The Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece: The Island With Something for Everyone

Published November 3, 2026

Editor’s Note: If you’re starting to plan out your time in Paros or considering adding it to your island-hopping itinerary, this guide is for you. I’ve narrowed down the best things to do in Paros, plus where to stay, with helpful tips.

Paros, for me, felt like the crowd-pleaser, with something to do for everyone. And after spending eight nights on the island, I’m sharing the best things to do in Paros, from exploring Naoussa, hilltop villages like Lefkes, and the best day trips to take from the island.

Paros is one of those islands that you can make a case for anyone visiting, because it has it all. We went with our four-year-old daughter in tow and found it very easy to explore the island and enjoy its beaches and towns. I met couples on their honeymoon, enjoying elevated hotels on the ocean like Cove Paros, and groups of friends enjoying late nights in the bustling port of Naoussa (sometimes spelled Naousa). You can truly choose your own adventure here.

While the island isn’t very big, about 45 minutes from top to bottom, there are two distinct personalities from the north with the famous white-washed, busy-bee town of Naoussa to the more laid-back, seaside area of Piso Livadi to Aliki in the south. Amidst it all, beaches are scattered around the island (which means you can always avoid the summer winds), and there’s lots to do in between. We bounced from one thing to the next, a day trip to Antiparos, and another day spent never leaving the day chair of our beach club.

It’s wonderful how much choice you have on Paros, which is why I’ve put together a guide to the best things to do. From recommendations like wine tasting or a farm tour when you want a break from the beach or busy towns, to the best boat tour to do while there, Paros is well worth a visit in the Cyclades.

The Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece:
A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

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Quick Tips Before Visiting Paros

Before getting into the best things to do, I recommend looking at some of the travel logistics for your trip.

How Many Days in Paros is Enough?

For a first visit to Paros, I recommend a minimum of three days, and four to five full days to see the full island. The island has a lot to see, and as one of the largest, the four to five days help you split up your time between the north area of Naoussa and its neighboring beaches, and then into the south near Piso Livadi and Aliki.

• 3-4 Days in Paros: Naoussa, nearby beaches, and the mountain village of Lefkes
• Five+ Days in Paros: All of the above, time in Piso Livadi/Aliki, and a day trip to Antiparos or Despotiko Island

Is it Worth Visiting Paros, Greece?

Yes, I would say Paros is worth visiting for a few days, as it’s different from the rest of the Cycladic islands. You’ll find charming villages, a bustling port of Naoussa with whitewashed buildings and lots of bougainvillea, and stunning beaches. Not as built up as Mykonos, and yet more developed than neighboring Naxos and Sifnos, Paros has a lot to offer.

Who is Paros Best For?

Paros is one of those islands that is an all-around win for visitors. I find that the island has something for everyone, as it’s easygoing and you can choose how you want to experience it. From late nights in Naoussa to quiet retreats near Piso Livadi, Paros has some wonderful choices for every style of trip.

• Couples — The island is very popular for honeymoons and romantic getaways. And with several top hotels and chic getaways, it makes for a wonderful getaway for couples. Hotels like Cove Paros, Cosme, or even Parīlio Design Hotel work wonderfully.
• Families — As someone who traveled with their 4-year-old, I can say Paros was extremely family-friendly with easy-to-access beaches and welcoming restaurants. Cove Paros has private beach access (Note: kids are welcome at the beach club, but the hotel accepts children aged 12+), and Summer Senses Luxury Resort has a dedicated shallow pool for kids.
• First-Time Greek Island Visitors — If it’s your first time to the Greek islands, Paros is very easy to navigate and has the classic elements of a Greek island: picturesque beaches, charming whitewashed villages, and all of the wonderful restaurants.

How Do You Get to Paros?

Getting to Paros by Ferry

• Paros Ferry from Athens — You can take a high-speed ferry from Athens Piraeus Port in about 2.5-3 hours. The slow ferries take around 4 to 5 hours, but will have fewer bumps because they go slower. Make sure to pre-book all ferries.
• Ferry from Other Nearby Islands — Paros is easy to reach from other neighboring islands. Naxos is 25-40 minutes by high-speed ferry, Mykonos is 35-50 minutes by high-speed ferry, and Santorini is 1.5-5 hours. You almost always have a choice between the high-speed and slower ferries. I recommend pre-booking all ferry tickets as the island is very popular; we used Ferryhopper for our trip.

