Paros vs Naxos: Which Island Is Better?
Planning a summer vacation to the Greek islands and choosing between visiting Paros or Naxos? Well, welcome to the ultimate Paros vs. Naxos guide!
I visited Paros before heading to Naxos for the first time. While so close, the two islands had their unique beauty and activities.
First thing: The great thing about visiting Greece is that going to a “bad island” or city is almost impossible. All Greece destinations are stunningly beautiful in their own ways.
However, with over 200 inhabited islands on top of the incredible mainland destinations, we might not have time to visit it all (and if you do, tell me your secrets!). Therefore, decisions must be made on where to best spend vacation time based on budget and personal preferences.
This blog will specifically focus on comparing and contrasting the islands of Paros and Naxos. From food and nightlife culture to beaches, day trips, and public transportation, read below to find out which Greek islands will make your perfect Greek vacation.
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🛌 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com for my lodging.
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Paros vs. Naxos: Which Greek Island is Better?
A simple “yes” or “no” answer is pretty impossible. Both of these islands are their own slice of paradise. The more appropriate answer to this question is “it depends”!
If you’re able to, I highly encourage you to visit both! It’s a short ferry ride between both islands. Even though a 5-mile-long channel separates the two islands, they have different experiences and vibes.
For example, if you love smaller but livelier towns with luxury boutiques and a great nightlife culture, then Paros might be for you.
Paros may be smaller overall, but it packs a punch with better shopping, more beaches, and a more romantic vibe. Plus, it’s home to the iconic blue-domed St. Nikolas Chapel.
If you like larger, quieter towns with a broader selection of activities, Naxos will make the perfect vacation spot. The beaches in Naxos are longer, the vibe is more laid back, and towns and villages have a more rustic versus romantic feel.
Still undecided? Continue reading below!
Best Things To Do in Paros
✅Wander Around Naoussa
The charming fishing village of Naoussa is a must-visit when in Paros. As the island’s second largest town, it’s bursting with idyllic Greek charm. Naoussa is also where the Venetian Fortress was built to protect Paros against pirates.
The quaint alleyways of Naoussa look like something out of a movie, with whitewashed houses, Aegean-blue shutters, and cobblestone walkways. The cobblestone streets also greatly mimic the ones in Mykonos Town that you can easily see on a day trip by ferry.
Stroll through the town and stop into a few elegant shops that find their home here before heading to the harbor.
✅Antiparos Day Trip
If you’re staying on Paros for more than a couple of days, taking a day trip to its sister island, Antiparos, is a great idea. Luckily, many boat tours visit Antiparos and even Despotiko as a bonus!
The only other way to get to Antiparos from Paros is via ferry from Pounta. Given that point, taking one of the first boats out in the morning is best to maximize your time.
Once there, walk around Chora, the island’s main village. Explore Antiparos Castle, visit one of the island’s many beach caves, and watch a sunset at Sifneiko Beach.
➡️Book this incredible Antiparos and Despotiko Cruise!
✅Relax at One of the Beach Clubs
One of the most popular activities while on Paros is visiting one of its many beach clubs.
The best part is there are beach clubs for every budget, ranging from luxury to family and budget-friendly clubs. This provides an excellent alternative to the high prices in Mykonos.
Regardless of budget, one thing is sure: each beach boasts impressive food and stunningly clear waters! Some of the most famous Paros beach clubs include Cabana Beach Bar Restaurant, Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant, and Santa Maria Beach Bar.
✅Visit Lefkes
Once the capital of Paros during medieval times, Lefkes now stands as an architectural wonder. Here, you can explore several beautiful medieval churches, stroll the completely pedestrianized alleyways, or grab breakfast at one of the many cute cafes and restaurants.
Be sure to sit at the Byzantine Square and take it all in – and don’t forget your camera! You’ll need it.
✅Take a Cruise Around Paros and Other Islands
Many tour companies offer cruises around Paros and nearby islands if you prefer to take to the water. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to explore the island and its surroundings!
Secluded beaches, sea caves, remote towns, and nearby islands are all reachable by boat. Additionally, Paros offers some of the best snorkeling waters in Greece. You’ll enjoy plentiful marine life in warm, clear waters.
➡️Book this Semi-Private Full Day Paros Cruise!
Best Things To Do in Naxos
✅Naxos Town and the Venetian Castle
The charming capital of Naxos Town (Chora) presents visitors with a great mix of history, picture cobblestone streets, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. You have it all in a single location between the views, authentic Greek food, and beaches.
This ancient fortification of the Venetian Castle was once the shield of Naxos Town. It played a huge role in local politics, education, and religion. Today, it stands in beautiful ruins.
The pentagonal-shaped fortress has four levels and is the only castle in Naxos with a round shape. A few towers surrounding the fortress still stand, one accessible by elevator. There, the Avaton Cafe offers amazing views of Naxos.
