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 infinite sandy seashores with azure blue waters.
Not solely is the pure panorama gorgeous, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is among the finest places to visit in Greece.
On Paros island, you’ll discover historical, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no scarcity of tavernas bars and cafes.
You may anticipate all of this, plus affordable costs, glorious vacationer amenities, and pleasant individuals who know the true that means of hospitality. It’s straightforward 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 appeal and environment however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is among the primary the explanation why my accomplice and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve got been again 4 years operating now and actually take into account ourselves to be amongst household once we go to.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros, and it’s simply the correct measurement. It actually does tick all of the containers and there actually is one thing for everybody.
Right here is a few sensible data for Paros. When you’d prefer to skip this and bounce 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 nice 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 robust wind that blows by the Cyclades down from Turkey normally between July and September. It may be very highly effective and because of this, Paros could be very fashionable with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics nevertheless it’s additionally straightforward to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind could be manageable.
Tips on how to Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or airplane. Attributable to its place and significance, Paros is related not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – one of many busiest passenger ports on the earth!) but additionally 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 utterly 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 e-book tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper. And, check out my website for extra Greece journey recommendation.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an amazing public bus system that may take you to most seashores and cities on the island. That is particularly handy for anybody on a finances because the bus journey 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 lease automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll e-book out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer time. Click here to see the latest rates on rental automobiles with Uncover Vehicles.
This 12 months, they’ve began issuing fines if you’re driving with out a world driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
With regards to quad bikes and scooters, be sure to examine your insurance. Many individuals discover out the laborious manner that they aren’t coated and accidents on the islands could be tough 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 below are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and primary port of the island, Parikia can be the business 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 fashion, it’s a labyrinth of slender whitewashed streets and an amazing place to remain if you wish to be near all the pieces.
The entire main banks and companies are positioned right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer companies.
There are additionally some very attention-grabbing historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historical windmill and an enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one among Greece’s most necessary Byzantine monuments. Constructed initially within the 4th century it’s also referred to as the Church of a Hundred Doorways.
Legend has it that 99 doorways have been discovered within the Church and that the one 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
Situated within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this full of life fishing village is the place we want to remain. It’s somewhat quieter than Parikia in the course of the day however actually comes alive at night time when it may be fairly the get together 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 most costly, nevertheless it’s additionally doable 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 among the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a beautiful city to go to for a day and you could find some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues corresponding to honey and figs offered by the street.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s doable to search out some very cheap rooms on Booking.com, or simply by wandering by the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has numerous charming tavernas well-known for his or her native seafood dishes. Don’t miss Ouzeri Halaris!
Sampling the regional delicacies is among the finest things to do in Greece — be sure to don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has turn into extra fashionable lately and is the primary port to embark on sailing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click here for a well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Seashore (one of many prime issues to do in Paros for those who’re feeling energetic!)
Just a little additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seashore, thought-about by many to be one of many best beaches in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some superb accommodations and tavernas, additionally, you will discover numerous locations to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and reasonably funky little beach-inspired outlets and boutiques. It may be very windy when the Meltemi is blowing however for many individuals, that’s a part of its enchantment.
When you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore ought to be in your listing of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to put and 12 months to 12 months 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 seaside. 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 among the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you may take pleasure in typical Cycladic hospitality, delicious cuisine, and really tranquil environment. It’s doable to rent a little room proper on the seaside for the worth of a pleasant meal and there are a variety of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Make sure to try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get directions to Drios here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seashore
The seaside at Kolimbithres is among the most well-known in Paros and is positioned west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has enormous 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 superb taverna proper subsequent to the seaside which has a few of the finest dwelling cooking on the island.
You may 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 seaside.
9. Chill out on Santa Maria Seashore
One other highly regarded seaside that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving amenities.
Santa Maria is positioned a couple of 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seaside bars, tavernas, and eating places which supplies it a extra cosmopolitan really feel and has been a favorite of Scandinavian households for many years.
Handle: Paros 844 01, Greece. Discover this lovely seaside 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 crammed 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, for those who’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 seaside about quarter-hour drive from Naousa. There’s a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water nearly daily and a few superb tavernas on the seaside, together with the highly regarded Thalami and Christiana.
