Privately guided tour of Paros

From the photogenic village of Naousa to a rugged walking path through the heart of the island’s interior, this guided tour and hike will introduce you to the highlights of Paros. The Cycladic island shares many of the same characteristics of its better-known cousins, Mykonos and Santorini, but is far quieter and much of the island’s authentic character still remains.

With a private driver and guide, you’ll visit several spots on the island to get a feel for its history and culture. It’s a chance to slip discover the island’s personality. You’ll stroll through a busy market, visit a tiny traditional town where the way of life hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages, and walk in the footsteps of medieval Greeks on a path that dates back to the Byzantines.

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and you’ll begin your tour in Naousa, located on the north coast of the island. Once a sleepy fishing village, Naousa has segued into a chic retreat that attracts visitors with its classic Cycladic architecture. You’ll explore its open-air market and visit the old port to see the white-and-blue boats bobbing in the water.

From there, head inland to explore the traditional village of Lefkes. Built on a hillside, it’s shaped like an amphitheater and overlooks nearby Naxos island. Surrounded by olive orchards and pine trees, the village is a loose collection of small whitewashed houses and Venetian architecture, including an imposing church with twin belfries.

There are only about 500 inhabitants, and you may even see villagers tending their grapes, gardens and chickens on the village’s outskirts. This is also the home of the Museum of Aegean Folk Culture and a folk art museum, attracting a small but vibrant community of craftspeople and artisans.

From Lefkes, you’ll set off on foot, experiencing a part of the island many visitors never see. As its name suggests, the Byzantine Way was constructed under Byzantine rule and connected the east and west coasts of the island. It runs from Parikia to Lefkes, which was once the capital of the island, and on to Piso Livadi, on the east coast.

With your guide, you’ll walk in the footsteps of medieval Greeks over undulating hills and past stands of pine trees, before reaching the village of Prodromos. There, you’ll stop for a traditional Greek coffee and sweets before returning to your hotel.