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 likely one of the finest locations to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros final 12 months for 8 days and might say that wow, this island actually is gorgeous! Undoubtedly lease a automotive to discover, be sure that to cease off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unbelievable seafood.
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 cheap costs, glorious vacationer services, 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 journey 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 likely one of the primary the reason why my accomplice and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve got been again 4 years working 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 appropriate dimension. It actually does tick all of the bins and there actually is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible data for Paros. In case you’d prefer to skip this and soar 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 throughout 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 energetic sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a powerful wind that blows by means of the Cyclades down from Turkey normally between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros may be very fashionable with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics but it surely’s additionally straightforward to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind could be manageable.
The way to Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or aircraft. Because of its place and significance, Paros is related not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – one of many busiest passenger ports on this planet!) but additionally to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is usually the primary cease within the Cyclades for most 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 practice hyperlink 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 potentialities each on the island and to locations past. For details about the ferry routes and to e-book tickets we advocate Ferry Hopper.
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 funds because the bus trip is only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You will discover a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you’ll be able to lease automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll e-book out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer time.
We booked our automotive by means of Uncover Vehicles and undoubtedly advocate having your individual wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the most recent charges on rental automobiles with Uncover Vehicles.
Paros has began issuing fines in case you are driving with out a world driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
In terms of quad bikes and scooters, be sure to test your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the exhausting approach that they don’t seem to be 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 here are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and primary port of the island, Parikia can also be the industrial and enterprise hub. There are a lot of 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 slender whitewashed streets and an amazing place to remain if you wish to be near all the things.
All the main banks and companies are situated right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer companies.
There are additionally some very fascinating historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historical windmill and an enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is considered one of 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
Situated within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this energetic fishing village is the place we want to remain. It’s a bit of quieter than Parikia throughout the day however actually comes alive at evening when it may be fairly the celebration 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, but it surely’s additionally doable to get an inexpensive and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click on right here for instructions.
Goats On The Highway Word: We stayed in Naousa and extremely advocate it. There are many guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and might advocate it. Click on right here to e-book.
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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and yow will discover some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues resembling honey and figs bought by the street.
Some individuals love to remain right here yearly and it’s doable to search 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 likely 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 grow to be extra fashionable in recent times and is the principle port to embark on crusing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click on right here for a well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (One of many High Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Lively!)
A bit additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought-about by many to be one of many finest seashores in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some excellent accommodations 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 slightly 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 ought to be in your checklist of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs fluctuate 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 likely one of the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s doable to lease a bit of 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.
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 likely one of the most well-known in Paros and is situated 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 superb taverna proper subsequent to the seaside which has a number 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. Loosen up on Santa Maria Seaside
One other highly regarded seaside that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
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 stuffed 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, for those who’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 virtually each day and a few excellent tavernas on the seaside, together with the highly regarded Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally a great fashionable 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 another 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 identify 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 stunning village with a variety of glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to remain in. Click on right 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 throughout 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.
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 if 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.
In case you have a rental automotive, you’ll be able to catch the automotive ferry from the township a bit of additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is barely 7 minutes.
Antiparos is dwelling 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 slightly 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 instances a day to Santorini and a number of other may also cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is certainly one of many high 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 value it!). Click on right 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 celebration, you’ll need to spend the evening in case your funds permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are doable and nonetheless pleasant.
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 have to a automotive to get to most of them particularly in case you are pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern finish of Naxos city is a stunning calm seaside, nice for households, and there are a variety of fantastic tavernas proper on the sand. Whilst you can undoubtedly go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and glorious villas to lease…chances are you’ll need to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands is usually a lot tougher, and costly than individuals understand. On Paros, nevertheless, it’s doable 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 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 period of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Anticipate to pay anyplace from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to study extra about one of many extremely rated 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 inexpensive. In case you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take dwelling out of your journey this is able to undoubtedly 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 in the back of the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells mild meals and cheese platters.
The best local weather situations 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 an alternative of on a trellis. That is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away throughout the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow by means of the Cyclades from July – September).
In case you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is likely one of the high issues to do in Paros. For many who would slightly go on a tour with a driver so you are able to do as many tastings as you need, this can be a nice vineyard tour choice.
Moraitis Vineyard Tackle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right 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 checklist right here.
The Pirates Competition is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that had been standard in Medieval instances. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) working by means of 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 gala’s are scheduled in direction of the tip of the summer season. These festivals and occasions are among the many high cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Take pleasure in Positive Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of fantastic nice 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.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
All the Cycladic islands supply 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 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 massive and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
- Hire Your Personal Boat: A enjoyable solution 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 soar off for a swim, and have the liberty to go the place you need. In case you don’t really feel snug driving, you can even rent a captain. Discover out extra and e-book your boat right here.
- Cooking Lessons: In case 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. Via the expertise, you’ll study her grandmother’s recipes, make new mates, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Be taught extra about this highly-rated expertise right here.
- Make a Sculpture: 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 right here.
- Go Kayaking: On the lookout for energetic issues to do in Paros? Sea kayaking is an superior choice! The guides are all licensed professionals, so you don’t have anything to fret about on the journey. Kayak, swim and luxuriate in a picnic as nicely. Click on right here to study extra.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you need to trip early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit out there. In the course of the sundown journey, you’ll discover the realm of Kakapetra together with your teacher, and for those who go for the morning journey, you’ll trip Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click on right here to study in regards to the sundown trip, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback driving journey.
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 perfect 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 need to be out on the water, you’ll be able to 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 happening 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 dwell as much as its repute and for that motive, 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 sure that Paros is in your itinerary.