Paros village guide — exploring the villages of Paros Island is, in my experience, one of the most rewarding ways to truly connect with the heart of the Cyclades. This island is far more than just beautiful beaches; it’s a mosaic of lively port towns, authentic fishing communities, and peaceful mountain settlements, each with its own character and rhythm.
In this guide, I’ve gathered the villages that I personally believe capture the essence of Paros, from the vibrant energy of Parikia and the cosmopolitan charm of Naousa to quieter seaside and inland gems that many visitors overlook. I’ve organized everything into port towns, coastal villages, and mountain villages to help you understand their differences and unique appeal. My hope is that through this guide, you’ll discover the incredible variety of experiences these villages offer and feel inspired to explore Paros more deeply, just as I have.
Port Towns of Paros
In this Paros village guide, I always like to begin with the port towns of Parikia and Naousa, as they are the living, beating heart of Paros Island. These are the places where I personally feel the island’s energy most strongly — where local life, history, and the sea all come together. Each time I arrive, wandering their waterfronts and whitewashed alleys reminds me why they are such an essential part of any visit.
Parikia
In my experience, Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros Island, perfectly blends history and vibrant island life. The town’s waterfront is dotted with fantastic restaurants and lively bars, making it a great spot to soak in the local atmosphere.
I always love wandering the old town’s narrow, whitewashed streets, which echo the charm of Santorini and Mykonos, and exploring the 13th-century Frankish castle that overlooks the harbor.
Parikia is also incredibly convenient for getting around the island, with vehicle rentals and a nearby bus station, while several stunning beaches lie within easy walking distance — ideal for a relaxed stroll or a quick swim.
Naousa
For me, Naousa is the perfect coastal town to experience a lively and charming side of Paros Island.
The town is full of character, with chic boutiques, inviting cafes, and excellent restaurants where I love to linger by the harbor. History buffs will enjoy exploring the 15th-century castle, a fascinating reminder of the town’s role in defending the island from pirates.
Naoussa also provides easy access to nearby beaches and small northern villages, offering plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim or a scenic coastal stroll.
Extra accommodation tip for Naousa: Live like a local while staying at Casa Olga – a hoiliday home by Rent A Greek Home, just miniutes from the old Venetian port.
Seaside Villages of Paros
In this Paros village guide, the island’s seaside villages are some of my favorite spots to explore. These charming coastal communities offer a slower pace compared to the port towns, yet they are full of character, local life, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Wandering these villages, I always find a mix of colorful fishing boats, cozy tavernas, and peaceful waterfronts that make each one feel like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Aliki
I’ve always found Aliki to have a wonderfully peaceful and authentic atmosphere, especially around its charming harbor.
A lovely selection of seaside restaurants lines the waterfront, and I often come here to enjoy a relaxed meal by the sea while watching the fishing boats come and go. Even as it becomes more well-known, Aliki has kept its traditional character, which is something I truly appreciate.
One place I highly recommend visiting is the Cycladic Folklore Museum near the port, where I always enjoy learning more about the island’s cultural heritage and everyday life of the past on Paros Island.
Accommodation tip for Aliki: just 2 km from Aliki there is a great selection of luxurious private villas available for rent.
Drios
In this Paros village guide, Drios stands out to me as one of the island’s most enchanting hidden gems. Located on the southeastern coast of Paros Island, the village has a quiet seaside charm, with a pebble beach and a handful of traditional tavernas where I love to sit and take in the endless blue views.
What makes Drios especially memorable for me is the authentic farm-to-table culture, as some of these family-run restaurants use ingredients from their own land.
Just a short walk away, you’ll also find Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti), famous for its golden sands and as the host of the World Windsurfing Championships, which adds an exciting contrast to the village’s otherwise peaceful rhythm.
Piso Livadi
In this Paros village guide, Piso Livadi is one of those places I always return to when I want to experience the island’s fishing village charm. Located about 6 km north of Drios, its small harbor is lined with traditional tavernas perched right over the water, where I love to enjoy fresh Greek dishes while watching the boats gently sway. The atmosphere here is especially magical in the evening, and I often find myself staying for a relaxed sunset drink by the sea.
