Here is your guide to choosing between Paros and Naxos. Which would suit your Greek vacation better? Let us locals help you decide with ease.
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Naxos Or Paros
You’re seriously spoiled for choice when deciding which Greek island to visit. Most people go to the big islands, such as Rhodes, Santorini, Crete, or Mykonos. These are all great options, but they’re highly touristic, swamped, and, consequently, more expensive.
Keep reading below for our in-depth analysis on weighing up Paros vs. Naxos.
If you want to enjoy all the tourist fun this summer but don’t want to go to the main islands, there are two options you should consider: Paros or Naxos.
Both of these Cyclades islands are beautiful and have amazing beaches to kick back and relax on. They’re packed with natural beauty, so they’re perfect for a relaxing break away from the noise.
These are close-by islands (40 minutes apart) that are not far away from Mykonos and Santorini. They can be reached pretty easily by ferries from either island.
But which should you visit? You could go to both, but what if you wanted to base yourself in one spot for a week or two?
Let’s compare Paros vs. Naxos to determine if it is Paros and if Naxos is the best island for you.
Paros Vs Naxos
Paros is just 40 minutes away from Naxos by ferry, and it’s a fantastic spot for beach time and chilled-out vibes. Parikia is the capital and links to many other islands in the Cyclades. Compared to Naxos, Paros is slightly livelier, but don’t expect it to be anywhere near some of the more vibrant islands, such as Zante and Santorini!
Paros is the ideal spot for foodies, those who enjoy medium-level nightlife, and those who want a little romance. It’s definitely a more romantic island than Naxos.
Beaches on Paros tend to be a little smaller, and some are a little rougher around the edges than Naxos, but you can find opportunities to go waterskiing and sailing.
Naxos Is Best For You If…
Naxos is perfect for you if you’re seeking a family-friendly atmosphere, rich history, and endless sandy beaches. The island offers a wonderful mix of adventure and relaxation with plenty of activities suitable for children, making it an ideal destination for families. You will find charming traditional villages, lush landscapes, and casual tavernas serving up fresh, local food. Moreover, Naxos is less commercialized, allowing for an authentic experience that combines culture and nature. Whether you love exploring archaeological sites or enjoying quiet, scenic beaches, Naxos provides a laid-back island life that you will surely appreciate.
Paros Is Best For You If…
Paros is your go-to island if you’re after trendy vibes, unique sandy beaches, and a blend of relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re a couple looking for romantic spots or a solo traveler eager to explore, Paros offers gourmet cuisine, charming seaside villages, and a lively nightlife scene. The island is known for its trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, and vibrant social atmosphere. With easy-to-navigate terrain and excellent public transportation, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a mix of leisurely exploration and energetic experiences. If you enjoy shopping in fashionable boutiques or experiencing trendy bars and clubs, Paros is the ideal choice for your Greek island getaway.
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Pros And Cons Of Visiting Paros, Greece
- Paros is a more lively island, and it has two main towns to explore.
- You’ll have fantastic food and plenty of nightlife in Paros, although it’s it’s not wild.
- There are also countless beaches, some of which are very secluded
- History lovers will love Panagia Ekatonapiliani, a church dating back to the 4th century and Byzantine times
- Paros is better than Naxos for shopping, fine dining, and boutique stores, and it’s also an excellent spot for honeymoons
- You will find many upmarket hotels on Paros
- The public transport in Paros is better than in Naxos’—the island has a road that goes all the way around it, so you can easily hire a car and explore more. The streets are also smooth and flat, as the island is less mountainous than Naxos
- Paros has more flights from Athens and other islands. You can also visit several other islands via the port
- Paros has no international airport, so you will have to travel indirectly
- If you want a low-cost holiday, Paros probably isn’t you, as it’s geared more toward fine dining and sophistication
- Nightlife is still not at a high level, so if that’s what you want, you should probably check out larger islands
Best Tours In Paros:
- 🚢 Take to the sea on your Paros vacation, and spend a day visiting the islands of Antiparos and Despotiko with traditional boat & BBQ
- 🍲 Learn more about Parian cuisine than you ever could by simply dipping into restaurants or recipes in this small-group cooking class in Paros
- 🚌 Enjoy the highlights of Paros and Antiparos without the hassle on this full-day bus tour
Naxos Vs. Paros, Greece
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands, located in the southern Aegean region. It has kilometers of sandy beaches and amazing mountain villages to explore. Chora is also a great place to spend time, being a port village with plenty of eateries, shopping opportunities, and historic spots to check out.
