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Exploring and photographing Paros beyond the postcards
When planning a trip to the Cyclades, one of the most common questions is undoubtedly: which island should we choose for our next adventure? Did you know that the Cyclades are made up of more than 200 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean Sea, including around twenty tourist destinations welcoming travellers in search of whitewashed villages, turquoise waters, and unique island landscapes? It’s therefore completely normal to have a hard time deciding which one to choose, especially when it’s your first trip to Greece!
To be completely honest, Paros truly stole my heart. The reason is quite simple: it offers the perfect balance of Cycladic architecture, charming little ports, mountain villages, secluded coves, and authentic scenes of island life. Although the island remains a popular tourist destination, I found that its Greek cultural essence feels much more present than on other islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Ios. Despite its enchanting atmosphere and growing popularity year after year, Paros seems to have a superpower: slowing down time and making us appreciate the simple things in life a little more.
Covering approximately 196 km², the island is relatively compact. To give you an idea of the driving distances, it takes around three hours to drive around the island without making any stops. Its history stretches back thousands of years. The first communities settled here around 5,000 years ago, contributing to the development of Cycladic civilization, the rise of the marble trade, and, later, the cultural richness of Ancient Greece. For this blog post, I want to invite you through a door — one that will give you access to another side of Paros, allowing you to explore and photograph the island well beyond the picture-perfect postcards.
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Before taking you on a journey through some of my favourite places in Paros, I’d first like to share a few helpful tips to keep in mind when planning your stay. I’m sharing only the essentials here, as this article is first and foremost an invitation to discover the island through my eyes, rather than a comprehensive travel guide.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
▶ Currency: the currency is the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. I recommend carrying a small amount of cash as a backup.
▶ Water: tap water is available, but its taste and quality may vary depending on the area and the accommodation where you are staying. As a precaution, I recommend opting for bottled water for drinking, especially if you are sensitive to changes in water.
▶ Car rental: I rented a car through Europcar, and my experience was very positive. If you arrive on the island by ferry, you’ll disembark at the port of Parikiá, where the rental office is just a five-minute walk away. You can therefore pick up your car very easily. I do recommend booking your ferry in advance through the Ferryhopper app, which allows you to purchase your ticket online. If you arrive by plane, keep in mind that car rental agencies operate differently. For example, Europcar offers a “Meet & Greet” service: a representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and hand over your vehicle.
▶ Parking: free public parking is available throughout the island.
▶ Food: for affordable groceries, opt for supermarket chains such as Masoutis, Sklavenitis, or My Market. Prices can vary depending on promotions, while smaller grocery stores in highly touristy areas are generally less budget-friendly for a larger grocery haul.
▶Accomodation: book your accommodation as early as possible, as availability tends to disappear quite quickly. If possible, choose accommodations featuring traditional Cycladic architecture to fully immerse yourself in the cultural essence of Greece.
1 - PARIKIA ET NAOUSSA: THE FIRST FACES OF PAROS
The capital and main port of Paros, Parikia is much more than simply an arrival point on the island. Behind the lively port area lies a city full of character, where cobblestone streets wind their way between whitewashed houses, small shops, and remnants of a thousand-year-old past. It is home to the port, administrative services, and numerous local businesses. Its history dates back to Antiquity, and over the centuries, different civilizations have left their mark on the city, particularly through its monuments, churches, and marble structures. Today, its population is estimated at around 4,200 inhabitants.
From a photography perspective, head toward the old town, where the maze of narrow streets opens the door to creativity. This was definitely my favourite area to explore, as the buildings have preserved their distinctive Cycladic character. Also, keep an eye out for the occasional small flags hanging between houses if you’d like to add a more distinctly Greek touch to your images (see photos below).
▶ Parking: there are five free public parking lots along the ring road heading toward Aliki.
▶ Restaurants & Coffee Shops: Vanilla Gelateria is a must-visit if you’re craving a sweet treat. The cherry flavour is absolutely delicious!
▶ Activities: The Archaeological Museum of Paros is considered one of Greece’s leading regional archaeological museums, thanks to its collection of discoveries spanning from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. I recommend exploring the old town on foot and making your way to the Venetian Kastro.
Located in the north of the island, Naoussa is a coastal village particularly loved for its nightlife, waterfront tavernas, and lively atmosphere as the sun goes down. With its colourful little boats moored in the harbour, the village retains a strong identity rooted in fishing, an activity that has long played an important role in the daily lives of its residents. In my opinion, the best time to photograph Naoussa is early in the morning, when a sense of calm still fills the narrow streets and soft light illuminates the whitewashed façades. This is when I most enjoyed discovering the village, before the daytime crowds and activity began to settle in. Naoussa also has a rich historical past. Under Venetian rule, a fortress was built to defend the harbour, and its remains can still be seen today. The small Venetian castle, located at the entrance to the harbour, is actually one of the most recognizable features of Naoussa’s landscape. Between the fishing boats, flower-filled alleyways, and traces of its history, this village offers a beautiful blend of Greek traditions and Cycladic charm.
▶ Parking: there are three large public parking areas in Naoussa, along the road leading toward Santa Maria.
