Lefkes Paros: Guide to Paros Island’s Charming Hilltop Town

lefkes paros

Lefkes Paros, situated on a verdant hilltop in the centre of the island boasts the traditional whitewashed and bougainvillea-strewn alleyways that most think of when they dream of Greece. Lefkes Village Paros is the most traditional Greek township in Paros and was once the medieval capital of the island

With a population of 500, Paros Lefkes can be described as charming, quiet and quintessentially Greek.

Picture yourself people watching amidst a neoclassical square, or enjoying traditional greek share plates alfresco with a view of a beautiful church and countryside. Follow the white and grey cobblestone alleyways to delightful alcoves and hidden gems of Paros Lefkes village. This is why Lefkes is one of my favourite Greek villages!

This guide on Lefkes Paros will give you all the information you need to get the most out of your visit or stay to this lovely little town, including how to get there, where to stay in Paros Lefkes, the top Paros boutique hotels and the best Lefkes Paros restaurants.

A morning in Lefkes Paros is included in this 10 day Greece itinerary

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Paros Quick Guide

Planning a last-minute trip to Paros Island? Here are the best resources for Paros Greece, plus top Paros tours and the best places to stay in Lefkes.

lefkes paros

Lefkes Paros Map

Lefkes Paros enjoys a prominent location amongst the hills of central Paros. With views of the Aegean Sea to the east, sunrises in Lefkes are fabulous. You can reach Paros Lefkes from the Parikia port in a 20-minute drive along a scenic uphill road. 

If you are wondering about the location Paros Lefkes village, then take a peek at the Lefkes map below. If you click on the image, you will be taken to an interactive Google Maps Paros version.

lefkes paros greece

What is the Best Time to Visit
Lefkes Paros?

If you plan to day trip to Lefkes from harbour towns like Naoussa or Parikia, visiting in the morning and midday is your best bet for beautiful light and fewer tourists.

Because Paros Lefkes is located in the centre of the island with a larger hill to its west, sunrise and morning light are fabulous here. You may get a few harsh shadows during the afternoon. 

In terms of the best time of year to visit Lefkes village, it’s always a great idea to plan your trip to the Greek islands in the shoulder months of April/May or September/October.

These months bring pleasant (and not boiling hot) weather, great for meandering the alleyways, plus most tourists visit the Greek islands during the summer months of June-August. So, you will have more quiet while visiting Lefkes.

READ MORE | Naoussa Paros: Guide to the Stylish Harbour Town

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Lefkes, Parikia + Naoussa:
Where Should I Stay?

Whether you stay in Naoussa, Parikia or Lefkes Paros, you really can’t go wrong, especially if you decide to book a rental car to see the entire island. But, each village has its own unique character and attracts a different type of person. 

Lefkes Paros | Quiet, authentic, traditional

Naoussa Paros | Lively, upscale, metropolitan

Parikia Paros | Convenient, loads of amenities

All in all, I’d recommend Parikia Paros for first-timers, Naoussa Paros for people who want to enjoy nightlife and shopping, and Lefkes Paros for a more authentic Greek experience.

Or, simply check out this guide on the best places to stay in Paros and my favourite boutique hotels on Paros island.

How to Get to Lefkes Paros

Whether you plan to stay in Lefkes village, or just visit it for the day, you will need to understand the best way to get there. You have a few great options available to you including renting a car in Paros, Paros ATV rental, catching a bus in Paros or simply hopping in a taxi. 

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Renting a Car in Paros

Car rental Paros Greece is pretty easy to find at the port town of Parikia when you arrive on the island via the ferry from Athens or neighbouring Cycladic islands. But if you are planning your trip to Paros Greece and specifically to Lefkes, I recommend booking in advance with Discover Cars

What’s great about Discover Cars is they compare local, national and international rental companies to give you the best price, plus they give you full insurance coverage for only $7USD a day (30% lower than booking directly with a local company). You can expect to pay approximately $280USD base for a one-week economy car rental via Discover Cars

Arriving to find that all the car hire Paros companies are sold out would be devastating to your trip to Greek Paros. And, since exploring Paros by car is the best way to see the island, you want to make sure you book in advance!

Since Lefkes Paros is a pedestrian-only village, you will not be allowed to drive your rental car among the alleyways of the town. Instead, there is a Lefkes Paros parking lot available above the village, just a short 5-minute walk to the centre and is available free of charge.

