Paros and Naxos are perhaps somewhat less well known than other Cycladic Greek islands like Santorini and Milos, but at least one and ideally both are definitely worth a visit! I initially made reservations on both because I couldn’t choose one and fully intended to cancel one, but when I missed the cancellation window I decided to do one night on Paros and two nights on Naxos and ended up being so glad I managed to see both islands. Paros is smaller, has more nightlife, and is maybe a bit fancier especially if you stay or eat in Naousa, while Naxos is surprisingly green, the largest of the Cyclades, and also has a lively port town with plenty to do.
The itinerary below packs as much as possible into a weekend on Paros and Naxos with just one night on each island – assuming you stay the night before Day 1 on Paros – but ideally I’d suggest trying to do two nights on one island and one on the other, as I did. Note that Paros is “on the way” to ferries Athens/Piraeus, so if you’re visiting Paros and Naxos at the beginning of your Cyclades trip it might maximize your time if you stop at Paros first, and if you’re visiting them on the way back it may be best to go to Naxos first and then return to Athens from Paros.
Day 1 – Paros
8am – Whether you stayed in the port town or in Naousa, head to Naousa for breakfast – there are plenty of cute cafes. While you’re there, check out the picturesque harbor including the Venetian castle ruins just beyond.
9am – From Naousa you can take the bus, or walk about an hour along the water to Kolympethres Beach. The beach has some nice spots to lounge, but is mostly notable for very interesting rock formations (and beautiful water)!
12pm – Take the bus up to the village of Lefkes, where you can find lunch and then head out on the ancient Byzantine road towards the village Prodromos. From Prodromos, you can continue (on non-Byzantine roads) to the coastal fishing village of Piso Livadi, where you can get a snack if needed and catch the bus back to the port town.
4pm – Catch a ferry to Naxos – it takes less than an hour and there are several a day, although it’s worth booking in advance for peace of mind and particularly in high season.
6pm – After arriving in Naxos, walk left from the ferry towards the Temple of Apollo for great views back towards town and around the other side of the harbor.
8pm – Get dinner and enjoy people-watching at one of the bars or restaurants along the harbor. If you want to go out after, there are plenty of bars and a few clubs in the same area.
Day 2 – Naxos
Note that with an international driver’s license you could rent a car or scooter and explore much more of the island, including some of the beaches to the south. But there’s still a lot to see by bus!
9am – Take a wander on your way to find breakfast, and let yourself get lost a bit in the maze of streets around the old Venetian castle.
10:30am – Catch the bus near the ferry dock and head for the villages in the hills; you’ll get to see plenty of the island along the way. If you’re feeling energetic and slightly bold, you can get off the bus at Apeiranthos for a chance to see the far side of the island, and then walk along the road for a bit and then some old goat paths down to Filoti. Or, just get off the bus in Filoti and enjoy wandering around town before finding a spot for lunch – there are a few restaurants to choose from.
2pm – Depending on how the bus schedules are looking, consider stopping in the village of Chalki on your way back downhill; the walk from Filoti to Chalki isn’t too long, but also isn’t particularly scenic.
4pm – Get ready to catch your next ferry, or find a spot to enjoy the sunset from one of the rooftop bars near the harbor.
Essentials for a Weekend on Paros and Naxos
Where to stay on Paros and Naxos
- Paros – I stayed in the port town and was happy with the convenience and selection of restaurants and such, but Naousa is also a popular and maybe slightly more upscale and nightlife-y option.
- Naxos – The port town is a great base unless you’re looking to do something more remote and stay in a beach town; I doubt many people stay in the hill town villages I’ve mentioned above, although the views would be great!
Getting around on Paros and Naxos
Both islands have pretty good bus systems that will at least get you between the main towns, and usually to an interesting beach or two as well. Schedules can change significantly depending on the season but also even week to week, so take a look at the websites for Paros Buses and Naxos Buses but try to stop by the main bus station/stop in the port towns and check the schedules in person as well.
What to do about money on Paros and Naxos: I mostly used my credit card, but it was helpful to have some cash as well – especially for the buses. Note tipping is not particularly common but if you do want to tip you may want cash as you’ll have to make a point of asking to add a tip on a credit card payment.
Best photo spots on Paros and Naxos:
- Paros – I liked the harbor in Naousa, and Kolympethres Beach; the Paroika castle in the port town is also a cool spot.
- Naxos – The Temple of Apollo is a must-see. For views that really capture the scale and green-ness of the island, I loved the road from Apeiranthos to Filoti.
Want more ideas for visiting the Cyclades islands in Greece? Try 48 Hours on Milos.
You can find all my weekend itineraries for Europe here.
