Choosing where to stay on Paros
Paros is an island of several small centers rather than one resort area. Parikia is the main town and the ferry port. Naoussa is a harbor village in the north. Lefkes sits inland, and the east coast has beaches, tavernas and water sports. Antiparos is a separate island across a short ferry crossing.
Pick the area first, then the property. This page does not rank individual hotels. It compares areas, so you can match your base to your plans. Quiet, prices and parking depend on the property and the date, so ask before you book.
The areas compared
Based on beaches, sights and the island bus network. Check the current bus timetable, which changes by season.
| Area | Good for | Getting around |
|---|---|---|
| Parikia | Arriving by ferry, sights, bus connections | Port and bus hub, lines across the island |
| Naoussa | Harbor village, northern beaches | Bus from Parikia, car parks at the village entrance |
| East coast (Piso Livadi, Logaras, Golden Beach) | Beaches, tavernas, water sports | Bus line along the coast |
| Lefkes | Inland village, the Byzantine path | Bus from Parikia |
| Aliki | Village beach on the south coast | Bus line from Parikia |
| Antiparos | A separate island with its own beaches and a cave | Ferry from Pounta, about 7 minutes |
Tours and day trips from your base
Boat trips, island tours and day excursions, with current prices and availability.
Parikia
Parikia is the simplest base if you arrive by ferry and want the bus network. The ferry from Athens docks here. The church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Archaeological Museum and the old Kastro are in town. Read more in our Parikia guide.
One thing to plan for: in 2026 the coastal road from the bus stop to the Bountaraki bridge is closed to vehicles from 14:00 to 05:00 between 1 May and 31 October. Ask your accommodation how to arrive with luggage or a car.
Naoussa
Naoussa is a harbor village with the Venetian castle at the port and beaches close by: Piperi in the village, Agii Anargyri at the eastern edge, Santa Maria, Monastiri and Kolymbithres around the bay. From 4 April to 30 October 2026, a pedestrian rule applies to the square and harbor area. Car parks are at the village entrance toward Santa Maria. See our Naoussa guide.
East coast: Piso Livadi, Logaras and Golden Beach
The east coast suits a beach-first stay. Logaras is a sandy beach next to Piso Livadi, with tavernas and accommodation. Golden Beach has surf clubs and accommodation, and a surf club offers windsurfing lessons and equipment rental. The island bus runs along this stretch to Drios. In the timetable valid 19 to 30 October 2026, Logaras has a stop.
For a closer look at the sand, read our Paros beaches guide.
Lefkes and Aliki
Lefkes is an inland village at the start of the Byzantine path to Prodromos, 3.5 km and about 45 minutes one way. Aliki on the south coast is a village beach with trees and places to eat. See the Lefkes guide for the village.
Antiparos
Antiparos is a separate island. The Pounta ferry crosses in about 7 minutes. From 3 to 20 October 2026 the last departure from Pounta is at 00:30, and from 21 October it is at 23:30, so check the last boat before you make evening plans. Its beaches include Agios Georgios, Soros and Psaraliki, and the cave is on the island. Details are in our Antiparos guide.
The climate levy per night
Since 1 January 2025, Greece charges a climate crisis levy on stays. It replaced the old overnight tax. It is charged per room or unit and per day of use, not per person, and it does not include VAT. The category of the lodging counts, not the word "villa" in an advertisement.
| Type of lodging | April to October, € per unit and day | November to March, € per unit and day |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel, 1 to 2 stars | 2.00 | 0.50 |
| Hotel, 3 stars | 5.00 | 1.50 |
| Hotel, 4 stars | 10.00 | 3.00 |
| Hotel, 5 stars | 15.00 | 4.00 |
| Rented furnished rooms or apartments (legal category) | 2.00 | 0.50 |
| Short-term rental, general | 8.00 | 2.00 |
| Short-term rental, detached house over 80 m² | 15.00 | 4.00 |
| Furnished tourist villa | 15.00 | 4.00 |
| Furnished tourist residence under 80 m² | 8.00 | 2.00 |
| Furnished tourist residence from 80 m² | 15.00 | 4.00 |
The rates come from the Greek tax authority's handbook of May 2025, and its January 2026 FAQ refers to the same legal basis. Ask your host which category applies and when the levy is collected.
Where to stay in Paros: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Paros?
There is no single best place. Parikia suits ferry arrivals and bus connections, Naoussa suits a harbor village with beaches, and the east coast suits beach and water sports days.
Is Parikia or Naoussa better?
Parikia is the main town and ferry port, with the church, museum and bus hub. Naoussa is a smaller harbor village in the north with beaches close by. Both are served by the island bus.
Where should I stay for water sports?
Golden Beach on the east coast has a surf club with windsurfing lessons. Pounta in the west has a kite school, which lists April to October as its season.
Can I stay on Antiparos and visit Paros?
Yes, with the short Pounta ferry. Check the last departures before evening plans, as the times change in late October.
What is the climate levy and who pays it?
It is a nightly charge per room or unit, set by the lodging category and the season, from €2.00 to €15.00 in April to October 2026. Ask your host how it is billed.
Do I need a car on Paros?
Not always. The island bus links Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes and the east coast, and the day ticket costs €12. A car gives more freedom, but parking areas lie at the village entrances.