Paros or Naxos: Which Greek Island to Choose in 2025

Paros and Naxos are two islands located very close to each other in the Aegean Sea, and both are part of the Cyclades. The two islands have similar features, and it’s easy to travel from one to the other. Still, there are a few things to consider when choosing which one to visit.

Naxos and Paros each get around half a million tourists every year. While that’s less than islands like Mykonos or Santorini, they are still among the most popular. What’s more, if you’re looking for somewhere a bit less crowded, these two islands are a great option.

Many people wonder which island is worth visiting more. Which one is better: Paros or Naxos? Which one should you choose? What are the pros and cons of these two islands? And what else should you know for a well-organized trip to Naxos and Paros?

This comparison guide will answer all of these questions.

Overview: Paros vs Naxos – Which is the better choice?

First, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of Paros and Naxos:

Paros or Naxos: Detailed comparison

Now let’s look at the details of Naxos and Paros, so you can decide which one is better to visit.

Best places to visit in Paros

Here are the best places you can visit in Paros:

• Parikia: The capital of the island, known for its charming old town and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches on the island.
• Naoussa: A picturesque fishing village with beautiful streets, great restaurants, and the Venetian Castle.
• Lefkes: A traditional mountain village with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and amazing views of the island.
• Kolympethres Beach: Famous for its unique rock formations and clear blue water, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Golden Beach: A popular spot for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, with long sandy shores
• Antiparos: A small, peaceful island just a short boat ride away from Paros, ideal for a day trip.

Best places to visit in Naxos

Here are the best places to visit in Naxos:

• Naxos Town (Hora): The capital of the island, known for its beautiful old town, the Venetian Castle, and the Temple of Apollo, also called the Portara, offering stunning views of the sea.
• Apiranthos: A traditional mountain village, famous for its narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning landscapes.
• Agios Prokopios Beach: One of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming.
• Plaka Beach: A long, peaceful beach with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
• Mikri Vigla Beach: A famous beach for water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing, with calm waters and stunning surroundings.
• Temple of Demeter: An ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Demeter, located in a peaceful area with beautiful views.
• Other villages of Naxos: The island offers many traditional villages, like Filoti and Kourniotissa, where you can experience authentic Greek culture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Which is easier to reach?

The Greek islands are not always easy to reach. While many have their own airports and ports, getting there still requires time and planning.

Both Paros and Naxos have airports, but the main way to travel to these islands is by ferry. There are multiple ferry services daily from both Athens and other islands, especially during the summer.

Additionally, the two islands are well-connected by ferries, with travel time usually being less than an hour, making it possible to visit both islands during the same trip.

Which is less crowded?

Both islands have similar tourist numbers, with each island welcoming about half a million tourists annually. However, these numbers are constantly increasing, and the crowds, especially in the summer, can be quite large.

From my own experience, though, the crowds on Paros are more concentrated, and I even encountered some traffic jams, particularly near Parikia.

On Naxos, I didn’t experience as much overcrowding, likely because the larger island spreads out the visitors more. So, if you prefer fewer crowds, I think Naxos would be a better choice.

Which is cheaper: Naxos or Paros?

You won’t notice a huge price difference between the two islands. In general, both islands are quite expensive in the peak season, which is July and August, but much more affordable outside those months.

During the two hottest summer months, accommodation prices can rise significantly, so I would only recommend traveling in the summer if you want to enjoy the beaches.

If there is a difference between the two, Naxos seems to be a bit cheaper, especially when it comes to hotels.

Which island has better views?

It’s hard to choose between the two islands when it comes to the best views, because their geography and scenery are quite similar.

However, overall, if I had to choose, I think Naxos has better views.

I would especially highlight the Temple of Apollo, where you can watch amazing sunsets.

Which island is better for hiking?

Naxos offers more hiking opportunities.

It has the highest mountain in the Cyclades, Mount Zas, where you can enjoy stunning views of the island and the Aegean Sea. You can also hike around traditional villages like Halki and Filoti.

Which one has better beaches?

Both islands are full of beautiful sandy beaches, with some scenic rocky sections in some places. Either one is a perfect choice for a summer beach vacation.

Overall, though, I think Naxos has better beaches. No wonder, it’s also a paradise for water sports.

So if you’re looking for the very best beaches, go to Naxos.

Which island is best for young people, partying or honeymoon?

Paros has a livelier nightlife. The island also offers many romantic spots and hotels.

It’s perfect for young people looking to party or couples on a honeymoon.

Which island has better gastronomy?

Both islands have great food and many excellent restaurants.

In Paros, the seafront promenade in Parikia is full of wonderful restaurants, like Mira Restaurant and the very Greek Bountaraki.

In Naxos, the island is famous for its cheese – you must try it! There are also many great Greek restaurants in the main town, such as Boulamatsis and Taverna Naxos, both located along the seafront.

Additionally, it’s worth adding wine tasting to your itinerary on either island, no matter which one you choose.

How much time do you need to explore Naxos and Paros?

I think a few days are enough on both islands. Even if you want to spend time at the beach, 2-3 days is enough on either Paros or Naxos. In that time, you can comfortably visit the best places on the island and still have time to relax on the beach.

Is it worth traveling from Paros to Naxos, or from Naxos to Paros?

Yes, definitely! The two islands are very close to each other, and the ferry ride usually takes less than an hour, so it’s definitely worth going from one island to the other if you’re in the area.

What else you should know before visiting the Greek islands

A few other things to know for a complete trip to Paros or Naxos:

Best time to visit Paros and Naxos

It depends on the type of trip you’re planning: sightseeing or beach relaxation?

Like most Greek islands, I recommend visiting Naxos and Paros mainly during the shoulder season if you don’t want to focus on the beaches. The best months for travel are May, June, September, and October.

However, if you’re planning a beach vacation, then only July and August are suitable due to the sea temperature. Keep in mind that these two months are peak season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

Other Greek islands to visit nearby

If you spend more time in the area and want to add a few interesting destinations to your itinerary, here are some recommendations for places to visit near Naxos and Paros:

• Santorini: Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, white-washed buildings, and dramatic cliffs, Santorini offers a more romantic and picturesque atmosphere. It’s a great choice for couples, photography lovers, and anyone interested in volcanic landscapes and unique views.
• Mykonos: Known for its vibrant nightlife, lively beach clubs, and picturesque old town with winding streets, Mykonos is ideal for those seeking a blend of luxury, entertainment, and traditional Cycladic charm.
• Ios: With its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming villages, Ios offers the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.

Conclusion: Paros vs Naxos: Which is better?

So, this was the comparison of the two popular Greek islands, Paros and Naxos. You’ve learned about the strengths and weaknesses of each island, what factors to consider when choosing between them, where to stay, the best places to visit, and much more. I’ve tried to provide all the information you need to make your decision and plan your next Greek vacation.

Overall, if I had to choose personally, I’d pick Naxos. Naxos has more attractions, better beaches, and more affordable prices, which makes it a better choice overall, in my opinion.

Of course, there are others who might prefer Paros, which is why I went into detail about what each place has to offer, so you can decide which island suits your personal preferences best.

Once you’ve made your decision, don’t hesitate to book your flights, hotels, and everything else. No matter which Greek island you visit, you won’t make a wrong choice. So, if you’re ready, head to Greece!