The Best Things to Do on Paros—the Greek Island Best Savored in Shoulder Season

11.09.2024 - 23:35 / cntraveler.com / Santa Maria

If you think that Labor Day marks the end of summer vacations and seaside revelry, think again. On the Greek island of Paros, September is the best time to visit. Thanks to its rising popularity, Paros in July and August has recently become enormously busy. Roughly the size of the city of Stockholm at 75 square miles, Paros can feel insufferably crowded in the peak of summer. But in September—and for a few weeks beyond—a lot of that pressure is released, making the island feel more expansive and easier to enjoy.

Shoulder season is when residents get their Paros back. “After the hustle and bustle of [summer], the island starts to breathe again,” says Christiane Smit, who has lived here for 16 years as a ceramic artist and is now owner of the newly opened villa Moonhouse Paros. “The sea is still warm and inviting, but the beaches are no longer crowded. The narrow streets of Naoussa, Parikia, and the villages regain their charm, gently humming with actual life.”

Paros' white stucco homes overlook the Aegean Sea.

But the lack of traffic and tourist hordes are not the only reasons why visitors and locals alike named September the best time on the island: According to Paros native, tour guide, and author Konstantinos Statheros, the month also brings great weather following the hot, windy days of August. “September is definitely one more month of warm weather, but without the scorching temperatures of the main summer months,” he says. “The Cyclades experience severe winds and rough seas in August, but these stop in September, and the sea calms down.”

If an end-of-summer jaunt to a tranquil, crowd-free island is what you’re craving, Paros in September impresses with a medley of warm beaches, rugged hiking trails, lively restaurants, and atmospheric villages. Just be mindful that this is when a slower pace of life starts to take over the region—so pull up a beach chair, pour yourself a glass of Parian wine, and take it easy.

During high season, traffic on Paros and many other Greek islands can be patience-defying—but it eases up in September, so springing for a car means you’ll be able to explore more of Paros instead of overpaying for taxis. (You may hear about visitors vrooming on an ATV; don’t bother—they’re regularly getting into accidents.)

Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant is a popular destination for travelers, especially in September.

The restaurant serves fresh-caught seafood classics and decadent desserts.

Since you’re in Greece, the best beaches will be high on your list: Agioi Anargyri is a popular family-friendly option on a tranquil bay near Noussa. Half the beach has hotel sunbeds and umbrellas, which anyone can rent, and the other half is free for the taking. Not far is Santa Maria, one of the