parikia Paros for seafood and meze
- Enjoyment Cafe | a lovely breakfast choice, especially the veggie omelette
- Cuore Rosso Paros | our pick for the best pizza in town
- Ephesus Paros | excellent sunset dinner spot with vegetarian options
Best Places To Stay In Parikia
🌟TOP Choice
ARGONAUTA HOTEL
Set in the heart of Parikia’s old town, this hotel offers stylish suites, complimentary breakfast and warm, personalised service.
LUXURY Choice
HIGH MILL PAROS
Located on the southern side of Parikia, around 15 minutes on foot from the historic centre, this property has sweeping bay views and a spacious pool. Delfini Beach is an 11-minute walk away.
BUDGET Choice
SIROCO’S STUDIOS
This property offers self-catering studios with kitchen facilities sleeping up to four guests. It is a 10-minute walk from the seafront, and there is also an on-site cafe where guests can buy breakfast.
🥂 #2 Naoussa Paros – Best For Style, Luxury & Nightlife.
BEST FOR | Luxury hotels, boutique shopping, a pretty marina, excellent dining and nearby beaches
Naoussa Paros sits on the northern coast of the island, around a 15-minute drive from Parikia. Compared with Parikia, Naoussa feels noticeably more polished and upmarket. This is where you’ll find many of the more luxurious accommodation options Paros is known for, along with elegant restaurants and chic boutiques selling clothes, jewellery and accessories.
The town is centred around a beautiful little marina filled with colourful fishing boats and yachts, with seafood restaurants spilling out along the waterfront. There is also a regular boat service that runs to several beaches during the day, including Monastiri Beach and Kolymbithres Beach.
There is a decent beach in town, but Naoussa is also close to some of the best beaches in Paros, including Santa Maria, Lageri and Monastiri, so it would be a shame not to explore a few of them. A great day-trip idea from Naoussa is renting a car and spending the day beach-hopping.
So, Naoussa or Parikia?
If your idea of a stylish Paros holiday includes boutique hotels, dinners by the marina, cute cocktail bars and a lively evening scene, then Naoussa is absolutely the best place to stay. It’s ideal for couples, groups of friends and anyone who loves good food, pretty streets and a touch of luxury.
However, if you’re travelling on a tighter budget, prefer practical convenience, or want a central base with strong transport links, then Parikia is the more sensible option. It’s especially good for first-time visitors, families and travellers who are not planning to rent a car.
We’ve stayed in both and genuinely enjoyed them for different reasons — but Naoussa is the place we choose when we want that “this is exactly how a Greek island holiday should feel” atmosphere.
If you’re still deciding, take a look at our detailed comparison guide to both towns.
THINGS TO DO IN NAOUSSA
- Browse the boutiques in Naoussa
- Walk to the half-sunken Venetian Castle
- Have dinner at one of the marina restaurants
- Enjoy a wine tasting at Moraitis Winery
- Spend a sunny day at Santa Maria Beach
BEST RESTAURANTS IN NAOUSSA PAROS
- Sigi Ikthios | excellent seafood in a prime Naoussa Marina location
- Agosta Paros | one of the best bars in Paros for sunset drinks
- Sousouro | great avocado toast and smoothie bowls
- Soso | delicious traditional Greek cooking
Best Places To Stay In Naoussa
🌟TOP Choice
CHRISTINA HOTEL
Located in Naoussa town, a 6-minute walk from the waterfront and around 10 minutes from Piperi Beach, this adults-only hotel offers elegant suites and a heated pool.
LUXURY Choice
BOHEMIAN LUXURY
This adults-only property has a superb central location, polished facilities and refined suites that work beautifully for couples on a romantic trip.
BUDGET Choice
ANNA STUDIOS
Set 2 km from Naoussa and close to beautiful Kolymbithres Beach, this property offers cosy self-catering studios and useful facilities, including a paid shuttle service.
🏖️ #3 Chrissi Akti Paros (Golden Beach) – Best For A Beach Holiday.
BEST FOR | Beach holidays, watersports such as SUP, kayaking and windsurfing
Chrissi Akti (also written Chrissi Atki) is located on the southeastern side of Paros, about 20 km or a 30-minute drive from Parikia port and 17 km from Paros Airport. The whole area is focused around Chrissi Akti Beach, better known as Golden Beach.
Golden Beach is famous for its soft golden sand that sparkles in the sun and its calm sea, which stays shallow quite far from the shore, making it a safe beach for families with younger children.
This part of Paros is also well known for windsurfing and kite surfing. Just beyond Golden Beach is Nea Chrissi Akti, where the Professional Windsurfing Association World Cup has taken place. The wind conditions here are excellent, and there are several schools where you can try this brilliant watersport.
