Paros is a beautiful Greek island known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and rich history. Coming from Milos, this island was a lot bigger, busier, and had more of a fun, party vibe!
We spent four days in Paros at the end of our honeymoon to Greece. We stayed at the Summer Senses Luxury Resort and Spa in Marpissa. In this post I will share 6 Fun things to do in Paros for couples. But first, how do we get there?
How to get to Paros
We took a SeaJet ferry from Milos to Paros. The ride was an hour and 45 minutes long between the two islands. We booked our ferry tickets on Ferryhopper. I booked us “business class” seats on the ferry (which was just the upper level) because I read online that these ferry rides are rough. And i am so glad that I did. I am someone who gets very nauseous on boats and I still felt sick on the upper deck. There were barf bags at every seat and toward the end of the ride we heard a lot of people using them. To prepare for this ride, I didn’t eat anything before we left. We felt that the extra money splurging on the upper deck was worth it!
If you are coming from Athens, consider booking a flight to Paros National Airport. (PAS) This airport is located in the southwestern part of the island, near the village of Alyki. During the summer season, there are direct flights to Paros from Athens International Airport (ATH) and other major Greek airports, as well as some European cities. The flight from Athens to Paros takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Several airlines operate flights to Paros, including Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express. We flew out of this airport on our way back to Athens.
There are tons of beautiful beaches to visit in Paros. We skipped the beaches and spent a lot of time at our resort pool and exploring the island. These are 6 things and places we visited in Paros.
When to Travel to Paros
My husband and I traveled to Paros at the end of July for our honeymoon. We knew the summer was going to the most popular time of the year to visit. However, as someone who works in a school, I did not have much of a choice! We had an amazing time and have no regret!
Summer (June to August): Summer is the high tourist season in Paros, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine. This is the ideal time for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, as the sea is warm and inviting. The island comes alive with events, festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can also be crowded and more expensive during this time, especially in July and August.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October): Spring and autumn are considered shoulder seasons in Paros. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer. It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring villages, and sightseeing, as well as enjoying the beaches without the summer crowds. If you are able to travel during this time, you may save a lot of money. As traveling during the shoulder season can be a lot more affordable!
Winter (November to March): Winter is the low tourist season in Paros, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. While some businesses may close during this time, the island retains its natural beauty and traditional charm. Winter is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic experience, as well as for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring historic sites without the crowds. However, ferry schedules and tourist services may be limited. After speaking to taxi drivers and hotel employees, it sounds like the island is very quiet in the Winter without the seasonal employees.
6 Fun Things to Do in Paros for Couples
We spent four days on the beautiful island of Paros. While we were there for our honeymoon, we saw a lot of families at our resort as well. There is something on the island for everyone! These are the fun things we did during our short stay on the island.
1. Cooking Class with a Greek Grandma!
Our absolute favorite thing that we did in Paros was a cooking class with a Greek grandma. My husband loves to cook and we thought this would be the perfect cultural experience learning how to cook authentic Greek food from a local!
How we Booked it
We found this class last minute on Airbnb experiences. The class had amazing 5 star reviews including that it was a once in a lifetime unique experience and it definitely lived up to the hype! We booked this class for $80 a person (and it was worth the money!). Link to the exact class we did here.
The cooking class was located in Drios. We took a short 10 minute taxi from our hotel to Maria’s outdoor kitchen. There were about 15 people in the class most of which were young couples just like us! We really enjoyed making friends with the other couples we met, all of which were from the United States!
I was nervous going into the class because I am not an advanced chef. Maria and her sous chefs were extremely helpful and guided us through all the dishes. Make sure to bring your appetite because we made a ton of food.
We cooked an entire 6 course menu consisting of stuffed dolmas with rice, spinach pie, grilled fish,moussaka, tabouli salad, and baklava.
While our food was cooking, Maria even led us in a traditional Greek dance with the group. We had so much fun and truly felt like we were immersing ourselves in an authentic Greek experience. This was our favorite thing we did in Paros!
2. Party in Naoussa!
Naoussa has a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Spend an evening hopping between bars, sipping cocktails, and dancing the night away!
We had dinner at Siparos Restaurant just a quick 7 minute drive from Naoussa. You will definitely need to drive to this restaurant as it is not in walking distance to anything (but worth the drive).
This beautiful restaurant had stunning views of the sunset over the water. We were lucky enough to score the perfect seat for two just in time for sunset. This restaurant was fully booked on a summer evening. I had our hotel concierge help us make this reservation and I think that is the only reason we were able to get this special table! Look at these views!
The food here was outstanding, but the best part was the party vibe. Once 9 o’clock hit there were sparklers, loud music and dancing. This is such a fun restaurant to go with a large group before heading out for a night of partying!
