Paros the Best Island in Europe?

Is Paros the best island in Greece to Visit? Let’s discover what’s so appealing about this Cycladic island and why Travel + Leisure readers voted Paros the best island in Europe.

Naousa village

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So, why is Paros the Best Island in Europe to Visit?

Let’s find out more.

Firstly, Páros lies in the heart of the Cyclades, a few hours away from Athens by ferry or just an hour from Mykonos island. While there are several reasons to book a trip to Páros, the island is most renowned for its genuine beaches, cosmopolitan nightlife, and ancient monuments, such as Delian Apollo and Artemis Sanctuary. Furthermore, the island, alternately described as Greece’s best-kept secret, is the most notable favorite the following summer.

Note: You should read our article to learn about the best time to visit Greece .

Magical Naousa village

Visitors can start their Páros trip in Naousa, a traditional fishing village with one of the most beautiful ports in Greece. The town’s whitewashed alleyways are some of the most scenic places to enjoy a glass of ouzo or local wine.

Kolymbithres Beach on Paros

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Superb beaches

Windsurfers should stop at Golden Beach (or Chryssí Aktí), the frequent home of the windsurfing World Cup. Kolymbithres, on the island’s northern coast, is famous for its unique granite formations. Water has eroded the rock to form smooth, swooping shapes punctuated by sandy coves and small caves.

Those looking to party on the sands should visit Ambelas, popular among locals for its gatherings, or Santa Maria, where the beach bar serves mojitos to accompany sunset views.

Parikia-the island’s capital

Visit the capital of Parikia to tour the ancient cemetery, the 13th-century Venetian castle, or the Archaeological Museum, which has artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period. Travelers exploring the island’s past can hike along the Byzantine Road. The ancient marble footpath connects the island’s villages of Lefkes and Prodromos, providing a time-tested way for visitors to cover ground.

The Parian Wines

Distinctive, wild, and ancient, the wines of Paros are not to be missed. Most island vines are of the white Monemvassia and red Mandilaria varieties. When mixed, these grapes make an excellent and unique red wine, with the white grape adding aroma while softening the roughness of the red.

So, is Paros the Best Island in Europe to visit? What do you think? Please write your opinion in the comments below. We’d love to read them. But if you are already on one of the neighboring islands, like Mykonos, Santorini, or Naxos, you should start planning your trip immediately.