Welcome to the picturesque island of Paros, where pristine beaches meet charming villages and traditional Greek hospitality.

Paros is a hidden gem of the Aegean Sea that delights visitors with its authentic character, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscape.

If you are planning a trip to Greece and want to explore beyond the mainstream tourist spots, I highly recommend adding Paros to your itinerary.

From quaint fishing hamlets to hilltop settlements with panoramic views, here are my top picks for the most enchanting villages on this captivating island!

Paros

Paros is an island in the Aegean Sea that belongs to the Cyclades group of islands. It is located about 150 km (93 mi) south-east of Athens and about 18 km (11 mi) east of Naxos.

This island is known for its sandy beaches, traditional villages and stunning landscapes. The island has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.

The economy of Paros is based on tourism and agriculture. The main agricultural products are olives, grapes, figs, and almonds. The island is also home to many marble quarries.

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Villages to visit in Paros

Paros is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this island chain. With its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and welcoming locals, Paros exudes Mediterranean charm.

Naousa

Naousa is a traditional Cycladic village located on the north side of Paros and is known for its beautiful harbor, which is lined with restaurants and cafes. There are also a number of small boutique shops in the village.

The beaches in Naousa are some of the best on the island and include Piperi Beach, Kolympithres Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

Marpissa

Marpissa is a charming village on the island of Paros that is definitely worth a visit.

This charming village is located in the northwestern part of the island and is known for its picturesque white houses and amazing views. Marpissa is also home to some great restaurants and cafes, as well as a few small shops.

The village is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Paros.

Marmara

Marmara is a traditional village located in the center of Paros Island in Greece. It is known for its beautiful white-washed houses, narrow streets, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Visitors can explore the village’s many traditional churches, including the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Marmara is also home to several tavernas and cafes where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and drinks.

Kostos

Kostos is a village located in the southern part of Paros island in Greece. Well known for its traditional architecture, picturesque alleys, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

The village has a small but lively square with a few cafes and tavernas, and it is surrounded by beautiful nature trails that lead to various beaches and other villages.

Kostos is famous for its annual festival in honor of the Virgin Mary, which takes place on August 15th and features traditional music, dancing, and food.

Lefkes

Lefkes is a pretty village that is located in the center of the island and is known for its traditional Greek architecture and stunning scenery.

Take a stroll through the winding streets, lined with whitewashed houses and bougainvillea-covered walls, and stop to admire the views from one of the many vantage points.

Visiting the 16th-century church of Panagia Lefkadiani is a must, which is perched atop a hill overlooking the village.

Piso Livadi

Piso Livadi is a charming fishing village located on the eastern coast of Paros island.

It features a picturesque marina, sandy beaches, traditional tavernas, and bars. Visitors can enjoy water sports, boat trips to nearby islands, and hiking trails.

Piso Livadi is also a popular spot for yachts and sailboats.

Parikia

Parikia is the capital and main port of the Greek island of Paros.

It also has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with many historical landmarks to visit, including the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors) and the Frankish Castle.

The town has a bustling waterfront promenade with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sea views.

Well known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning.

The town has several beaches nearby, including Livadia Beach and Krios Beach, both of which are popular with tourists.

This is a well-connected village to other parts of the island, with regular bus services and taxis available.

Activities to Experience in Each Village

Many villages scattered around the island of Paros and each with their own unique charm.

Here are some activities to experience in each village:

Naousa: is a fishing village in the Cyclades. Prisoners were once kept in the Katoi windmill and you can still see the chains that held them inside. Today, it’s a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the view. Don’t miss out on trying some of the delicious seafood dishes in this village!

Lefkes: is a traditional Greek village with beautiful architecture. Wander around the streets and take in the sights before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants. Be sure to visit the church of Panagia Lefkatiotissa while you’re here.

Kostos: is a picturesque village located on the road from Parikia to Lefkes. It is a typical Cycladic village with white houses with blue doors and windows. It is worth stopping in the center where there are two strikingly beautiful churches, namely the church of Agios Panteleimon and the church of Agia Marina.

Marmara: is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities to enjoy. Discover the beautiful beaches of Marmara, such as Golden Beach, Logaras Beach, and Punda Beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun. You can also hike to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the island.

Marpissa: is a beautiful village and this island is built on a hill on the east side of the island. Definitely don’t forget to visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos. This beautiful church dates back to the 17th century and features stunning Byzantine-style architecture. Visit the Folklore Museum: This museum showcases the traditional way of life in Marpissa and is a great place to learn about the village’s history and culture.

Piso Livadi: is a picturesque fishing village on the Greek island of Paros. Make sure to visit Piso Livadi Beach for sunbathing and swimming. You can also take a boat tour to one of the nearby islands, which is Naxos and Koufonisia.

Parikia: is the island’s capital and home to many historical sites including Byzantine churches, Venetian fortifications, and an archaeology museum. There’s also a lively nightlife scene as well as plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.

I hope this article has shown you the immense beauty and charm of Paros.

There are many amazing villages to explore on this stunning island, and you definitely won’t regret taking some time out of your schedule to visit them.

If you need help mapping out your Greek island hopping vacation, then go and check this blog post where I share everything you need to know how to plan a Greek island hopping vacation.