Remember to check if you need an international driver’s permit before booking a car rent Paros Greece.

If you do decide to wait and book a car rental Paros Greece when you get there, you will find a huge concentration of companies around the Paros port. Picking up a car rental at the Paros port is your best bet to reach Lefkes village since there are no car rental companies available to you within the village itself.  

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Paros ATV Rental

Sometimes, you just don’t want to drive a bulky car and have to search for parking that is big enough to fit. Or, the image of driving an ATV along the roads of Paros strikes at your sense of adventure, I get it. Renting an ATV with more maneuverability and a smaller size is your second best option

I’d recommend hiring an ATV through DK Scooters ATV Rental Paros. You can find this Paros ATV rental company within a 3-minute walk from the Paros port. They are open weekdays from 9AM-6PM. 

Make sure you have a properly classified driving license specifically for ATV or quad rentals. You will be denied a rental if you don’t have this. 

TIP | Negotiate the price! There’s always a little wiggle room when it comes to prices on the Greek islands, especially if you offer to pay in cash. If you are renting a scooter, don’t pay more than €20 a day in cash.

Bus Paros to Lefkes Village

Although I recommend renting a car, ATV or scooter for your time in Paros, especially since the roads on Paros are well-maintained and easy to navigate, you can always catch the bus in Paros instead. The bus system services the Lefkes to Parikia route multiple times a day

The Paros bus schedule will give you the latest times for the bus Lefkes to Parikia route.

In general, if you are worried about renting a car, ATV or scooter in a foreign country, you can definitely make due taking the Paros bus from town to town. 

The bus runs from main villages such as Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Drios, Aliki, Antiparos Port, and Paros airport. It’s doable, just make sure to plan out your trip based on the bus schedule in advance if possible. 

You can find tickets at the Parikia and Naoussa terminal stations as well as stores and mini markets in Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Prodromos, Marmara, Marpisa, Piso Livadhi, Drios, Aliki, Pounta, Voutakos and Antiparos. Paros bus tickets range from €1.80 to €3.00 based on the route.

If you choose to visit Lefkes by bus, there is a Lefkes bus stop located along the main road above Lefkes Paros, just a short walk to the centre.

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Taxi Paros to Lefkes

Private transfer services are plentiful in Paros, just search on Google and you can have your pick of the litter. I will warn you now though, private taxi services are offered at a pretty high price here in Paros, so I’d opt for a car rental or if you are simply coming from the airport, you can hop on the local bus instead.


Where to Stay in Paros Lefkes

Lefkes Paros offers charming accommodation options, from homestyle guest houses, modern villas and unique Paros hotels like a traditional windmill. Book yourself a stay in Lefkes Paros for a quiet getaway with slow days by the pool, or wandering the cute alleyways. If you are writing a book or need a mental break, staying in Lefkes Paros is for you. 

Now, what is the best place to stay in Paros Lefkes, you may ask? Well, due to the size of Lefkes, there really are only a few options for you, but I’ve vetted the top choices for the best place to stay Paros Lefkes. 

Peruse my shortlist of best places to stay in Paros Lefkes below:

paros lefkes
Sweet Path Villa via Booking.com

Sweet Path Villa | $$$

Top Pick! – This well-located modern villa has everything you could possibly need for a great stay in Lefkes Paros. Lefkes Sweet Path comes complete with a private pool, an outdoor lounge area and dining. With gorgeous views over the valley all the way to the sea, this 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment with equipped kitchen and washing machine means you never have to leave.


lefkes paros greece
Traditional Windmill on Paros Island via Booking.com

Traditional Windmill Paros Island | $$

A stunning traditional windmill gives a truly unique and quintessential Greek experience. This holiday home comes with 1 bedroom, bathroom, small kitchenette, and living space. The traditional windmill also has a quaint private outdoor garden, private parking, and a washing machine.


lefkes village paros
Villa Byzantino via Booking.com

Villa Byzantino | $

Byzantino Villa located in the centre of Lefkes combines modern and traditional decor with boutique detailing. Most villas at this property open out to private furnished verandas and boast hot tubs. Cozy into your complimentary robes and slippers and enjoy the quiet of Lefkes Paros.


lefkes paros greece

Things to Do in Lefkes Paros

What to do in Lefkes Paros? Even though the village itself is relatively small, it has a few experiences not to be missed on your visit. From munching on traditional baked goods, perusing handmade souvenirs, meandering the picturesque alleyways and hiking to the sea, there is something for everyone in Paros Lefkes.

