The Greek island crowned the world's best in 2025 by Travel + Leisure
The travel publication has named Páros the best island in the world in their annual World's Best Awards. The island rose to fame during the Cycladic civilization for its Parian marble, which was used in masterpieces like Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace. It's been ruled by the Romans, Venetians and Ottomans until 1832, when it finally became part of the modern Greek state.
Today, Páros is known for its laidback beaches, shopping and dining. It's featured on T+L 's best European islands list since the category was created, but this is the first time the island has been crowned the best in the world.
So, what makes Páros so great? According to the thousands of T+L readers who voted for this Cyclades island, it comes down to versatility.
One of their readers noted that Páros held 'surprises in every corner'. Maybe they were thinking of the island's Golden Beach, famous for its optimal windsurfing conditions. Or possibly, they thought of the nightlife in Naoussa, Páros's second largest town, fully stocked with high-end restaurants, elevated hotels and bars aplenty, like Meltemi. Perhaps it was Páros's capital, Parikia, that caught the reader's attention, where tourists delve into the island's history by visiting ancient churches, castle ruins or the Archaeological or Byzantine museums.
Whatever the reason, we're sold. It sounds like Páros is an island lover's dream. Curious about where else was featured on the list? Read on.
These are the world's 10 best islands right now
Páros, Greece
Palawan, Philippines
Bali, Indonesia
Ischia, Italy
Fiji
Maldives
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Hvar & the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Madeira, Portugal
Mallorca, Spain
ICYMI: This is officially the most beautiful place in the world, according to Time Out.
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