Paros is an island within the coronary heart of the Cyclades Islands in Greece with over 10,000 inhabitants and 120 kilometers of shoreline. Serene landscapes, fertile valleys, and rolling hills are dotted with small church buildings and monasteries, complemented by countless sandy seashores with azure blue waters.
Not solely is the pure panorama beautiful, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is without doubt one of the finest places to visit in Greece.
On Paros island, you’ll discover historic, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no scarcity of tavernas bars and cafes.
You possibly can anticipate all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious vacationer services, and pleasant individuals who know the true which means of hospitality. It’s simple to see why many regard Paros because the quintessential Island for any Greece travel itinerary.
They are saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the allure and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is without doubt one of the important the explanation why my accomplice and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, now we have been again 4 years working now and actually think about ourselves to be amongst household after we go to.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros, and it’s simply the appropriate measurement. It actually does tick all of the packing containers and there actually is one thing for everybody.
Right here is a few sensible data for Paros. In case you’d wish to skip this and soar to the Issues To Do in Paros part, click here.
When to Go to Paros Island
Ideally, the best time to visit Greece is between Could and October, and the identical is true for Paros. The climate is sweet and the ‘season’ is open — many locations shut for enterprise in the course of the different months.
The height season is July and August when the Europeans take their holidays and it may be each scorching and windy then too. Personally, we love June or September when it’s nonetheless full of life sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a powerful wind that blows by way of the Cyclades down from Turkey often between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros could be very well-liked with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics nevertheless it’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind might be manageable.
The best way to Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or airplane. As a consequence of its place and significance, Paros is linked not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – one of many busiest passenger ports on the planet!) but in addition to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is commonly the primary cease within the Cyclades for lots of the ferries and is the stopping-off level on the best way to Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, and all the opposite Cyclades Islands, in addition to linking with routes servicing the Dodecanese and Crete.
It’s solely 3 hours from Piraeus to Paros on the quick ferry and there’s now a brand new train link direct to the port from the airport.
The airport on the island was fully rebuilt in late 2016 and there’s now a brand new small terminal and an extended runway. There are numerous prospects each on the island and to locations past.
For details about the ferry routes and to ebook tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper. And, check out my website for extra Greece journey recommendation.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an incredible public bus system that may take you to most seashores and cities on the island. That is particularly handy for anybody on a price range because the bus trip is just one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). Yow will discover a timetable here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you may hire automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will ebook out shortly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer season. Click here to see the latest rates on rental automobiles with Uncover Vehicles.
This yr, they’ve began issuing fines in case you are driving with out a global driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
In terms of quad bikes and scooters, ensure you verify your insurance. Many individuals discover out the laborious approach that they don’t seem to be lined and accidents on the islands might be troublesome to handle, to not point out, costly.
Greatest Issues To Do in Paros, Greece
Let’s get into it. For such a small island, there actually are many issues to see and uncover in Paros. Listed here are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and important port of the island, Parikia can also be the industrial and enterprise hub. There are numerous eating places and cafes alongside the waterfront and thru a maze of alleys within the outdated city.
In true Cycladic type, it’s a labyrinth of slim whitewashed streets and an incredible place to remain if you wish to be near every little thing.
The entire main banks and companies are positioned right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and numerous vacationer companies.
There are additionally some very fascinating historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historic windmill and a captivating Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one in all Greece’s most necessary Byzantine monuments. Constructed initially within the 4th century it’s often known as the Church of a Hundred Doorways.
Legend has it that 99 doorways have been discovered within the Church and that the a centesimal can be found when Constantinople (Istanbul) is returned to Greece once more.
Entrance right here is free, and opening hours (on the time of publication) are 7am‑9pm. Within the off-season: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑8pm.
Handle: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Discover the church on the map, here.
3. Discover the Fishing Village of Naousa
Positioned within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this full of life fishing village is the place we choose to remain. It’s a little bit quieter than Parikia in the course of the day however actually comes alive at night time when it may be fairly the occasion city.
It’s nonetheless a fishing village at coronary heart and far of the nightlife revolves across the small compact harbour. This space is the costliest, nevertheless it’s additionally attainable to get an affordable and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click here for instructions.
4. Go to the City of Lefkes
A small medieval city nestled within the mountains behind Naousa with views over neighbouring Naxos. Lefkas has all of the makings of the Cyclades — white homes, blue doorways, and dripping vibrant pink Bougainvillea. A visit right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and you’ll find some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues reminiscent of honey and figs offered by the street.
Some individuals love to remain right here yearly and it’s attainable to search out some very cheap rooms on Booking.com, or simply by wandering by way of the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has a variety of charming tavernas well-known for his or her native seafood dishes. Don’t miss Ouzeri Halaris!
