12 BEST HIKES IN PAROS [ULTIMATE GUIDE]
Wondering what are the most beautiful hikes in Paros?
Paros is the third largest island in the Cyclades in Greece, after Naxos and Andros. Which means, plenty of opportunities to go hiking!
Paros is home to charming traditional villages and beautiful beaches, it is also ideal for walks through the mountains, the hills or along the coast.
The island is crossed by the Marpissa range, the highest peak of which exceeds 750 m. During a hike in Paros you can also visit the many attractions of the island, for a pleasant holiday on this wonderful island…
Where to go hiking in Paros? Follow the lead!
1. From Lefkes to Prodromos, via the “Byzantine path”
– Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
– Distance: 6km
– Height difference: 260 m
– Difficulty: Easy
This hike in Paros is probably one of the best known on the island. You will walk on the oldest path in Paros! If you are looking for authenticity, you have made the right choice: olive trees, bridges, rivers, mills, Mediterranean vegetation, hills, it’s all there!
Depart from here. All you have to do is reach Prodromos downhill by following the Byzantine path. Once in the village, take the time to stroll around. Have a drink on one of the many traditional café terraces and relax in the shade of a flowering tree.
ALSO READ: 6 MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN PAROS
2. From Parikia to Piso Livadi, via Lefkes
– Duration: approximately 6 hours
– Distance: 21.2 km
– Elevation gain: 755 m
– Difficulty: Hard
This hike will allow you to discover a network of roads dating from the Byzantine era and numerous monuments.
Leave Parikia via Leivadia beach, continue along a path that passes not far from the Elitas torrent, climb to the Marathi plateau and follow the old white marble quarries. Those who wish can also visit the small village of Kostos, with a short detour.
On the outskirts of Lefkes, you can admire superb trees, before discovering the famous village, which is the pride of Paros and the Cyclades. After four hours of walking, slow down and stroll a little, to enjoy each of the treasures hidden around the alleys. Architecture, gastronomy, culture, history, there is something for everyone!
From Lefkes to Prodromos, you take the oldest part of the Byzantine path. After Prodromos, continue towards Marpissa. Contemplate the marbles of Makrialimni Bridge, admire the church and cross the adorable square.
From there, you will reach Marpissa, enjoy the flowery streets, visit one of its museums or take a few photos of the many unique churches. Climb to the Monastery of Saint Anthony and take the time to appreciate the beauty of the South-East of the island of Paros and the Strait of Paronaxia.
Finally, go down to the port of Piso Livadi. Don’t miss the visit to the churches of Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Georges the Thalassite. Treat yourself to some time in a café or tavern, you deserve it!
ALSO READ: 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN PARIKIA
3. Parasporos to the Butterflies Valley
– Duration: 3h30
– Distance: 17.1 km
– Elevation gain: 480 m
– Difficulty: Moderate
Leave Parikia along the sea, towards the South-West and cross Parasporos, to reach Koukoumavles, taking lovely paths. Continue on an unpaved road to reach the Monastery of Agios Arsenios.
From there, walk for a kilometer to discover the Petaloudes hamlet, preserved from mass tourism. This place is nicknamed “the Butterflies Valley ”. The unique biotope creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of a certain breed of butterflies.
You can see many butterfly in May, June or September.
Enjoy our selection of great activities in Paros:
4. Parikia to Agii Anargiri Monastery
– Duration: 1h15
– Distance: 5.1 km
– Elevation gain: 226 m
– Difficulty: Moderate
You will start your walk behind the Church of the Holy Virgin in Parikia and head South-East. Turn left, a little over 500 m after your starting point and go north, for a little less than a kilometer. You then have 700 m of walking on a steep hill before reaching the monastery. Admire the view of the port, in the shade of the pine trees that surround the monastery.
Before going back down to Parikia and finishing this beautiful hike in Paros, take the time to visit this monument of Byzantine architecture.
5. From Aliki to Aspro Chorio
– Duration: 4h
– Distance: 20.4 km
– Elevation gain: 515 m
– Difficulty: Moderate
Start your hike in Paros in the traditional village of Aliki and admire the beautiful houses. Continue your walk through the hamlet of Agkairia. From there, you continue towards the convent of Saints-Theodores. The houses are becoming rarer! The landscapes combine short vegetation, bushes and large trees. When you arrive at the last signs of human life, you turn right and continue straight on to the convent.
After the climb, the descent! The hike continues towards Aspro Chorio. You see the bare rock, on your right, and move forward, quietly, to the “white village”, framed by the beaches of Lolantonis and Glyfa.
6. From Logaras to Dryos
– Duration: 1h30
– Distance: 11.6 km
– Elevation gain: 53 m
– Difficulty: Easy
If you want to combine the pleasures of walking with swimming, this hike in Paros is for you. Don’t be in a hurry and take the time to stop whenever you feel like it.