1. Sit and People Watch at Agiazi Cafe

lefkes paros greece

It may seem like a simple thing to do, but Lefkes Paros is perfect for experiences like this. Sitting with a coffee and people-watching is one of the best things to do in Lefkes village, and even if you are only there for a couple of hours on a day trip around the island of Paros, I recommend half of that time be spent sitting alfresco. 

Agiazi Cafe is located on a neoclassical square with adorable buildings like a colourful church, and fellow picturesque cafes. Agiazi offers great coffee drinks, fresh juices and traditional greek snack food like saganaki and homemade desserts like portokalopita (orange pie) and ice cream.

WHERE | Agiazi Cafe, Lefkes Paros

2. Agia Triada Church

lefkes paros greece

The most prominent church in Lefkes Paros, sits over the village at the crest of the hill. All alleyways in Lefkes seem to lead to this important church, so it’s easy to find with navigation. 

The Agia Triada Church was built in the Byzantine architectural style in 1830 and took 5 years to complete. It’s the second largest church on the island of Paros and boasts building materials constructed from Parian marble called lychnitis

paros lefkes village

The bell towers to each side of the church are particularly beautiful and if you take a peek inside, you will notice colourful frescos and ceramics donning images of the holy trinity.

WHERE | Agia Triada Church, Lefkes Paros

3. Grab a Treat at Stratis Bakery

lefkes paros

If you’ve arrived in Lefkes via a rental car or bus, you can find the Stratis Bakery upon the first walk into the village. At the top of the pedestrian-only area across from a tree-lined square, Stratis Bakery sits with open doors with wafting scents of fresh-baked bread

The koulouri thessalonikis (sesame bread rings), spanakopita and cheese with lemon pie are particularly good here. Grab a treat and head across the street to a bench and enjoy.

WHERE | Stratis Bakery, Lefkes Paros

4. Holy Trinity Church

lefkes paros island greece

Tucked into the corner of a picturesque square in Lefkes Paros is the colourful Greek orthodox Holy Trinity Church. If you follow the main alleyway from the top of the village, you will happen upon this charming square. The golden yellow-orange and turquoise blue colour combine to make a pretty epic background to your exploration of Lefkes Paros. 

From my experience, and after a bit of research it doesn’t seem like you can enter the building, but the exterior is pretty enough to warrant a visit.

WHERE | Holy Trinity Church, Lefkes Paros

5. Souvenir Shopping

lefkes village paros island greece

Of course, you can find souvenir shopping anywhere on the island, especially in places like Naoussa and Parikia. But, what Lefkes village Paros offers is handmade and sustainable souvenir options. 

You can find a few independent jewelry stores along the main alleyway in Paros, so duck in and see what unique treasure you can take home as a memory of your time in the Greek islands. 

WHERE | Aerikolefkes Jewelry Store and Elsewhere

6. Byzantine Route Hike

If you are the more adventurous type and want to include a leisurely hike on your Paros island trip, then the Byzantine Route is your best option. It starts at the bottom of Lefkes village Paros and ends at the sea in Piso Livadi, but can easily be finished in the cute village of Prodromos.

On your hike, you will pass through olive groves, small villages including Marpissa and experience beautiful views of the Aegean water and neighbouring Naxos beyond. 

Only a few kilometres, but with plenty of picture opportunities, it can take a half-day to complete and I recommend starting it first thing in the morning so you can skip the early afternoon heat.

WHERE | Byzantine Route Starting Point, Lefkes Paros

lefkes paros greece

Best Lefkes Paros Restaurants

Because Lefkes Paros has been relatively untouched by mass tourism, it has maintained its quaint and authentic feel. Most cafes and restaurants in Lefkes offer traditional Greek cuisine and drinks and take a leisurely dining approach. 

Sit down at a hand-crafted wood table on a picturesque square or alleyway, order a few dishes to share, sip on a coffee or cocktail and people watch. What a beautiful and quintessential Greek island experience.

