Twelve things to do on Paros
The list follows the island from the port town of Parikia to the north coast, the hills, the beaches and the neighboring island of Antiparos. Entries 1 to 4 are culture and castles, entries 5 and 6 are the inland village and its path, entries 7 to 10 are beaches and water sports, and entries 11 and 12 take you across to Antiparos.
Nothing here needs a combined ticket. Each sight has its own price, if it has one at all. Prices below are 2026 adult rates. Opening hours change with the season, so check the current times before you go.
Parikia and Naoussa: churches, museum and castles
The cultural core of the island sits on the west and north coasts.
1. Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Parikia
A church complex in the center of Parikia. Tradition ties its founding to Helena in the 4th century, but the date of the church you see today is debated. Older studies put the main basilica in the 6th century, newer research in the 7th or 8th. Its main festival is the Dormition of Mary on 15 August. Entry to the church is reported to be free, and the Byzantine museum inside costs about €3 (2026). Times vary, with a midday break reported between 13:00 and 16:00, so visit in the morning or late afternoon.
Parikia guide →2. Archaeological Museum of Paros
Finds from Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko, from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Admission is €5, reduced €3 (2026). It is open from 08:30 to 15:30 and closed on Tuesdays. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing. It also closes on 1 January, 25 March, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 and 26 December.
3. The kastro of Parikia
The ruins of a fortification built partly from ancient marble blocks and column drums. The heritage authority dates the first phase to the second half of the 7th century, with Venetian additions later. Do not expect a complete castle. It is an open neighborhood with wall and tower remains, and you can walk through it for free.
4. Naoussa harbor and the Venetian castle
The fortified harbor settlement dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, and the round tower from the early 16th century. You can walk around the outer ruins at no charge. The breakwater is uneven and slippery, and waves can break over it, so stay off it in rough seas.
Naoussa guide →Our picks: things to do
A cooking class, a sunset ride and a first dive.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Greek cooking class with a local chef
Three and a half hours cooking with a local chef, then you eat the dishes you made. Wine, souma and recipes are included; getting to Drios is up to you.
Check availability →
Discover scuba diving by boat for beginners
A PADI instructor, full equipment, a briefing and one guided dive to 12 m, with dive insurance.
Check availability →
Sunset horseback ride
A 90-minute ride with a local instructor. If you bring children, check the age limit before booking.
Check availability →Tours and experiences on Paros
Boat trips, Antiparos excursions and island tours, with live prices and availability.
Lefkes and the Byzantine path
The interior is a short bus ride from Parikia.
5. Lefkes and the church of Agia Triada
The village church has marble bell towers and a marble iconostasis. Its foundation stone dates from 1830 and the building was finished in 1835. Lefkes sits in the hills on the Parikia to Prodromos bus line.
Lefkes guide →6. The Byzantine path to Prodromos
The path starts near Louki's Café in Lefkes and runs 3.5 km to Prodromos. It takes about 45 minutes in this direction, mostly downhill with a few short climbs. Parts are paved with Parian marble, and the municipality traces it to the Byzantine period around the year 1000. It is a one-way walk, so plan your return by bus or taxi. Bring water and sun protection.
Beaches and water sports
For the full list of twelve beaches, see the beaches page.
7. Kolymbithres
Granite formations shaped by weathering rise from the shore in the bay of Naoussa, with small coves between them. The rocks suit photos and short swims rather than a long day on a sunbed.
8. Monastiri and Paros Park
A sandy beach near Ai Yiannis Detis on the northwest side of the bay of Naoussa. It lies at the entrance to Paros Park, which has walking paths on the hill behind.
9. Windsurfing at Golden Beach
A surf club on Golden Beach rents equipment and gives private and group lessons on the beach. Golden Beach is on the east coast and is a different beach from New Golden Beach. Ask the club for current prices.
10. Kitesurfing at Pounta
A kite school operates at Pounda Beach in the west, next to the Antiparos ferry landing, and names April to October as its season. Do not confuse it with Punda Beach on the east coast. The municipality warns of rough seas and little natural shade here.
Across to Antiparos
11. Antiparos and its cave
The stalactite cave reaches a depth of about 85 m and is reached by a concrete staircase of 411 steps, so it is not step-free. In 2026, adults pay €6, children from 6 to 12 pay €3 and children under 6 enter free. It is listed as open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 with last entry at 15:30, until the end of October. The ferry from Pounta is covered on the Antiparos page.
12. Despotiko
An uninhabited island west of Antiparos with an archaeological sanctuary of Apollo. The site and the vegetation are strictly protected. A boat trip and entry to the excavation are separate services. A swim stop near Despotiko does not mean you land at the sanctuary, so ask what the trip includes.
Planning the twelve
How to fit them into a trip.
One day in Parikia
The church, the museum (morning only, since it closes at 15:30) and the kastro are all within walking distance. See also the Parikia page.
A day on the north coast
Combine the castle, Kolymbithres and Monastiri. Naoussa is reachable by bus from Parikia. Watch the wind before you walk the breakwater.
A day for Antiparos
Take the Pounta ferry, visit the cave and add a beach. Read the ferry page for how to reach Paros itself.
Things to do in Paros: frequently asked questions
Is the Archaeological Museum open on Tuesdays?
No. It is closed on Tuesdays and open from 08:30 to 15:30 on the other days. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing, so about 15:10.
Are there free admission days at the museum?
Yes, on certain dates. The ministry lists 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October, plus Sundays in winter. The listings differ on which winter Sundays count, so check before you go.
Is the Byzantine path a round trip?
No. The 45 minutes apply to the one-way walk from Lefkes to Prodromos. Prodromos is on the Parikia to Prodromos bus line, so you can ride back, but check the current timetable first.
Is the Naoussa castle safe to walk on?
The outer ruins are open without a ticket. The breakwater is uneven and slippery, and waves can wash over it, so avoid it in wind. The site is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Can I land at Despotiko?
Only if your trip includes it. Boat trip and excavation entry are separate, and the site is strictly protected. Ask the operator before you book.