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 greatest locations to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros final 12 months for 8 days and may say that wow, this island really is gorgeous! Positively lease a automotive to discover, be sure that to cease off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unimaginable 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 possibly can count on all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious vacationer services, and pleasant individuals who know the true that means of hospitality. It’s simple to see why many regard Paros because the quintessential Island for any Greece journey itinerary.
They are saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the allure and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is without doubt one of the major the explanation why my companion and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve been again 4 years operating 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 precise measurement. It actually does tick all of the containers and there really is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible data for Paros. When you’d wish to skip this and leap 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 Could 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 energetic sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a robust 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 may be very widespread with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics however it’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind might be manageable.
Methods to Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or airplane. Resulting from 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 in addition 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 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 ebook tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has a fantastic 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 experience is only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You could find a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you possibly can lease vehicles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will ebook out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer time.
We booked our automotive by way of Uncover Automobiles and undoubtedly suggest having your individual wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the most recent charges on rental vehicles with Uncover Automobiles.
Paros has began issuing fines if you’re 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 verify your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the exhausting manner that they don’t seem to be coated and accidents on the islands might 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 greatest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and major port of the island, Parikia can 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 model, it’s a labyrinth of slender whitewashed streets and a fantastic place to remain if you wish to be near all the pieces.
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 historic windmill and a captivating 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 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 a hundredth 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.
Deal with: 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 energetic fishing village is the place we desire to remain. It’s just a little quieter than Parikia through the day however actually comes alive at evening when it may be fairly the get together city.
It’s nonetheless a fishing village at coronary heart and far of the nightlife revolves across the small compact harbour. This space is the most costly, however it’s additionally potential to get an inexpensive and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click on right here for instructions.
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 ebook.
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 beautiful city to go to for a day and you could find some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues equivalent to honey and figs offered by the highway.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s potential to seek out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.com, or simply by wandering by way of the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has plenty 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 — be sure to don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has develop into extra widespread 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 Seashore (One of many High Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Lively!)
Slightly additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seashore, 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 accommodations and tavernas, additionally, you will discover plenty 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.
When you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore needs to be in your record of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs differ from place to put and 12 months to 12 months 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 just a little room proper on the seashore for the value of a pleasant meal and there are a variety of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Remember to try 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 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 among the greatest residence cooking on the island.
You possibly can 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. Chill out on Santa Maria Seashore
One other very talked-about seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is situated a few 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.
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 unimaginable 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 provide travellers a plethora of sights and actions. Plus, in case 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 on daily basis and a few superb tavernas on the seashore, together with the very talked-about Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally an excellent trendy restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An ideal spot for an extended, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly every other folks round. Discover Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Verify Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village received 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 beautiful village with plenty of glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to remain in. Click on right here to seek out Aliki on the map.
12. Expertise Butterfly Valley
Positioned 5km south of Parikia, close to the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, this valley is known as Petaloudes, which 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 the whole 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 have the time, keep a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart each half-hour from Parikia and the journey is about 10 minutes.
When you have a rental automotive, you possibly can catch the automotive ferry from the township just a little additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is barely 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence to plenty 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.
When 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 take pleasure in them. There are ferries quite a few instances a day to Santorini and a number of other can even cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Paros.
The Blue Star ferries are big and extra like small cruise ships with nice eating places, bars and cabins. It takes about 3 hours to get to Santorini however it may be a nice journey and 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 barely an hour away and it’s fairly potential to pop over for lunch, though you’ll unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins round midnight.
So, if you wish to benefit from the get together, you’ll must spend the evening in case your funds permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are potential and nonetheless fulfilling.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is a superb island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is each fascinating and enjoyable. There are some nice seashores on this big island however you will want a automotive to get to most of them particularly if you’re 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 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…you might wish to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands could be a lot harder, and costly than folks understand. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s potential to hitch a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Get pleasure from 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 length of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Count on to pay wherever 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 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 reasonably priced. When you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take residence out of your journey this might 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 behind the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells gentle meals and cheese platters.
The perfect local weather situations of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some nice reds, whites and rose wines.
You might 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 through the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow by way of the Cyclades from July – September).
When you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Paros. For individuals who would reasonably go on a tour with a driver so you are able to do as many tastings as you need, it is a nice vineyard tour possibility.
Moraitis Vineyard Deal with: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right here.
19. Attend a Competition
The Greeks love a pageant and there are greater than 10 spiritual festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full record right here.
The Pirates Competition is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been normal in Medieval instances. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and leap from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by way of the group to grab the younger ladies away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other very talked-about 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 ebook festivals are scheduled in the direction of the top of the summer season. These festivals and occasions are among the many high cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Take pleasure in Tremendous Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of fantastic wonderful eating selections too.
Unbelievable sunsets and white tablecloth service is discovered at Siparos a couple of minutes’ drive previous Naoussa — we loved a really particular group birthday celebration right here lately.
21. Watch the Unbelievable Sunsets
All the Cycladic islands provide unimaginable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple to seek 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 giant and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
- Lease Your Personal Boat: A enjoyable strategy 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 leap off for a swim, and have the liberty to go the place you need. When you don’t really feel snug driving, you can even rent a captain. Discover out extra and ebook your boat right here.
- Cooking Lessons: When you’re involved in native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t wish to miss this unimaginable 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 pals, 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 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 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 nicely. Click on right here to be taught extra.
- Go Horseback Using: Whether or not you wish to experience 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 in case you go for the morning journey, you’ll experience Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click on right here to be taught in regards to the sundown experience, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback driving journey.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is greatest identified 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. 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 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, in case 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 as a result of winds, Naxos and Paros are identified 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 dwell as much as its repute and for that cause, 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.