Beyond windsurfing, the Golden Beach area is home to some of the island’s best beach clubs and a few cool beach bars. It is also one of the best places to stay in Paros Greece if you want to spend your days kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
THINGS TO DO AT GOLDEN BEACH
- Relax on Golden Beach
- Spend a stylish day at Golden Beach Club
- Rent a SUP board
- Paddle along the coastline by kayak
- Take a windsurfing lesson
BEST RESTAURANTS IN CHRISSI AKTI
- Blue Dolphin Restaurant | seafood and Greek cuisine
- Stella’s Taverna | family-run spot serving traditional Greek food
- Kima Seaside | seafood and Mediterranean dishes
Where To Stay Near Golden Beach
🌟TOP Choice
SAINT GEORGE HOTEL
Set directly on Nea Chrissi Atki Beach and only a 10-minute walk from Golden Beach, this hotel is a great option for beach-loving couples and families.
LUXURY Choice
SUMMER SENSES LUXURY RESORT
This resort is located in Punda and has a private beach, around a 5-minute drive from Golden Beach. Guests can enjoy sleek modern suites and complimentary breakfast.
BUDGET Choice
FLORA & AGELOS STUDIOS
This is a solid self-catering choice for couples and families, located about a 10-minute walk from the western end of Golden Beach.
🐈⬛ #4 Lefkes – Best Place To Stay In Paros For An Authentic Village Experience.
BEST FOR | Travellers looking for authenticity, fewer crowds, photography, hiking and peaceful village life.
Lefkes is located 18 km east of Parikia ferry port, right in the centre of Paros Greece. The village sits on a hillside and offers sweeping views over the green landscape and the sea in the distance. The nearest beach to Lefkes is Piso Livadi, which is a lovely option for families.
Lefkes was the capital of Paros during medieval times, and you can still see that history in its architecture, especially in the many beautiful churches dating back centuries. If you want to experience a truly authentic Cycladic village, Lefkes is one of the best places to stay in Paros. And the best way to really feel its atmosphere is to spend a few nights here.
From late morning to early afternoon in high season, Lefkes can get busy with day-trippers, but not many visitors actually stay overnight. Once the main crowds leave, the village becomes wonderfully quiet, and you can have its dreamy lanes almost to yourself.
The historic centre of Lefkes is fully pedestrianised, which makes the whole village feel calm and slow-paced. We loved getting up early, walking through the silent whitewashed alleys before the day visitors arrived, and sitting in the tiny Byzantine square with fresh orange juice while village life gently started around us. Absolute bliss.
If you enjoy photography, you’ll be in heaven — almost every corner looks like a postcard. We kept stopping every few steps for another photo and still felt like we hadn’t captured enough. One of the highlights is the beautiful Parekklesio Church, standing proudly on the hillside with views that make you want to stay much longer.
Lefkes is also one of the best places to stay in Paros if you plan to hike the Byzantine Road, a scenic 3.5 km trail leading to the village of Prodromos.
THINGS TO DO IN LEFKES
- Sit at a cafe and watch village life go by
- Visit Parekklesio Church
- Hike the Byzantine Road
- Browse one of Lefkes’ silver workshops
- Visit the nearby village of Marpissa
BEST RESTAURANTS IN LEFKES
- Lefkiano Restaurant | authentic Greek cuisine with rooftop seating
- Ramnos | excellent hillside cafe with panoramic views
- Agiazi Cafe | cakes and smoothies on the picturesque Byzantine square
- Kafeneio Marigos | delicious orange pie and homemade lemonade
Best Places To Stay In Lefkes
🌟TOP Choice
VILLA BYZANTINO
This property is located right in the heart of Lefkes village, overlooking Agia Triada church. It offers elegant suites, some with hot tubs.
👨👩👧👦 #5 Piso Livadi – Best Town In Paros For A Family Stay.
BEST FOR | Families, a quiet beachside stay away from the crowds, marina-view dining and good-value rooms.
Piso Livadi is a small fishing village that has gradually become a relaxed seaside resort, especially popular with families travelling with children. Piso Livadi also has a very good selection of well-priced accommodation.
Piso Livadi is located 17 km southeast of Parikia and 12 km southeast of Naoussa. It has a small beach in town that works well for families, and it is only a short walk from Paralia Logaras (Logaras Beach), which sits 500 metres from the town marina. Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) is 4 km away.
The beach has sun loungers and umbrellas managed by a couple of tavernas. If you order a drink or meal, you can usually use them for free. There is also a children’s playground right beside the beach in Piso Livadi, which is very handy for keeping little ones entertained.
In the centre of town, you’ll find a small marina with colourful fishing boats. From this little port, you can also take day trips to nearby islands such as Naxos, Ios or Santorini.
The village is also known for its excellent restaurants serving traditional Greek dishes, seafood and international food, with many of them lined along the waterfront promenade. Even if you don’t stay in Piso Livadi, we recommend coming here for dinner.