Here is my list of Lefkes Paros restaurants worth visiting:

RAMNOS CAFE | Traditional charcuterie boards and craft cocktails with alfresco dining

AGIAZI CAFE | Traditional Greek cuisine on a picturesque square

KAFENION | Traditional Greek share plates and wine with a view of Agia Triada Church

THE BEAUTIFUL SQUARE CAFE | Coffee and light snacks, sandwiches and dessert on indeed a beautiful square

AGGELANTONIS AEGEAN COFFEE LAB | A great place to grab coffee before perusing the alleyways of Lefkes Paros

paros lefkes

How to Get to Paros by Air + Sea

Paros is located in the Cycladic island group in the Aegean Sea south of mainland Greece and is easily accessible by plane or ferry

Are you wondering how to get to Paros Greece? Well, it depends on the time and budget you have available. you can choose from flight or ferry. If you are coming from neighbouring Cycladic islands, a ferry is probably your best bet. 

Please note that ferry crossing can be cancelled last minute due to strong winds and unpleasant sea conditions. I wouldn’t let this dissuade you from taking the ferry though (this is what I did!), just make sure you have a couple of days buffer in your trip plans.

lefkes paros

By Guided Tour

If you are staying on nearby Naxos, Mykonos or Santorini, catch an early morning ferry to the port of Paros. Your full-day guided tour will start at 9AM by meandering the alleyways of Parikia Paros. 

Then take the 10-minute ferry to Antiparos to see the Venetian fortress. After lunch in Piso Livadhi, spend the rest of your day discovering the highlights and hidden gems of the hilltop town of Lefkes and the stylish port town of Naoussa.

Taking a guided tour is one of the best ways to see Paros if you are short on time and have accommodation booked on nearby islands. Plus you get to learn the local history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

paros lefkes village

Flights to Paros

A flight to Paros is pretty easily come by from hubs like Athens. Flights to Paros from Santorini and Mykonos during the high season are also plentiful.

Paros Airport

The small airport Paros is located on the southwest side of the island. It takes approximately 15 minutes to drive to the ferry port town of Parikia, and 30 minutes to the trendy harbour village of Naoussa. 

You can either grab the KTEL bus to reach the Parikia bus station for €3 (runs 4 times a day) or arrange a private taxi service. The bus runs from 9AM – 7:30PM daily.

Flights from Athens to Paros

What is the best way how to get to Paros from Athens? You will find an Athens Paros flight departing the Athens International Airport multiple times a day from airlines like Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Sky Express

Direct Athens to Paros flights are common and flight time is an easy 40 minutes. A flight Athens to Paros starts at $55 USD in shoulder months.

lefkes paros greece

Ferries to Paros

Travelling by ferry is the main means of transport in the Cycladic islands. I used ferries for my two months spent in Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Naxos and Paros and can recommend it to you. A ferry to Paros from neighbouring islands is common and plentiful. 

Based on your budget, you can choose from multiple ship sailings a day. Speed boats are the most expensive but will get you from island to island quickly. If you would rather be spending your hard-earned money on island experiences, slow ferries are also available. 

I used Ferry Hopper for the entirety of my trip in the Cycladic Islands and booking a ferry Paros was no exception. 

NOTE | Ferries can be cancelled at the last minute due to inclement weather, so make sure to schedule a couple of days buffer into your Greek Islands trip, just in case. 

NOTE | The availability of ferry itineraries to the Cyclades will decrease dramatically in the winter months.

lefkes paros greece

Athens to Paros Ferry

There are a few different ferry ports offering services from Athens to Paros, but the main and most convenient one is Piraeus. From the city centre of Athens, take the M1 metro to the port of Piraeus

If you’d like to reach Paros as quickly as possible, the speed ferries Athens to Paros take approximately 3-4 hours. Of course, with the convenience of getting to Paros from Athens quickly, you will pay twice as much as ferry lines like Blue Star ferries Paros. 

I used Blue Star via Ferry Hopper for the majority of my ferry crossings in the Greek Islands and can recommend them. A ferry to Paros from Athens via blue star will take 4.5-5 hours. 

Ferries From Santorini to Paros

Ferries Santorini to Paros (or Paros to Santorini) are common, especially due to the popularity of Santorini on most people’s Greek islands trip. Depending on what ferry itinerary you choose, you can make it from the Santorini port to Paros port in 2-4 hours, with multiple direct Santorini to Paros ferry options daily. 

