Out of the many islands in the Cyclades, Paros is one of the most stunning vacation destinations in Greece. Only 40 minutes by plane and 3 hours away from Athens by ferry, Paros will enchant you with its beautiful beaches, trendy clubs and restaurants. The two main villages on the island are Parikia and Naoussa. A Symphony of white buildings, stone-paved streets, and rich history make the villages very attractive.
You will be mesmerised by all of the beauty that this island holds. Don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourself! We would really encourage you to venture out and explore every corner of this island and create long-lasting memories. Additionally, we’ll provide you with our choices for the best hostels in Paros, where you can have the ultimate Greek experience!
Many hidden coves and beaches enrich Paros, and it rivals the steep competition from its neighbouring islands. Some of its most famous beaches include Santa Maria, Kalogeras, Chrysi Akti, Piperi and more. Golden sands and turquoise waters characterise all of the island’s beaches.
If you are looking for a bit of a thrill, the many watersports will satisfy your thirst for adrenaline. On the other hand, if marine life piques your interest, then you are in luck – the diving season on the island welcomes anyone looking for a unique underwater experience.
Discover more hostels in Greece in our detailed guide about the best hostels in Greece.
Your Shortcut:
- Paros Backpackers - best for solo travelers
- Cheap Rooms (Jimmy's) - best for families
- Hotel Paros - best for couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
For the history buffs out there, the Historical Folklore Museum offers a glimpse of the intricate past of the island. Don’t forget to visit the awe-inspiring Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the “Church of a Hundred Doors”. We would also add the Scorpios Museum – the museum of Cycladic folklore, and the Monastery of Agios Antonios to this list.
The best way to explore the small villages and towns is by foot. Allow the narrow cobblestone alleyways to guide you through the vibrant island life. The local tavernas, gift shops and houses blend into one, revealing the island’s authentic spirit.
If you’re staying more than 3 days, you must visit Lefkes. You can find this picturesque village in the island’s centre, up in the hills. Here, you can start your hike along the ancient Byzantine path. For kite-surfing, visit Punda, on the west coast, or try proper surfing at Golden Beach on windy days.
For clubbers and party animals, your destination would be the beaches on the east coast. Since the island is so well connected with the ones around it, you can organise day trips to Antiparos, Mykonos, Santorini, Delos or Naxos.
Good To Know: We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Mykonos and the best hostels in Corfu.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Naoussa, located in the north part of the island, is another charming village, second by its size. This quaint village caters to all tourists, with the presence of international cuisines and an overall cosmopolitan vibe. Furthermore, the area offers some of the best sunset views on the entire island. You wouldn’t want to miss the light and colours of the sky in the northern part. Some of the nearest beaches to Naoussa would be Piperi beach and Agoi Anaryroi.
Besides, Naoussa is located in Plastira Bay, which is home to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery. With that said, you should check out the western peninsula, where you can see large granite boulders and many strange rock formations. This is the perfect place to explore the coastal trails and small coves scattered around.
Paros is a backpackers’ paradise, as it is cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini while offering the best of both islands. Before we dive into the list of best hostels in Paros, we would like to share some tips to make your trip even better!
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Paros
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Paros cost $15 – $20 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $35 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Getting around Paros: Paros is an easy island to explore by car, scooter, bicycle, or on foot. There are many rental agencies throughout Paros that offer car, scooter, and bicycle rentals. The roads are well-maintained and signposted, making it easy to get around. A public bus system is also an option for getting around Paros, although it is limited to the main towns and villages. Taxis are also available and can be booked in advance. Ferries are another option for getting around Paros, with regular connections to other Cyclades islands and the mainland.
Best time to travel Paros: The best time to travel to Paros, Greece is during the months of April through October. These months offer the best weather and the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. This is also when the summer crowds of tourists arrive and the island is alive with social activities and vibrant nightlife.
Safety in Paros: Paros is a generally safe destination for travelers. The crime rate is low, and most visitors will not experience any security issues. However, it is always a good idea to take the usual safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings, and be aware of your surroundings. It is also a good idea to keep valuables, such as passports and wallets, in a safe place.
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in Paros are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Paros.
- Paros Backpackers – best for solo travelers
- Cheap Rooms (Jimmy's) – best for families
- Hotel Paros – best for couples
We put all accommodations on the map, incl. our own tips for restaurants, things to see, and more.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Paros Backpackers |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Paros Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Hotel Paros |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Cheap Rooms (Jimmy's) |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Paros Backpackers |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Paros Backpackers |
1. Paros Backpackers
Paros Backpackers is a budget hostel set in Parikia, just a 2-minute walk from the beach. This beautiful, newly-renovated hostel provides an idyllic setting for backpackers across the globe, making it one of the best hostels in Paros. The accommodation features air-conditioned dorms and private rooms, all equipped with a private bathroom. As a bonus, all rooms have a balcony, some even overlooking the beautiful seascape.
