72 HOURS IN PAROS
how to spend 72 hours on the Greek island of Paros
Paros may not get the same buzz as Santorini or Mykonos, but that’s exactly what makes it perfect for your next euro summer adventure! The golden hour sunsets, pristine beaches, and whitewashed streets are only a few of the things that make this island so special. Here's how I would spend 72 hours soaking up the best of Paros.
72 HOURS IN PAROS
Day 1
7 AM: Take the ferry from Athens
Take the first early morning ferry from Piraeus (main port in Athens) to Paros. We were on a massive ferry which took a few hours (close to a four hour journey in total). We sat in the shade of the back deck and watched the water the whole time. WiFi for €5 was strong enough to work online. Coffee and food available onboard.
11 AM: Arrive in Parikia (port town of Paros)
Our Airbnb was in Naousa but check in time was not til 3 pm. Store your luggage at Hotel Kontes. Only a few paces from where you get off the ferry. It’s €8 per large and €4 per small bag.
12 AM: Lunch + explore Parikia
The shopping is incredible, and what better way is there to kill time!? Great homeware, clothing, jewelry, and souvenir shops all around—just wander the streets. Casa Alma was my favorite boutique. Plenty of great food options but we opted for a light lunch at Mana Mana the salads were delicious See full Paros food and drink edit here.
2:30 PM: Head to Naousa
There is a direct bus line from Parikia to the Naousa town center. IF you are traveling light, this is by far the cheapest and easiest option. Otherwise find a taxi stand or call an uber. Ubers cost around €45/50.
3 PM: Check into Airbnb
This is the Airbnb we stayed at. Felt really safe and was an easy walk into town at night + close to the bus station. Even though it was quite hot, we wanted to enjoy the mini pool on our balcony so we stocked up on some snacks (i.e. bread, cheese, and wine) at the local market and got settled in.
6 PM: Naousa: shopping, drinks, dinner
Really lovely to watch the sunset by the water before grabbing a bite to eat. We spent hours every night just window shopping in the town (and bought way too much jewelery).
On a budget: eat at Daverona
No budget: eat at Safran Restaurant or Sigi Ithios
10:30 PM: Nightcap
Try San Fos or Agosta Cocktail bar. You’ll be right next to all the action but will still have a place to sit and drink on the water.
Day 2
9 AM: Breakfast at Ragouis Bakery
Small chain on the island but it is a classic spot with tons of Greek pastries and breakfast options.
10:30 AM: Beach Day
If you want to stay local, take a water taxi to one of three local beaches (Monastiri, Lageri, Kolybithres). We went to Monastiri and it was stunning. Two sun beds + and umbrella costs €50 and they had full food and drink service.
4 PM: Take the water taxi back into town
Do some shopping before heading back to your Airbnb and getting ready for the night.
6 PM: R&R
Our evening routine went as follows: hot tub dip. shower. nap. love island episode while getting ready. shot of ouzo. mini dance party on the balcony. head out for the night
8 PM: Pre-dinner drinks
I would go to Sante Cocktail bar before dinner OR just wander the streets and see what place has available seats for peak people watching.
9:30 PM: Reservation at Axinos
9:30 is prime time for a reservation (IMO) because this gives you enough time to get a glass of wine or two + your meal in you before the napkin dance party starts at 10:45. See said napkin dance party here.
11:30 PM: Bars
Ideally you are in Paros for a weekend and can take full advantage of a Saturday night out! We had so much fun bar hopping between Agosta, Linardo, and Barbarossa bar. I will say, it was quite a younger crowd at these spots but not sure if that has to do with the time of year we were here.
Day 3
9 AM: Breakfast at Almond Cafe
Small chain on the island but it is a classic spot with tons of Greek pastries and breakfast options.
10:30 AM: Boat Tour
One of my favorite ways to see a place (especially a small island) is from the water. The views from sea allow you to see the full landscape and often experience otherwise untouched and unreachable spots. Some of the boats leave directly from Naousa, but if you are looking to just hit Antiparos and/or the Blue Lagoon, you’ll most likely need to get to Punda or Parikia first.
Fun party boat vibes: Captain Ben’s (book direct here)
Antiparos / Blue Lagoon: Viator has so many good options (see here)
7 PM: Head to Parikia
If you haven’t spent much time here, I think it is worth coming back into here for your last dinner. Get in your last bits of shopping and enjoy the sunset reflecting off the water and the windmill.
8 PM: Sunset drinks at Spiti House Cocktail Bar
Would be my top choice of where to have drinks in town.
9 PM: Dinner at Dionysos (or Daphne)
Both restaurants have a beautiful courtyard setting and are right next to Spiti House. We ended up having a three hour dinner at Daphne and it was great (this may have to do with the fact that we have 500ml of wine each for €5).
11 PM: Nightcap or Night Night
If you want to continue the party, head to The Dubliner. If you are ready to go home, make sure you know when the public bus runs back to Naousa or be prepared to uber.
PRO TIP: The ferries are a bit stressful. If you are taking a massive ferry back to Athens the next day, be prepared to board early. If you are taking a smaller Seajets ferry, just know that they arrive, board, and leave very very quickly. Do not be afraid to ask the local port authorities questions about which ferry is yours… Would also recommend dramamine if you are taking a smaller ferry to another island. I don’t usually get seasick and we were feeeeeeeling the waves.