THINGS TO DO IN PISO LIVADI
- Relax on the village beach
- Visit nearby beaches such as Chrissi Akti and Logaras
- Take a day tour to Ios island
- Have dinner at one of the marina restaurants
- Explore Marpissa and Lefkes
PISO LIVADI RESTAURANTS
- Markaris Restaurant | seafood by the marina
- The Sailor | excellent Greek, Mediterranean and seafood dishes
- Halaris Ouzery | seafood in the marina area
- Mango Pizza & Pasta | Italian food in a beautiful setting
Best Places To Stay In Piso Livadi
🌟TOP Choice
ASPRIES SUITES
This property offers a selection of tastefully decorated Cycladic studios with kitchenettes and is around a 15-minute walk from the beach.
LUXURY Choice
ALONI HOTEL
Right in the heart of the village, Aloni Hotel offers stylish Cycladic suites for couples and families, some with a private pool. There is also a cafe, shared pool and complimentary breakfast.
🏖️ #6 Parasporos Beach – Where To Stay In Paros For A Quiet Beach Base.
BEST FOR | Staying near a beautiful beach in a peaceful setting, while still being only minutes by car from lively Parikia.
Parasporos Beach is located on the southwestern edge of Parikia, just 3 km from the ferry port. Parasporos is a gorgeous beach with clear turquoise water, soft golden sand and rugged hills around the bay. A few beach tavernas rent out parasols and sun loungers and serve cold drinks and light meals during the European summer season.
The sea is quite shallow, but the shoreline can be a little stony and uneven, so water shoes are a good idea.
There is also a campsite nearby that is popular with backpackers. In July and August, the beach becomes busier and more lively, with backpackers and beach tavernas sometimes organising parties. Outside the peak summer holidays, the beach is usually wonderfully quiet.
Parasporos has a good selection of luxury resorts, small hotels and apartments scattered across the hills, many with views over the calm bay. If you want a quiet place to stay in Paros but still want to be only a very short drive from Parikia’s restaurants and nightlife, Parasporos could be an excellent fit.
THINGS TO DO
- Relax on the beach
- Take the ferry to Antiparos from Pounta
- Visit Parikia
- Stay for sunset
Best Places To Stay Near Parasporos Bay
🌟TOP Choice
PAROS BAY
With direct access to Delfini Beach and a location about 10 minutes on foot from Parasporos Beach, this property is a great choice for beach lovers.
LUXURY Choice
VILLAS AGIA IRINI COVE
Stylish villas with private pools located 500 metres from Agia Irini Beach and 4 km from Parasporos Beach, ideal for families and groups.
👨👩👧👦 #7 Alyki Paros – Best Area To Stay In Paros With Kids.
BEST FOR | A peaceful family holiday and good-value accommodation.
Alyki (also spelt Aliki Paros) is a small fishing village located 13 km, or about 20 minutes by car, from Parikia and the ferry port, and only 5 km from Paros airport on the island’s southern coast.
Alyki has a charming seafront with a handful of restaurants offering sun loungers, parasols and outdoor dining. The beach has a relaxed, family-friendly feel and usually doesn’t become overly crowded. Aliki is definitely a good option for families looking for a quieter base and reasonable accommodation prices.
Besides Aliki Beach (Paralia Aliki), which sits right in the heart of town, there are two more beaches within walking distance of Alyki. Piso Aliki Beach is 650 metres to the south, while Agios Nikolaos Beach is 750 metres to the northwest.
Apart from the nearby beaches, good hotels and apartments, and a few lovely places to eat, Alyki is very quiet. That said, if you want something more active, Aliki still has a few interesting things to do. Take a look at the ideas below.
THINGS TO DO IN ALYKI
- Unwind on Paralia Aliki
- Rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding area
- Stretch and relax at a yoga class in Aliki
- Try diving
- Visit Lefkes, Marpissa and Chrissi Akti
BEST RESTAURANTS IN ALYKI
- Aliki Restaurant Paros | top choice for Greek, seafood and Mediterranean dishes
- Mouragio | Greek, seafood and Mediterranean cuisine
- Sul Mare | Italian food right by the beach
- Aliki Wok Restaurant Paros | great Asian and Indian food
Best Places To Stay In Alyki
🌟TOP Choice
APHRODITE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Set close to Aliki’s fishing village, Aphrodite Hotel blends Cycladic character with modern comforts such as a pool, fitness centre and spa, just a short walk from calm beaches.
BUDGET Choice
ANGELIKI SEASIDE HOTEL
Simple rooms with fridges and sea views make this a good choice for couples or families wanting an easy, relaxing stay by the beach.
🏝️ #8 Antiparos – Best Off-The-Grid Location.
