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 gorgeous, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to 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 may anticipate all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious vacationer amenities, and pleasant individuals who know the true that means of hospitality. It’s simple to see why many regard Paros because the quintessential Island for any Greece journey itinerary.
They are saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the appeal and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is without doubt one of the major the explanation why my companion and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we have now been again 4 years operating now and actually think about 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 best measurement. It actually does tick all of the packing containers and there actually is one thing for everybody.
Right here is a few sensible info for Paros. In the event you’d prefer to skip this and bounce to the Issues To Do in Paros part, click on right here.
When to Go to Paros Island
Ideally, the finest time to go to Greece is between Might and October, and the identical is true for Paros. The climate is nice and the ‘season’ is open — many locations shut for enterprise through 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 means of the Cyclades down from Turkey often between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros may be very common with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics nevertheless it’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind could be manageable.
How you can Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or aircraft. On account 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 usually 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 prepare hyperlink 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 e-book tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper. And, try my web site 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 price range because the bus trip is just one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You could find a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you possibly can lease automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll e-book out shortly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer time. Click on right here to see the newest charges on rental automobiles with Uncover Automobiles.
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.
Relating to quad bikes and scooters, be sure to test your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the arduous manner that they aren’t coated and accidents on the islands could be troublesome to handle, to not point out, costly.
Finest 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 major 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 previous city.
In true Cycladic type, it’s a labyrinth of slim whitewashed streets and an amazing place to remain if you wish to be near every little thing.
All the main banks and companies are situated 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 an interesting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one in all Greece’s most essential 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 one hundredth will likely 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.
Tackle: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Discover the church on the map, right 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 desire to remain. It’s slightly quieter than Parikia through 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 potential to get an inexpensive and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click on right 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 beautiful city to go to for a day and yow will discover some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues corresponding to honey and figs offered by the highway.
Some individuals love to remain right here yearly and it’s potential to seek out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.com, or simply by wandering by means 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 issues 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 change into extra common lately and is the primary port to embark on crusing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click on right here for a preferred crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (one of many high issues to do in Paros should you’re feeling lively!)
A bit of additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought of by many to be one of many finest seashores 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 lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and moderately 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 attraction.
In the event you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seaside ought to be in your checklist of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to position 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 on right 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 possibly can get pleasure from typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s potential to lease slightly room proper on the seaside for the worth of a pleasant meal and there are a selection of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
You’ll want to try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seaside at Kolimbithres is without doubt one of the most well-known in Paros and is situated west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has big boulders of granite positioned into the ocean that has been worn away over the centuries into clean sunbathing platforms.
The water right here is shallow and crystal clear and there is a wonderful taverna proper subsequent to the seaside which has among the finest residence 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 Seaside
One other highly regarded seaside that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving amenities.
Santa Maria is situated 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.
Tackle: Paros 844 01, Greece. Discover this stunning seaside right here on the map.
Planning a visit to different locations in Greece? Don’t miss the superior issues to do in Ios, the enjoyable issues to do in Zante (Zakynthos), and the unbelievable issues to do in Corfu! Kefalonia Island is crammed with issues to see and do, whereas Chios Island and Lesvos Island are extra offtrack and supply travellers a plethora of sights and actions. Plus, should you’re visiting the mainland, don’t miss the highest sights and issues 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 day by day and a few superb tavernas on the seaside, together with the highly regarded Thalami and Christiana.
There may be additionally an excellent fashionable restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside known as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An ideal spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly every other individuals round. Discover Ampelas on the map right 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 occasions 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 a variety of glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and pensions to remain in. Click on right here to seek 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 implies Butterfly in Greek.
Yearly through the summer time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap your entire valley, creating a really breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Tackle: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get instructions right here.
13. Take the Ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is a really picturesque and laid-back island situated 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.
When you have a rental automotive, you possibly can catch the automotive ferry from the township slightly additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is simply 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 after they go to every summer time.
In the event you’d moderately sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This stunning 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. Discover out extra right 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 occasions a day to Santorini and a number of other can even cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Paros.
The Blue Star ferries are big 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 value it to see what all of the fuss is about (belief me, it’s price it!). Click on right here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is simply an hour away and it’s fairly potential 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 must spend the night time in case your price range permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are potential and nonetheless pleasant.
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 big island however you have to 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 selection of wonderful tavernas proper on the sand. Whilst you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and glorious villas to lease…you might need to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands could be a lot harder, and costly than individuals understand. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s potential to hitch a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Take pleasure in a shocking day journey across the Small Cyclades, a bunch 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 elegance 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 anyplace from 20 euros ($23) per particular person to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to study extra about boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Buying
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 inexpensive. In the event you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take residence 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 Vineyard is simply behind the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells mild meals and cheese platters.
The best local weather circumstances 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 an alternative of on a trellis. That is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away through the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow by means of the Cyclades from July – September).
In the event you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Paros.
Moraitis Vineyard Tackle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right here.
19. Attend a Competition
The Greeks love a pageant and there are greater than 10 spiritual festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full checklist right here.
The Pirates Competition is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been ordinary in Medieval occasions. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by means of the group to grab the younger women 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, live shows, theatrical performances or e-book gala’s are scheduled in direction of the tip of the summer time. These festivals and occasions are among the many high cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Take pleasure in Fantastic Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of wonderful superb 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 should you’re on the lookout for a change from seafood and Greek delicacies, Le Sud in Naousa is price a glance.
21. Watch the Unbelievable Sunsets
All the Cycladic islands supply unbelievable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple to seek out many west-facing places.
On Paros, Parikia and west-located villages like Punda have the very best spots however there are eating places such because the above-mentioned Siparos that even have magnificent golden views within the evenings.
The great thing about a Greek sundown is the solar is so giant and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
A enjoyable method to discover the island is to lease your individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are quite a 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. In the event you don’t really feel snug driving, you too can rent a captain. Discover out extra and e-book your boat right here.
In the event you’re curious about native experiences, meals, and cooking, you received’t need to miss this unbelievable cooking class.
Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By the expertise, you’ll study her grandmother’s recipes, make new mates, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Study extra about this highly-rated expertise right 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 right here.
Lastly, for some nice reminiscences of your journey to Paros, head out on an epic buggy tour to among the coolest pure points of interest like caves, and waterfalls and luxuriate in a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Study extra right here.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is finest recognized 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 just a few of the villages and seashores. Hire a automotive to discover at your individual tempo and cease the place you need 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 loosen up and unwind.
The very best 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, should you don’t need to be out on the water, you possibly can 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 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 stay as much as its repute and for that purpose, 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, be certain Paros is in your itinerary.
