Paros isn’t just another Greek island, it’s a Cycladic gem full of whitewashed villages, golden beaches and charming harbours. Having visited Paros on our honeymoon around the world, I can honestly say that where you stay on the island will completely shape your experience.
We spent our first four nights in Naoussa, soaking in its chic, romantic vibe, followed by two nights just outside Parikia at a quiet, off-the-beaten-path hotel perfect for couples and honeymooners.
The island of Paros truly has so much going for it, from lively harbour towns to the peaceful villages tucked away in the hills. Paros was the perfect choice for our honeymoon and I would go back in a heartbeat.
In this guide, I cover all the best areas, top hotels and everything else you need to know about Paros for your Greece bucketlist trip.
My Top Hotel Picks in Paros
1. Naoussa: Chic, Romantic and Instagram-Worthy
Why stay here: Naoussa is one of Paros’ most famous villages, a picture-perfect fishing port transformed into a chic destination. If you’re honeymooning or celebrating a special trip, it’s unbeatable. Think waterfront dining, boutique shops, romantic harbour walks and yes, it does have some nightlife too!
Our experience as a 30-something couple: Spending four nights here was magical. We enjoyed leisurely mornings with coffee overlooking the harbour, sunset cocktails and wandering the narrow whitewashed streets with no schedule.
Best Hotels in Naoussa
- Cove Paros: Astylish luxury boutique hotel with minimalist Cycladic design, sea views and laid-back island atmosphere, walking distance to the heart of Naoussa.
- Hotel Senia: Harbour views, boutique elegance with a White Lotus vibe and central to everything Naoussa has to offer.
- Adonis Hotel Studios & Apartments: Comfortable suites with private balconies overlooking the small cove nearby and within walking distance to the heart of Naoussa.
Insider Tip: Book a room with a harbour view for unforgettable sunsets. Naoussa is also an ideal base for exploring nearby beaches such as Santa Maria Beach and Kolympethres Beach.
2. Parikia: Lively and Convenient
Why stay here: Parikia, the island’s capital, is bustling yet full of charm with cobbled streets, historic churches and a lively waterfront. We stayed just outside Parikia in a romantic, quieter hotel (this one) that felt tucked away from the crowds, perfect for couples.
Best Hotels in Parikia
- Paros Palace Hotel: Modern amenities and located a little outside of the main part, yet a short drive to Parikia’s restaurants. Adults only!
- KOKOON: Stylish stay in Parikia with sea-view rooms, sun terrace, garden lounge and walking access to Livadia Beach and the port.
- Hotel Oasis: Just steps from the beach, ferry and Church of Ekatontapyliani, offering family rooms, on-site dining and easy access to all of Parikia.
Insider Tip: Staying just outside Parikia gives you the convenience of the town while letting you enjoy quiet evenings, ideal for couples or those seeking a slower pace, but I do recommend renting a car.
3. Golden Beach/Chrissi Akti: Sun, Surf and Adventure
Why stay here: Known for windsurfing, kite surfing and long sandy stretches, Golden Beach is ideal for active travellers or beach lovers.
Best Hotels in Golden Beach
- Poseidon of Paros Hotel & Spa: Five-star beachfront resort with family rooms, spa facilities, tennis courts and a large pool, ideal for a full-service luxury stay in Paros
- Saint George Hotel: Beachfront stay with Aegean-view balconies, poolside dining and easy access to the rest of Paros
- Golden Beach Hotel: A relaxed beachfront hotel on Paros’ east coast, ideal for watersports lovers wanting direct access to Golden Beach’s famous windsurfing conditions
Insider Tip: Peak summer or early autumn is the best time to visit, as the beach buzzes with activity and especially watersports enthusiasts, as the Meltemi winds create perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while calmer mornings are best for swimming before the wind picks up.
You can read my full guide on the best times to visit the Cyclades here.
4. Aliki: Calm, Family-Friendly and Authentically Greek
Why stay here: Aliki is perfect if you want a quieter, more traditional village. Soft beaches, local tavernas and a friendly vibe make it great for families or anyone looking to slow down.
Best Apartments to Book in Aliki:
- Kiano Suites: Beachfront suites with sea-view balconies, curated breakfast options and easy access to Paros Airport, ideal for a relaxed coastal stay.