There may be additionally a very good trendy restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside known as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. A fantastic spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly every other folks round. Find Ampelas on the map here.
11. Test Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village acquired 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 beautiful village with numerous glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and pensions to remain in. Click here to search out Aliki on the map.
12. Expertise Butterfly Valley
Situated 5km south of Parikia, close to the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, this valley is known as Petaloudes, which implies 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 the whole valley, creating a very 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 when you’ve got 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 automotive ferry from the township somewhat additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is barely 7 minutes.
Antiparos is dwelling to numerous 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.
When you’d reasonably 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 most costly islands in Greece to take pleasure in them. There are ferries quite a few occasions a day to Santorini and a number of other may even cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Paros.
The Blue Star ferries are enormous 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 nice journey and price it to see what all of the fuss is about (belief me, it’s value it!). Click here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is barely an hour away and it’s fairly doable 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 get together, you’ll should spend the night time in case your finances permits it. If not, day trips from Paros to Mykonos are doable and nonetheless gratifying.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is a superb island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is each fascinating and enjoyable. There are some nice seashores on this enormous island however you will have a automotive to get to most of them particularly if you’re pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern finish of Naxos city is a beautiful calm seaside, nice for households, and there are a variety of fantastic tavernas proper on the sand. When you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are numerous things to do in Naxos and excellent villas to rent…you could wish to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands is usually a lot harder, and costly than folks understand. On Paros, nevertheless, it’s doable to affix 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 embrace 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.
Count on 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 just a few funky locations within the smaller villages as nicely.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer put on and jewelry, a lot of it very reasonably priced. When you’re trying to discover one thing particular to take dwelling out of your journey this may 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 behind the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells gentle meals and cheese platters.
The perfect local weather situations of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some nice reds, whites and rose wines.
It’s possible 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 (sturdy winds that blow by the Cyclades from July – September).
When you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is among the prime issues to do in Paros.
Moraitis Vineyard Handle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get directions here.
19. Attend a Competition
The Greeks love a competition and there are greater than 10 spiritual festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full listing here.
The Pirates Festival is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been traditional in Medieval occasions. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by the group 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 Competition 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 e-book 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. Bask in Tremendous Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of fantastic fantastic eating decisions too.
Unimaginable 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 lately.
The Seven Senses Gastronomy in Drios is efficiently filling a spot on the southern finish of the island, and for those who’re in search of a change from seafood and Greek delicacies, Le Sud in Naousa is value a glance.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
The entire Cycladic islands provide unbelievable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s straightforward to search out many west-facing places.
On Paros, Parikia and west-located villages like Punda have the perfect 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 strategy to discover the island is to lease your individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are a whole lot of enjoyable – pull up at secluded coves, moor up and bounce off for a swim, and have the liberty to go the place you need. When you don’t really feel comfy driving, it’s also possible to rent a captain. Find out more and book your boat here.
When you’re focused on 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 means of the expertise, you’ll study her grandmother’s recipes, make new associates, and revel in a meal with wine and ouzo. Be taught extra about this highly-rated expertise here.
If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your individual marble sculpture. The proper memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros here.
Lastly, for some nice recollections of your journey to Paros, head out on an epic buggy tour to a few of the coolest pure points of interest like caves, and waterfalls and revel in a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Be taught extra here.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is finest recognized for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its lovely seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll have the ability to discover just a few of the villages and seashores. Lease a automotive to discover at your individual tempo and cease the place you wish to. Give your self extra time if you wish to be a part of a enjoyable boat tour, a cooking class, go to a vineyard, and have time to calm down and unwind.
The most effective factor to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Be a part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your individual boat to discover the shoreline. Lastly, for those who don’t wish to be out on the water, you may merely take pleasure in swimming from one of many many lovely seashores.
Naxos and Paros are each lovely islands in Greece. Paros has a bit extra happening than Naxos. Paros is a flatter island whereas Naxos is extra mountainous. Each of the islands have glorious seashores and eating places, and because of the winds, Naxos and Paros are recognized 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 endlessly. The “island for everybody” actually does dwell as much as its fame and for that cause, we’ll proceed to go to every year.
In case you are fortunate sufficient to be visiting Greece for the primary time and even your thirtieth time, ensure that Paros is in your itinerary.
