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 beautiful, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros final yr for 8 days and may say that wow, this island actually is beautiful! Undoubtedly lease a automobile to discover, make certain 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 count on all of this, plus cheap costs, wonderful 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 journey itinerary.
They are saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the attraction and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is likely one of the essential explanation why my companion and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we now have been again 4 years operating now and actually take into account 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 suitable dimension. 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. Should 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 greatest 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 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 sizzling and windy then too. Personally, we love June or September when it’s nonetheless vigorous sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a powerful wind that blows by way of the Cyclades down from Turkey normally 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 however it’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind will be manageable.
The way to Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or airplane. 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 this planet!) but in addition to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is commonly 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 may be 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 may be 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 guide tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an ideal 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 trip is just one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You’ll find a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you may lease vehicles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will guide out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer season.
We booked our automobile by way of Uncover Vehicles and positively suggest having your personal wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the newest charges on rental vehicles 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.
With regards to quad bikes and scooters, ensure you examine your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the laborious approach that they aren’t coated and accidents on the islands will be tough 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 here are the 21 greatest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and essential 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 previous city.
In true Cycladic model, it’s a labyrinth of slender whitewashed streets and an ideal place to remain if you wish to be near every thing.
All the 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 interesting 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 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 hundredth 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.
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 vigorous fishing village is the place we favor to remain. It’s a bit quieter than Parikia in the course of the day however actually comes alive at evening 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, however it’s additionally attainable 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 Observe: We stayed in Naousa and extremely suggest it. There are many guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and may suggest it. Click on right here to guide.
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 greatest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a beautiful city to go to for a day and yow will discover some wonderful handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues equivalent to honey and figs bought by the highway.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s attainable to search out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.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 likely one of the greatest issues to do in Greece — ensure you don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has develop into extra well-liked 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 well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (One of many Prime Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Energetic!)
Just a little additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought of by many to be one of many greatest seashores in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some superb inns and tavernas, additionally, you will discover a variety of locations to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some beautiful and somewhat 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.
Should you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seaside needs to be in your listing of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs fluctuate from place to put and yr to yr however are comparatively cheap. For one hour of windsurfing, count on 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 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 may take pleasure in typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s attainable to lease a bit 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.
Make sure to take a look at Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seashore at Kolimbithres is likely 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 clean sunbathing platforms.
The water right here is shallow and crystal clear and there is a superb taverna proper subsequent to the seashore which has a number of the greatest 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 seashore.
9. Loosen up on Santa Maria Seaside
One other very talked-about seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is positioned a couple of 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seashore 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 seashore 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 provide 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 seashore about quarter-hour drive from Naousa. There’s a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water virtually day by day and a few superb tavernas on the seashore, together with the very talked-about Thalami and Christiana.
There may be additionally a very good fashionable restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore known as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An amazing spot for an extended, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly another folks 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 wonderful 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 in the course of the summer time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap the complete 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 positioned simply off the coast of Paros. It’s an ideal day journey or you probably 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 automobile, you may catch the automobile ferry from the township a bit additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is simply 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 after they go to every summer time.
Should you’d somewhat 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 take pleasure in them. There are ferries quite a few instances 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 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 price 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 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 evening in case your finances permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are attainable and nonetheless satisfying.
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 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 beautiful calm seashore, nice for households, and there are a variety of wonderful tavernas proper on the sand. When you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and wonderful villas to lease…you could wish to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot harder, and costly than folks understand. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s attainable 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 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.
Anticipate to pay anyplace from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to be taught 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 a number of funky locations within the smaller villages as properly.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer put on and jewelry, a lot of it very inexpensive. Should you’re seeking 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 wonderful 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 perfect 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 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 way of the Cyclades from July – September).
Should you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is likely one of the high issues to do in Paros. For individuals who would somewhat 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 possibility.
Moraitis Vineyard Tackle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right 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 listing right here.
The Pirates Pageant is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that had been traditional in Medieval instances. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by way of the gang to grab the younger women away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other very talked-about 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, live shows, theatrical performances or guide gala’s are scheduled in the direction of the tip of the summer time. These festivals and occasions are among the many high cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Bask in Wonderful Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of wonderful tremendous eating selections 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 just lately.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
All the 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 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
- Lease Your Personal Boat: A enjoyable approach to discover the island is to lease your personal boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are loads 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. Should you don’t really feel comfy driving, you can too rent a captain. Discover out extra and guide your boat right here.
- Cooking Lessons: Should you’re excited by native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t wish to miss this unbelievable 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 mates, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Study extra about this highly-rated expertise right here.
- Make a Sculpture: If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your personal 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 possibility! 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 properly. Click on right here to be taught extra.
- Go Horseback Using: Whether or not you wish to trip early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit obtainable. Through the sundown journey, you’ll discover the realm of Kakapetra along with your teacher, and for those who go for the morning journey, you’ll trip Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click on right here to be taught concerning the sundown trip, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback driving journey.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is greatest recognized for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its stunning seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll be capable to discover a number of of the villages and seashores. Lease a automobile to discover at your personal 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 a part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your personal 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 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 wonderful 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 ceaselessly. The “island for everybody” actually does reside as much as its popularity and for that purpose, we’ll proceed to go to annually.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to be visiting Greece for the primary time and even your thirtieth time, make certain Paros is in your itinerary.