Naxos is ideal for chilled-out beach time, enjoying romantic meals or chilled-out evenings, and shopping for souvenirs at local craft markets. The scenery is truly magnificent, and there is lots of nature to explore, as well as ruins and old churches. You can also try outdoor sports, such as waterskiing, windsurfing, or sailing.
The only major downside of visiting Naxos, and indeed Paros, is that there isn’t an international airport on either island. That means you’ll have to fly to Athens or another Greek island and then get a domestic flight. Of course, you could also connect from another island via ferry. But is it worth the extra hassle to check out the island(s)? Yes!
Pros And Cons To Visiting Naxos
- In comparison to Paros, Naxos is much more laid-back and authentic
- It has long, sweeping beaches and a charming feel in the air
- You can go hiking and enjoy authentic life in the small, traditional villages, which allow you to see the real culture of the island
- Naxos is a family-friendly island, ideal for those who want to enjoy the sun and beauty without the noise
- Naxos has far better golden sand beaches than Paros!
- Compared to Paros, Naxos is better for sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and water skiing
- Naxos is ideal for people who don’t want an uptight eating experience; it’s more about chilled-out sunset tavernas without having to get too dressed up
- Chora is the best spot for shopping and exploring, with plenty of cobbled, winding streets to check out and buy souvenirs to take back home
- If you want to enjoy some vibrant nightlife, you won’t ever find it on Naxos. It’s about chilled-out evenings, beach time, and history/archaeology more than anything else.
- If you want to visit anywhere other than Chora, you’ll need to rent a car as the buses don’t go to the mountainous/inland areas.
- Flights from Athens and other Greek airports are less frequent in Naxos than in Paros as Paros has a larger airport
- Naxos doesn’t have an international airport (neither does Paros).
Best Tours In Naxos:
- 🚶Discover the real Naxos with a local guide on this half-day tour that covers all the bases: an ancient ruin, a mountain village, a pottery, a distillery, and an olive oil factory
- 🏛️ Step back to ancient times and learn about Greek mythology as you walk around Naxos Town during the golden hour on this tour
- 🚢 Spend a day on this catamaran yacht sailing around Naxos with freshly prepared Greek lunch and wine
Can You Visit Both The Greek Islands Of Paros And Naxos
Yes, you can!
Choosing between Naxos and Paros is quite challenging because they are similar but have some significant differences. If both call out to you, and that’s very possible, then you can visit both during the space of one holiday.
The islands are very close, have the same weather patterns, and have direct ferry connections to the main islands around them and each other. You can also fly to Naxos or Paros from Athens via domestic flight. However, Paros does have more flights than Naxos.
Day Trip To Paros
You will find ferries between Naxos and Paros very regularly between the summer months, usually around 8 per day. They start at around 9.30 am and run until about 10.30 pm, although check schedules ahead of time as they can change. Tickets for the Naxos to Paros ferry can be brought online or at the port.
Naxos And Paros Beach Choices
Paros
- Kolymbithres Beach – Famous for its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters
- Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) – Ideal for windsurfing, known for its golden sand and clear waters
- Santa Maria Beach – Popular for water sports and has a lively atmosphere
- Punda Beach – Known for its vibrant beach club and party scene
- Fargas Beach – A quieter beach with fine sand and beautiful waters
- Monastiri Beach – Located near a monastery, this beach is quiet and serene
- Livadia Beach – Close to Parikia, with plenty of amenities and shallow waters
- Parasporos Beach – Popular with young crowds, known for its beach bars and sunset views
- Aliki Beach – A more traditional beach with a family-friendly atmosphere
Naxos
- Agios Prokopios Beach – One of the most popular beaches, known for its fine sand and clear water
- Agia Anna Beach – Adjacent to Agios Prokopios, with shallow waters and plenty of amenities
- Plaka Beach – A long stretch of sandy beach, less crowded with a more relaxed vibe
- Mikri Vigla Beach – Popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to strong winds
- Alyko Beach – Surrounded by cedar trees, offering a more secluded experience
- Pyrgaki Beach – A quiet and less developed beach, ideal for relaxation.