Sampling the regional delicacies is without doubt one of the finest things to do in Greece — ensure you don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has change into extra well-liked lately and is the primary port to embark on sailing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click here for a preferred crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (one of many prime issues to do in Paros if you happen to’re feeling lively!)
Somewhat additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought of by many to be one of many best beaches in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some superb resorts and tavernas, additionally, you will discover a variety of locations to hire windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some beautiful and fairly funky little beach-inspired retailers and boutiques. It may be very windy when the Meltemi is blowing however for many individuals, that’s a part of its enchantment.
In case you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seaside must be in your checklist of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs differ from place to position and yr to yr however are comparatively cheap. For one hour of windsurfing, anticipate to pay round 25 euros ($29), SUP is round $20 euros ($23) for an hour, whereas kayaks go for 15 euros per hour ($17).
There are a number of rental locations proper on the seashore. Click here for particulars.
7. Go to Drios
One other small fishing village, Drios was as soon as the traditional port of the island and is without doubt one of the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you may get pleasure from typical Cycladic hospitality, delicious cuisine, and really tranquil environment. It’s attainable to rent a little room proper on the seashore for the worth of a pleasant meal and there are a variety of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Be sure you try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get directions to Drios here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seashore at Kolimbithres is without doubt one of the most well-known in Paros and is positioned west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has large boulders of granite positioned into the ocean that has been worn away over the centuries into easy sunbathing platforms.
The water right here is shallow and crystal clear and there is a wonderful taverna proper subsequent to the seashore which has a few of the finest residence cooking on the island.
You possibly can drive round or catch the small public ferry over from Naousa. Whereas there are quite a few issues to do in Paros, don’t miss spending a day at this seashore.
9. Loosen up on Santa Maria Seaside
One other highly regarded seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is positioned a few 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seashore bars, tavernas, and eating places which provides it a extra cosmopolitan really feel and has been a favorite of Scandinavian households for many years.
Handle: Paros 844 01, Greece. Discover this stunning seashore here on the map.
Planning a visit to different locations in Greece? Don’t miss the superior things to do in Ios, the enjoyable things to do in Zante (Zakynthos), and the unbelievable things to do in Corfu! Kefalonia Island is stuffed with issues to see and do, whereas Chios Island and Lesvos Island are extra offtrack and provide travellers a plethora of sights and actions. Plus, if you happen to’re visiting the mainland, don’t miss the highest sights and things to do in Athens, and the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries.
10. Go to the Village of Ampelas
Ampelas is a small village and seashore about quarter-hour drive from Naousa. There’s a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water nearly every single day and a few superb tavernas on the seashore, together with the highly regarded Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally a very good trendy restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An excellent spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly some other individuals round. Find Ampelas on the map here.
11. Test Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village received its title from the adjoining one on the southern finish of the island.
Fairly near the airport in Aliki additionally, you will discover the Cycladic Folklore Museum. Many cultural events are held in Aliki, such because the feast of St. John of Klidonas in June, the feast of Christ the Savior on the sixth of August and the feast of the Holy Cross in September.
It’s a stunning village with a variety of glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and pensions to remain in. Click here to search out Aliki on the map.
12. Expertise Butterfly Valley
Positioned 5km south of Parikia, close to the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, this valley is known as Petaloudes, which suggests Butterfly in Greek.
Yearly in the course of the summer season months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap all the valley, creating a really breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Handle: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get directions here.
13. Take the Ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is a really picturesque and laid-back island positioned simply off the coast of Paros. It’s an ideal day journey or in case you have the time, keep a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart each half-hour from Parikia and the journey is about 10 minutes.
If you have a rental car, you may catch the automobile ferry from the township a little bit additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is barely 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence to a variety of celebrities most notably Tom Hanks and his Greek spouse Rita Wilson. They’re much-loved (and guarded) by the locals and take part in lots of native occasions once they go to every summer season.
In case you’d fairly sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This beautiful boat will whisk you away to Antiparos, Panteronisi and Despotiko whereas having fun with swims within the crystal clear sea. All through the day, you’ll eat and drink conventional Greek meals and snacks. Wine and beer are included. Find out more here.
14. Day Journey to Mykonos or Santorini
You don’t want to remain on the 2 costliest islands in Greece to get pleasure from them. There are ferries quite a few instances a day to Santorini and several other may also cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Paros.
The Blue Star ferries are large and extra like small cruise ships with nice eating places, bars and cabins. It takes about 3 hours to get to Santorini however it may be a pleasing journey and value it to see what all of the fuss is about (belief me, it’s price it!). Click here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is barely an hour away and it’s fairly attainable to pop over for lunch, though you’ll unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins round midnight.