✅Enjoy a Catamaran Cruise
One of the best ways to explore the most secluded beaches of Naxos is on a full-day catamaran cruise. These cruises typically include a traditional Greek lunch, snorkel gear, and complimentary drinks.
The beaches on these sails are great places to swim or enjoy water activities like snorkeling. Additionally, the boats can take you to hard-to-reach and remote beaches you may not have considered going to! Catamaran cruises are one of my favorite excursions in Greece.
➡️Take this scenic Naxos Catamaran Tour!
✅Explore the Many, Beautiful Beaches
As the largest of the Cyclades islands, the beaches in Naxos are longer and more varied. Naxos has some of the best beaches in Greece and the Mediterranean. Most beaches have soft, fine sand lined with striking blue waters.
With views of nearby islands and captivating sunsets, you can easily spend all day at the beach. In addition, you’ll find beach clubs, chic restaurants, water sports centers, and sunbeds at most beaches.
Given these points, if you’re looking for a beach getaway between Paros vs. Naxos, then Naxos promises more in that category.
Some popular beaches include Agios Prokopios, Adia Anna, Agios Georgios, and Plaka Beach. Even better, the most popular beaches are accessible by the public bus system.
✅Watch the Sunset at the Temple of Apollo
Located on the islet of Palatia is the Temple of Apollo, or The Portara of Naxos.
This striking marble doorway is one of the most important landmarks of Naxos. In standing since 530 BC, this site is a must when visiting Naxos.
Once a short strip of land, a causeway connects the islet to the island’s northern region. Encased by rich Greek mythology, this location is also a great spot to catch a classic Greek sunset.
Ensure that you arrive early for a good spot as it is one of the most, if not the most, popular places to watch the sunset.
✅Do a Delicious Food Tour
A fun and interactive way to learn the basics of traditional Naxian cuisine is to take a food tour with a local! Many tours allow participants to try traditional Greek dishes, wines, and snacks while also getting a history lesson about Naxos.
What better way to enjoy your time in Naxis than a local showing you the best foods?! If you’re a cheese fan, Naxos is the perfect place, as there are many local cheeses to try. The tours last about 4-5 hours and will leave you satisfied.
➡️Check out this delicious Naxos Old Town Food Tour!
Paros or Naxos: Beaches
Both Paros and Naxos are known as two of the most beautiful Greek islands, so there is no clear winner. However, there are some slight differences between the beaches on both islands, so read on to learn more!
Paros Beaches
While the beaches in Paros are typically smaller, they are certainly more varied. Since the island is known for being more lively, most beaches attract a younger crowd looking for a good time.
Many beaches offer beach clubs, restaurants, cocktail bars, and water sports centers open until the early morning. You’ll be in the ultimate paradise soaking up the sun and enjoying pristine views.
Some popular beaches include Golden Beach, Santa Maria Beach, and Kolymbithres Beach, for their unique rock formations.
Naxos Beaches
Naxos is home to some of the best beaches that you can find in Greece. As a larger island, there are sandy and rocky beaches, which also means more activities.
The waters off the shorelines also tend to be more shallow in Naxos, which is great for water activities and swimming.
Unlike Paros, many of the best beaches in Naxos are within proximity of each other. The public buses even visit popular beaches to make things even easier.
Overall, the beaches here boast a more laid-back vibe and are better for families with young children. A few of the most popular beaches in Naxos include Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, and Agios Georgios Beach.
🏖️ Paros vs. Naxos for beaches? Naxos!
Paros or Naxos: Costs
Vacations to the Cycladic islands typically aren’t regarded as the least expensive. However, when comparing the two islands, Naxos generally offers lower prices. There are also several ways to minimize costs when visiting Paros and Naxos.
Read below to learn which destination would be better for your wallet.
Accommodations in Paros
Travelers may refer to Paros as a “mini Mykonos,” but the prices of hotels and resorts are lower there. If you’re on a tight budget, many hostels and hotels in Pariki and Naoussa can cost $60 or lower.
Some of the best budget option accommodations include Paros Backpacker, Cheap Rooms, and Ayeri Hotel.
A typical nightly rate of a mid-range hotel in Paros can cost between $100 and $ 250, sometimes more. If it’s a more upscale experience you’re looking for, you can make Paros as luxurious as you want.
Popular upscale accommodations include Summer Senses Luxury Resort, Avant Mar, and Cosme. The latter property costs upwards of $1500 a night!
👉TRAVEL TIP: One of the simplest ways to save when visiting these islands is to visit outside peak season. In addition, booking in advance can save you money.
Where to Stay in Paros
📍Avant Mar ($$$)– This 5-star hotel needs to be at the top of your list for luxurious stays in Paros. Featuring a pool, certain rooms with private pools, and a delicious breakfast, this place is hard to beat. Other amenities include room service, free parking, and a free airport shuttle.