Getting to Paros by Flight

Paros has a small airport that services connecting flights mostly to Athens Airport (40-minute flight). If you’re arriving from the U.S., you can connect in Athens and then land directly in Paros to begin your time in the Cycladic islands.

How Do You Get Around Paros?

• By Rental Car or Scooter — The easiest way to explore the island is to have your own transport, as this will give you the most flexibility for exploring the island. A rental car is helpful and allows you to reach beaches the bus routes don’t access. We had a car for our 9 days on the island and found it very helpful. You can also opt to rent a scooter if you want something smaller.
• By Bus — The KTEL bus route in Paros is one of the better public transport systems in the Greek islands, so it is very possible to use and is reliable. The bus route uses Parikia as a hub, with a secondary hub in Naoussa. From these two spots, they run routes to popular areas like Lefkes, Golden Beach, Kolymbithres, and Santa Maria. Standard single fares start at €2.20; tickets bought on the bus cost €3.50 or €4.00, depending on the route.

Rental Car Tip: We used Avance Rent a Car for all our car rentals across 5 weeks and 4 islands on our Greece trip and had a great experience. Pick-ups and drop-offs were the fastest we’ve had anywhere, and the prices were quite reasonable. We ended up booking direct, as we found most of the main booking sites had very limited availability and much higher prices.

Best Time of Year to Visit Paros

If I had to pick the very best time to visit, it would be either June or September, because both see the fewest crowds. The Meltemi winds in Paros are usually weaker come September, and this is when the water is the warmest, so if you’re anticipating warm sea waters, come later in the season.

• May to June — The early season is still warm enough to get into the sea, and the crowds have not peaked yet. I’d say the first weeks of June are the best because the temperatures really start to warm up.
• July to August — This is the peak crowds and heat, and the island really starts to feel too busy. I’d recommend carefully planning your time and pre-booking all restaurants and needed reservations.
• September to October — One of the best times of year, especially for those who want the warmest sea temps, plus fewer crowds. Do know that the island starts to shut down come mid-October, so I’d recommend no later than the first week or so.
• October through April — Off-season is a real thing on the islands; I’d recommend not visiting during this time if you’re looking for the classic Greek summer experience, as not much will be open.

Other Important Travel Tips

• Tipping — You can either round up or leave 5-10%, or even just a few euros.
• Language — English is widely spoken, but I recommend a few Greek phrases like “Kalimera,” which is good morning, or “Yasou,” which is hello. These go a long way when interacting.
• Money — I recommend carrying some cash for small vendors. Otherwise, major credit cards are fine and widely accepted.

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Where to Stay in Paros

I have an entire guide on where to stay in Paros (coming soon!) that breaks out the best areas, plus recommended hotels and vacation rentals. My recommendation for a first trip is to stay in Naoussa (or just near it) if your trip is under 4 nights, and if over 4 nights, then split your time between Naoussa and somewhere near Piso Livadi. Naoussa has the best restaurants, nightlife, and is close to the top beaches, whereas Piso Livadi to the Aliki area has the slow-going beaches with lots of wonderful vacation rentals. For our trip, we stayed in this very affordable Airbnb in Naoussa and then rented this beautiful Villa in Piso Livadi.

Best Hotels in Paros

1. Villa Vinea (Where We Stayed / Piso Livadi) — A collection of suites that sits with a communal pool and is very private near Piso Livadi. We stayed in the two-story suite and loved how spacious it was.
2. Salt Suites Paros (Naoussa) — One of the best collections of elevated and chic suites within walking distance of Naoussa and the beach, but expansive enough to stay longer in.
3. Cove Paros (Naoussa) — My choice for a top-end hotel that is close to Naoussa and right on the beach.
4. Clementina Paros (Naoussa) — An affordable hotel that is still chic and close to town.
5. Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort (Naoussa) — Another great choice right on the beach with spacious suites; it is next to the Cove.
6. Parilio, a Member of Design Hotels (Near Kolimpethres) — A countryside luxury hotel with stunning design. It sits between the popular beaches and Naoussa.
7. Kymo Luxury Suites (Near Kolimpethres) — A boutique hotel on the beach side of Naoussa, very small but also very elevated.
8. Summer Senses Luxury Resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels (Piso Livadi) — My top choice for a family-friendly luxury hotel in southern Paros.

