Which is Better: Naxos or Paros?

Naxos and Paros are often at the top of cruise itineraries and bucket lists for those dreaming of going on a vacation to Greece. Both islands have so much to offer, including stunning shorelines, vibrant nightlife scenes and great food.

With each island offering such a magnificent vacation destination, many are left wondering which is better, Naxos or Paros. In this article, we go through important things to know about each island, from their beaches and to their party scenes.

In doing so, we hope to help you make your decision on whether to go to Naxos or Paros.

Where Are Paros And Naxos?

The Greek islands of Paros and Naxos lie very close to each other and not too far from other popular tourist destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini. Paros is one of the most beautiful landmasses in the country.

It is located right in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is famed for its stunning coastline and lively nightlife scene. Naxos lies 13 nautical miles to the east. It is one of the largest landmasses in the Greek archipelago and has also earned high regard for its coastline that is characterized by sweeping sandy bays and bright turquoise waters.

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How to get to Paros

Paros has its own domestic airport. You can catch a flight from the Athens International Airport and be on the island in no time. After landing, the island’s main city of Parikia lies just a short drive away. If you’re wanting to travel directly from any of the islands, you will need to catch the ferry.

Lots of them have routes to Paros including Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Crete and Milos.

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How to get to Naxos

Naxos also has its own airport. The flight from Athens takes around 45 minutes. Much like Paros, you also have the option of getting to the island by sea. You can catch a ferry from destinations such as Athens, Santorini and Amorgos. The length of the journey can vary significantly, from one hour to nine.

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Both Naxos and Paros are home to many of the best beaches in Greece. We have outlined some key things to know about the islands’ coastlines below:

Naxos Beaches

The majority of beaches on the island are sprawling sandy bays with calm, shallow waters. This makes its shoreline perfect for those going to Greece as a family. However, that’s not to say that the island’s coastline offers bays and coves for all kinds of travelers.

Agios Georgios, otherwise known as St George Beach, stands out as one of the most amazing beaches in Greece. This stunning Blue Flag shoreline is lined with sugar-white sand and electric blue waters. Calm and shallow, this is a perfect place to go for those on a family vacation to Greece.

Couples and friends will also be well catered for at this picturesque bay as they can take in the stunning coastal scenery from one of the nearby tavernas or beach clubs. Plaka Beach is another wonderful piece of coastline in Naxos.

Its stunning sand shores stretch 4 kilometers long and are populated with a wonderful variety of restaurants, beach clubs and hotels.

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Paros Beaches

The coastline of Paros is quite different to Naxos, with smaller bays and greater variety. You’ll find tranquil hidden coves offering the perfect loved-up escape for couples, lively beach bars and clubs for groups of friends and peaceful bays for those traveling as a family.

Chrissi Akti, commonly known as Golden Beach, is one of the best beaches in Paros. The sublime coastline is absolutely gorgeous, with golden sand shores and aquamarine waters. After swimming in the ocean, you can go for a bite to eat in one of the on-hand restaurants or for a drink at the bars.

If you find yourself wanting to get active, hit the waves as this just so happens to be one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean for windsurfing. Kolymbithres is another wonderful beach in Paros. It lies along the enormous bay of Naoussa and is utterly breathtaking.

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You may be wondering whether to go to Paros or Naxos for nightlife. Both islands offer quite different party scenes. We have given a flavor for each below:

Naxos Nightlife

The island Naxos has quite an understated nightlife scene. You won’t find hosts of clubs and raves but you will have plenty of lively spots to go to for a drink and a boogie when the sun goes down. Chora is the hub of the party scene on the landmass. Here you will find vibrant pubs, nightclubs and bars.

Sip away at your favorite drink while serenaded by a variety of music, ranging from house to jazz and pop to traditional Greek.

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Paros Nightlife

Paros has a significantly livelier nightlife scene and is sometimes even described as a smaller Mykonos. You’ll find a fantastic variety of clubs, bars and clubs on offer on this buzzing landmass. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there will be a party spot for you on Paros.

If you fancy a classy evening on the town, head to some of the glamorous cocktail bars by the harbor, many of which stay open well into the early hours. There are also lots of clubs, wine bars and craft beer spots to choose from.

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Is Paros or Naxos better for families? We have shared all you need to know about visiting the Greek islands with children to help you decide which island is the best fit for you and your little ones.

Is Naxos Family-friendly?

Naxos is one of the best islands in Greece for families as the majority of the beaches are big and wide with shallow, calm waters for the kids. Paddle and swim in the twinkling turquoise ocean before drying off in the heat of the sun-soaked shores.

One of the best things to do on Naxos with children is take a cheesemaking tour. The little ones can learn all about the traditional methods used by the locals before getting involved themselves. All of the excitement takes place on a cheese farm where you can meet the working farmers and animals.

Depending on the age of your children, you may also want to embark on a hike to the top of Mount Zeus. Towering at a height of almost 3,300 feet above sea level, it is the highest mountain peak in the entire Cyclades and one of the most magnificent places to go in Naxos.

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Is Paros Family-friendly?

Those traveling with children can rest assured that Paros is a wonderful place to go in Greece with family. There are simply so many kid-friendly things to get up to on the island. First thing’s first: you are likely to be wanting to pay a visit to the stunning shores of the landmass.

Here you will find a fantastic array of child-friendly beaches. Kolymbithres is one of the best in Greece for families. The waters are shallow and completely transparent while the shores are flat and lined with soft white sand.

Marcello is another of the best beaches on Paros for children as the smooth sand shores are fringed with calm, mellow waters. The depth also remains very shallow for a long way out which is ideal for those with little ones or novice swimmers.

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Planning a romantic getaway with your partner? You are likely to be wanting to know which is the best Greek island to visit as a couple, Naxos or Paros. We have shared some important information on each island below.

Is Naxos Good for Couples?

Naxos is not only a wonderful destination for couples, but one of the best honeymoon destinations in Greece. The gorgeous really has it all, with an excellent food scene, rich heritage and sublime shorelines.

As one of the greenest landmasses in the country, Naxos is a wonderful place to go hiking. Stroll hand-in-hand along flourishing unspoilt landscapes, tiny villages and ancient ruins. You will also have the opportunity to trek to the top of the mighty Mount Zeus together.

Feeling thirsty? Delve into the rich wine-making traditions of the island. The locals have been making exquisite grape juice here since the Archaic Period. Visit the flourishing vines and learn all about the traditional techniques used in the area before sampling some delicious local varieties for yourself.

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Is Paros Good for Couples?

Home to lots of luxury hotels, a marvelous food scene and a magnificent coastline, Paros is a wonderful place to go in Greece for couples. The idyllic whitewashed village of Naoussa is simply made for romantic escapes.

You’ll find sensational high-end restaurants, stylish cocktail bars and romantic wine bars hidden along the stunning sugar-white streets. Be sure to also dedicate some time to exploring the island’s glimmering coastline during your getaway.

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As you can see, it is not a question of which is better to visit, Naxos or Paros, but which is best suited to you and what you’re looking for from your Greek getaway. Are you wanting a buzzing nightlife scene? Perhaps Paros might be the best fit for you.

Alternatively, if you’re craving a peaceful escape, Naxos could be ideal for you. Coming to a decision on which destination to go to requires time and consideration. If you’re still wondering “Should I go to Paros or Naxos?”, rest assured that both destinations have so much to offer. Both of the islands boast stunning beaches, gorgeous natural scenery and wonderful food scenes.

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Which is Better: Naxos or Paros?