Paros Park ended up being one of the most peaceful, unexpected highlights of my trip — the kind of place that feels completely different from the lively streets of Naoussa. This protected nature reserve sits just 15 minutes from Naoussa, but once you’re on the trails, surrounded by cliffs and quiet blue coves, it feels worlds away.
This Paros Park guide takes you through everything you need to know before visiting: the three clearly marked trails, the best viewpoints, the hidden beaches worth detouring for, and exactly why we chose Route 3 on our visit. Whether you’re here for an easy coastal walk, a morning of beach hopping, or a quiet moment in nature, Paros Park is truly one of the island’s most special spots.
Planning your own Greece trip? Check out my complete Greece Travel Guide or dive into more Paros coverage with my 3-Days in Paros Itinerary.
Quick Deets: Paros Park at a Glance
- Where Is It?
- A quick 15-minute drive from Naoussa, tucked beside Monastiri Beach at the edge of the peninsula.
- What’s The Vibe?
- Quiet, rugged, and scenic — expect coastal paths, rocky terrain, and coves that feel almost untouched.
- Best Time To Visit?
- Morning or late afternoon for softer light, cooler temps, and emptier trails. Weekdays or anytime in May/September usually mean you’ll likely get some long stretches completely to yourself.
- What To Bring?
- Water, sunscreen, sturdy sandals or sneakers for the rocky sections, and a towel if you plan on swimming (and you definitely should!).
- How Much Time Is Needed?
- 2–4 hours depending on your route, swim stops, and how often you pause for photos — which will probably be often.
- Where Do I Start?
- All three marked routes begin directly from the parking area at Monastiri Beach, making navigation extremely simple even for non-hikers.
- What’s There?
- Monastiri Beach has restrooms, shade, and a beach club, but you won’t find any facilities out on the trails.
Paros Park Guide: What is Paros Park?
Paros Park is a protected 800-acre nature reserve on the northern tip of Paros, just outside Naoussa. The peninsula is home to dramatic cliffs, quiet bays, walking paths, historic landmarks, and some of the clearest water on the island.
The area is also home to the monastery of Agios Yiannis Detis, which dates back to the 17th century and still stands at the entrance of the park. The peninsula even housed defensive lookouts during earlier centuries, including the Cape Korakas Lighthouse, which you can see from Route 1 and 2!
Paros Park includes:
- Over 4-miles of well-marked walking trails (Routes 1, 2, and 3)
- Multiple beaches, from the organized Monastiri Beach to remote coves only reachable by foot
- A protected geological landscape, including cliffs, sea-carved rock formations, and sheltered coves
- The historic Agios Yiannis Detis Monastery
- Cape Korakas Lighthouse, one of the best viewpoints in the area
- An open-air amphitheater that hosts concerts and cultural events in summer
What makes Paros Park special is that you can wander for hours along unspoiled coastline, swim in quiet coves with almost no one around, and then stop at the organized beach club at Monastiri for a drink afterward — all without ever leaving the peninsula.
It’s one of the few places on Paros where you can combine nature, history, beaches, and light hiking.
The 3 Scenic Routes at Paros Park
Paros Park has three well-marked walking routes. You can easily combine them, but most people choose one or two, depending on how much time they have and what they want to see.
Route 1: Monastery to Alonaki to Lighthouse (Coastal Cliff Route)
Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Approx. Time: ~45 minutes (non-stop)
Vibe: Spectacular cliff-top views along the northwestern coast
Route 1 is all about the dramatic coastline and sweeping cliff-top views that stretch across the northwestern edge of Paros Park. The trail begins at the monastery of Agios Yiannis, where you’ll find a clearly marked signpost on the opposite side of the road pointing you toward the path. From here, the trail gently winds across the narrow isthmus that connects the peninsula to the rest of Paros before curving right to follow the rocky coastline.
It’s an easy, scenic walk with rugged terrain, wide-open sea views, and plenty of spots to pause for photos. If you’re someone who loves that “big dramatic coastline” moment or wants a route that feels wild and untouched, this is the one to choose.
Route 2: Katholiko Beach to Lighthouse (The Lighthouse Route)
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Approx. Time: ~25 minutes (non-stop)
Vibe: Short, scenic climb with rewarding views
Route 2 is the official Lighthouse Route and the easiest way to reach Cape Korakas Lighthouse. It starts near Katholiko Beach and takes you across rugged countryside with a gentle rise until you reach the historic lighthouse perched on the northern tip of the peninsula.
It’s the shortest of all paths, straightforward, and rewards you with one of the best lookout points in the entire park. Pair it with Route 1 if you want a longer loop.
Route 3: Katholiko Beach to Tourkou Ammos & Almiros (Secluded Beaches Route) – Our Pick!
Distance: Official route 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Our Actual Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) with detours to beaches
Approx. Time: ~40 minutes (non-stop)
Vibe: Quiet coves, crystal-clear water, multiple beaches
Route 3 follows the eastern and southeastern coastline of the peninsula and is hands down the most peaceful, refreshing trail in Paros Park — especially if you love swimming. The official route connects Katholiko Beach → Perikopetra → Tourkou Ammos, but you’ll also have the option to follow a sub-path right along the water, which leads to additional hidden coves.
This route is almost entirely at sea level and offers access to several small beaches with incredibly clear water. It’s breezier, more shaded by the cliffs, and perfect for dipping in and out of the Aegean as you go – which we did in several locations!