Best Airbnbs in Paros

1. Jasper Townhouse | Where I Stayed / Naoussa | 2 Br | Budget-Friendly | Street Parking
2. Giacomo Home | Naoussa | 2 Br | Seafront | Parking Included
3. White Cliff Home | Naoussa | 3 Br Home | Family-friendly | Private Terrace
4. Villa a Mare | Santa Maria | 2 Br | Seaview
5. Santa Maria Mare | Santa Maria | 3 Br Villa | Private + High-Design
6. Seaside Home | Piso Livadi | 2 Br | Beach Access
7. Salty Dreams | Piso Livadi | 1 Br | Seaview | Parking 
8. Grandma’s Cottage | Lefkes | 1 Br | Chic Stay in Village
9. The Bougainvillea Corner House | Lefkes | 2 Br | Most famous stay in Village

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The Best Things to Do in Paros

Experience the Charm of Naoussa

Naoussa is the liveliest village and seaside port in Paros, and is a must-visit when on the island. You have the classic Greek village experience here, from the iconic whitewashed alleyways with draping bougainvillea to the colorful port with the fishing boats in it. I’d recommend coming in for late afternoon, as all of the shops reopen after the “siesta” and then stay through dinner.

Things Not to Miss in Naoussa

• Explore the Old Town — Don’t miss the small Venetian harbour and the remains of its 15th-century Venetian Castle.
• Sunset Dinner on the Harbor — A handful of restaurants sit on the harbor and over on the other side. We loved Statheros and Ouzeri ton Nautikon Tsachpinis. LUAZ was also highly recommended.
• Shop through the Boutiques — There are boutiques everywhere; my personal favorites were La vie en rose.paros, Alenia Art & Ceramics, and Marivee Paros
• Get Late-Night Treats — Stop into Loukoumades To Paradosiako for freshly made loukoumades and Nonna Crema for the best ice cream!

Go Wine Tasting at Moraitis Estate

Paros is home to several wineries, and one that we visited on our trip was Moraitis Estate. The estate dates back to 1910 and has been family-owned for four generations; it’s one of those historic places on the island. And if you’re in Naoussa, you can easily walk there from the old town in about 10 minutes on foot. The winery grows a variety of rare indigenous Greek varietals like Monemvasia, Mandilaria, and Aidani, and has a heritage of making Malvasia-style wines. *Tastings are by reservation only

Visit the Traditional Mountain Villages: Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa

I feel like the mountain villages of Paros don’t get the love they deserve, but honestly, some of our favorite moments on the island were spent meandering through the villages. They were quiet, a reprieve from the crowds, picturesque, and felt authentic to the island. These are the ones I’d prioritize:

Lefkes

Lefkes is the most built-up in terms of things to do and see, and it’s the closest to Naoussa, so it brings the most people. We stopped by Cafe Marigo for a drink and ended up getting ice cream at NO IR, a small coffee shop across from the Pariano – Authentic Paros Art & Souvenirs store. In the village, stop by the Church of the Holy Trinity, where you can connect to the historic Byzantine Road. We also discovered Marshard Ceramics and their talented work.

Prodromos

Prodromos, while small, has the same charm of whitewashed alleys, colorful doorways, and loads of bougainvillea. You can stroll through the village in all of 15 minutes, so my suggestion is to pair it with a meal at Ο ΤΣΙΤΣΑΝΗΣ, the historic taverna and one of our favorite meals on the island.

Marpissa

Somewhere between the size of Prodromos and Lefkes, Marpissa feels like a real living town, full of locals going about their day. It’s colorful, pretty to walk through, and home to a few things of note like the famous Pink Door of Marpissa, the Sculpture Museum N. Perantinou, and the very well-loved restaurant of Charoula’s Tavern.

Take a Day Trip to Antiparos

In my top three things done on Paros, one of them was taking a day trip to the small island of Antiparos next to it. I have an entire guide on how to spend time on Antiparos (coming soon!) and why it’s well worth spending at least a full day or half-day. I’d recommend taking your own car; from Pounta, it’s only a 7-10 minute crossing, and you can bring your own car for about €20.60 return for the car and two pax (no need to pre-book, show up only). Once on Antiparos, enjoy the charming chora, hit the beaches like Paralia Panagia, Fanari Beach, or Glyfa Beach. There is so much to enjoy; it’s much slower-paced yet utterly chic and elevated.