Other restaurants in Naoussa that have a clubby, fun party vibe that are great for groups include:
- Barbarossa Restaurant & Beach Bar: Located right by the beach, Barbarossa offers a lively atmosphere with music, dancing, and a party vibe. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and grilled meats, making it a great choice for a group celebration.
- Tao’s Center: While primarily known as a yoga retreat center, Tao’s Center also features a restaurant with a vibrant ambiance, especially during special events and themed nights. With its spacious outdoor area and panoramic views of the sea, it’s an excellent option for hosting large groups who want to enjoy good food and music.
- Palia Agora: This traditional Greek taverna is popular for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff. Palia Agora often hosts Greek nights with live music, dancing, and traditional entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for celebrating with a large group.
Make sure to make reservations in advance, as all of these restaurants book up quickly in the Summer!
3. Dine on the water at Piso Livadion
If you are staying close to Marpissa, you must dine on the water at Piso Livadion. This small beach town has shops and restaurants to walk around and enjoy the view. We dined at Markakis restaurant.
All of the restaurants on this strip were packed with couples and families enjoying a summer meal on the water. Other great restaurants on this strip include
- Albatross: Overlooking the picturesque harbor of Piso Livadi, Albatross offers a beautiful setting for dining with views of the sea. Known for its seafood dishes and traditional Greek cuisine, this restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal.
- To Kyma: Translating to “The Wave,” To Kyma is a charming seaside taverna known for its relaxed ambiance and delicious food. From grilled octopus to fresh fish and homemade desserts, the menu features a variety of dishes made with care and attention to detail.
- Kohilia Taverna: Situated right by the water, Kohilia Taverna specializes in fresh seafood and grilled meats, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. With its friendly service and casual vibe, it’s a great spot to enjoy authentic Greek flavors while taking in the scenic surroundings.
4. Wander around traditional Lefkes
Looking to take a break from the beach and the pool? Consider spending an afternoon walking around the town of Lefkes. We took a taxi here from our hotel in Marpissa. Lefkes is a charming village known for its traditional architecture, scenic landscapes, and cultural attractions.
We loved walking on the narrow cobblestone streets admiring the whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. Explore the quaint shops selling local handicrafts, ceramics, and souvenirs, and stop by the traditional cafes to enjoy a Greek coffee or refreshing drink.
We had lunch at Aranto, a local Greek taverna in the Lefkes village. It had panoramic views of the village from up above. The authentic lunch was delicious and they even gave us a complimentary Greek yogurt with fruit for desert.
5. Spend a day at a beach club!
While there are a lot of relaxing places for couples, Paros is a party island! Spend a day at one of Paros’ beach clubs. These beach clubs offer a range of amenities and activities, from sunbathing and swimming to dining and water sports, ensuring a memorable beach experience in Paros.
- Santa Maria Beach Club: Located on Santa Maria Beach, this beach club offers a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a beachside restaurant and bar. Enjoy stunning views of the sea while sipping cocktails or indulging in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Monastiri Beach Club: Situated on Monastiri Beach, this beach club combines natural beauty with modern amenities. Relax on sunbeds overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, indulge in delicious snacks and drinks at the beach bar, and enjoy water sports activities such as windsurfing and paddleboarding.
- Krios Beach Club: Nestled on Krios Beach near Parikia, Krios Beach Club offers a laid-back vibe with comfortable sun loungers and a relaxed beach bar serving refreshing cocktails and light snacks. Enjoy panoramic views of Parikia Bay and the surrounding landscape while soaking up the sun.
- Freesurf Beach Club: Located on Pounda Beach, Freesurf Beach Club is a popular spot for beach parties and events. Enjoy music from guest DJs, sip cocktails at the beach bar, and take part in water sports activities such as kiteboarding and windsurfing!
- Sunset Beach Club: Located on Drios Beach, Sunset Beach Club is a favorite among locals and visitors for its relaxed vibe and beautiful sunset views. Lounge on sunbeds by the water, enjoy cocktails and snacks at the beach bar, and unwind to the sounds of live music at night!
6. Explore Marpissa
If you are looking to take pictures of the traditional Cycladic architecture, with its whitewashed houses, and colorful doors, head to Marpissa! Don’t miss the chance to explore the village’s charming squares and picturesque churches. There isn’t much to do here, but we loved spending an hour walking around taking pictures with the gorgeous colorful houses! If you are looking for the instagram perfect location for your photos, this is it!
We had so much fun exploring the beautiful and lively island of Paros. While we were on our honeymoon, Paros is a place to be enjoyed by families, large groups of friends, and couples. Whether you are looking to party, enjoy romantic time together as a couple, or just explore the island, there is something for everyone.
Let me know how you spent your time on the lively island of Paros, Greece!