Paros Named Best Island for Nightlife in Expedia’s 2025 Hot List. But It’s So Much More Than That

25 July

Paros just landed a major international nod, taking out the top spot for nightlife in Expedia’s 2025 Island Hot List. Ranked 9th overall, the Cycladic island is being recognised not just for its after-dark appeal, but for its balance of vibrant culture, design-forward hospitality, and laid-back coastal energy.

In a global lineup that includes big hitters like Bali, Sardinia, and the Maldives, Paros stood out for its unique ability to combine Cycladic charm with a fresh, unpretentious party scene. According to Expedia, it’s the island’s “rising design scene, low-key luxury, and inviting port towns” that make it a standout for travellers who want more than just a good time. They want a sense of place.

So what makes Paros nightlife-worthy?

Paros has long been a favourite for those in-the-know. It’s where you go when you’ve outgrown the chaos of Mykonos but still want a little buzz after dark. The scene here is more buzzy beach bar than velvet-rope VIP. Think cocktails at golden hour in Naoussa, live DJs spinning mellow house sets by the water, and late-night dancing that doesn’t need a dress code.

Naoussa, with its whitewashed lanes and fishing-boat-dotted harbour, is the island’s unofficial nightlife capital. But Parikia, the main port town, is also holding its own, with a growing number of cocktail bars, mezze spots, and open-air music venues that stay open deep into summer nights.

You’ll find everything from all-day beach clubs like Punda Coast and Monastiri, to boutique wine bars, rooftop DJ sets, and even tavernas that quietly transform into dance floors after midnight. The vibe is spontaneous, stylish, and very, very fun.

More than nightlife: why Paros deserves a spot on your 2025 travel radar

Nightlife might have earned Paros the Expedia spotlight, but it’s just one layer of what the island offers. Paros is increasingly popular with travellers looking for a more balanced, immersive Greek island experience. You’ll get great food, swimming spots that rival the Caribbean, ancient ruins tucked into hillsides, and boutique hotels that don’t scream about it.

It’s also a genuinely walkable island. You can wander from your pension to a beach to a local bakery and back without needing to hire a car. Ferries and water taxis connect nearby Antiparos and smaller beaches, making it easy to explore without overplanning.

Planning your Paros trip: what to know

Getting there: Daily flights run from Athens to Paros Airport (PAS), or take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. High-speed ferries make the trip in 3 to 4 hours.
When to go: June to September is peak season. May and October offer quieter stays with warm weather.
Where to stay: Look at Naoussa for stylish stays and nightlife, Parikia for local charm and access to ferries, or Lefkes for a quieter, inland village feel.
Budget: Expedia’s data suggests Paros remains affordable by Cycladic standards, with a wide range of boutique stays, family-run rooms, and luxury villas available.

Paros is having a moment. Recognised globally for its nightlife, but cherished locally for its heart, this island is proof you don’t have to choose between a good night out and a good night’s sleep.

Come for the sunset spritzes. Stay for everything else.