Top 5 Things to See and Do in Paros, Paros, Greece

The fact that may people don’t know about Paros is probably a good thing. Think of this Greek island as the unassuming middle sister of glamourous Santorini and fun-loving Mykonos. Yet Paros isn’t just another beautiful blue and white island in the Cyclades, and its under-the-radar status actually works out to your advantage (translation: less crowds and all of the touristy craziness that comes with it). Paros is not too big and not too small, which makes it just right. So if you’re planning a visit to Greece, here are 5 things to see and do that helped make Paros my favorite island.

If you’re arriving in Paros by ferry, then Parikia will be your first introduction to the island. This port town has all of the elements of a typical Cycladic village and then some. Stroll through its maze of whitewashed lanes, bursting with bright pink bougainvillea flowers, equally colorful doors and the more-than-occasional cat. These cobblestone streets are made for wandering, as well as browsing adorable shops like Aithra for beautiful Greek-inspired jewelry, the quirky concept store Melissa across the street with everything from decorative items to playful accessories. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).