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 greatest locations to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros final 12 months for 8 days and might say that wow, this island actually is beautiful! Definitely hire 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 historical, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no scarcity of tavernas bars and cafes.
You can anticipate all of this, plus affordable 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 say Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the allure and environment however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is among the important the reason why my accomplice and I fell in love with it.
So a lot so, we’ve got been again 4 years operating now and actually think about ourselves to be amongst household once we go to.
There are so many issues to do in Paros, and it’s simply the precise dimension. It actually does tick all of the bins and there actually is one thing for everybody. Here is a few sensible info for Paros. If you’d prefer to skip this and bounce to the Things To Do in Paros part, click on right here.
When to Visit Paros Island
Ideally, the very best time to go to Greece is between May and October, and the identical is true for Paros. The climate is sweet and the ‘season’ is open — many locations shut for enterprise throughout the different months.
The peak 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 strong wind that blows through the Cyclades down from Turkey usually between July and September. It can be very powerful and for this reason, Paros is very popular with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics but it’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind might be manageable.
How to Get to Paros Island
You can get to Paros by boat or aircraft. Due to 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 commonly the primary cease within the Cyclades for lots 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’s now a brand new prepare hyperlink 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 advocate Ferry Hopper.
Getting Around Paros Island
Paros has an ideal public bus system that may take you to most seashores and cities on the island. This is particularly handy for anybody on a funds because the bus experience is only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You can discover a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you may hire vehicles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll e-book out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer.
We booked our automobile by Discover Cars and positively advocate having your personal wheels to discover Paros. Click right here to see the most recent charges on rental vehicles with Discover Cars.
Paros has began issuing fines if you’re driving with out a world driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
When it involves quad bikes and scooters, ensure you examine your insurance coverage. Many folks discover out the onerous method that they aren’t lined and accidents on the islands might be tough to handle, to not point out, costly.
Best Things 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. Here are the 21 greatest.
1. Visit Parikia
The capital and important port of the island, Parikia can be the business and enterprise hub. There are many 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 ideal place to remain if you wish to be near every little thing.
All of the 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 historical windmill and an interesting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
This is one in every of Greece’s most essential Byzantine monuments. Built initially within the 4th century it’s also referred to as the Church of a Hundred Doors.
Legend has it that 99 doorways have been discovered within the Church and that the one centesimal might 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. In the off-season: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑8pm.
Address: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Find the church on the map, right here.
3. Explore the Fishing Village of Naousa
Located within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this full of life fishing village is the place we favor to remain. It’s a bit quieter than Parikia throughout 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 attainable to get an affordable and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click right here for instructions.
Goats On The Road Note: We stayed in Naousa and extremely advocate it. There are numerous guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and might advocate it. Click right here to e-book.
4. Visit the Town 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 greatest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and yow will discover some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues resembling honey and figs offered by the street.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s attainable to seek out some very cheap rooms on Booking.com, or simply by wandering by the village.
5. Explore 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 greatest issues to do in Greece — ensure you don’t miss the mussels right here!
Once a really small and quiet bay, it has change into extra fashionable in recent times and is the principle port to embark on crusing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click right here for a well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Beach (One of the Top Things to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Active!)
A little bit additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Beach, thought of by many to be the most effective seashores in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
As properly as some superb inns and tavernas, additionally, you will discover numerous locations to hire windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and quite funky little beach-inspired retailers and boutiques. It might be very windy when the Meltemi is blowing however for many individuals, that’s a part of its enchantment.
If you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Beach needs to be in your checklist 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, 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 seaside. Click right here for particulars.
7. Visit Drios
Another small fishing village, Drios was as soon as the traditional port of the island and is among the greenest villages in Paros.
Here you may take pleasure in typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s attainable to hire a bit room proper on the seaside for the value of a pleasant meal and there are a selection of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Be certain to take a look at Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Beach
The seaside at Kolimbithres is among the most well-known in Paros and is positioned 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 seaside which has among the greatest dwelling cooking on the island.
You can drive round or catch the small public ferry over from Naousa. While there are quite a few issues to do in Paros, don’t miss spending a day at this seaside.
9. Relax on Santa Maria Beach
Another very fashionable seaside 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 seaside bars, tavernas, and eating places which provides it a extra cosmopolitan really feel and has been a favorite of Scandinavian households for many years.
