Posted by The best insider tips for your 2026 vacation
Paros is one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades – yet there are still many places here that hardly anyone knows about. Away from the well-known sights like Parikia, Naoussa, or Kolymbithres, quiet bays, forgotten villages, secret hiking trails, and culinary surprises await discovery. 🌿🇬🇷
If you want to experience Paros like a local, not just see the typical highlights, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you the best insider tips for Paros – real insider information for those who want to delve deeper and enjoy the island in a truly special way. Related page: Our page about sights on Paros
🏝️ 1. Faragas Beach – The Quiet Beauty in the South
📍 Location: Near Aliki
⭐ Tip: Perfect for relaxing beach days away from the crowds
While many tourists head to the beaches near Naoussa or Kolymbithres, Faragas Beach is often surprisingly quiet. The small bay is surrounded by rocks, offers crystal-clear water, and a relaxed atmosphere.
There’s a small beach bar, a few sun loungers and parasols – but never the hustle and bustle of other beaches. Ideal for a peaceful day of swimming with a drink in hand and a view of the sea.
💡 Tip: Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon – then it’s practically deserted.
Ferries to Paros Buses on Paros
🪸 2. Agios Fokas – Secluded Bay with Breathtaking Views
📍 Location: South of Parikia
⭐ Tip: Only accessible on foot or by scooter
The beach at Agios Fokas is one of the island’s best-kept secrets – even many locals hardly know about it. There are no beach bars, no sun loungers, no tavernas – just turquoise water, soft sand, and absolute tranquility.
The journey is a bit adventurous: a short footpath along a dirt track leads down to the bay. But that’s precisely what keeps it so secluded.
The beach at Agios Fokas is one of the island’s most hidden gems – even many locals barely know it exists.
💡 Tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks – there’s no infrastructure here. [wp-osm id=31]
Paros – all articles
| Paros overview | Parikia |
| Naoussa | Lefkes |
| Piso Livadi | Antiparos |
| Cyclades overview | Ferries in Greece |
| Buses in Greece | Beaches on the Greek islands |
🏘️ 3. Prodromos – The Forgotten Cycladic Village
📍 Location: Central Island
⭐ Tip: Combine with a hike from Lefkes
The small mountain village of Prodromos is one of those places that seems frozen in time. Narrow, white alleyways, arched passageways, small churches, and a handful of tavernas – here, Paros feels much like it did 50 years ago.
Hardly any tourists venture here, even though it’s just a few minutes from Lefkes. A stroll through the village at sunset is especially beautiful.
💡 Tip: Sit down in one of the small tavernas and try homemade mezze – it doesn’t get more authentic than this.
🏜️ 4. Marathi Quarries – Hidden Ancient History
📍 Location: Near Lefkes
⭐ Tip: Bring a flashlight and explore the tunnels!
The ancient marble quarries of Marathi are one of the most fascinating and yet least visited places on Paros. This is where the famous Parian marble was quarried, the same marble used to create the Venus de Milo, among other treasures.
You can even venture a short way into the underground passages – a unique experience where you’ll get a close-up view of history.
💡 Tip: Combine your visit with a hike in the surrounding area – there are many beautiful trails around Marathi.
🍷 5. Wine Tasting in the Naoussa Valley – Off the Beaten Track
📍 Location: Near Naoussa
⭐ Tip: Take a guided tour to learn more about local wine production
Few people know that Paros has a long winemaking tradition. In the fertile hinterland around Naoussa, there are small wineries you can visit – many of them family-run and offering tastings.
Here you can not only taste excellent wine, but also learn a lot about cultivation, grape varieties, and history.
💡 Tip: The wines made from the Monemvasia grape variety – typical of Paros – are especially recommended.
🐴 6. Horseback Riding Excursion in Nature – Experience Paros in an Unusual Way
📍 Location: Near Aliki or Naoussa
⭐ Tip: Book a Sunset Ride 🌅
Anyone can hike or ride a scooter – but how about a horseback ride through nature? Several small ranches on Paros offer guided riding tours through olive groves, along the coast, or even on the beach.
A sunset ride with a view of the sea is a truly special experience – an unforgettable highlight away from the typical tourist activities.
💡 Tip: Book early – especially during peak season, tours fill up quickly.
🌅 7. Sunset from the Monastery of Agios Antonios – The Island’s Most Beautiful Viewpoint
📍 Location: Hill near Marpissa
⭐ Tip: Best to hike up
The hill with the Monastery of Agios Antonios is one of the island’s most beautiful viewpoints – and yet it’s rarely visited. From up here, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, the surrounding islands, and the interior of Paros.
The climb takes about 20 minutes, but it’s especially worthwhile at sunset when the sea is bathed in golden hues.
💡 Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the sunset in complete relaxation.
🪶 8. Day Trip to Antiparos – Small Island, Big Experience
📍 Location: Ferry from Pounta (10 minutes)
⭐ Tip: Rent a scooter on Antiparos
Just a ten-minute ferry ride away lies the neighboring island of Antiparos – small, charming, and ideal for a day trip. The island is even quieter than Paros, boasts beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and even a cave.
Many tourists don’t realize how easy it is to reach Antiparos – and thus miss out on a real hidden gem.
💡 Tip: Head there early in the morning, rent a scooter, and explore the entire island in one day.
🧭 9. Hike to the highest mountain on Paros – Profitis Ilias
📍 Altitude: 771 m
⭐ Tip: Start early and bring water
The hike to Profitis Ilias, the highest point on Paros, is a real insider tip for nature lovers. The ascent is not difficult and takes about 1.5 hours – you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the Cyclades.
On clear days, you can even see Naxos, Ios, and Santorini.
💡 Tip: Hike in spring or autumn – it can be too hot in the height of summer.
🫒 10. Discover local products and markets – experience authentic Paros
📍 Tip: Especially good in Lefkes or Aliki
A real insider tip for gourmets: Visit one of the small weekly markets or farm shops on Paros. Here you’ll find handcrafted olive oil, homemade cheese, honey, herbs, and wine – all locally produced.
Many families sell their products directly from their farms – a great way to connect with locals and buy authentic souvenirs.
💡 Tip: The weekly market in Lefkes is especially worthwhile (spring to autumn).
🏁 Conclusion: Paros’ Hidden Gems – Discover the Island Away from the Tourists 🌿
Paros has so much more to offer than its famous beaches and bustling harbors. If you venture off the beaten path, you’ll discover a completely different side of the island: secluded coves, forgotten villages, breathtaking viewpoints, and authentic experiences.
Whether you’re exploring the ancient world in the marble quarries of Marathi, watching the sunset from Profitis Ilias, or simply swimming at a secluded beach like Agios Fokas – these are the moments that make your holiday on Paros truly special. 🇬🇷✨
🌿 Hidden gems for Greece and the islands |
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| Hidden gems of Greece islands | Hidden gems of Crete |
| Paros insider tips | Hidden gems of Sifnos |
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