Neighborhoods of Paros Island: A Guide for Students

The Greek island of Paros may not be very big, but don’t be fooled by its size; it’s packed with charming villages, beautiful stretches of coast, and hidden corners well worth exploring. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone alleyways, catching the bus to discover a new beach town, or picking up souvlaki on your walk home, you’ll notice that each area, or neighborhood, on the island has its own unique vibe.

Here’s a guide to some of our favorite areas to check out when you study abroad with us:

PARIKIA. The main port and capital of Paros, you’ll likely begin and end your trip here. It’s chaotically charming, full of life, and is the best spot for errands like pharmacy visits, working out the bus schedule, and grocery runs. It’s also quite charming with its maze of an old town full of iconic Greek whitewashed buildings with their blue shutters and bougainvillea tumbling from balconies. There are some great bakeries here, convenience stores, cozy tavernas, and a mix of locals and travelers. Don’t miss the 4th century Panagia Ekatontapiliani church and a walk along the promenade at sunset.

NAOUSSA. This is postcard-perfect Greece, probably one of the prettiest villages on the island. It has a small fishing port, cute cafes, Venetian ruins, and some interesting Cycladic architecture. Early mornings, you’ll find shopkeepers setting up for the day and open doors with the scent of coffee drifting into the streets. Take a journal down to the harbor for inspiration, pop into a gallery, or some some time relaxing and people-watching. The pace of life picks up at night when people head out for a meal and socialize, especially during peak season when this is a popular place for visitors.

LEFKES. At the center of the island, tucked into the hills, you’ll stumble on the quiet mountain village of Lefkes. This actually used to be the capital of Paros, and it’s still very atmospheric with its marble-paved lands and sleepy squares. It’s the perfect place to spot a cat asleep on some stone steps or buy handmade embroidery from a local. This is an amazing place to take your camera with incredible views, especially if you hike the old Byzantine path from the village. This is a beautiful place to come for a change of pace from everyday life, a place to come to disconnect, to think and reflect and reset.

PISO LIVADI. If you’re looking for a place to relax along the coast that’s not going to be packed with people, Piso Livadi is a good bet. It’s somewhat under the radar, a small harbor town on the eastern side of the island with a slower pace of life. It feels more lived-in and local and you’ll find a boardwalk with perfect waterfront lunch spots under the sea breeze, picturesque fishing boats bobbing in the bay, and some inviting clear water that will call your name for a post-lunch swim.

GOLDEN BEACH (CHRISSI AKTI). Okay, this isn’t really a neighborhood, just a beach, but it’s definitely a place to know, especially if you’re into windsurfing or water spots that are big here. But it’s a great beach day location even if you’re not in the water. There are wide open skies, and some great sand where you can spread out with friends and have a picnic, get some reading in, or just enjoy the day in the salty sea air. Or if food on the beach sounds a little gritty, there are some laid-back restaurants and cafes nearby instead.

Whichever part of Paros you’re most drawn to—hilltop villages or coastal towns—you’ll find plenty to explore here even if it’s not a bustling metropolis. Island life will give you the gift of learning how to slow down. So soak it all in, embrace the opportunity to relax, and spend some time exploring this beautiful slice of paradise.