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 limitless 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.
We visited Paros final yr for 8 days and may say that wow, this island actually is gorgeous! Positively lease a automobile to discover, be certain that to cease off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unbelievable seafood.
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 affordable costs, wonderful vacationer amenities, and pleasant individuals who know the true which 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 appeal and environment 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, we now have been again 4 years working now and actually contemplate 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 proper 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. In the event you’d wish 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 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 sizzling 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 normally between July and September. It may be very highly effective and because of this, Paros may be very standard with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics however it’s additionally straightforward to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind may be manageable.
Learn how to Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or aircraft. On account of its place and significance, Paros is related 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 most of the ferries and is the stopping-off level on the way in which 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 practice 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 prospects 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 important 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 could 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’ll guide out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer season.
We booked our automobile by means of Uncover Vehicles and undoubtedly suggest having your individual 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 global driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
Relating to quad bikes and scooters, be sure to verify your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the arduous approach that they aren’t lined and accidents on the islands may 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 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 various 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 important place to remain if you wish to be near all the things.
The entire main banks and providers are situated right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer providers.
There are additionally some very attention-grabbing historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historic windmill and an enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is certainly one of Greece’s most essential Byzantine monuments. Constructed initially within the 4th century it’s also called the Church of a Hundred Doorways.
Legend has it that 99 doorways have been discovered within the Church and that the a 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.
Deal with: 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 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 evening when it may be fairly the social gathering 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 affordable and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click on right here for instructions.
Goats On The Street Be aware: 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 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 wonderful handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues akin to honey and figs bought by the highway.
Some individuals 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 means of the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has quite a few 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 develop into extra standard lately and is the principle 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 Seashore (One of many High Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Energetic!)
Just a little additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seashore, 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 lodges and tavernas, additionally, you will discover quite a few locations to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some beautiful 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.
In the event you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore must be in your checklist of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to put 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 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 may get pleasure from typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s attainable to lease a little bit room proper on the seashore for the value of a pleasant meal and there are a selection 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 Seashore
The seashore 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 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 number of 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 seashore.
9. Loosen up on Santa Maria Seashore
One other highly regarded seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving amenities.
Santa Maria is situated 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.
Deal with: Paros 844 01, Greece. Discover this lovely 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 full of 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 seashore about quarter-hour drive from Naousa. There’s a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water virtually daily and a few excellent 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 important 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 bought 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 stunning village with quite a few 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 your complete valley, creating a really breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Deal with: 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 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.
In case you have a rental automobile, you may catch the automobile ferry from the township a little bit additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is just 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence to quite a few 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 time.
In the event you’d reasonably sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This lovely 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 most costly 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 prime 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 price 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 just 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 social gathering, 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 pleasurable.
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 big island however you will have 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 selection of fantastic tavernas proper on the sand. When you can undoubtedly go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and wonderful villas to lease…it’s possible you’ll need to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot harder, and costly than individuals notice. 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 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 scale and elegance of the boat, which islands you go to, the period 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 be taught extra about one of many extremely rated boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Procuring
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. In the event you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take residence out of your journey this could undoubtedly 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 in the back of the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells gentle 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.
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 (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 prime issues to do in Paros. For many who would reasonably 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 Deal with: 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 non secular festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full checklist right here.
The Pirates Pageant is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been normal in Medieval instances. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) working by means 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, live shows, theatrical performances or guide festivals are scheduled in the direction of the top of the summer time. These festivals and occasions are among the many prime cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Bask in Advantageous Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of fantastic advantageous 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 not too long ago.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
The entire 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 giant and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
- Hire Your Personal Boat: A enjoyable approach to discover the island is to lease your individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are numerous 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 the event you don’t really feel comfy driving, it’s also possible to rent a captain. Discover out extra and guide your boat right here.
- Cooking Lessons: In the event you’re excited 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 be taught her grandmother’s recipes, make new mates, and revel 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 right memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros right here.
- Go Kayaking: On the lookout for lively 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 revel in a picnic as nicely. Click on right here to be taught extra.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you need to trip early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit obtainable. 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 be taught in regards to the sundown trip, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback using journey.
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. Hire a automobile 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 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 may merely get pleasure from 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 wonderful 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 may go on eternally. The “island for everybody” actually does stay as much as its status and for that motive, we are going to 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 certain that Paros is in your itinerary.
