Paros crowned 2025 World’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure

PAROS, Greece — A carefree mix of sugar-cube villages, hidden coves, and tavern yards perfumed by grilled octopus has vaulted Paros to the top of Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. The Cycladic isle, long overshadowed by marquee neighbors Mykonos and Santorini, leaped from No. 24 last year to No. 1 worldwide, securing a reader score of 96.50—and giving the central Aegean not only bragging rights but a new must-stop for island-hoppers plotting the summer of 2025.

Why Paros Climbed to No. 1 in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Rankings

The annual survey—now in its 30th year—asks globe-trotters to grade islands on natural attractions, beaches, activities, food, friendliness, and overall value. Paros resonated across every category, according to the announcement highlighted on Travel + Leisure’s platform last week. In recent seasons, the island has widened its reach beyond beautiful beaches such as Kolymbithres and Santa Maria. Upgraded ferry terminals in Parikia, a growing network of way-marked hiking routes around Lefkes, and a burst of chef-driven tavernas in Naousa have helped disperse visitors and deepen stays. “The recognition reflects current global travel preferences—authenticity, quality, and a strong local identity,” municipal officials said in a prepared statement after the results were released.

Scorecard Snapshot

• Paros: 96.50 (No. 1 worldwide, No. 1 Europe)
• Crete: No. 11 worldwide, No. 6 Europe
• Milos: No. 16 worldwide, No. 7 Europe
• Santorini: No. 13 Europe
• Mykonos: No. 15 Europe
• Athens: No. 14 among European cities, score 86.69

Greek Islands Dominate the 2025 World’s Best Awards

Paros’ victory caps another banner showing for Greece. Five Hellenic islands cracked Travel + Leisure’s European top 15, while Crete and Milos also appeared in the global top 20. The capital, Athens, ranked No. 14 among European cities—bolstered by new exhibits at the Acropolis Museum and a wave of boutique hotel openings in Plaka and Psyri. For travelers, the trends point to Greece’s widening appeal beyond its classic poster children. With direct flights swelling into Athens and seasonal air links to Paros from several European hubs, the logistics of a multi-island itinerary have never been simpler.

What to Expect on Paros Right Now

Beaches and Bays

Golden Beach draws windsurfers with reliable meltemi breezes, while the crescent-shaped Monastiri offers protected swimming in an Aegean inlet framed by granite boulders. Even peak-season days leave room to roam; hop on the local caique service from Naousa to reach more secluded spots, such as Lageri or Tourkou Ammos.

Traditional Villages

Away from the coast, blue-shuttered Lefkes lures walkers onto the Byzantine Road, a 3-kilometer marble flagstone trail that once linked olive-farming hamlets. In Marpissa, musicians stage impromptu rebetiko sessions on the main square—an evening ritual that remains free of cruise-ship crowds.

Culinary Highlights

Parian food culture leans heavily on the sea. Try gouna, sun-dried mackerel charcoal-grilled at water’s edge, or crab-studded giouvetsi at a kafeneio where grandfathers still argue over backgammon boards. Vineyards outside Kostos nurture the island’s Moraitis white, while boutique breweries pour Cycladic IPAs for a younger set.

Tips for Travelers

• When to go: Late May through mid-June and September offer balmy swimming without the August crowds.
• Getting there: Daily ferries from Piraeus range 3–4 hours; 40-minute domestic flights connect via Athens International Airport.
• Where to stay: Restored stone guesthouses in Prodromos and design-forward suites overlooking Naousa’s harbor cater to different moods. Book popular rooms at least six months out for high season.
• Island-hopping: Naxos, Ios, and Antiparos sit within 45 minutes by local ferry, making Paros a smart base for a wider Cycladic loop.
• Getting around: A growing bus network reaches most beaches, but renting an electric scooter or compact car unlocks sleepy mountain roads.

What pushed Paros past heavyweights like Maui or the Maldives?

Reader comments highlighted the island’s balance of accessible beaches, living traditions, and affordability. Paros also benefits from a slowdown in overtourism pressure compared with Mykonos and Santorini.

Will the No. 1 ranking mean bigger crowds?

Expect a spike, especially in July and August 2025. The municipality has already limited bus access to the Old Port of Naousa at peak times and expanded pedestrian zones in Parikia to maintain visitor flow.

Is Paros suitable for families?

Yes. Sheltered beaches such as Piso Livadi offer gentle shallows, while water-sports schools at Pounda cater to beginners as young as eight.

The Bigger Picture for Greece

Paros’ headline victory underscores an evolution in traveler priorities: smaller-scale islands with immersive experiences are siphoning attention from more commercialized locales. As infrastructure improves, islands like Naxos, Syros, and even remote Astypalea could soon follow Paros onto global top-ten lists. For the moment, though, Paros wears the crown. Whether you arrive by high-speed catamaran or drift in on a white-sailed charter, chances are good you’ll step onto the quay, smell star anise from a nearby ouzo distillery, and understand why nearly a century of Cycladic history has just earned a new chapter.