- Apollonas Beach – Located in a picturesque fishing village known for its pebbly shore
- Orkos Beach – Great for water sports, with a more rugged landscape
- Moutsouna Beach – A remote beach on the eastern side, ideal for those seeking tranquility
Antiparos
- Soros Beach – The most famous beach on the island, with golden sand and clear waters
- Psaraliki Beaches (I & II) – Two adjacent beaches with shallow waters, ideal for families
- Agios Georgios Beach – Located near a small village, offering stunning views and a quiet atmosphere
- Glyfa Beach – A small and peaceful beach, perfect for those seeking a quiet spot
- Faneromeni Beach – A secluded beach accessible by boat, known for its crystal-clear waters
- Apantima Beach – A small beach with calm waters, great for a relaxing swim
Other Greek Islands To Visit
From Paros and Naxos, you can visit several other Greek islands, especially those in the Cyclades group. Here are islands you can easily reach by ferry:
From Paros:
- Antiparos – A small island just a short ferry ride away from Paros, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches
- Mykonos – Famous for its nightlife, luxury resorts, and picturesque towns
- Santorini – Renowned for its stunning caldera views, white-washed buildings, and romantic sunsets
- Syros – The capital of the Cyclades, known for its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene
- Tinos – Known for its traditional villages, religious sites, and beautiful landscapes
- Ios – Popular for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches
- Sifnos – Famous for its excellent cuisine, pottery, and charming villages
- Milos – Known for its stunning beaches, unique rock formations, and volcanic landscapes
- Amorgos – Famous for its dramatic landscapes and the Monastery of Hozoviotissa
- Folegandros – A lesser-known gem with a beautiful, unspoiled charm and scenic views
From Naxos:
- Mykonos – Easily accessible and offers a mix of beaches, nightlife, and culture
- Santorini – Just like Paros, it’s it’s to reach and offers a unique experience with its volcanic landscape
- Amorgos – Known for its rugged beauty and rich history, reachable by a short ferry ride
- Koufonisia – A small group of islands known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a day trip
- Iraklia – A quiet, small island perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape
- Schinoussa – Another quiet island with beautiful beaches, ideal for relaxation
- Donoussa – A tiny island with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning, secluded beaches
- Sifnos – Accessible via ferry, known for its beautiful villages and culinary traditions
- Milos – Reachable by ferry, offering a variety of unique landscapes and beaches
- Folegandros – A peaceful island with dramatic cliffs and a charming main town
Both Paros and Naxos serve as excellent bases for island hopping within the Cyclades. Frequent ferry connections to a variety of islands allow for easy exploration of the surrounding area.
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Paros Or Naxos FAQs
What are the main differences between Naxos and Paros?
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, with diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. Paros, on the other hand, offers a mix of traditional charm, vibrant nightlife, and lovely beaches.
Which island is more suitable for families?
Naxos is often considered more family-friendly due to its calm atmosphere, long sandy beaches, and a wide range of activities suitable for children.
Is Paros or Naxos better for water sports enthusiasts?
Paros is known for being a hub for water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts.
Which island has better nightlife options?
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, Paros offers more options with its numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties than Naxos.
Can I visit both Naxos and Paros during one trip?
Yes, it’s possible to visit both Naxos and Paros during one trip as they are relatively close to each other and well-connected by ferries.
What types of accommodations are available on both islands?
Both Naxos and Paros offer a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, villas, apartments, and charming guesthouses.
Which island is more suitable for a relaxing holiday?
If you prefer a more laid-back and tranquil experience, Naxos, with its vast landscapes and quieter beaches, maybe the better choice.
Wrap Up On The Naxos Or Paros Debate
Both Naxos and Paros are ideal choices for those who want to enjoy nature and kick back and relax. If you’re looking for a romantic break, choose Paros. If you’re looking for a chilled-out family spot, choose Naxos.
However, you could also side-step the decision and forget about deciding if Paros Naxos is better, and that is to visit both Greek islands!
So, tell us, has our Naxos vs. Paros travel guide helped you? Which island, Paros or Naxos, will you choose?
Thankyou for sharing very interesting content.
Hello, such great information!
Which beach on Naxos is that first photo from? It looks really small and secluded and beautiful.
Thank you :)
Great comparison of Paros and Naxos! This guide really helps in choosing.