“From whitewashed alleyways in Naoussa to quiet beaches kissed by the Aegean sun—Paros isn’t just beautiful. It’s balance. It’s bliss.”
After years of playing quiet second fiddle to its more famous neighbors like Santorini and Mykonos, Paros, the soul-stirring Cycladic island in Greece, has finally stepped into the limelight.
On July 8, 2025, Travel + Leisure crowned Paros the World’s Best Island in their annual “World’s Best Awards,” catapulting it from 24th place last year to a glowing #1 ranking with an outstanding 96.50 out of 100 reader score.
But what made this island leapfrog over tropical giants like Bali, Palawan, and Maui? And why is the world suddenly falling in love with Paros?
Let’s find out.
The Rankings That Made Headlines
Each year, Travel + Leisure asks its global audience to rank islands based on their beauty, experiences, culture, food, hospitality, and overall value. Paros didn’t just edge out the competition—it soared.
Top 5 Islands in the World — 2025
- Paros, Greece – 96.50
- Palawan, Philippines – 93.60
- Bali, Indonesia – 93.25
- Milos, Greece – 92.80
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – 92.00
Paros emerged as the top contender thanks to its blend of natural beauty, authentic culture, affordability, and a burgeoning luxury scene that’s still in tune with local life.
Where Exactly is Paros?
Paros is part of the Cyclades island chain in the Aegean Sea, nestled between Mykonos and Naxos. While Santorini gets the honeymooners and Mykonos gets the party crowd, Paros has quietly attracted travelers looking for something deeper—a place to unwind, reconnect, and explore without feeling like a tourist.
It’s easily accessible:
- 40-minute flight from Athens.
- 3 to 4-hour ferry ride from the mainland.
You can also hop over to Antiparos, its charming sibling island, via a 10-minute ferry ride.
What Makes Paros So Special?
1. Naoussa: A Cycladic Dream
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping wine by a tiny harbor, with fishing boats bobbing and lanterns twinkling above your head, that dream probably looks a lot like Naoussa.
This once-sleepy fishing village has blossomed into Paros’ boutique heart, filled with:
- Stylish restaurants
- Beach clubs
- Designer boutiques
- And gelato shops that open till midnight
Despite its glamour, Naoussa hasn’t lost its soul. You’ll still find Greek grannies chatting on doorsteps, barefoot kids running through alleyways, and live music echoing from hidden courtyards.
Pro tip: Visit in September. The weather is perfect, and the crowds disappear.
2. Parikia: Where History Meets Ferries
Paros’ capital, Parikia, is more than a port of entry. It’s a historical labyrinth of narrow stone lanes, traditional bakeries, and artisan workshops.
Don’t miss:
- Panagia Ekatontapiliani – a 4th-century Byzantine church often called the “Church of a Hundred Doors.”
- Frankish Castle ruins
- Vibrant sunset promenades where locals and travelers mix
3. Lefkes: The Soul of the Island
Tucked in the hills, the village of Lefkes offers a more spiritual slice of Paros. Here, olive trees outnumber people, and marble paths wind through poetic silence.
Walk the ancient Byzantine Trail, a stone path linking Lefkes to Prodromos—perfect for morning hikes with views of olive groves and the sea beyond.
Beaches You’ll Never Forget
Paros is the kind of place where you could spend your entire trip beach-hopping—and never get bored.
- Kolymbithres Beach: Iconic granite boulders carved into natural swimming coves.
- Golden Beach: Windsurfers’ paradise, long and golden with shallow blue waters.
- Santa Maria: Family-friendly, organized, and close to Naoussa.
- Lageri Beach: Secluded, pristine, and clothing-optional—your ultimate escape.
Instagram Tip: The sunsets at Monastiri Beach, paired with the cliffs and chapel views, are pure Aegean magic.
Food and Wine Scene
Paros is a feast—literally.
From street-side gyros to Michelin-style tasting menus, you’ll find:
- Octopus hanging in the sun, grilled fresh that evening
- Fava bean purée with caramelized onions
- Kopanisti cheese with sweet wine
Don’t miss the Moraitis Winery in Naoussa for a tasting tour that introduces you to the island’s unique white varietals like Monemvasia and Assyrtiko.
Where to Stay: Luxury Meets Authenticity
Paros is having a moment, and it shows in its stylish hotels:
- Cosme Paros by Marriott’s Luxury Collection – beachfront and boutique
- Cove Paros – minimalism done right
- Yria Boutique Hotel – romantic, tucked away, and perfect for couples
- Avant Mar – the island’s newest luxury resort, opened in 2025
Despite its growth, Paros still offers family-run guesthouses and budget-friendly rentals, especially in quieter towns like Piso Livadi.
Tourism Boom & Infrastructure
- 370% surge in Australian tourist interest in Greek islands, including Paros, in 2024.
- A €41 million airport expansion is in the works—Paros will soon welcome direct international flights by 2026.
- Yet, Paros remains unspoiled, receiving only ~200,000 visitors annually, compared to over 2 million in Santorini.
The island is embracing a “less but better” tourism model, prioritizing sustainability over mass tourism.
Who Should Visit Paros?
- Couples: Romantic towns, quiet coves, and boutique stays
- Families: Calm waters, safe beaches, and kid-friendly dining
- Solo travelers: Easy to navigate, welcoming locals, and budget options
- Digital nomads: Strong Wi-Fi, cozy cafés, and long-term rentals
- Adventure lovers: Kitesurfing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, and hiking
How to Plan Your Trip to Paros (Pro Tips)
- Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October for perfect weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices
- Getting Around: Rent a car, ATV, or scooter to explore remote beaches and inland villages
- Island Hopping: Combine Paros with Naxos, Antiparos, or even Mykonos using fast ferries
- Currency: Euro (€), but most places accept cards
- Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken
Final Word: A Rising Star with Ancient Roots
Paros didn’t become the world’s best island overnight—it quietly earned that title through its blend of beauty, authenticity, hospitality, and possibility.
Here, you can dine in 800-year-old towns, swim in turquoise coves, dance to local music, and sleep beneath a sky untouched by city lights.
In 2025, the world finally caught on.
Whether you seek romance, serenity, adventure, or simply inspiration—Paros welcomes you. Not with fanfare. But with open arms and timeless charm.