- Evita Apartments: Self-catered apartments just 50 metres from Agios Nikolaos Beach, surrounded by tavernas and ideal for families seeking a relaxed village stay.
Insider Tip: Aliki is quieter than Naoussa or Parikia but still has enough restaurants and cafes for a laid-back stay.
5. Piso Livadi: The Hidden Harbour Gem
Why stay here: Piso Livadi is one of Paros’ best-kept secrets. This small harbour village is peaceful and perfect for couples or anyone looking for a low-key escape. Waterfront tavernas serve the freshest seafood and nearby beaches like Faragas, Golden Beach and Molos are easily accessible.
Best Hotels in Piso Livadi
- Cavo Piso Livadi: Beachfront luxury with sea-view rooms, private pool options and an outdoor infinity pool just steps from the sand.
- Londos Hotel: Laid-back hotel just two minutes from Piso Livadi Beach, offering rooms with sea-view terraces and easy access to Paros’ east coast highlights.
Insider Tip: Piso Livadi is ideal for slow mornings by the water and romantic evenings. It’s quiet, scenic and feels worlds away from the more touristy spots.
6. Ambelas: Quiet Luxury Away From the Crowds
Why stay here: Ambelas is a peaceful seaside village on Paros’ northeast coast that hardly anyone talks about. The village is the ideal base for you if you want a more relaxed stay away from the busy energy of Naoussa (yet only a 6-minute drive from it!). Expect a handful of boutique hotels, calm beaches, excellent seafood tavernas and a much slower pace.
Best Hotels in Ambelas
- Vione Paros: Elegant adults-friendly boutique hotel with minimalist suites, sea views, a serene pool area and a peaceful setting ideal for couples and honeymooners.
- Ambelas Mare Apartments: Relaxed beachfront apartments offering spacious rooms, kitchen facilities and direct access to the quiet Ambelas shoreline.
- Christiana Hotel: Family-run stay with simple Cycladic-style rooms, a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent location just steps from the beach and local tavernas.
Insider Tip: Ambelas is best if you want a quieter base while still being close to Naoussa, which is only around 6-8 minutes away by car. Seafood dinners by the waterfront are one of the highlights in Ambelas.
7. Lefkes: Traditional Cycladic Charm
Why stay here: Lefkes is a hilltop village full of cobbled streets, small churches, little boutique shops and panoramic views. Perfect for travellers seeking culture, peaceful mornings and authentic Cycladic charm.
Best B&B in Lefkes
- The Olive Mill Guesthouse: Peaceful guest house with garden terrace, family rooms and kitchenette facilities, ideal for a quiet mountain village stay.
Insider Tip: Lefkes is better suited for day trips and sightseeing rather than beach days, but it’s ideal if you want pretty landscapes and it’s also worth it for 1-2 nights if you like to break up your beach time with a stay inland.
How to Decide Where to Stay in Paros
- First-time visitors: Naoussa or Parikia
- Romantic getaways: Naoussa or Piso Livadi or Ambelas
- Families: Aliki or Golden Beach or Santa Maria Beach
- Beach and water sports lovers: Golden Beach
- Culture and tranquility: Lefkes
Pro Tip: With a rental car, you can mix and match 1-2 different accommodation stays! We stayed 4 nights in Naoussa at first, which was so convenient and then chose a quiet hotel outside Parikia for a romantic stay and to simply unwind.
Parikia vs Naoussa, Which One to Choose?
Parikia and Naoussa are the two main bases in Paros, so this question pops up a lot in my Instagram messages! They both serve very different travel styles.
Parikia is the island’s port town and practical hub (ferry to Athens & other Cycladic islands + public buses). It’s great for first-time visitors, shorter stays and if you’re not renting a car and prioritising convenience with having direct ferry access, bus connections and also more affordable accommodation options. The vibe is slighly more local and low-key, with a working town feel, a walkable old centre and easy access to nearby beaches without needing a car.
Naoussa, on the other hand, is the island’s most polished village. It’s more scenic with its whitewashed alleys and small harbour, it is boutique and nightlife-focused with high-end dining and stylish hotels. It suits couples and anyone who likes a lively atmosphere more than logistics, though it comes at a higher price point and can feel crowded in peak summer.