📍Archipelagos Studios ($$)– This is where I personally stayed. In addition to the helpful staff, this accommodation has a great location in Naoussa, offers a (paid) shuttle service, and cozy rooms, with some even having sea views.
📍Ayeri Hotel ($)– A hotel that won’t break the budget and is located in Parikia. Hotel guests can enjoy easy access to the beach, a prime location, and housekeeping.
Accommodations in Naxos
Overall, accommodations in Naxos are generally less expensive than in Paros. As a larger island with more options, prices are driven down.
Many of the hotels on Naxos also boast a more traditional and rustic vibe than Paros, which couples and those with younger children prefer.
If you’re minding your wallet, a handful of hostels on the island offer shared and private rooms. The most popular budget hostel on the island is Soula Hotel Naxos.
Mid-range hotels are plentiful, cost an average of $64 per night, and can be as much as $150. More upscale beachfront properties and resorts can cost upwards of $600 per night for a luxury villa but are usually between $150 and $300.
Where to Stay in Naxos
📍Milestones Naxos ($$$)– If a luxurious stay is your priority, then Milestones Naxos is the perfect option. This 5-star hotel provides amazing service, rooms with outdoor jacuzzis, and a continental breakfast.
📍Ampelos Suites ($$)– This is where I stayed. Just a 10-minute walk from the center of Naxos Town, this accommodation offers a great location. Guests can enjoy the helpful staff, reasonably priced shuttle service, and tasty breakfast (for a fee).
📍Fikas Hotel ($)– Offering incredible rates, this hotel has a swimming pool, stylish rooms, and breakfast. Additional amenities included are free parking and a bar.
💰 Paros vs. Naxos for costs? Naxos!
Paros or Naxos: Getting Around
If you’re considering visiting Paros or Naxos, you must know how to get around one or the other (or both if you still can’t decide!)
The good news is that traveling between the islands is easy due to their proximity to one another. Each island also has multiple modes of transportation.
This not only makes traveling inter-island easier but also makes connecting to the greater Greek island system easier.
Getting Around Paros
Paros is home to its domestic airport, Paros Airport (PAS). The airport offers 45-minute flights to and from the mainland cities of Athens and Thessaloniki. You can also get to Paros via ferry from Athens, Tinos, or Ios.
Once there, Paros has a public bus system (KTEL) that is cheap and efficient. To view the bus schedule, click here.
One of the most flexible options for getting around Paros is renting a car through Discover Cars. This gives you the flexibility to visit several picturesque villages like Lefkes and Marpissa. In addition, ATVs and scooters are available to rent at various shops.
➡️Book your Paros rental car through Discover Cars here!
Taxis are also available but usually become the most expensive transportation option. Unlike transportation in islands like Mykonos, there is no Uber service available in Paros.
Getting Around Naxos
Naxos also has a domestic airport, Naxos Airport Apollon (JNX). It only receives smaller planes from Athens airport, but it’s a quick 45-minute, convenient flight.
You can also reach Naxos by ferry from Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos. However, the sail time may vary, so checking schedules and itineraries is important when planning.
Naxos also offers rental cars, a KTEL bus system from the Old Town, and taxi stands near the ferry port. The bus system is inexpensive and efficient and visits many popular beaches.
Like Paros, the Uber app does not operate in Naxos, as the app currently only works in a few destinations like Santorini.
Not only will you get more flexibility by renting a car, but you can visit the more remote destinations in Naxos. Discover Cars is my go-to resource because it provides the best rates from both local and international companies.
➡️Book your Naxos rental car through Discover Cars here!
🚗 Paros vs. Naxos for getting around? Both! Both of the islands offer the same transportation options.
Paros or Naxos: Nightlife
If you aim to stay out partying until the early morning hours, there’s a clear-cut answer for comparing the nightlife. Between the two islands, Paros is undoubtedly the winner in this category.
This isn’t to say Naxos doesn’t have its fair share of bars and clubs to have a good time. Simply put, Paros has a much different vibe. Let’s dive into this more below:
Paros Nightlife
They don’t call Paros a “Mini Mykonos” for nothing. The small island’s lively cocktail bars and clubs live up to the hype. Some of the most popular party spots can be found in Parikia and Naoussa.
A few of the best places to go out in Parikia include The Dubliner Irish Bar, Pirate Bar, and BeBop.
On the other hand, if you’re in Naoussa, don’t miss out on Sante Cocktail Bar, Linardo, and Kosmos Cocktail Bar, where the drinks flow steadily, and the dancing never stops. Still, keep in mind that certain establishments may only be open seasonally.
