Where to stay in Paros?

Náoussa, the traditional fishing village

When you arrive in Naoussa, it's hard to imagine that this small, traditional village was once a pirate hideout. Today, it is the most popular tourist spot north of Paros.

Staying here allows you to wander through its picturesque streets. In the harbor, you'll discover freshly caught fish and octopus drying in the sun. You can also enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants in the little port. In the evening, the town is also known for its lively nightlife.

The harbor is home to the Kasteli, a 15th-century Venetian fortress which, half-submerged in the Aegean Sea, is one of the town's landmarks. The main beach is Piperi, just a few hundred metres from the port.

About 5 km to the west is Kolympethres Beach, a local favorite and the island's most famous. It can be reached by car or simply by boat from the port of Naoussa. Santa Maria, Lageri and Monastiri are also within a fifteen-minute drive. In short, there are numerous beaches within a radius of just a few kilometers.

And despite its northerly location, staying in or near Naoussa means you're just a 20-minute drive from :

• Parikia and its port
• the picturesque villages of Lefkés, Prodromos and Marpissa
• the Paros Environmental Park nature reserve
• the beach of Piso Livadi

The town of Aliki and the airport, both to the south, are around 30 minutes away by car.

Theaccommodation on offer here is varied. It meets the needs of all visitors to Paros.

Staying in and around Parikiá

Parikia is the island's capital and main port. In fact, it's from here that you arrive if you travel to Paros by ferry. As well as this practical feature, it is bordered by a seafront with numerous restaurants. This makes it a pleasant place to stay.

Paros has retained its authenticity. Stroll along its cobbled streets, and you'll find typical houses with whitewashed facades. It's also the place from which the main excursions depart, or sail around the neighboring islands.

It is dominated by the Basilica of Panaghia Katapoliani, by far the town's most interesting attraction (it is the third-largest early Christian sanctuary in Greece, and was founded in the 4th century). You can also visit the archaeological and Byzantine museums, and other sites such as the ancient necropolis on the seafront.

In terms of location, staying in Parikia means you're less than 30 minutes from the beaches of Livadia (the nearest, 1 km away), Krios and Parasporos. Or to the mountain village of Lefkés, in the center of Paros.

Accommodation is plentiful and varied.

Accommodation on the south-east coast of Paros

If you want to enjoy Paros' beaches even more, the best are on the east coast.

Piso Livadi is a seaside resort on the island, and a good place to stay. It boasts a picturesque little port and splendid sandy beaches. Its water is one of the warmest on Paros. Busy but quiet, it enjoys a family atmosphere. On the seafront, grilled fish restaurants and bars offer terraced dining overlooking the Aegean Sea. Boat trips are available to Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini, among others.

Chrisi Atki (also known as"Golden Beach") takes its name from the fine golden sand that glistens in the sun. It's also a small village that has managed to remain authentic, even if a few tourist facilities such as bars with deckchairs and restaurants have sprung up. Today, it's a trendy resort, renowned mainly for its water sports. Indeed, Chrisi Atki is an internationally renowned windsurfing spot. Other activities include diving and beach volleyball, and it's easy to practice all kinds of sports on the 700-meter stretch of sand. In short, it's a sporty, trendy place where you can come to work out and enjoy the sun.

Lodging here is a little further from the rest of Paros, but still within easy reach of the island's other points of interest. We're just 20 minutes from Naoussa. Other places of interest can be reached in around 30 minutes, such as Parikia and its port, or the pretty fishing village of Aliki.

Here, the accommodation on offer is varied. From hotels to guesthouses and villas, the range of accommodation on offer is sure to meet the needs of all travellers.

Stay in Aliki, on the southern tip of Paros

Aliki is a charming fishing village. Situated in the south-west of Paros, it offers a pleasant place to come with the family, both for its relaxed atmosphere and for the activities on offer. You can dive here, and discover the coastline on one of the many boat excursions. Its main beach, Piso Aliki, is covered with white pebbles and tamarisk, and is bordered by crystal-clear water. In other words, Aliki is a place to relax and take it easy.

In the village, you'll find a variety of pretty little restaurants serving fresh fish and sun-dried mackerel. In the evening, meet up in the bars and watch the sunset.

When staying in Aliki, you can also visit the Skorpios Museum, famous for its historic ship miniatures.

Despite its out-of-the-way location to the south, the island's places of interest are within easy reach, in no more than half an hour's drive. In terms of accommodation, there isn' t much on offer, but there is a wide range of places to stay, particularly suitable for families.

Antiparos, a haven of peace where to stay

Paros' little sister, to the east, is the island of Antiparos, where you can also stay.

Chora, also known as the town of Antiparos, is a picturesque Cycladic port. It is reached by ferry from Pounta. It's a pleasant place to stroll through its white-walled lanes, and its waterfront offers stores, bars and restaurants. Cycling is the main mode of transport here, as everything is just a few pedal strokes away.

There are a number of places of interest, such as the 16th-century Venetian castle, which was once used by locals to protect themselves from pirate attacks. Nearby, you can enjoy the coastline at Sifneiko, from where you can admire the sunsets. Or at Psaraliki, where you can relax in one of the waterfront tavernas. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming.

The hinterland also invites exploration: on the southern tip, around 10km from Chora, you'll find the village of Agios Georgios and its beautiful stretch of yellow sand. A visit to the grotto and the charming church of Aghios Ioannis is a must. There are a number of hiking trails nearby, but the main attractions lie to the north, close to Chora.

You can take a boat trip to visit the coastline, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and even try your hand at diving. Despite its peace and quiet, the nightlife in the streets of Chora is lively. Antiparos is a peaceful place to stay.

Most people come to Antiparos to stay for one or two nights, to discover and enjoy the island's atmosphere. The accommodation on offer ranges from villas for rent to small, charming establishments to suit all budgets. There are very few hotels.