Book in a Beach Club for the Day

Paros is really well-known for beach clubs, all of which are in the more pricey range. I wanted to experience one, and decided to book a set of chairs from the hotel Cove Paros on its beach called Agioi Anargyroi. You can walk there from Naoussa if you don’t have a car; otherwise, there’s a small parking lot. We called ahead, and just adored our time here — we stayed from noon to sunset. The team was wonderful, and we could also order from their restaurant RADA, where the food was so delicious we kept ordering one thing after the next. Fresh towels on demand, water, and having the full beach setup was so great with our kid.

Travel Tip: We also booked at Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant but unfortunately had to cancel because their license was not renewed at the time to set up on the beach (it did after we left). This was a more proper beach club with a DJ, chairs, watersports, a.k.a. more active. The chairs at the Cove are more chill, hang-by-the-beach vibes.

Take a Tour of Petra Farm and Tasting

One afternoon, I spent a few hours up at Petra Farm to tour their grounds and then do a tasting. The family-run farm sits just above Kolymbithres Beach.The tour took us through the grounds, their sustainable farming practices, and then ended on the very picturesque terrace with a tasting of what they produce. I enjoyed it, found it a nice contrast from the beaches and village time, all while getting to dive into the traditions of farming on the island.
The classic tour is 2 hours or so, reservations required, and is €25 per adult, €35 if you add on lunch in addition.

Spend Time in the Parikia Port

While Parikia Port is where you’ll arrive by ferry, it is also a really lovely port town to visit. It has a wealth of Byzantine heritage, and lots of small streets to wander through. One of the must-visits is the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors. It dates back to the 4th century and is one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in Greece. The old town of Parikia is also wonderful; it has a set of whitewashed alleys full of stores, lots of cafes, and is home to Kastro, the Frankish Castle that dates back to the 13th century.

Join a Boat Trip to Despotiko Island

While you can visit Despotiko Island from Antiparos, it’s also a very popular day trip from Paros, as many of the boat tours head out there. I had been before, and can tell you it is some of the most incredible turquoise waters I’ve been to. It’s a fully unspoiled island, with beaches only reachable by boat. Most of the boat tours head out, stop for a swim or two, snorkel, and have a meal included. If I were picking one “boat” activity, this would be it.

• Best Overall Tour: Daily Boat Trip Antiparos & Despotiko | 6–7 hours | Small group (maximum 25 guests)
• Best Priced Tour with Lunch: Round of Antiparos & Despotiko with Traditional Boat | 6–7 hours | Maximum 60 guests

Make the Drive up to the Holy Church of St. Antonios of Paros

One afternoon we took the very windy drive up to the Holy Church of St. Antonios of Paros, and while I wanted to turn back several times on the hairpin turns, it was well worth it. The views are fantastic, giving an incredible panoramic view across the island — arguably the best view of the island. It’s a very popular sunset spot as well, as you get a wonderful view of the Aegean Sea. The monastery here is visitable, founded in 1597, and is one of the oldest on the island.

Pick a Beach Day Based on the Winds

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting Paros is not checking the winds before going to the beach. The Meltemi Winds here absolutely batter the island from mid-June through to August, and the northerly winds really affect the experience at the beach. If the weather report says northern winds, the beaches you want to go to that are protected are:

• Faragas Beach
• Agios Nikolaos Beach (Aliki)
• Monastiri Beach (closest option to Naoussa)
• Piso Livadi Beach

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The Best Beaches to Visit in Paros

There are a handful of standout beaches in Paros to add to your list. I’ve included notes on which are affected the most by the Meltemi winds as well. These are my top choices:

Kolympithres Beach

• Best For: First-time visitors looking for one of the calmest beaches in the north, set amongst stunning boulders.
• Beach Style: A few sandy coves set between boulders.
• When to Visit: Visit early in the morning during July and August to enjoy the coves before they get busy.
• Good to Know: It is very popular, and I’d recommend wearing proper shoes to get across the boulders if you plan to climb.
• Parking: Parking is available close to the beach, but spaces fill quickly during peak summer. Arrive early or consider taking a small water taxi from Naoussa.
• Food Options: There are a few taverns close by, including Maremma, which is a popular seaside taverna. There is also a seasonal day club that you can rent day chairs and umbrellas from.