From the port, I’ve also found it’s a wonderful starting point for boat trips to nearby Cyclades islands, adding a sense of adventure to the experience. Several beautiful beaches are within easy walking distance, perfect for a spontaneous swim, and just above the village sits one of my favorite mountain towns on Paros Island, which I’ll be sharing next.
Mountain Villages of Paros
In this Paros village guide, the mountain villages reveal a completely different side of Paros Island, one that I find deeply authentic and timeless. Away from the coastline, these villages are filled with quiet alleys, traditional architecture, and a slower rhythm of life that always makes me pause and appreciate the island’s heritage. Whenever I visit, I feel like I’m stepping into the true soul of Paros, where local culture and everyday life remain beautifully preserved.
Lefkes
In this Paros village guide, Lefkes is, without a doubt, one of the villages that has captured my heart the most. Once the capital of Paros Island, it sits nestled in the mountains and offers a beautiful blend of history, tradition, and everyday local life. I love spending time along its main street, Ramnos, which gently leads into the old town, where whitewashed houses, colorful doors, and inviting cafes create the perfect setting to slow down and simply wander.
One of my favorite things to do here is get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, browse the small local shops, and pause for a freddo espresso while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Lefkes is also the starting point of the famous Byzantine Road, a historic walking trail over 1,000 years old that stretches about 3.5 km through the Parian landscape and connects the village to another beautiful mountain settlement. Walking even a small part of this path always makes me feel connected to the island’s deep and fascinating past.
Marpissa
Marpissa is easily one of my favorite mountain villages on Paros Island, and every time I visit, I feel like I’ve stepped back into another era. Dating back to the 16th century, the village is a maze of narrow stone alleys, traditional houses, and quiet corners that reflect the timeless Cycladic way of life. I love wandering here without a plan, simply taking in the details and the peaceful atmosphere that makes Marpissa feel so authentic.
One experience I always recommend is hiking up to the Agios Antonis Monastery, which rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views across the island and the sea. After exploring, I enjoy sitting down for a relaxed meal at Haroula, a true hidden gem serving delicious local dishes. What makes Marpissa even more special to me is its proximity to the coast — the beautiful beach and harbor of Piso Livadi are just about a 20-minute walk away, offering the perfect balance between mountain charm and seaside relaxation.
Prodromos and Marmara
The neighboring villages of Prodromos and Marmara are two places I always recommend visiting together, as they sit just across from each other and share the same peaceful, traditional spirit. When I first explored them, I was struck by how quiet and authentic they felt, with stone houses, narrow lanes, and beautiful historic churches that reflect the island’s deep cultural roots. The famous Byzantine Road that begins in Lefkes ends in Prodromos, and arriving here on foot makes the experience even more special.
What I love most about this area is its sense of timelessness — walking through the small squares, I often feel like I’m discovering a side of Paros Island that many visitors miss. The two villages are connected by a short and easy walk, so it’s worth taking the time to explore both at a slow pace. I especially enjoy stopping at a traditional café for a coffee and simply soaking in the calm atmosphere, which offers a beautiful contrast to the island’s busier coastal towns.
Kostos
In this Paros village guide, Kostos is one of those quiet mountain villages that I always encourage people to pause and truly appreciate. Located on the way between Parikia and Lefkes, and nestled beneath the historic marble quarries of Paros Island, Kostos feels like a peaceful balcony overlooking the Aegean. From here, I’ve enjoyed breathtaking views stretching all the way to Naxos and the beautiful coastline around Molos.
What I love most about Kostos is its simplicity and charm. The village is made up of whitewashed houses, quiet alleyways, and a handful of cozy cafes where I like to sit and take in the scenery. In the heart of the village, you’ll find the lovely stone church of Agia Marina Church and the 17th-century Agios Panteleimon Church, dedicated to the village’s patron saint and set beside a small grove. Visiting Kostos always feels like discovering one of the island’s most serene and authentic corners.
Don’t Forget Antiparos
As this Paros village guide comes to an end, there’s one more destination I always recommend — the neighboring island of Antiparos. Just a short ferry ride from Paros Island, it offers beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a natural extension of your Paros experience.
I especially love strolling along the lively main street of Antiparos town, with its boutiques, cafes, and the historic Antiparos Castle at the end. Whether you visit for a day trip or explore by boat, Antiparos is a place that I believe adds something truly special to any visit to Paros.
