Coffee

Greek coffee culture is a social ritual centered around connection, relaxation, and filoxenia (hospitality). Rather than a quick grab-and-go experience, drinking coffee is an event. Locals spend hours at cafes conversing, people-watching, and savoring both traditional hot brews and iconic iced beverages.

Traditional Brews & Specialties

Greek Coffee (Ellinikós Kafés): Finely ground beans are simmered slowly with water (and often sugar) in a long-handled pot called a briki. It is poured unfiltered into a small cup, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom. The sweetness is controlled during brewing and specified by terms like sketos (no sugar), metrios (medium), and glykos (sweet).

Frappé: Invented in Greece in the 1957, this shaken instant coffee (usually Nescafé), water, and ice is a nostalgic summer staple.

Freddo Espresso / Cappuccino: The modern obsession. These highly popular iced drinks are made by vigorously mixing espresso with ice to create a thick, creamy foam, topped with cold frothed milk in the cappuccino version.

THE BEACHES

KOLOMBITHRES BEACH

From the port of Naoussa, grab a taxi-boat to the Kolombithres beach. It is a short 20 min ride but very bumpy so try and sit on the upper deck or you might get seasick.

Arriving at the Kolombithres beach you can see why it is so famous – there are huge white rocks all along the shore. These lend a very otherworldly feel to the beach. They can also help you find a great secluded spot on the beach! Kolombithres beach is a beautiful, well-organized beach – you could rent umbrellas and beach chairs at a few spots.

It also has the best views not just with its beautiful rocks but out to the sea where you can see Naoussa in the distance. You can spend an entire evening swimming here – the water is crystal clear and very shallow for a long distance. The water is also very calm with very little waves.

SANTA MARIA

Santa Maria is a huge beach with blue waters located very close to Naoussa. This beach is famous for its watersports – from windsurfing and water skiing to scuba diving. There are also several bars and restaurants around it. We absolutely loved the beach and it received the top rank in our list of Paros beaches to come back to!

GOLDEN BEACH

Golden Beach is the largest and most famous beach of Paros. It is a beautiful beach with endless golden sand and lots of restaurants around. Organized with sun loungers, water sports and sailing, this is one where you can spend the whole day at!

NEW GOLDEN BEACH

The New Golden Beach is quieter, though just as beautiful as the Golden Beach. Not as developed as the Golden Beach, this is the one to head to if you are looking for more privacy.

MONASTIRI BEACH

This beach is located towards the north of the island, a little beyond the Kolombithres beach. It has some of the same features as the Kolombithres beach but it’s quite a bit smaller and can be more crowded. Reservations are recommended if you'd like to rent a lounge chair and umbrella.

CULTURE

Paros offers a deep dive into traditional Cycladic culture, blending ancient history, centuries-old religious heritage, and vibrant seasonal festivals.

Ancient History & Architecture: Visit the Archaeological Museum of Paros in Parikia to see exhibits spanning from the Neolithic to Roman periods, including the famous Gorgon statue. Just outside Naoussa, wander through the Ancient Marble Quarries at Marathi, where the legendary Parian marble used for the Venus de Milo was sourced.

Iconic Churches & Monasteries: Tour the 4th-century Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Greece. Inside, you can visit the on-site Byzantine Museum to view rare post-byzantine icons.

Historic Villages: Wander the car-free alleys of Lefkes, a mountain village famous for its neoclassical homes, traditional Folklore Art Museum, and the marble-paved Byzantine Road. In Naoussa, photograph the ruins of the 15th-century Venetian Castle at the harbor.

Local Enology & Craft: Discover local grape varieties (like Monemvasia and Mandilaria) by booking a tasting at the historic Moraitis Winery in Naoussa. For a hands-on craft experience, visit Yria Ceramic Studio near Kostos to shop for handmade island-style pottery

SHOPPING

Shopping in Paros is a highlight of the Cyclades, known for high-quality boutiques, handmade ceramics, and unique Greek jewelry. The best retail experiences are concentrated in the island's two main hubs: Naoussa (upscale, trendy, and bustling) and Parikia (diverse, slightly more affordable, and lived-in).

Top Shopping Areas & Highlights:

Naoussa: The premier destination for chic boutique fashion, swimwear, and handmade leather goods. Wander through the winding, flower-lined streets to find curated pieces.

Parikia: The island's capital and commercial center. You’ll find everything from tourist knick-knacks and local delicatessens to fine jewelry stores along the bustling main road and near the historic Kastro quarter.

What to Buy:

Jewelry: Paros has a rich tradition of goldsmiths and silversmiths. Look for unique, handcrafted pieces at Memories Jewellery or Zina Fragi Designer Jewellery.

Ceramics & Art: The island is renowned for its pottery studios and galleries. Visit local legends like Yria Ceramic Studio for beautifully crafted, traditional, and contemporary earthenware.

Local Delicacies: Pick up authentic Greek products like local thyme honey, Parian wine, and spoon sweets at specialty shops like To Melissi Delicatessen.

Pharmacy: Greek pharmacies are legendary for their high-quality skincare, herbal remedies, and budget-friendly cosmetics. Iconic, locally sourced items worth buying include Apivita face masks, Korres Greek Yoghurt cleansers, and Frezyderm sunscreens.

And of course, be sure to take a look at all of the handmade Greek Leather products, including Sandals, Belts, and Handbags.

Pro-Tip for Shoppers

Stores in Paros typically stay open from the morning right through until after midnight, catering to the evening crowds. Because the shopping is localized in open-air, pedestrian-only alleys, comfortable walking shoes are a must as you browse the boutiques

HIKING

Hiking in Paros offers an incredible way to explore the island's ancient footpaths, olive groves, and coastal views. The most famous route is the Byzantine Road, a 1,000-year-old marble-paved path stretching 3.5 km from the mountain village of Lefkes down to Prodromos.

Top Hiking Trails in Paros

The Byzantine Road (Lefkes to Prodromos): The absolute must-do. It is an easy, downhill trail that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can extend it by walking another 20 minutes to Marpissa, and all the way down to the beach at Piso Livadi.

Paros Park Loop: Located on the Ai Yiannis Detis peninsula, this network of easy trails takes you past the lighthouse, stunning rocky cliffs, and secluded coves. There are three main routes ranging from 1 to 3 hours, perfect for sunset views.

Marathi Ancient Marble Quarries: A 6-km loop in rural Marathi that explores the underground caverns where the legendary, translucent Parian marble was mined for ancient masterpieces (like the Venus de Milo).

Livadia to Telegrafos Hill: A 9.5-km circular hike beginning near Parikia bay, featuring ancient ruins, rugged coastal views, and hilltops with spectacular panoramic seascapes.