The objective is to follow the sea, from Logaras, to Dryos, via a network of small paths, which leaves you free to choose your route, between Logaras beach and Pounta beach. Then pass through the Gold Beach and continue your journey to Dryos.
Walk along the coast and admire the view throughout this superb hike in Paros, between sea and hills.
READ ALSO: DISCOVER THE BEST BEACHES IN PAROS
7. From Marpissa to Afkoulaki
– Duration: 3h
– Distance: 10.9 km
– Elevation gain: 445 m
– Difficulty: Moderate
Start your hike in Paros from the Marpissa sports field and walk on the road for one kilometer. Turn right, then take a path to Saint-Georges. Climb gently and admire the fields and traditional dwellings, before crossing the hamlet of Tourlos.
The hardest part awaits you next, as the hills become more apparent. Between rocks and scrubland, you will arrive tired at Afkoulaki, but happy to be able to enjoy a well-deserved break in front of the monastery of Agios Georgios.
Also read on our Guide to Paros:
- GUIDE TO RENTING A CAR IN PAROS
- HOW TO GET TO ANTIPAROS
- HOW TO TAKE THE FERRY FROM SANTORINI TO PAROS?
- 15 BEST PLACES TO ENJOY PAROS NIGHTLIFE!
8. From Kostos to Naoussa, via Agia Pakou
– Duration: 2h45
– Distance: 14.2 km
– Elevation gain: 378 m
– Difficulty: Moderate
Depart from Kostos and continue to the Agia Pakou chapel. Then take an unpaved road towards Naoussa. Continue to Matzoro, contemplating the coasts of Mykonos, which you will see in the distance.
At the first intersection, choose the middle road, continue for a hundred meters and turn left. Cross a valley for a little less than a kilometer, turn left at the exit, then right, 300 m further. Walk for another 800 m, before reaching the gates of Naoussa (our favorite places in Paros)!
READ ALSO: BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAOUSSA
9. From Ampelas to Santa Maria
– Duration: 2h30
– Distance: 13 km
– Elevation gain: 91 m
– Difficulty: Easy
Leave Ampelas heading north to reach Aspros Gkremos beach. Then overlook the sea to the point opposite Filidi islet. Don’t hesitate to swim in the superb beach with crystal clear waters!
Continue on a path, between cedars and dunes, before reaching Santa-Maria beach. This is an easy hike, best to admire the coast of Paros and the beautiful Aegean sea!
10. From Marathi to Thapsana
– Duration: 2h
– Distance: 10.1 km
– Elevation gain: 293 m
– Difficulty: Easy
The hike from Marathi to Thapsana on the island of Paros is a lesser-known trail which offers an authentic slice of Paros, away from the bustling tourist spots.
As you traverse this path, you’re treated to a mosaic of terraced landscapes, ancient marble quarries – a testament to the island’s rich history in marble production – and the verdant flora that adorns the rugged terrain of the Cyclades.
This path not only offers physical rewards with its gentle climbs and descents but also offers spiritual replenishment, with the peaceful monastery of Thapsana awaiting at the end of the journey.
From Thapsana, if you wish, you can still continue towards Agii Pantes (the highest peak of Paros), Saint Minas or Parikia.
11. From Lefkes to Aliki
– Duration: 6h
– Distance: 19.2 km
– Elevation gain: 665 m
– Difficulty: Difficult
This is one of the most challenging but also most rewarding hikes. You will have a breathtaking view of the Cyclades, and end up at one of our favorite places to watch sunset, Aliki!
You will cross Profitis Ilias and Kamari on your way.
12 Monastiri to Korakas Cape Lighthouse (our favorite)
– Duration: 1h to 2h
– Distance: 3 km
– Elevation gain: 72 m
– Difficulty: Moderate
The hike from Monastiri to Korakas Cape Lighthouse is one of our favorite hikes in Paros!
Beginning at the picturesque Monastiri Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and sheltered bay, the trail meanders along the rugged coastline, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The path is well-marked, guiding you through diverse landscapes, including rocky terrains.
As you approach Korakas Cape, you will start to see the historical lighthouse. Standing tall since the 1880s, Korakas Cape Lighthouse is not only a navigational aid but also a beacon of the island’s maritime heritage. The lighthouse itself, perched on a rocky outcrop, provides a perfect vantage point for breathtaking sunsets and sweeping views of the surrounding sea.
we hope that you enjoyed this guide with the best hikes in Paros! Each hike in Paros has its own character and offer incredibles views. It’s one of the best way to truly experience the beauty of the island.
Let us know what you think in the comment section below. We are always curious to know more from your own experience 🙂