Santa Maria and Little Santa Maria

• Best For: Santa Maria is the larger beach shaped like a half-moon bay, and Little Santa Maria is a smaller cove around the corner from it.
• Beach Style: Little Santa Maria is a very small beach, and both have very sandy shores and shallow waters.
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Santa Maria can get very busy for water sports; it’s very popular for windsurfing.
• Parking: There is designated parking for both beaches.
• Food Options: Both have beach bars and restaurants, with day clubs renting out sunbeds and umbrellas.

Damoulias Beach

• Best For: A less-visited, picturesque beach facing the island of Naxos.
• Beach Style: Rocky and pebble shores, with deeper waters good for snorkeling.
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Not many people visit this beach; it’s really great for having lots of space to yourself and is only 15 minutes from Naoussa.
• Parking: Street parking just above the beach.
• Food Options: None. Bring your own food and water.

Paralia Logaras and Piso Livadi

• Best For: Easy-to-access beaches with lots of amenities. Both Paralia Logaras and Piso Livadi are close to each other; Piso Livadi sits in the port, whereas Paralia Logaras is just before it.
• Beach Style: Flat and very family-friendly. Several trees for shade.
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: There are ample day beds for rent at Paralia Logaras. If there are Meltemi winds, these are good ones to come to.
• Parking: The best parking lot is behind Paralia Logaras.
• Food Options: Lots of restaurants and beach bars, alongside beds and umbrellas for rent.

Monastiri

• Best For: Small cove and families
• Beach Style: More elevated due to the famous beach club, and often gets packed
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Most of the beach will have day beds and chairs up from the beach club, but there is a portion to the end that is free for the public to set up towels.
• Parking: Designated parking lot
• Food Options: The beach club serves food and drinks

Piso Aliki

• Best For: Families and anyone; a very easygoing beach in the south of Paros.
• Beach Style: Half-moon crescent bay with lots of trees for shade.
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Not a ton of facilities
• Parking: Designated parking lot is here
• Food Options: None, but Aliki Village is close by.

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Where to Eat in Paros

Editor’s Note: I’m an avid foodie, and I do a lot of research for restaurants when we travel. We personally found the restaurants in Paros to not be our favorite when compared to the restaurants we experienced across the other islands (the food in Sifnos was incredible). After trying nearly a dozen+ spots, the restaurants I’ve included here are the ones I would recommend, and you will not find some of the more frequently recommended spots on here because we tried them and didn’t find them worth the price or all that great.

Best Breakfast and Coffee in Paros

• Almond (Naoussa) – One of our favorite brunches on the island was at Almond in Naoussa. The pancakes were very delicious, and the restaurant gets very busy by late morning.
• afros | sip and bites (Naoussa) — Our favorite coffee shop of the week on the island, really great baked goods, and the coffee was amazing.
• NO IR (Lefkes) — A cute local coffee and ice cream shop we stopped into in Lefkes.
• Tserki Alyki (Aliki) — A newer coffee shop to open in Aliki, they have a location in Parikia as well. The coffee was good, and their brunch menu looked great.

Best Elevated Meals in Paros

Mario Restaurant (Parikia)

Of all the meals in Paros, Mario was our top meal of the week for fine dining and service. It’s one of the best restaurants on the island, having been around for 17 years. It’s the spot for elevated cuisine, with local ingredients from the region. The menu is more expensive than most, but the service and food were fantastic.

Statheros (Naoussa)

Of the run of restaurants on the port in Naoussa, we enjoyed our waterfront meal at Statheros. There are about a dozen tables on the water; the service was great, and we loved the stuffed calamari.

Ouzeri ton Nautikon Tsachpinis (Naoussa)

We had a late-night dinner at Ouzeri ton Nautikon Tsachpinis and decided this one was better than Barbarossa. The setting is fantastic; it’s high energy, and lots of people come out by 8 pm or so. You’ll want to reserve in advance, and try any of their grilled seafood.

Faragas Beach Restaurant (near Aliki)

I didn’t think our favorite lunch would be at the beach bar in Faragas, but it was so delicious. I had sushi, our daughter had a delicious burger, and the setting was stunning, right on the beach. They also have coffee to go in these wonderful cans, which you can take to the beach.

