Best Things to Do in Paros, Greece with Kids
If you're planning a trip to the Greek Islands this summer, you're probably looking for beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, idyllic villages, cute shops, and delicious Greek cuisine. The Greek Island of Paros fits all of those criteria without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.
This past summer our family planned a 2-week trip to Italy and Greece (find our itinerary here), and spent 4 days, and 3 nights on Paros Island. It was a great place to relax after our whirlwind week in Italy!
This was my first visit to Greece, and Paros is the only Greek Island I've ever been to, so I can't tell you that this is the best island for families with young children since I have nothing to compare it to!
However, I did lots of research to find an island with fewer crowds with traditional villages and sandy beaches to get the true Greek Island experience. Paros seemed to fit that bill as a middle-of-the-road destination that could support tourists but still maintain a slow pace of living.
I'll share our family's experience on the island of Paros, where we stayed, what we did, and what we would have done differently. Hopefully, my guide to Paros with kids can help you plan your family vacation to Greece!
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Getting to the Island of Paros
Paros is an island in the Aegean Sea, and part of the Cyclades group of islands.
There is no quick way to get to the island of Paros. Our journey required trains, plains, cars, and a ferry.
We were coming from Rome, Italy, so the first step was to take the Leonardo Express train from Termini Station to the airport. We flew Ryan Air from Rome to Athens, and our flight arrived after 10 p.m. so we arranged a private transfer through our hotel to pick us up at the airport.
Our ferry left early the next morning, so I knew I wouldn't want to deal with a long commute to Piraeus Port the next day, so we decided to find a hotel within walking distance of the ferry port.
The hotel we stayed in was called Hotel Argo Anita, and since we are a family of 6 we booked 2 triple rooms. They put us on the top floor where we were the only 2 rooms. Even though the rooms weren't connected, it felt like a great setup since we were only there to sleep for a few hours. I believe the hotel also provided a free breakfast, but we left so early that the breakfast wasn't even out yet. The walk to Piraeus Port took about 10 minutes.
Taking the Ferry
We booked our ferry to and from Paros through FerryHopper about 2 months in advance and chose Blue Star Delos via Blue Star Ferries (on the way back it was Blue Star Naxos via Blue Star Ferries). Since our ferry left first thing in the morning, we didn't experience the chaos that can often come with embarking or disembarking a ferry in the Greek Islands.
I booked standard seats for all of us, and the cabin was almost empty the entire ride. There weren't that many people on the ferry to begin with, but most people sat on the deck or in the cafeteria area. Note that if you book a free infant ticket for kids 4 and under, you won't have an assigned seat for them. That was fine since our ferry wasn't that crowded, but if you travel during a busier time of year, you might want to pay for a seat for them so you an all spread out!
FerryHopper recommends you arrive at the port an hour ahead of time, so we had plenty of time to kill once we boarded. We got breakfast and coffee, then found our seats and dozed off while we waited for the ferry to depart.
We came prepared with motion sickness tablets both for ourselves and for the kids. None of us had issues with feeling too sick, but I would rather be safe than sorry!
Once the ferry arrived in the Port of Parikia on Paros, we finally got to experience the chaos everyone talks about when disembarking a ferry. It wasn't too bad, and I was so excited about our Greek Island adventure that I didn't mind at all.
We had booked a private transfer once again through our hotel, and quickly found our driver holding up a sign with our name. The transfer was expensive, but I'm glad we splurged on it. We got to climb into a quiet car and enjoy the views!
Where to Stay in Paros with Kids
We knew we didn't want to hire a rental car as a family of 6 in Paros since we don't fit in a standard-size vehicle. For that reason, we wanted a hotel in or near a walkable village. It was hard to decide between Parikia, the bustling port town, or Naousa, a more upscale town but smaller in size.
We ended up choosing Naoussa and were very happy with our decision. The hotel we stayed in was just outside of town, and I felt very comfortable walking to and from town by myself or with the kids. The bus system was fairly simple to navigate (although we did get gently chastised by one bus driver for standing on the wrong side of the road at one of the bus stops - our mistake!), so we were easily able to get anywhere we wanted to explore from our base in Naoussa.
We stayed at Corina Studios & Apartments (which we originally booked on Booking.com, but it looks like you can only book on the website now). This boutique hotel was the perfect size for our family, and we loved having a kitchen where we could prepare some meals.
The summer months can certainly be more expensive, but we stayed for 3 nights and it cost €615 in total. This was the perfect place for our family to stay, especially since we had access to a pool where we could relax and let the kids be kids.
Things to Do in Paros
During our 3-night stay in Paros, we did a lot of relaxing, but also enjoyed exploring the island a bit! Here are the best things to do in Paros with kids!