Naxos Nightlife
If you’re looking for a true party scene, you won’t find it in Naxos. It would be best to head to places like Paros, Mykonos, or Santorini for lively nightlife.
The options for clubs and cocktail bars are minimal, and the liveliness can’t compare to Paros.
However, some bars and clubs in Chora serve great drinks and even better vibes. A few popular spots include Toro Cocktail Bar, The Swing Bar, and The Ocean Club.
🍾Paros vs. Naxos for Nightlife? Paros!
FAQs: Paros vs. Naxos
So, is Paros worth visiting? Is Naxos worth visiting? If you’re still on the fence about visiting Paros or Naxos on your Greece vacation, read the common FAQs below for more answers!
How to Get from Paros to Naxos
The only way to get from Paros to Naxos is by boat. The ferry from Paros to Naxos sails up to 9 times daily during the summer and takes less than an hour.
Four ferry companies offer services to the islands: Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Golden Star Ferries, and Sea Jets. Ferry ticket prices range from €15 ($17) to €33 ($37) per person.
🛥️Book Your Ferry Tickets Here!
How Far is Paros from Naxos?
Paros and Naxos are very close in the distance as they are neighbors. The distance from Paros to Naxos is only 12 miles (20 kilometers), although the sailing distance from Paros Port to Naxos Port is 24 miles (39 kilometers).
This short distance makes it very convenient to visit both islands during the same trip!
Is Paros More Touristy than Naxos?
Both islands see their fair share of tourists each year. However, the different vibes of each island can make Paros seem more touristy than Naxos.
Naxos has more of a rustic and traditional “classic Greek” feel than Paros’s lively cosmopolitan feel. In return, Naxos attracts a more family-friendly crowd than Paros.
Should I Spend Longer in Naxos or Paros?
Deciding on which island to spend a longer time on with Paros vs. Naxos can be challenging. However, it will ultimately depend on your preferences.
If you truly want to relax on some of the best picturesque beaches on your trip, then you should spend more time in Naxos. However, if you want a bigger party and shopping scene, then Paros is the best choice to spend a longer time in.
Which Island Has Better Day Trips?
This decision is tough as both islands offer day trips to epic landmarks and towns. On both islands, sightseeing tours take visitors to destinations via boat and bus. In Naxos, these destinations, like secluded beaches and coves, are otherwise difficult to reach.
On Paros, the most popular day trip is to the island of Antiparos, less than a mile away. You can also take day trips to other Greek islands from Paros and Naxos, including Santorini, Mykonos, and Delos. The choice is yours!
Which Island is Better for Honeymoons?
The answer to this is difficult since both islands offer great food, authentic Greek island vibes, and stunning beaches. The ultimate answer to this depends on the activities you and your partner like and the overall experience you wish to have.
For example, Paros is considered the more romantic of the two, with soft beaches, charming restaurants, and picturesque villages. On the other hand, Naxos has a more traditional, rustic feel with classic tavernas, rocky caves and coastlines, and ancient architecture.
Which Island is Better for Families?
Due to its laid-back and relaxed vibe, the clear answer is Naxos. To clarify, this doesn’t mean Paros doesn’t offer any family-friendly activities. To put it short, Naxos has a larger variety of them.
This paired with Paros’s “party until the sun comes up” vibe, and it’s an easy choice. On Naxos, families can enjoy historic tours, chill beach days, hiking trails, boat tours, and more without the turn-up. Agios Georgios is one of the best, if not most popular, beaches for families.
Which Island is Better for Solo Travelers?
From personal experience as a solo traveler to both islands, it again depends on your preferences. The main difference lies in how lively you want the trip to be.
If you’re searching for a better island to make friends and more of a cosmopolitan feel, it’ll be Paros. The livelier scene makes it easier to mingle with others. Naxos is also full of many families.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quieter vacation in your own space, then Naxos is the better choice. However, there is still a nightlife scene and plenty of friendly locals and tourists to meet.
To Sum Up: Paros vs. Naxos
If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of a Paros vs. Naxos vacation in your mind, I get it. Both islands are known as two of the most beautiful islands in Greece, and for good reason. It’s generally hard to decide which islands are worth visiting in Greece.
If you have the time and the budget, I recommend visiting both. But that’s not possible; maybe the below overview of each island will make a decision easier:
If you’re on a bit more budget and want to experience a calmer, more laid-back Greek vacation, choose Naxos. Naxos boasts larger and longer beaches, more activities, classic Greek tavernas, and a more rustic and traditional Greek vibe.
Choose Paros if you want to party until the sun rises, sleep less, and experience a more cosmopolitan vibe. Paros is brimming with a diverse culinary scene, lively beach clubs, cocktail bars, and great shopping.
Regardless of your choice, there’s one thing certain: you won’t have a bad time or meal. Safe travels! While you’re in the Cyclades, you can also easily visit Syros Island!
