Tiny European island named the best in the world – and people say it's a ‘smaller Mykonos'

The Sun

08-07-2025

THE Greek island of Paros has been declared the best island in the world.
Travel + Leisure 's annual World's Best Islands reveals some of the finest across the globe based on thousands of reader responses.
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Paros is part of the Cyclades and last year was 24th on the list, but for 2025 has come in first place.
Travel + Leisure readers said they loved the delicious food on the island as well as "picture-perfect blue and white villages like Naoussa.
Paros was so well-loved by the voters that it received a vote of 96.50 out of 100.
The Greek island has been up and coming for a while, a study last year by American Express Travel included the island in their 2025 Trending Destinations list.
The website stated: "Laid-back Paros has become the Greek island of choice for many.
"The cultural scene is vibrant here, and the rocky coastline is studded with beaches, secluded coves, and sea caves.
"A mere 40-minute flight from Athens—or three hours on a ferry—this windblown retreat is also easy to get to."
The main town on the island is Parikia which is not only the capital, but the port too.
It's the hub for ferry traffic which connects it to neighbouring islands.
One of the most popular towns on the island is Naoussa which is second largest on the island and has been called a "smaller version of Mykonos".
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The town is on the northern side of the island and is considered one of the prettiest in the whole of the Cyclades with chalky white buildings and deep blue detailing.
Lageri Beach, which is popular in Naoussa was described as being "heaven on earth" by more than one visitors on Tripadvisor.
Up on the hillside is Lefkes, a mountain village surrounded by olive groves and pine forests.
The village has winding stone streets full of bright, contrasting bougainvillea flowers.
Being surrounded by the sparkling Aegean Sea means that Paros is popular for boat trips, snorkelling, diving and water skiing.
The streets are lined with tiny cafes and bars which light up in the evening.
There's also a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs and even boat parties.
For anyone visiting Greece, Paros is pretty easy to visit thanks to the ferry service.
From Mykonos, you can hop on the ferry to Paros which cost £28 and is just 45 minutes.
Afterwards, you can explore the neighbouring island of Naxos which from Paros costs just £6 with Omnio, and is also the quickest journey taking 25 minutes.