Just a few hours by plane from Paris, you can find the most beautiful island in the world! Last summer, the renowned magazine Travel + Leisure unveiled its ranking of the most magical island destinations on the planet, and it was indeed Paros—a true gem of the Cyclades—that took the top spot.
Paros, the world’s best island according to Travel + Leisure readers
Paros was still ranked 24th on this list just one year earlier. It has climbed to the top spot in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, ahead of Palawan, Bali, Ischia, and Fiji. Participants particularly praised the beauty of its landscapes, the quality of its cuisine, its shops, and the diversity of experiences available on the island.
Less well-known than some of its neighbors, such as Santorini or Mykonos, the island knows how to be lively without being defined solely by its party scene. It features bustling harbors, beaches with vastly different settings, and inland villages that completely transform the atmosphere of your stay.
In Naoussa, fishing boats still line the small harbor, surrounded by old white houses, taverns, and shops. The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot and becomes much livelier at dusk. In Parikia, visitors can explore the narrow streets and the historic center to discover another side of the island.
From Lefkes to the Kolymbithres Rocks, Paros offers rapidly changing scenery
All you have to do is head inland to discover another side of Paros. Perched high in the hills, Lefkes features beautiful white houses nestled among the hillsides. Trails also allow you to hike between villages, farmland, and marble quarries, far from the most crowded beaches.
Along the coast, Kolymbithres remains one of the most recognizable spots. The beach isn’t a long stretch of sand: it consists of small coves separated by imposing granite boulders, rounded by erosion. Further east, the winds attract water sports enthusiasts, while other bays offer more peaceful swimming. When it comes to cuisine, fish and seafood, chickpeas, and local produce are regular features on the menu, from family-run taverns to the more sophisticated restaurants in Naoussa.
From Paris, the most common route goes through Athens, then continues by domestic flight or ferry from the port of Piraeus. Another option is to fly to Mykonos or Santorini before taking a boat. And to make the most of the island and avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in May or September.