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 without doubt one of the greatest 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’ll be able to count on all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious 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 appeal and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is without doubt one of the most important the reason why my associate and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve been again 4 years operating 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 appropriate dimension. It actually does tick all of the bins and there actually is one thing for everybody.
Right here is a few sensible info for Paros. For those who’d wish 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 very best 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 normally between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros could be very standard with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics but it surely’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, avenue, or quiet nook so the wind could be manageable.
Methods to Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or aircraft. As a result of its place and significance, Paros is linked not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – one of many busiest passenger ports on the earth!) 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 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’s 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’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 guide tickets we advocate Ferry Hopper. And, try my web site for extra Greece journey recommendation.
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 funds because the bus journey is just 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 possibly can lease vehicles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will guide out shortly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer season. Click on right here to see the most recent charges on rental vehicles with Uncover Vehicles.
This yr, they’ve began issuing fines in case you are driving with out a global driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
On the subject of quad bikes and scooters, ensure you test your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the exhausting method that they aren’t lined 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 greatest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and most important port of the island, Parikia can also be the business and enterprise hub. There are numerous eating places and cafes alongside the waterfront and thru a maze of alleys within the outdated city.
In true Cycladic type, it’s a labyrinth of slender whitewashed streets and an important place to remain if you wish to be near every thing.
The entire main banks and companies are positioned right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer companies.
There are additionally some very fascinating historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historic windmill and an enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one among Greece’s most vital 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 centesimal shall 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 want to remain. It’s a bit quieter than Parikia through the day however actually comes alive at night time 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 potential to get an affordable 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 greatest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and you could find some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues comparable to honey and figs bought by the street.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s potential 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 without doubt 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 turn into extra standard 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 little bit additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought-about by many to be top-of-the-line 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 beautiful and reasonably 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 attraction.
For those who’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seaside must be in your listing of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to position 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 without doubt one of the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you possibly can take pleasure in typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s potential 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 try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seashore at Kolimbithres is without doubt one of the most well-known in Paros and is positioned west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has enormous boulders of granite positioned into the ocean that has been worn away over the centuries into clean 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 greatest residence cooking on the island.
You’ll be able to 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. Calm down on Santa Maria Seaside
One other very fashionable seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is positioned 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.
Tackle: 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 unimaginable 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 provide 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 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 very fashionable Thalami and Christiana.
There may be additionally a very good fashionable restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An amazing spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly some other folks round. Discover Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Examine Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village obtained 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 a variety of glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and pensions to remain in. Click on right here to search 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 suggests Butterfly in Greek.
Yearly through the summer season months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap all the 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 positioned simply off the coast of Paros. It’s an ideal day journey or when you’ve got the time, keep a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart each half-hour from Parikia and the journey is about 10 minutes.
When you’ve got a rental automotive, you possibly can catch the automotive ferry from the township a bit 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 season.
For those who’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 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 also 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 enormous and extra like small cruise ships with nice eating places, bars and cabins. It takes about 3 hours to get to Santorini however it may be a nice journey and price it to see what all of the fuss is about (belief me, it’s value it!). Click 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 celebration, you’ll need to spend the night time in case your funds permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are potential and nonetheless pleasing.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is a superb island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is each fascinating and enjoyable. There are some nice seashores on this enormous island however you’ll need a automotive 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 variety 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 glorious villas to lease…you might wish to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot tougher, and costly than folks understand. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s potential to affix 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.
Anticipate to pay wherever from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to be taught extra about boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Purchasing
There are some nice little boutiques and shops in each Parikia and Naousa and even just a few funky locations within the smaller villages as effectively.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer put on and jewelry, a lot of it very inexpensive. For those who’re trying to discover one thing particular to take residence 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.
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 (robust winds that blow by means of the Cyclades from July – September).
For those who’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 non secular festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full listing right here.
The Pirates Competition is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been common in Medieval instances. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) operating 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 very fashionable 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 guide festivals are scheduled in direction of the top of the summer season. These festivals and occasions are among the many high cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Bask in High quality Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of fantastic wonderful eating decisions 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 lately.
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 value a glance.
21. Watch the Unbelievable Sunsets
The entire Cycladic islands provide unimaginable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple 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
A enjoyable solution to discover the island is to lease your individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are a variety 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. For those who don’t really feel comfy driving, you too can rent a captain. Discover out extra and guide your boat right here.
For those who’re concerned with native experiences, meals, and cooking, you received’t wish to miss this unimaginable cooking class.
Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By way of the expertise, you’ll be taught her grandmother’s recipes, make new buddies, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Be taught extra about this highly-rated expertise right here.
If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your individual marble sculpture. The proper memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros right here.
Lastly, for some nice reminiscences of your journey to Paros, head out on an epic buggy tour to a number of the coolest pure sights like caves, and waterfalls and luxuriate in a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Be taught extra right here.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is greatest recognized for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its lovely seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll be capable to discover just a few of the villages and seashores. Lease a automotive to discover at your individual tempo and cease the place you wish to. Give your self extra time if you wish to be a part of a enjoyable boat tour, a cooking class, go to a vineyard, and have time to chill out and unwind.
One of the 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 wish to be out on the water, you possibly can merely take pleasure in swimming from one of many many lovely seashores.
Naxos and Paros are each lovely islands in Greece. Paros has a bit extra happening than Naxos. Paros is a flatter island whereas Naxos is extra mountainous. Each of the islands have glorious seashores and eating places, and because of the winds, Naxos and Paros are recognized for his or her watersports (kitesurfing, crusing, windsurfing).
Now You Know What To Do in Paros
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros (and eat!) that I might go on eternally. The “island for everybody” actually does stay as much as its fame and for that cause, we are going to proceed to go to every year.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to be visiting Greece for the primary time and even your thirtieth time, be certain Paros is in your itinerary.