Fisilanis Seaside Tavern

Fisilanis Tavern was the one restaurant we enjoyed on Logaras Beach, near Piso Livadi. It’s best known for grilled fish and other dishes like traditional Greek moussaka, rabbit stifado, and more traditional dishes. It gets very busy on the weekend, so book a table in advance.

Best Casual Meals in Paros

STREET GRILLER (Naoussa)

A really easygoing spot for gyros and grilled meats like kebabs. We came here a few times to get food to go when we stayed in Naoussa.

To Balconi tou Aki or THALASSAMOU (Aliki)

In Aliki, along the port, there are several restaurants that line the water. The most famous is To Balconi tou Aki, which sits on a small jetty; the sea literally laps up on the deck sometimes. The food here was down the middle for us; we liked the pasta with urchin, but the gyro was dry. I really wish we could have eaten at THALASSAMOU just down from it; it’s famous for wood-fired food but unfortunately was closed the day we were there.

Ο ΤΣΙΤΣΑΝΗΣ (Prodomos)

Ο ΤΣΙΤΣΑΝΗΣ in Prodromos is one of Paros’ oldest and most beloved traditional family-run tavernas, dating back to 1969. This is probably my favorite of the classic and historic tavernas we tried on the island (so much so I took almost no photos!). The homemade zucchini fritters, traditional Greek meatballs, and the Greek salad were our favorites.

Buonvento (Piso Livadi)

We had dinner twice at Buonvento when we stayed in Piso Livadi because the food was so great. It’s Italian food, from pizza to pasta. The spaghetti with clams was a favorite for us. If you dine in, you also have great sunset views from the restaurant.

Charoula’s Tavern (Marpissa)

A good spot in the hilltop town of Marpissa for very classic Greek taverna food. It’s one of the few remaining authentic tavernas on the island, and from the top of the village you can see the sea. I’d order the fennel pie, stuffed zucchini flowers, or the homemade moussaka served in a clay pot.

Loukoumades To Paradosiako (Naoussa)

In the town of Naoussa, one stop that is a must is Loukoumades To Paradosiako for fresh-made loukoumades. They are these crunchy, fried balls of dough with a doughnut texture, and then you can get white chocolate or Nutella over them. They’re so good we went almost every night.

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The Best Islands to Visit Before or After Paros

Paros makes for a wonderful starting/ending point for island hopping, and part of any Cycladic island itinerary. For most ferries in the Cyclades, it’s best to pre-reserve your seats as they can sell out. We used Ferryhopper for all our ferry tickets and were really pleased with how easy it was and the ability to book changeable tickets.

Naxos (25-40 minute high-speed ferry)

The easiest island to visit after Paros is Naxos, the quieter, more relaxed island that can be visited in 30 minutes by high-speed ferry. We went to Naxos just after Paros as our final island stop on our Cycladic island hopping itinerary and adored it. I actually preferred it over Paros as it had the right amount of things to do, but sans the “touristed” feel to it. The beaches are splendid and flat, though they take a beating from the winds; you can still find quiet areas. Hilltop villages, a bustling chora, and lots of experiences from wineries to road trips to be done.

Sifnos (55-minute to 5-hour ferry)

Sifnos was our stop prior to Paros, and was our favorite island of all of the islands we visited during our several-week Cycladic island-hopping itinerary. It’s known for a few things: easygoing beaches, incredible food, ceramics, and some serious jaw-dropping beauty from its mountainous villages. This is the island you go to to slow down; it is not as touristy as Naxos or Paros (mostly because it’s only reachable by ferry), and is wonderful with kids. I can’t recommend Sifnos enough!

Mykonos (35-minute to 3-hour ferry)

Mykonos is best visited at least once, and one of the easier next jumping-off points from Paros because of the ferry routes. I’ve been to Mykonos several times, and the island presents options for being adventurous, staying out late, energetic beach clubs, and quiet coves for those wanting to relax. It feels more commercial, but with it are the amenities that are well-loved for an elevated island getaway.

Santorini (1.5 to 5-hour ferry)

Santorini is gorgeous, and while it’s the most visited and touristy, I feel that at least 3 nights on the island are always worth it to cross it off your travel bucket list. I’ve been several times, and the incredible views from the cliffside villages here are just so different from the rest of the Cycladic islands. Plan it well, plan it in advance, and understand that it will be busy — otherwise, enjoy the beauty that this iconic island has to offer.

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