This 24-hour Paros itinerary follows our visit from Parikia to Naoussa, with a swim at Piperi Beach, Greek food, a stay at KOKOON, and a ferry to Naxos the following day. We get around by bus and on foot, without renting a car.
Arriving at the ferry port makes Paros look more complicated than it needs to be. People, cars, luggage, and enormous boats are all moving through the same area. Once we drop our bags and find the bus, the day becomes much easier.
For this visit, we focus on two towns and a beach rather than trying to cover the whole island.
The One-Day Itinerary
• Arrive by ferry in Parikia.
• Check in at KOKOON and drop our bags.
• Get lunch before heading across the island.
• Take the bus from Parikia to Naoussa.
• Explore Naoussa’s harbor and streets.
• Walk to Piperi Beach for a swim.
• Take the bus back to Parikia.
• Have dinner at Cavo d’Oro.
• Explore Parikia and see Panagia Ekatontapyliani.
• Return to the ferry port for the next leg to Naxos.
Start in Parikia
Parikia works well as our base because we arrive and leave by ferry. Staying nearby lets us drop our bags before heading out, then walk back to the port when it’s time to leave.
We stay at KOKOON, with food, the waterfront, and the port within walking distance. For a short overnight stop, that location makes the day easier to organize.
Finding the right bus takes us a little more effort. We ask around and walk to a couple of places before finding the KTEL terminal near the port. Once we know where to go, getting to Naoussa is straightforward.
Taking the Bus to Naoussa
We use the local bus between Parikia and Naoussa. That connection is what makes this particular route work without a rental car.
You don’t need to arrange separate transportation for every stop. Take the bus to Naoussa, explore on foot, walk to the beach, and return to Parikia afterward.
Check the timetable for your travel dates before setting out, including the return journey. Bus frequency and departure times can change with the season.
Exploring Naoussa
Naoussa is the main excursion of our day: white buildings, flowers, narrow streets, fishing boats, and restaurants around the harbor.
We spend our time walking, filming, and looking around. There’s enough here to keep us occupied without building a complicated sightseeing schedule.
The harbor and the streets around it are the reason we come over. Having a beach within walking distance means we can add a swim without another bus or taxi.
Piperi Beach
From Naoussa, we walk to Piperi Beach.
It fits naturally into the visit because we can explore town and get in the water during the same outing. Afterward, we head back through Naoussa and catch the bus to Parikia.
If you want to follow this route, bring your swimming stuff when you leave the hotel. Returning across the island to collect it would take a substantial bite out of a short visit.
Food and Dinner in Parikia
Back in Parikia, we have dinner at Cavo d’Oro. Pizza, salad, and drinks make an easy meal near the water after the afternoon in Naoussa.
Food stops are part of the day rather than separate excursions. Staying in Parikia gives us places to eat before heading out and somewhere nearby for dinner when we return.
Panagia Ekatontapyliani and August 15
Panagia Ekatontapyliani, commonly known as the Church of 100 Doors, is in Parikia near the port.
The church is central to Paros’s August 15 religious celebrations. If your visit falls around that date, allow extra time for crowds around Parikia and the waterfront.
For this episode, the church and celebrations add context to what we see around town. Parikia is more than somewhere to sleep between ferry crossings.
Leaving Paros for Naxos
The ferry port becomes part of the experience again when we leave for Naxos.
Crowds gather while vehicles and passengers unload, and it can be difficult to imagine how everyone waiting will get aboard. Watching those huge boats turn around is impressive, even when standing in the crowd is less enjoyable.
For planning purposes, count the whole transfer: checking out, walking to the port, waiting, boarding, sailing, and arriving. The crossing itself is only part of the time you need.
Is One Day in Paros Enough?
One day gives us time for Parikia, Naoussa, Piperi Beach, and an overnight stay without renting a car. It’s a satisfying introduction, with town streets, harbor views, food, and swimming in the same visit.
It doesn’t give us time to explore the whole island. A longer stay would let us add more villages and beaches without watching the clock.
If you have a short stop between ferries, this route keeps the main pieces connected and leaves time to enjoy them.
Useful Links
KOKOON Paros
Accommodation featured in this episode.
https://kokoonparos.com/
Paros Buses
Official KTEL Paros routes and timetables. Check departures for your travel dates.
https://ktelparou.gr/en/bus-schedules.html
Cavo d’Oro
Restaurant featured in Parikia.
https://cavodoroparos.gr/
Panagia Ekatontapyliani
Official information about the Church of 100 Doors.
https://www.ekatontapyliani.gr/en/
Blue Star Ferries
Ferry schedules and booking information.
https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb
Paros Tourism
Municipal visitor information for exploring the island.
https://imagine.paros.gr/en/
Quick Tips
• Stay near the ferry port if you are arriving and leaving by boat.
• Check both directions of the bus journey before heading to Naoussa.
• Bring swimwear so you can combine town and beach time.
• Allow extra time around the port during busy periods.
• Account for waiting and boarding when planning ferry connections.
• Keep this route focused on Parikia and Naoussa rather than adding too many stops.
More Greece Travel Planning
24 Hours in Milos, Greece
Explore Sarakiniko, Adamas, and Plaka on the previous island stop.
https://maxwellskitchenpodcast.com/maxwells-kitchen-podcast/24-hours-in-milos-greece
Milos, Paros and Naxos in Three Days
Read how the three islands fit together, including the ferry transfers and the tradeoffs of moving this quickly.
https://maxwellskitchenpodcast.com/blog/milos-paros-naxos-3-day-island-hopping
More Euro Trip Episodes and Travel Guides
Find more short trips and destination guides from Maxwell’s Kitchen.
https://maxwellskitchenpodcast.com/podcast/itineraries
About This Episode
This episode follows Cody Maxwell and Stephanie through a 24-hour visit to Paros as part of the Maxwell’s Kitchen Euro Trip series.
Watch the video above for Parikia, Naoussa, Piperi Beach, food stops, the Church of 100 Doors, and the ferry journey onward to Naxos.