Our favorite stop was Playa de Guijarros, a tiny pebble beach with shockingly clear blue water that felt completely untouched. It’s a bit behind Tourkou Ammos, where you’ll follow the windswept rocks to a small cove below the cliffs.
Paros Park Route Comparison
| ROUTE | DISTANCE | APPROX TIME | TERRAIN & DIFFICULTY | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1: Coastal Route / Cliffside Route | 1.2 miles | 45 mins | Easy; gentle inclines, cliffside paths | Panoramic coastal scenery, rugged views |
| Route 2: The Lighthouse Route | 0.7 miles | 25 mins | Easy; slight uphill | Cape Korakas Lighthouse, iconic viewpoint |
| Route 3: Secluded Beaches Route | 1.5 miles | 40 mins | Easy; sea-level coastal path | Hidden coves, crystal water, beach-hopping |
Why We Chose Route 3 (& Loved It)
We wanted a slow, beach-hopping morning — and Route 3 was exactly that. It’s relaxed, scenic, and perfect for stopping whenever a cove catches your eye. Every beach we visited, we pretty much had to ourselves – it was amazing! We did end up spending over 3-hours on this route, stopping and swimming at multiple beaches, so plan accordingly if you want to stop, as well.
Why Route 3 Was Our Favorite:
- The coastline is stunning the entire way, with sea-views non-stop.
- Built-in opportunities to swim – we stopped several times along the route!
- The beaches feel untouched and peaceful – we barely saw anyone as we got further down the route.
- It’s the most “hidden gem” feeling trail of the three.
Monastiri Beach & the Beach Club
Before you even step onto the trails, you’ll arrive at Monastiri Beach, a calm, shallow bay tucked into the northern edge of the peninsula. It’s the main access point for Paros Park and the easiest place to park — but it’s also a beautiful spot to swim or lounge either before or after your walk.
Right behind the sand sits Monastiri Beach Club, the only organized beach club in Paros Park. The beach club has tons of amenities, too:
- Umbrellas + loungers you can rent for the day
- A full restaurant + bar, with drinks, salads, sandwiches, and fresh seafood
- Restrooms + changing areas
- Water activities like canoeing, SUP rentals, and more
- A lively but not wild atmosphere — social, upbeat, but still very chill
It’s the perfect spot if you want to make Paros Park a half-day experience: hike one of the routes in the morning, then relax at the beach club for a few hours afterward.
If you’re visiting in July or August, the beach club does get busy, so book loungers in advance or go early. Outside of peak season, though, the whole bay feels peaceful and spacious — a nice contrast to Naoussa’s busier beaches.
Post-Hike: Late Lunch or Dinner at Taverne Vigla
After wandering the park and hopping from beach to beach, you will absolutely want a meal — and Taverne Vigla is the perfect spot. It’s right on the way back towards Naoussa, right by Kolymbithres Beach, making it a convenient stop whether you’re visiting around lunch or closer to sunset.
This family-run tavern serves classic Greek dishes with simple, fresh flavors. We split their gyro portion and sipped on a glass of house wine — exactly what we needed after a few hours of walking and swimming. The view of the ocean doesn’t hurt either!
What I Wish I Knew Before Going
After spending a few hours exploring Paros Park, here are a few things I wish someone had told me before visiting:
- Start Earlier Than You Think
- Even in shoulder season, the sun gets warm fast and the trails are almost entirely exposed. We went mid-morning and it was perfect — not too hot, soft lighting, and we ended up having multiple coves completely to ourselves.
- Wear Something You Can Walk & Swim In
- I wore comfortable sandals and a swimsuit under a cover-up, which made it easy to stop for quick dips without dealing with a full outfit change. You’ll definitely want the option to swim, especially on Route 3.
- Bring More Water Than You Think You’ll Need.
- There’s no shade or cafés once you leave Monastiri Beach. We brought one bottle each and realized after stopping so many times, more would have been good to have on hand.
- The Beaches Are Easy To Miss
- On Route 3, many of the coves sit just a few steps off the main path, tucked behind rocks. Don’t be afraid to wander down little side paths — that’s how we found Playa de Guijarros, which ended up being our favorite beach on the entire island!
- Expect Rocky Terrain
- Nothing technical, but it’s not a smooth, paved walk. The trails are a mix of packed dirt, gravel, and rocky sections, so shoes with decent grip are a plus.
- Route 3 Feels Longer Than It Seems
- Not in a bad way — just because you’ll constantly stop to peek over cliffs, take photos, and swim. We set out thinking we’d be gone an hour… and returned almost three hours later.
- You Don’t Need To Be A “Hiker” To Enjoy This Park
- The trails are straightforward and clearly marked, and most of the “work” comes from the heat rather than the elevation. It’s a great low-effort nature walk for anyone.
- Parking Is Incredibly Easy
- Monastiri Beach has a surprisingly large parking area, and even in high season, most people stay near the beach club rather than venture into the park — another reason the trails feel so peaceful.
- Don’t Forget Your Camera
- Every turn along Route 3 gives you a new coastal angle, and the water color is unreal in person. My iPhone shots looked edited even though they weren’t.
Why Paros Park Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
Paros Park shows a completely different side of the island — one that’s quieter, more natural, and surprisingly easy to explore. Whether you’re hiking for views, swimming in hidden coves, or just craving a peaceful moment away from the busier parts of Paros, this little peninsula is the perfect escape.
Route 3 ended up being one of our most treasured memories from the trip, and if you love a mix of walking and swimming, it’s a must!
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