Go to the Beach
There are so many great beaches to visit in Paros, each one offering something a bit different. We visited Santa Maria Beach since it was the closest to Naousa and considered one of the best beaches for families.
It's located in a bay, so the crystal clear waters are calm and you can wade out in the shallow water, which meant we were comfortable swimming there with our kids.
There is a beach club where you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a few hours or a whole day, and you can also purchase food and beverages. We just brought some towels (with permission from our hotel) and spread out in the sand in a quiet area of the beach. This is the perfect spot for families with younger children!
We took the bus from Naousa to Santa Maria and it only took a few minutes. It was just a bit too far to walk, especially since it would have been on the side of a busy road.
Some of the other beaches to consider are:
Monastiri Beach - another bay area with calm waters located in Paros Park
Golden Beach - known for its shimmering golden sand and windsurfing
Kolymbithres Beach - known for its unique rock formations and water sports
Explore Naousa
Naousa is one of the best places to walk around with kids on the island of Paros since many of the areas in town are pedestrian-only. It's a popular destination and one of the most picturesque villages I've seen thanks to its cobbled pathways and colorful bougainvillea spread across whitewashed homes and shops.
You could spend hours wandering through Naousa's old town, popping in and out of boutiques, discovering new restaurants, and snapping photos of every charming corner.
Be sure to walk along the harbor, too! Colorful fishing boats bob in the water with octopus drying on racks along the water. Stop by Linardo in the early morning hours to take a family photo in front of the cheerful pink door with no crowds around.
Just around the corner from Linardo, you'll find a view of the white and bright blue buildings of Paros rising out of the Aegean Sea. Within minutes we got two of my most treasured family photos - one by the pink door and one in front of the Paros viewpoint.
Just outside of old town Naousa is the cutest ice cream shop called Nonna Crema. After choosing your flavors, head outside to sit and enjoy your sweet treat with a view of the blue-domed church across the street.
Go Shopping
There are plenty of places to go shopping in Paros, but Naousa seems to be the ideal place to do it! My daughter and I went into town one night after dinner in search of friendship bracelets, her souvenir of choice when we travel.
In addition to souvenir shops, we found so many beautiful boutiques with clothing, art, jewelry, handbags, and handicrafts, each shop cuter than the next.
I would recommend saving some room in your suitcase to purchase a new outfit!
Sunset Dinner
With 4 young children in our family, we decided not to try going to a fancy dinner right around bedtime while others were enjoying a bucket list experience.
However, walking along the old harbor at sunset made me realize that I wanted to come back someday when the kids are a bit older, or with just my husband, and make a reservation for one of the restaurants along the harbor.
Picture the reflection of the setting sun sparkling on the water while waiters weave through tables pouring wine and serving fresh seafood. The tables are packed together but everyone is laughing and enjoying the moment.
I did see several families there earlier in the evening, so it's possible to go out for a sunset dinner with the kids! We just chose to wait until our kids were older, especially since we were all exhausted from our time in Italy. We were ok with eating meals made in our kitchen for a few nights!
Explore Lefkes
Another charming town to visit on your trip to Paros is Lefkes, located in the center of the island. We took a bus to Lefkes from Naousa and found the famous Instagram spot before making our way down the steep path into town.
The winding maze of paths makes it a bit confusing to navigate, but take your time and let yourself get lost! The whole town is charming and safe, and we found tons of cats to pet along the way.
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds, and if you have small children, really think twice about whether you want to bring a stroller. We brought ours, but there were so many steep hills and steps that it was more of a pain to have it than not.
We have the Zoe Tour+ (get $15 off with that link) which is super lightweight and easy to collapse or set up with one hand, so it wasn't too big of an issue. But I think it would have been easier to navigate the town without it.
Peek inside the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Byzantine Church, check out the town squares and grab a coffee and a pastry in town. There's not much to "do," in town, but just wandering, photographing, and enjoying a snack is the perfect way to take it all in.
Be sure to check the bus schedule before going if you're going to take public transportation. The bus only goes a few times per day, and you don't want to miss your ride back! (Just be aware that the bus sometimes runs behind so you may be waiting in the bus stop for a bit. Don't worry - they didn't forget to stop!) Ask someone at your hotel to help you interpret the bus schedule if you're having trouble figuring it out!
Wine Tasting
Our apartment outside of Naousa was just a short walk (truly right around the corner) from Moraitis Winery, and we were lucky enough to try a bottle of their wine!
If you're with young kids you may not want to bring them along for a wine tasting, but you could certainly stop in and purchase a bottle of wine! This 4th-generation family-owned winery produces wine right on the property. You can tour the winery, or just grab a bite to eat and a flight of wines on the patio!
Explore Parikia
Parikia is the capital of Paros and the main town. It's also where the port is located, so if you take the ferry to Paros you will pass through Parikia.