So, if you wish to benefit from the occasion, you’ll need to spend the night time in case your price range permits it. If not, day trips from Paros to Mykonos are attainable and nonetheless satisfying.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is a wonderful island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is each fascinating and enjoyable. There are some nice seashores on this large island however you’ll need a automobile to get to most of them particularly in case you are pressed for time.
St. George seashore on the southern finish of Naxos city is a stunning calm seashore, nice for households, and there are a variety of fantastic tavernas proper on the sand. Whilst you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are numerous things to do in Naxos and excellent villas to rent…it’s possible you’ll wish to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands could be a lot tougher, and costly than individuals notice. On Paros, nevertheless, it’s attainable to hitch a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Get pleasure from a surprising day journey across the Small Cyclades, a gaggle of spectacular islands on the southern finish of Naxos which embody Koufanisi and Danousa.
The price of this tour varies dramatically relying on the dimensions and magnificence of the boat, which islands you go to, the length of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Anticipate to pay wherever from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click here to learn more about boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Purchasing
There are some nice little boutiques and shops in each Parikia and Naousa and even a number of funky locations within the smaller villages as effectively.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer put on and jewelry, a lot of it very inexpensive. In case you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take residence out of your journey this might positively be the place to do it.
18. Go to a Vineyard
There are a few glorious wineries on Paros. Established in 1910, Moraitis Winery is simply in the back of the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells gentle meals and cheese platters.
The perfect local weather circumstances of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some nice reds, whites and rose wines.
Chances are you’ll discover as you drive across the island that the vines are left to develop on the bottom as a substitute of on a trellis. That is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away in the course of the Meltemi (robust winds that blow by way of the Cyclades from July – September).
In case you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Paros.
Moraitis Vineyard Handle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get directions here.
19. Attend a Pageant
The Greeks love a pageant and there are greater than 10 spiritual festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full checklist here.
The Pirates Festival is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that had been regular in Medieval instances. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) working by way of the gang to grab the younger ladies away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other highly regarded occasion is The Fish and Wine Pageant which takes place in Marpissa on the primary Sunday of July.
Small or bigger festivals involving artwork exhibitions, dance and music occasions, concert events, theatrical performances or ebook festivals are scheduled in the direction of the tip of the summer season. These festivals and occasions are among the many prime cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Take pleasure in Wonderful Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of fantastic effective eating selections too.
Unbelievable sunsets and white tablecloth service is discovered at Siparos a couple of minutes’ drive previous Naoussa — we loved a really particular group birthday celebration right here not too long ago.
The Seven Senses Gastronomy in Drios is efficiently filling a niche on the southern finish of the island, and if you happen to’re in search of a change from seafood and Greek delicacies, Le Sud in Naousa is price a glance.
21. Watch the Unbelievable Sunsets
The entire Cycladic islands provide unbelievable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple to search out many west-facing areas.
On Paros, Parikia and west-located villages like Punda have one of the best spots however there are eating places such because the above-mentioned Siparos that even have magnificent golden views within the evenings.
The fantastic thing about a Greek sundown is the solar is so massive and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
A enjoyable option to discover the island is to hire your individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are plenty of enjoyable – pull up at secluded coves, moor up and soar off for a swim, and have the liberty to go the place you need. In case you don’t really feel comfy driving, you can even rent a captain. Find out more and book your boat here.
In case you’re all in favour of native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t wish to miss this incredible cooking class.
Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By the expertise, you’ll be taught her grandmother’s recipes, make new pals, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Study extra about this highly-rated expertise here.
If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your individual marble sculpture. The right memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros here.
Lastly, for some nice reminiscences of your journey to Paros, head out on an epic buggy tour to a few of the coolest pure sights like caves, and waterfalls and luxuriate in a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Study extra here.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is finest identified for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its stunning seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll have the ability to discover a number of of the villages and seashores. Hire a automobile to discover at your individual tempo and cease the place you wish to. Give your self extra time if you wish to be part of a enjoyable boat tour, a cooking class, go to a vineyard, and have time to chill out and unwind.
The very best factor to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Be part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your individual boat to discover the shoreline. Lastly, if you happen to don’t wish to be out on the water, you may merely get pleasure from swimming from one of many many stunning seashores.
Naxos and Paros are each stunning islands in Greece. Paros has a bit extra occurring than Naxos. Paros is a flatter island whereas Naxos is extra mountainous. Each of the islands have glorious seashores and eating places, and as a result of winds, Naxos and Paros are identified for his or her watersports (kitesurfing, crusing, windsurfing).
Now You Know What To Do in Paros
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros (and eat!) that I might go on ceaselessly. The “island for everybody” actually does reside as much as its popularity and for that cause, we’ll proceed to go to annually.
In case you are fortunate sufficient to be visiting Greece for the primary time and even your thirtieth time, be sure that Paros is in your itinerary.