You can either book your tickets with a local office on Santorini or Paros, or book in advance with Ferry Hopper, which is advisable in the busy months of summer. 

NOTE | If you are staying in Oia on Santorini, and you’d like to purchase ferry Santorini Paros tickets, you will have to transport to Fira to purchase locally.

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Mykonos to Paros Ferry

Ferries from Mykonos to Paros run multiple times daily during the summer months of the year. Because Mykonos is located a short distance north of Paros, you can take a ferry from Mykonos to Paros in under an hour. 

If you are travelling from Mykonos to Paros, remember that the ferry port is located outside of Mykonos Chora and you will need to either take a taxi for the 10-minute journey, or the local shuttle boat that departs from the Chora harbour.

Ferry from Naxos to Paros

You can reach Paros from the neighbouring island of Naxos in as little as 30 minutes via ferries Naxos to Paros on Ferry Hopper. If you opt-out of the more expensive jet boats, you can arrive in Paros from Naxos in less than an hour. The proximity makes it easy to visit Paros on a day trip from Naxos, too.

Ferry Milos to Paros

Milos is located on the far west of the Cycladic island group in Greece. Therefore ferry itineraries between these two islands are not as plentiful.

In the summer months, you may be able to find one or two trips a day, and they may be indirect sailings. The sailings between Milos and Paros are also more expensive, coming in at 70-80 euros each.

Paros Antiparos Ferry

Antiparos is located just off the shores of southwest Paros island. You can only access Antiparos directly through Paros. Make your way from Parikia down to the Port of Pounta to catch the 10-minute ferry across to Antiparos. You can check the Paros to Antiparos ferry schedule for the latest sailing times. 

The Paros to Antiparos ferry costs €1.20 per passenger or €6.30 per car.

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Greece Travel Planning Guide


What is the best way to book my Greece accommodation?

I always use booking.com for all my accommodations worldwide, and Greece is no exception. I stayed in some really epic places on my adventure around the islands.

For more cozy apartment-style accommodation try VRBO (better and safer than Airbnb).

What are the best day tours in Greece?

Taking a day tour in Greece is a great way to experience the top attractions and learn from a knowledgeable guide.

I highly recommend these Greece tours:

What is the best ferry website in Greece?

Hands down, Ferry Hopper is the best ferry website in Greece for booking your Greek island connections. This is how I booked all my Cycladic island ferries and can recommend them.

Ferries on Ferry Hopper can connect you from Athens to any island in the Cyclades including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Milos (plus more!).

You can choose from the fast ferry boats or the more economical slow ferry vessels and can compare prices on the website before booking.

Should I rent a car in Greece?

If you are flying in and out of Athens to see the top sights and don’t plan to leave the city, I don’t recommend renting a car. You can easily get around Athens by walking, taking public transportation, like the underground metro or ride-share services like Uber.

If you are heading to the Greek islands, this is where I would highly, highly (did I say highly?), rent a car in Greece. Islands like Milos, Paros and Naxos are best explored by car hire as the roads are more desolate and attractions are further apart.

I always use and recommend Discover Cars for this. Make sure to book early especially if you plan to visit Greece in the summer! Believe me, they sell out fast.

If you are going to plunk down on a beach for a week in the Greek Cyclades, I wouldn’t bother with a car rental. You can take a taxi or local transportation on the island to the beach destination of your choice (after your ferry trip from Piraeus, of course).

What is the best site to buy flights to Greece?

For finding cheap flights to and within Greece, I recommend booking through Skyscanner.

Can you drink tap water in Greece?

Yes! You can drink straight from the tap in Athens, Greece’s capital. Here the water supply is of good quality but may taste of chlorine depending on what area you are staying in.

Some Greek islands will have warnings against drinking tap water, so make sure to bring a self-filtering water bottle with you (LARQ is my fave) instead of resorting to pesky single-use plastic water bottles.


More Greece Travel Guides

10 Days in Greece Itinerary
Naousa Paros Travel Guide
Parikia Paros Travel Guide
Visiting Lefkes Paros
Where to Stay in Milos

Top Milos Boutique Hotels
Best Town to Stay in Paros

Designer Boutique Hotels in Paros
Top Areas to Stay in Naxos

My Fave Naxos Boutique Hotels

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