If you can spare some time during your visit, Parikia is also a very charming town to visit.
Similarly to Naousa, you can walk around Old Town and by the waterfront for picturesque views. Follow the pedestrian paths that wind through the city for shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
You can also see the remains of an ancient Venetian castle called the Kastro for a bit of history, then stop by the large white windmill near the port for some photos.
Excursions and Outdoor Activites
Since our goal was relaxation while we were on the island of Paros, we didn't do any of the excursions available, but if your family is active and outdoorsy there are so many options to choose from!
A few exurisions your whole family might like:
Horseback Riding: Ride horses on the beach just outside of Parikia. End the tour with coffee and cookies.
Water Sports: go to a water sport club and go water skiing, do board sports, go snorkeling, or take sailing lessons.
Hike the ancient Byzantine road from Lefkes to Prodromos
Day Trip to Nearby Islands
One popular day trip from Paros is to the nearby islands of Antiparos or Naxos. You could catch the ferry to and from the neighboring islands, or you could schedule a tour, either private or small group, for a more unique experience.
A full day sailing trip from Paros to Antiparos would be a great way to see the islands from a different perspective, plus it includes lunch and drinks!
If Santorini has been on your bucket list, this would be a great way to visit without the expensive luxury hotel prices. You could do a day trip to Mykenos as well!
Getting Around the Island
There are several ways to get around the island.
I've already mentioned that we opted to take the bus around the island, and I'm really glad we did! It was affordable, easy to figure out, and a fun way to mingle with the locals. While it's not the quickest or most convenient way to get around, it worked well for us!
You could also rent a car to get around the island. Our family usually doesn't rent cars in other countries since we're a family of 6 and most standard vehicles don't fit our family. It's a lot more expensive and hard to find availability for SUVs and minivans, plus sometimes tougher to drive on the narrower roads. If you have 3 or fewer kids with you, renting a car would be a great option!
Finally, you can pay for private transfers to get to and from the port, but this is by far the most expensive option. We chose to do this when we first arrived on the island, but felt confident enough to take the bus back to Parikia for our ferry back to Athens.
Know Before You Go
There are a few things to know about visiting the island of Paros before you go.
There Can be Strong Winds
It can get quite windy on the island of Paros, especially in the summertime. We visited at the beginning of June, so the wind wasn't too bad yet, but we could definitely feel it picking up at the beach.
Wearing a long sleeved rash guard at the beach helped keep us warm on windy days and protected our skin from the sun.
Throw Toilet Paper in the Trash
As with many other countries you visit outside the United States, you must throw toilet paper in the trash located next to the toilet rather than in the toilet itself.
Prepare your kids ahead of time by talking about this practice with them, and explain that the pipes are old and can clog easily. Their plumbing system just cannot handle toilet paper. If you're worried about your younger children forgetting, practice with them at home before you go, or remind them each time they use the restroom.
Drink Bottled Water
Some sources say that the tap water is ok to drink, but the mineral content is also different from what we are used to, so we stuck with bottled water as a family. We bought a few large jugs of water at the market and used them to fill up our reusable water bottles.
I didn't hesitate to use tap water for brushing my teeth, though, and had no issues.
It's Very Family-Friendly
We experienced nothing but kindness from the locals when we visited with our 4 children. Everyone was so welcoming, smiling at the kids and greeting them wherever we went.
We got quite a few surprised remarks about having such a big family, but everyone was so complimentary about it! We never felt like we were unwelcome or a burden.
On top of the warmth we felt from the people who live on the island of Paros, we also found so many family activities to do. While many people think of Paros as a place for honeymooners and romantic getaways, it's also a good place for families to visit.
Learn a Few Words
As a former Spanish teacher, I usually do pretty well with romance languages. I've also taken a few semesters of German, so I can also navigate Germanic languages. Greek is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I made sure to look up a few words before I went!
Kalimera – Good Morning (we heard this one quite a bit)
Yeia sou “Yah-Soo” – Hello
Parakalo – Please/You're welcome
Efharisto – Thank you
To be honest, most people dealing with tourists spoke excellent English, so I only really found myself using Kalimera when passing someone on the sidewalk. But it's still handy to have a few phrases in your back pocket just in case!
Paros has been one of my favorite destinations to visit with my family so far!
There are so many fun things to do with children of all ages, and it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I would love to go back someday, but I'm torn between revisiting this magical place, and exploring a new Greek Island!
Paros is a beautiful island, and if you plan to visit with kids I think you'll love it as much as we did!
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Emily Krause is a Wisconsin-based travel content creator who writes about exploring the world with kids.
On A Mom Explores you’ll find the best family travel destinations, Disney World tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
