Marking the very center of the Cyclades, Paros is an A-list celebrity among this star-studded clutch of islands. There are endless things to do on Paros for passing island hoppers, from basking on its otherworldly beaches to strolling through its whitewashed villages. Windsurf, kitesurf, and dive along the coastline; explore the island cuisine with cooking classes and food tours; or set sail through the azure waters to neighboring Antiparos. When the sun dips below the Aegean, experience the nightlife in the island’s resort towns of Parikia and Naoussa.
Like all of the islands in the Cyclades, Paros comes to life during the summer months. Its sun-washed beaches are an ideal spot to sit out the most torrid time of year, and the nightlife begins late into the evening when the temperatures cool off. On August 23, the island celebrates the Barbarossa Pirate Festival with reenactments of the island’s victory over the famed Turkish pirate, fireworks, dancing, and other revelry.
Paros has a dependable public bus system that links the towns and some beaches; the main terminals are in Parikia and Naoussa. You can also get around the island with a rental car, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle; the roads are generally safe and well-maintained. Water taxis and small ferries run between the port towns and main beaches in the summer months for quick and scenic travel by sea.
The inland landscape on Paros is less dramatic than neighboring islands, so hiking takes a back seat to water sports here. Outdoor enthusiasts can try windsurfing and kitesurfing on the same beaches where world championship competitions are often held. Golden Beach and Pounda Beach are two water sports hubs where you can find instructors and equipment rentals. The island is also popular among scuba enthusiasts, with a dive center that offers daily shipwreck excursions.
