It's lively and attractive capital port of Parikia is a maze of winding streets (deliberately designed to confuse invading pirates long enough for the islanders to escape) which are now full of fascinating shops, smart restaurants and tavernas, and busy music bars.
Around the coastline there are numerous wonderful sandy beaches with safe swimming in warm clear waters, and Paros is large enough to keep you busy exploring by hire car or local bus for several days, before you turn your sights on trips to neighbouring islands. The closest is Antiparos, a tiny satellite island just across the water from Parikia, with another superb sandy beach and a little resort village of its own. Further afield, depending on the time of season and inter-island ferry timetable, it's possible to visit Naxos, Ios and even the dramatic volcanic beauty of Santorini. Rather quieter than Parikia is the beautiful village of Naoussa (pronounced Now-sah), set on its own bay some fifteen minutes north of town by bus. There's a eucalyptus-shaded square, and a tiny fishing harbour surrounded by fresh fish tavernas which will have you reaching for your camera every five minutes! Naoussa has its own shingle and pebble coves, with windsurfing out in the bay. Nightlife in Naoussa is fairly laid back, with some friendly music bars and a couple of discos, (although it gets quite busy in July and August), and for more action, Parikia is just a short bus or taxi ride away.
If you have a hire car, or you're a keen walker (allow 30-40 minutes) you'll find long stretches of fine yellow sand at Santa Maria and along the peninsula to the north. Other great beaches can be reached by buses from Parikia over to the east coast village of Piso Livadi, and Chryssi Akti (Golden Beach). For an all-round holiday with a good selection of things to see and do, fine sandy beaches and lively nightlife, we can definitely recommend Paros - it's what Greek island holidays are all about!
