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 beautiful, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is among the finest locations to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros final yr for 8 days and may say that wow, this island really is beautiful! Undoubtedly hire a automotive to discover, make sure that to cease off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unimaginable 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 possibly can count on all of this, plus cheap costs, wonderful vacationer amenities, 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 among the foremost explanation why my associate and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve got 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 precise measurement. It actually does tick all of the bins and there really is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible data for Paros. In the event you’d wish to skip this and leap to the Issues To Do in Paros part, click here.
When to Go to Paros Island
Ideally, one of the best 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 energetic sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a powerful wind that blows by means of the Cyclades down from Turkey often between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros could be very in style 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.
How one can Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or aircraft. As a consequence 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 additionally to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is usually the primary cease within the Cyclades for most of the ferries and is the stopping-off level on the 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 train link direct to the port from the airport.
The airport on the island was utterly rebuilt in late 2016 and there’s now a brand new small terminal and an extended runway. There are numerous potentialities each on the island and to locations past. For details about the ferry routes and to e-book tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an awesome 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 experience is just one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). Yow will discover a timetable here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you possibly can hire automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll e-book out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer season.
We booked our automotive by means of Uncover Vehicles and undoubtedly suggest having your personal wheels to discover Paros. Click here to see the latest rates on rental automobiles 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.
In terms of quad bikes and scooters, ensure you examine your insurance. Many individuals discover out the arduous manner that they aren’t lined 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 below are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and foremost port of the island, Parikia can be the business 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 awesome place to remain if you wish to be near every little 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 enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is considered one of Greece’s most necessary 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 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, here.
3. Discover the Fishing Village of Naousa
Situated within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this energetic fishing village is the place we desire to remain. It’s just a little 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 most costly, however it’s additionally doable to get an affordable and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click here for instructions.
Goats On The Highway Word: We stayed in Naousa and extremely suggest it. There are many guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and may suggest it. Click here to book.
4. Go to the City of Lefkes
A small medieval city nestled within the mountains behind Naousa with views over neighbouring Naxos. Lefkas has all of the makings of the Cyclades — white homes, blue doorways, and dripping vibrant pink Bougainvillea. A visit right here is among the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and you could find some wonderful handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues similar to honey and figs offered by the street.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s doable to search out some very cheap rooms on Booking.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 numerous charming tavernas well-known for his or her native seafood dishes. Don’t miss Ouzeri Halaris!
Sampling the regional delicacies is among the finest 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 out to be extra in style lately and is the primary port to embark on sailing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click here for a preferred crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (One of many Prime Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Energetic!)
Somewhat additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought of 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 numerous locations to hire windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and moderately 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.
In the event you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seaside must be in your record 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, 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 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 among the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you possibly can take pleasure in typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s doable to rent a little room proper on the seashore for the worth of a pleasant meal and there are a selection of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Remember to take a look at Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get directions to Drios here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seashore at Kolimbithres is among 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 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 among the finest dwelling 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. Loosen up on Santa Maria Seaside
One other very fashionable seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving amenities.
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 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 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, in the event 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 excellent tavernas on the seashore, together with the very fashionable Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally an excellent fashionable restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore known as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. A fantastic spot for an extended, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly some other folks round. Find Ampelas on the map 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 events 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 numerous wonderful seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to remain in. Click 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 season months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap your entire valley, creating a very breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Tackle: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get directions 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.
If you have a rental car, you possibly can catch the automotive ferry from the township just a little additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is just 7 minutes.
Antiparos is dwelling to numerous 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.
In the event you’d moderately sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This beautiful 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. Find out more 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 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 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 nice journey and value 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 just an hour away and it’s fairly doable to pop over for lunch, though you’ll unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins round midnight.
So, if you wish to benefit from the occasion, you’ll must spend the evening in case your finances permits it. If not, day trips from Paros to Mykonos are doable 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 large 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 selection of wonderful 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 wonderful villas to hire…you might 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, nevertheless, it’s doable to hitch a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Take pleasure in a surprising 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 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 here to learn more 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. In the event you’re trying to discover one thing particular to take dwelling 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 Winery is simply in the back of the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells mild 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 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 among the high issues to do in Paros. For many who would moderately go on a tour with a driver so you are able to do as many tastings as you need, this is a great winery tour option.
Moraitis Vineyard Tackle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get directions 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 record here.
The Pirates Festival is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been standard in Medieval instances. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and leap from the caciques (fishing boats) working by means of the group to grab the younger ladies away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other very fashionable 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 e-book gala’s 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. Take pleasure in Wonderful Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of wonderful nice 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
All the 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 one of the 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 solution to discover the island is to hire your personal boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are lots 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. In the event you don’t really feel comfy driving, it’s also possible to rent a captain. Find out more and book your boat here.
- Cooking Lessons: In the event you’re involved in native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t wish to miss this incredible cooking class. Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By way of the expertise, you’ll study her grandmother’s recipes, make new pals, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Study extra about this highly-rated expertise here.
- Make a Sculpture: If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your personal marble sculpture. The right memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros here.
- Go Kayaking: Searching 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 here to learn more.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you wish to experience early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit out there. During the sunset trip, you’ll discover the realm of Kakapetra together with your teacher, and in the event you opt for the morning trip, you’ll experience Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click here to study concerning the sundown experience, and click 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 be capable to discover a number of of the villages and seashores. Hire a automotive 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 loosen up and unwind.
The most effective 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, in the event 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 occurring 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 may go on eternally. The “island for everybody” actually does reside as much as its repute 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, make sure that Paros is in your itinerary.