▶ Restaurants & Coffee Shops: as for restaurants, my taste buds were delighted to try a vegetarian pizza and traditional loukoumades (small fried dough balls served warm with honey and cinnamon) at Sugar Vibes. I also highly recommend Agosto for a refreshing treat, such as an iced hazelnut fudge topped with white chocolate and colourful sprinkles!
▶ Activities: explore the old port and Kastelli for free. Visit Paros Park, a natural and cultural park located on a peninsula in the northern part of the island, covering 80 hectares of protected natural landscapes and coastline.
2 - LEFKES, MARPISSA AND PISO LIVADI: ANOTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND
Greek authenticity can be found especially in the island’s lesser-known villages, and despite the absence of mass tourism, they are no less interesting. Quite the opposite, in fact. I believe the cultural charm lives on in the narrow streets where the architecture has remained untouched, in the eyes of the locals, who outnumber the travellers, and in the aromas of traditional dishes drifting over the stone walls. In short, the detour is truly worthwhile, and on my list of recommendations, I suggest exploring these three villages: Lefkes, Marpissa, and Piso Livadi.
Nestled in the mountains of Paros, approximately 250 metres above sea level, Lefkes is one of the island’s central villages, which is why I decided to make it my base for the entire duration of my stay. The village was originally built to protect its inhabitants from pirate attacks and is now one of the best-preserved villages on the island. It has a population of approximately 600 residents. The scenery is beautiful, and you’ll always find a few cats to keep you company. For those short on time, it is possible to combine a visit to this village with Prodromos or Marpissa in a single day. On the other hand, if you’d like to experience Lefkès at a slower pace over at least two days, I recommend the following activities.
▶ Tested and Recommended Accomodation: Lefkes Blissful Home. This apartment is perfectly located in the village, just a two-minute walk from the parking area, and is situated on the same narrow street as Lefkes’ most photographed spot: a bougainvillea covered in beautiful pink-toned flowers. The price is also very affordable!
▶ Parking: free parking at the entrance to the village.
▶ Restaurants & Coffee Shops: Café Marigo is loved for its location on the village square, relaxed atmosphere, and homemade specialties such as Greek coffee and lemonade.
▶ Activities: walk along the historic Byzantine Road, a paved path connecting Lefkès and the village of Prodromos. Get lost in the village’s narrow streets in search of the most beautiful photo opportunities, and if you enjoy Greek history and culture, head to the small Cycladic Folklore Museum.
Officially designated as a “traditional village” since 1978, Marpissa reflects the island’s Venetian history, cultural heritage, and authentic character. Located in eastern Paros, the village can be explored in just a few hours and can easily be combined with a visit to Piso Livadi, as the two are only about six minutes apart by car, or approximately 2 to 3 kilometres. Marpissa was once a village whose way of life revolved primarily around agriculture. Today, you can still spot farms and agricultural land surrounding the village. Here, you truly go beyond the postcards! From a photography perspective, my favourite spot was undoubtedly the small Evangelismos Chapel (see photos below). It is located in the historic centre of Marpissa, tucked among the village’s narrow streets. It stands out from the many white-and-blue churches found throughout the Cyclades thanks to its Aegean architectural style, which gives it a truly unique appearance. Its whitewashed structure is accented with cream- and brown-toned masonry details, creating a warm contrast against its white walls.
▶ Parking: free parking at the entrance to the village.
▶ Restaurants & Coffee Shops: Vera Loukoumas is a small, casual café-snack bar best known for its freshly made loukoumades, crêpes, breakfast options, and coffee. For a restaurant, try Charoula’s Tavern. Located in the heart of Marpissa, this family-run restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, with vegetarian and vegan options (such as stuffed vine leaves, stuffed zucchini flowers, baked chickpeas, and more).
▶ Activities: admire the four windmills in the main square, get lost in the authentic narrow streets of the old town, stop for a freddo coffee, or enjoy a traditional meal.
If you enjoy strolling through a seaside atmosphere without being caught up in the tourist crowds, I recommend heading to Piso Livadi. Much quieter than Naoussa, this small village retains a charm that feels both authentic and tourist-friendly, but on a much smaller scale. Personally, I wouldn’t spend the entire day there. The best advice I can give you when it comes to timing and planning is to start your day very early in Marpissa, spend a few hours exploring the village, and then make your way to Piso Livadi around dinnertime. The waterfront restaurants and terraces create a romantic atmosphere if you decide to spend the evening there. You can sample local dishes, follow it up with a gelato, browse the village’s small shops for a few souvenirs, and finish the evening with a stroll along the beach.
▶ Parking: free parking at the entrance to the village.
▶ Restaurants & Coffee Shops: as a great little local spot for gelato, I recommend Fatto a Mano. The gelateria is located right on the shore of Piso Livadi Bay, making it a lovely stop to enjoy a scoop of gelato while taking in the scenery. Several flavours are available, and pistachio is generally the most highly rated.
3 - CULTURAL EXPERIENCES: TASTINGS AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
The final section of this blog post focuses more specifically on experiences that I truly enjoyed and that, in my opinion, offer a genuine way to discover the local culture. I’ll be sharing my experience visiting a local farm, including a tasting of traditional Greek products, as well as two beaches that are definitely worth the detour.
