Tiny European island named the best in the world – and people say it's a ‘smaller Mykonos'
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Paros is the best island in the world, according to Travel + Leisure
Credit: Alamy
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The island is part of the Cyclades and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea
Credit: Alamy
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
included the island in their
Read More on European Breaks
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.
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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
How to do two Greek islands in one holiday - with stunning private-pool rooms
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The island is less popular than the likes of Mykonos, but is getting more visitors
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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
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
From Mykonos, you can hop on the ferry to
Afterwards, you can explore the neighbouring island of Naxos which from Paros costs just £6 with
Here are more beautiful islands from a
And another island with
The Top 10 Islands according to Travel+Leisure Readers
These islands were picked as the top 10 islands in the world...
Páros, Greece
Palawan, Philippines
Bali, Indonesia
Ischia, Italy
Fiji Islands
Maldives
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Madeira, Portugal
Majorca, Spain
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Paros is the most beautiful island in the world
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