In simple terms: Parikia wins on ease and practicality, Naoussa wins on atmosphere and experience. Most travellers either choose based on budget and transport needs or split their stay to get both, which is exactly what we did!
Why Renting a Car on Paros is Essential
Before we dive into areas and my favourite hotels on the island, I highly recommend you rent a car from the harbour the moment you arrive. Trust me, it saves a fortune and gives you so much freedom!
We paid EUR 40 (!) for a short transfer from the ferry to Naoussa (a 15-minute ride) and immediately felt it was excessive. With a car, you can explore beaches, inland villages and hidden gems at your own pace, a must for both couples and families!
If you don’t plan to rent a car, I recommend you stay in Parikia, the island’s main bus hub, or Naoussa. You can still explore much of Paros by local bus, rent a quad bike for a day or join a boat or island tour to see the highlights without needing your own car.
Insider Tips From Our Greek Honeymoon
- Rent a car immediately from the harbour (or airport)! It will save you a bunch of money and give you much more freedom to explore beaches and villages across Paros. One-way transfers island-wide can be overpriced (we paid EUR 40 for a 15-minute transfer from the ferry to Naoussa). We rented via Discover Cars, which I use to compare and find the best deals.
- Choose accommodation based on the vibe you want: Parikia is convenient and lively, while Naoussa feels more romantic and atmospheric at night. For honeymooners, a harbour-view stay in Naoussa or a boutique hotel just outside town often strikes the best balance between charm and quiet.
- Consider staying just outside the main towns: Hotels slightly outside Parikia or Naoussa tend to be quieter, more spacious and better value. With a car, you can still reach restaurants and sunset spots in minutes.
- Explore the hidden beaches: With a car, you can access Faragas, Molos or even the quieter north coast around Santa Maria, which we loved! Many of these spots aren’t well signposted, so having Google Maps working offline or via an eSIM is essential.
- Look for terraces or sea views when booking: A private balcony or terrace makes a big difference for any honeymoon trip. Even simple boutique hotels feel far more special when you can start the day with coffee overlooking the Aegean.
Where to Stay in Paros: Frequently Asked Questions
The best area to stay in Paros depends on your travel style. Naoussa is ideal for boutique hotels, nightlife and a stylish harbour setting. Parikia suits first-time visitors who want easy ferry access and more affordable accommodation. For quieter beach stays, look at Golden Beach, Santa Maria or Piso Livadi.
Naoussa is more upscale, with chic hotels, restaurants and beach clubs, making it popular with couples and honeymooners. Parikia is more convenient for ferries, day trips and budget-friendly stays. If atmosphere matters more than convenience, Naoussa usually wins.
Couples typically prefer Naoussa for romantic boutique hotels and sunset dining. For privacy, consider beachfront properties near Santa Maria or luxury villas in quieter parts of the island.
For direct beach access, look at Golden Beach, Santa Maria Beach or Kolymbithres. These areas offer relaxed accommodation close to some of the island’s best swimming spots.
Paros can be expensive in peak summer, particularly in Naoussa. However, Parikia and smaller villages offer more affordable hotels and guesthouses. Booking early for July and August is essential for better rates.
If you stay in Naoussa or Parikia, you can manage without a car. However, to explore beaches and smaller villages across the island, hiring a car gives far more flexibility and I highly recommend renting a car to discover all this beautiful island has to offer.
Where to Stay in Paros: Final Thoughts
Paros offers more than postcard beaches and whitewashed villages. From the lively harbour and romantic atmosphere of Naoussa to the laid-back charm of Piso Livadi, each part of the island offers a slightly different experience.
One thing that makes Paros particularly appealing is value. Compared to Santorini or Mykonos, you’ll often find more stylish boutique hotels, better views and larger rooms for the same budget, similar to Naxos or Milos, which are a bit more under the radar still. For couples and honeymooners especially, a small boutique stay with a sea-view terrace usually delivers a far more intimate experience than a large resort.
Pair your stay with a rental car and you’ll be able to explore hidden beaches, quiet villages and sunset spots across the island with ease. You can also read my travel guide to Paros & Antiparos with all there is to do, the best beaches and full day-by-day itinerary.
Wondering if Crete might be a better alternative to the Cycladic islands? Read my guide here to compare the best areas and decide for yourself.
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