Planning to dine at a few restaurants during your stay but looking to elevate the experience with something more comprehensive when it comes to tasting local flavours? Direction : Petra Farm. Located high above Kolympethres Bay, just a short distance from Kolympethres Beach, its location is simply unbeatable, offering a beautiful view over Naoussa Bay. The farm offers guided tours followed by a tasting of organic, homemade products. There’s no mass tourism here: you’ll simply be joined by 4 to 12 other people with whom you’ll share the experience. Children are also welcome. During the first part of the visit, you’ll learn about the history of the family business and gain insight into the products grown and prepared on the farm. Once seated at the table, the products are beautifully presented and wonderfully varied: cherry tomatoes, cheese, fig jam, pepper jam, olives, capers, fresh bread, oregano-infused olive oil, organic wine, Greek salad, slow-baked chickpeas, spinach pie, and a traditional Greek spoon sweet for dessert. The tour and tasting last approximately two hours in total. At the very end, you can also purchase some of the local products you enjoyed directly from the farm.
First beach: Kolympethres Beach. Considered one of the most recognizable beaches in Paros, it consists of a series of small coves separated by granite formations. The water is shallow and wonderfully clear, making it an ideal spot for families with children. Located just a five-minute drive from Petra Farm, I recommend combining the two in the same day. Personally, I find it particularly interesting because of its granite formations, which set it apart from more traditional beaches, whether developed or naturally longer stretches of sand. Did you know that the word Kolympethres actually refers to “pools” or “baptismal fonts”? Through erosion caused by wind, water, and salt, these enormous rounded grey rocks have taken on a rather graphic appearance, which is why some people describe them as having a lunar quality. The good news is that this beach remains relatively untouched by tourism. So, if you enjoy a relaxed and more local atmosphere, this is exactly the place to unwind.
▶ Parking: free.
▶ On-Site Facilities : some sections are equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers (for a fee), while other small coves remain much more natural. Restaurants and tavernas can be found across the street, just behind the beach.
▶ Precaution: if you’d like to take photos on the small rocks, watch out for the black crabs that live there. They are usually quite timid and tend to hide when they sense movement. But if you’re like me and crabs aren’t exactly your favourite creatures, keep your eyes open! They generally don’t venture back onto the beach.
Second beach: Kalogeros Beach. You’re now exploring the eastern part of the island and looking for a slightly different activity to add to your itinerary? Why not enjoy a natural spa experience by the sea? Let me explain! Kalogeros Beach is much more than just a beautiful beach. It is particularly known for its natural clay formations and relatively undeveloped surroundings, unlike some of the island’s more popular beaches, especially around Naoussa. It is precisely this wilder side that gives the beach so much of its charm: people come here primarily to enjoy nature, swim, and experience the unique clay treatment. Thanks to the orientation of the bay and the surrounding rock formations, the beach is also relatively sheltered from some of the northern winds. Once you’re facing the sea, head to the left and continue toward the far end of the beach. You’ll notice small cavities carved directly into the rock formations, where natural clay can be found. Simply take a small amount, add a little water to create a texture that is easy to apply to the skin, and let it dry. Once the clay has completely dried, head into the sea to rinse it off! You’ll have enjoyed a little beauty and relaxation experience surrounded by nature, without spending a penny. As for the beach itself, the shoreline is made up of golden-beige sand mixed with small pebbles. The beach stretches for approximately 200 to 400 metres, while the clay rock formations feature beautiful shades of green and red in certain areas.
▶ Parking and Acces: free.
▶ Precaution: if you decide to apply the clay to your feet, be careful when walking on the rocks, as the combination of clay and water can quickly make certain areas muddy and slippery, depending on the conditions. Also, remember to bring everything you’ll need to fully enjoy your day at the beach, including food, drinks to stay hydrated, a beach towel, sunscreen, and any other essentials. There are no services available directly on-site.
To wrap things up, there’s a very good chance you’ll fall in love with this island if you visit. Whether you arrive by ferry through the port of Parikia or by air, Paros will charm you from the moment you arrive! In addition to its ideal location within the Cyclades, the island has everything to please: authentic villages alongside those where the nightlife lights up the buildings after dark, delicious local cuisine and locally made products lovingly passed down from generation to generation, the enduring culture of the Greek people, unique beaches, and a history woven into every narrow street you wander through. Exploring Paros means allowing yourself to go beyond the popular images found on postcards and truly experiencing the discovery of an incredible island destination.
▶ Thank you for liking this blog post by clicking the little heart. Your support means so much to me and helps fuel my motivation day after day. Sharing my articles on your social media is also a wonderful way to support my work, and it is always greatly appreciated! In the comments, tell me: which Cycladic island(s) have you already visited, or which ones would you like to discover?
★★★ A special mention to Petra Farm, which generously helped make my experience on the island of Paros even more memorable by welcoming me for a tour of their farm and a tasting. The photographs, impressions, and recommendations featured in this article are based on my personal experience and editorial perspective.
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