BEST FOR | A very quiet, off-the-beaten-path holiday with slow mornings, coffee on your terrace and beautiful island scenery.
Antiparos is a smaller island just off the southeastern coast of Paros. A frequent ferry connects the two islands, and the crossing takes only 10 minutes.
What makes Antiparos special is its local charm and classic Cycladic atmosphere. You can wander through sleepy whitewashed lanes, enjoy warm local hospitality and feel a world away from the busier parts of the Cyclades. Antiparos is one of those places that still feels refreshingly low-key.
Antiparos has several beautiful beaches, the historic town of Chora and some fascinating caves. Interestingly, Antiparos is also known for the holiday villas of a few Hollywood celebrities, including Tom Hanks!
If relaxed “middle of nowhere” island vibes are exactly what you’re after, stay in Antiparos. Accommodation is more limited here, but you’ll find a few hotels, guesthouses and taverns.
THINGS TO DO IN ANTIPAROS
- Spend the day on a quiet beach, such as Glyfa or Livadia
- Explore the Cave of Antiparos in Kambos
- Wander around the old town of Chora
- Visit the 15th-century Venetian Castle
BEST RESTAURANTS ANTIPAROS
- Kalokeri | Greek and Mediterranean cuisine
- Nautica | Antiparos favourite for coffee and desserts
- Yum | International dishes, pancakes, avocado toast and brunch
- Lollo’s Antiparos | Pizza and Italian cuisine
Best Place To Stay In Antiparos
🌟TOP Choice
LAGADIA VILLAGE
Located 2 km from Antiparos Port and close to Psaraliki Beach, this property offers elegant one- and two-bedroom holiday homes with gardens.
🏝️ #9 Drios Paros – Best For A Quiet Beach Stay.
BEST FOR | A peaceful stay close to famous Golden Beach.
Drios is a very small village on the eastern coast of Paros island in Greece, around 22 km from Parikia. It is also only 2.5 km south of Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti), or about a 16-minute walk along the coast.
Even though it sits near the famous Golden Beach, Drios is a much more low-key resort. It has its own beach, Paralia Drios, several excellent local tavernas specialising in fish and seafood, and a good selection of apartments, hotels and B&Bs.
A few kilometres offshore, you can spot the tiny uninhabited island of Drionisi. In addition to Golden Beach, nearby beaches include Pirgaki, Lolantoni and Bountari.
BEST DRIOS RESTAURANTS
- Restaurant Anna | Greek healthy food, seafood and vegetarian options
- Anezina Restaurant | a great choice for a cooking class experience
- Kima Seaside restaurant | modern Greek cuisine and seafood with a creative twist
Best Places To Stay Near Drios Beach
🌟TOP Choice
DRIOS LUXURY STUDIOS
Elegant Cycladic apartments with pool access, located 750 metres from Drios Beach and close to several restaurants and cafes, and 2.6 km from Golden Beach.
BUDGET Choice
APARTMENTS TARSA
Tarsa apartments are just 30 metres from Drios Beach and come with kitchens, balconies and, in some units, sea views.
Where To Stay In Paros: FAQs
What part of Paros is best to stay in?
Our favourite areas are Parikia and Naoussa, but they suit different trips. Parikia is the most convenient and usually more budget-friendly because it is the island’s port and main transport hub. Naoussa is trendier and more atmospheric, with stylish bars, excellent restaurants and more luxury accommodation options.
How many days in Paros is enough?
You could easily spend one or two weeks in Paros and still have a fantastic holiday, but if your time is limited, we recommend at least 3 days on the island. That gives you enough time to see highlights such as Naoussa, Moraitis Winery and the village of Lefkes without feeling too rushed.
Why is Paros so popular?
Paros is popular because it combines classic Cycladic beauty, lovely beaches, pretty villages and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also close to islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, which makes it a very convenient stop for island hopping.
Do you need a car in Paros?
A car is very useful in Paros, especially if you want to explore at your own pace and visit more remote beaches or hidden villages. That said, you can manage without one if you stay in Parikia or Naoussa, as buses and scooters are also practical options for reaching the main areas.
Final Word
Choosing where to stay in Paros really depends on the kind of holiday you’re planning. Parikia is the winner for convenience, value and easy transport, making it perfect for first-timers and travellers without a car. Naoussa is where Paros feels most magical, with boutique hotels, marina cocktails and that dreamy Greek-island atmosphere we never get tired of. And if your priority is long beach days, Golden Beach is an excellent choice.
We’ve stayed in several areas of Paros, but Naoussa is the one we keep coming back to — it simply feels special. Still, that’s the best thing about Paros: it’s very hard to make a bad choice. Wherever you stay, you can expect beautiful sunsets, delicious food and the kind of holiday you won’t want to end.
Enjoy Paros 🍹🇬🇷