Their spacious, comfortable beds come with complimentary towels, changed every 2 days. You will also find a communal kitchen and an internet corner with a printer as part of the hostel. Every morning the hostel serves à la carte breakfast at an extra cost. As part of the back garden, there is also a swimming pool with sunbeds for tanning. Are you travelling solo? Then join the hostel’s WhatsApp group and meet other fellow travellers!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: You can easily reach the port and the old town, located 10 minutes away. You will also find a few restaurants and a big supermarket near the hostel. While walking through Parikia, visit the Kastro Castle in the traditional Cycladic quarter. The castle was built in the 13th century on the town’s highest point. There’s also an Archaeological Museum with exhibits from the Neolithic and Roman periods.
If you wish to go sunbathing or swimming, the best beach around Parikia is Krios Beach. Parikia is the island’s bus hub, so you can visit other beaches and villages nearby. Naoussa Is also easy to access as several buses are running daily. If you rent a bike, make sure to visit Monastery Logovarda, 5km away, halfway to Naoussa. This monastery is very unique, and the inside walls are covered in detailed, hand-painted frescos.
The best choice in Paros for
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Cheap Rooms (Jimmy's)
Livadia beach in Parikia. The hostel has a limited number of private rooms as well as 4-bed mixed dorms. The rooms feature simple furniture and ensuite bathrooms for added convenience.
Cheap Rooms (Jimmy's) is located in a quiet area, therefore it is perfect for people who want to be away from the crowds at night. Additionally, there is also a small kitchen with a microwave and coffee-making appliances.
Meet other guests and share your travelling stories on the rooftop balcony. Or enjoy a nice glass of Greek wine while watching the beautiful sunsets. Breakfast is not included in the price, but hostel guests get 15% off on breakfast and hot and cold beverages.
Take a short walk to the nearby Livadia beach and enjoy dinner in a local tavern. Their extensive menus offer all kinds of salads and traditional meals. Ask for the catch of the day or try the fresh seafood gourmet dishes. Finally, stroll around the town after dinner and experience the exciting island nightlife.
Location:
A great choice for
- families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. Hotel Paros
Although not exactly a hostel, we would still like to mention Hotel Paros, since it’s great for couples and families. It is still quite affordable and situated right next to Livadia Beach. All rooms have air conditioning and TVs, and some even have balconies with sea views. For couples looking for a private room, they even have a studio with a kitchenette. The housekeeping team tidies the rooms daily, ensuring utmost cleanliness.
Hotel Paros is a beautifully decorated accommodation with great attention to detail, and a team that provides unmatched Greek hospitality. They can organise many activities for you, like hiking, diving, and even transport to/from the airport on request. Additionally, the hostel restaurant offers authentic Greek dishes behind stunning sky views.
Location: The bus station is within a 6-minute distance from the hotel, and the buses can take you to any point in Paros. Take an evening stroll in the lively atmosphere all the way to the Old town. You will find many cafes, local shops, restaurants and small churches there.
Since the port is near the hostel, you can also visit Antiparos or another island for a day tour.
This is one of the best hostels in Paros for
- couples
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Paros for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Paros is Paros Backpackers.
Yes, Paros Backpackers is perfect for solo travelers. The hostel offers a variety of activities, including yoga classes and surf lessons, which are great for solo travelers looking for a fun, social atmosphere. The hostel also provides free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor terrace.
The hostel also organizes activities and tours which is perfect for meeting other travellers.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking tips for Paros
1. If you are travelling on a budget, Visit Paros in April, May or even October. These months are the cheapest since they are out of the peak tourist season. But keep in mind, some of the restaurants, bars and cafes might not be open during these months.
2. Visit the nearby islands. Paros is well connected to the surrounding islands with ferries. The staff at your accommodation might offer great deals, so don’t forget to ask for recommendations.
3. The island is small, so you can rent a scooter or use the local buses to visit most beaches and villages without breaking the bank.
What about the cheapest hostels in Paros?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Paros.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Paros
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Paros best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/ bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
All Top Hostels put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Paros hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Paros?
The best hostels in Paros are:
- Paros Backpackers – best for solo travelers
- Cheap Rooms (Jimmy's) – best for families
- Hotel Paros – best for couples
What is the best hostel in Paros for solo travelers?
The best hostel in Paros for solo travelers is: Paros Backpackers
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com 😉
We are doing our best to deliver the best hostels to you. Check out the best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
You can also have a look at Hostelworld.
Are hostels in Paros safe?
Not all hostels in Paros are necessarily safe, especially the ones that offer cheap prices in sketchy areas. They might be illegal hostels or ones without the proper licenses and safety measures put in place.
In all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Paros. You can find backpacker hostels with top ratings here! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also email us and ask us!
Is the Paros worth visiting?
Yes, Paros is worth visiting. It is a beautiful Greek island with plenty of sandy beaches, ancient monuments, and traditional villages to explore. There are also many outdoor activities such as cycling and windsurfing, as well as plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy.
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Flights to Paros?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
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Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Paros guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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(Fresh Update 2023)
Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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