Reflections on Paros

Saturday 9th July 2022

Initial Impressions

I booked two weeks on Paros, confident it wouldn’t be a bad experience. The island’s ever-increasing popularity and similarity to Naxos–one of my favourite destinations–meant it was unlikely to disappoint. But does it live up to the online hype?

There’s Beauty in Small Things

After the first week of exploring the island by local bus, I was struck by how much more compact it feels compared to Naxos. On a map, it seems only a little smaller, but it’s less than half the total area of its closest neighbour. This is mostly a good thing, as you can reach all villages and beaches within a 45-minute bus journey–even less by car–making the island feel more intimate, with the sense that you could explore any corner of it on a whim without much planning required.

Upmarket or Upsold?

Paros does have a hint of Mykonos about it. Whether that’s good depends on how you feel about its more famous neighbour. In my opinion, Mykonos has sacrificed traditional Greek values, such as authenticity and hospitality, with overinflated prices and superficial experiences, milking tourists for their hard-earned cash and offering little in return.

Don’t panic, though. Paros isn’t that bad, but it could be argued that it’s heading in a similar direction. It’s not hard to find overpriced cocktails, pretentious restaurants with ‘aspirational’ menus, and beach sunbeds that cost as much as hiring a car for the day! In fairness, most of the places we ate were good, so I’m not criticising the quality of the food, but there is always a delicate balance between cost and value for money. I sought out restaurants where the menu wasn’t outlandish and, for the most part, got what I paid for. Just be aware that your Euros won’t go as far here as they do on less well-known islands (check out nearby Ios, Folegandros and Sifnos for some cheaper alternatives).

Limited Sightseeing on Paros

The downside to being a smaller island is a slight lack of sightseeing opportunities. Not every Greek island has an abundance of ancient ruins, of course, but despite scouring the area on Google Maps, I never found many things to see besides a few small villages. Maybe I missed them (correct me if I’m wrong), but it does seem like an island more geared towards relaxing on the sand or by the pool at one of the many boutique hotels. This isn’t a destination for immersing yourself in Greek history.

You do get the benefit of Antiparos, however. This even smaller neighbouring island is more like an extension of Paros–just a 10-minute ferry ride away–but has an even quieter and more relaxed vibe. Many visitors choose Antiparos as a base to avoid the peak season crowds, relying on the cheap and regular ferry service to hop back and forth.

Is Paros a Victim of its Own Success?

The popularity of Paros is bound to become a problem sooner rather than later. 2022 could have been an anomaly with pent-up demand in the post-COVID travel market, but 2023 delivered tourists in even greater numbers. Its popularity was boosted by its inclusion in Forbes’ list of Top Worldwide Destinations in 2023.

We timed our visit before the start of peak season in mid-July, but it was still very busy. It’s not quite so bad as to be crowded everywhere; in most cases, it created a nice, vibrant atmosphere, but I imagine it wouldn’t take many more tourists to saturate the system: packed buses, full hotels, busy beaches, and crowded tavernas would make it a much less desirable destination.

Will I be Returning to Paros?

When reflecting on any Greek island I visit, one of my key questions is: would I rush to return? I think the answer for Paros is, no, probably not. This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy my time there or wouldn’t recommend it to first-time visitors, but when I think back, I can’t say I felt anything unique or special about it that would draw me to return. The food was good without being sublime, the atmosphere was pleasant enough, and the beaches are a definite highlight, but I could find all this on other islands (see below for some suggestions) at a lower price point and with fewer crowds. The fact that Antiparos is so close does work in its favour, as you are effectively getting two islands for the price of one, and I would consider splitting my time between the two if I had the chance to plan my trip again.

If you’ve never been to Greece before, Paros is a worthy contender for a great place to visit. Even if it’s not your first time in the country, I wouldn’t exclude it as a place to experience. Just understand that you will pay a premium for its ‘Instagrammability’ so you can tell your friends and family you’ve been.

What are Good Alternatives to Paros?

Which Greek islands to visit is the question I get most from family, friends, and the online travel community. Naturally, it depends heavily on what kind of holiday you’re after, but my top Greece destinations are good enough that I think they suit all visitors:

1. Sifnos is my favourite Greek island. It’s so good that I’m hesitant to shout too loudly—it’s already developing a reputation as a top destination. You’ll find amazing beaches, delicious food, and ample hiking and sightseeing opportunities, all packaged up in an area less than half the size of Paros and with significantly fewer tourists. The lack of an airport means travelling by ferry, but it’s well worth it if you’re prepared to make an effort.
2. Naxos. Paros’ big brother now suffers from many of the same popularity issues, but being twice the size allows it to handle more visitors without overcrowding. It has a similar vibe, with plenty of good beaches and decent restaurants, but it also has more sightseeing opportunities, plus the chance to scale Mount Zas and visit the highest point in the Cyclades!
3. Crete. Recommending Crete is an easy option as it’s such a large island and caters to all types of tourists—from nightlife seekers (try Hersonissos, Stalis, and Malia) to those looking for a quiet corner away from the crowds (check out Palaiochora and Elounda). You’ll also find water parks, historical sights, shops, bars, and restaurants with some of the best prices around.

In addition to these top recommendations, you should also check out Ios, Folegandros and Amorgos for some alternatives that are within a short ferry ride of Paros and worth combining into an island-hopping adventure: check out our Guide to Greek Island Hopping if that sounds like fun.