Address: Paros 844 01, Greece. Find this lovely seaside 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 stuffed with issues to see and do, whereas Chios Island and Lesvos Island are extra offtrack and supply 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. Visit the Village of Ampelas
Ampelas is a small village and seaside about quarter-hour drive from Naousa. There is a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water virtually every single day and a few superb tavernas on the seaside, together with the very fashionable Thalami and Christiana.
There can be a great trendy restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside known as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. A fantastic spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly every other folks round. Find Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Check 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.
Quite 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 numerous glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to remain in. Click right here to seek out Aliki on the map.
12. Experience Butterfly Valley
Located 5km south of Parikia, close to the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, this valley is known as Petaloudes, which implies Butterfly in Greek.
Every 12 months throughout the summer time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap the complete valley, creating a very breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Address: 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 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.
If you have got a rental automobile, you may catch the automobile ferry from the township a bit additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is simply 7 minutes.
Antiparos is dwelling to numerous celebrities most notably Tom Hanks and his Greek spouse Rita Wilson. They are much-loved (and guarded) by the locals and take part in lots of native occasions once they go to every summer time.
If you’d quite 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. Throughout the day, you’ll eat and drink conventional Greek meals and snacks. Wine and beer are included. Find out extra right here.
14. Day Trip 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 occasions 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 pleasing journey and price it to see what all of the fuss is about (belief me, it’s value it!). Click right here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is simply an hour away and it’s fairly attainable to pop over for lunch, though you’ll unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins round midnight.
So, if you wish to benefit from the occasion, you’ll must spend the evening in case your funds permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are attainable and nonetheless fulfilling.
15. Take a Day Trip 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’ll need a automobile to get to most of them particularly if you’re pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern finish of Naxos city is a stunning calm seaside, nice for households, and there are a selection of wonderful tavernas proper on the sand. While you may positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and glorious villas to hire…chances are you’ll need to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Sailing across the Greek Islands is usually a lot harder, and costly than folks notice. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s attainable to affix a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Enjoy a shocking day journey across the Small Cyclades, a gaggle of spectacular islands on the southern finish of Naxos which embrace Koufanisi and Danousa.
The price of this tour varies dramatically relying on the dimensions and magnificence of the boat, which islands you go to, the period of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Expect to pay wherever from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click right here to study extra about one of many extremely rated boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Shopping
There are some nice little boutiques and shops in each Parikia and Naousa and even a couple 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 reasonably priced. If you’re trying to discover one thing particular to take dwelling out of your journey this might positively be the place to do it.
18. Visit a Winery
There are a few glorious 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 gentle meals and cheese platters.
The ideally suited local weather circumstances 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 an alternative of on a trellis. This is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away throughout the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow by the Cyclades from July – September).
If you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is among the high issues to do in Paros. For those that would quite 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 Winery Address: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right here.
19. Attend a Festival
The Greeks love a pageant and there are greater than 10 spiritual festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Find a full checklist right here.
The Pirates Festival is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been standard in Medieval occasions. Young boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by the gang to grab the younger women away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
Another very fashionable occasion is The Fish and Wine Festival 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 tip of the summer time. These festivals and occasions are among the many high cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Indulge in Fine Dining
While conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of wonderful tremendous eating decisions too.
Incredible sunsets and white tablecloth service is discovered at Siparos a couple of minutes’ drive previous Naoussa — we loved a really particular group birthday celebration right here just lately.
21. Watch the Incredible Sunsets
All of the Cycladic islands supply unbelievable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple to seek 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!
Other Activities in Paros
Rent Your Own Boat: A enjoyable approach to discover the island is to hire your personal boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are a number 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. If you don’t really feel comfy driving, you can too rent a captain. Find out extra and e-book your boat right here.
Cooking Classes: If you’re all in favour of native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t need to miss this unbelievable cooking class. Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. Through the expertise, you’ll study her grandmother’s recipes, make new associates, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Learn extra about this highly-rated expertise right here.
Make a Sculpture: If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your personal marble sculpture. The excellent memento from Paros! Find out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros right here.
Go Kayaking: Looking 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 luxuriate in a picnic as properly. Click right here to study extra.
Go Horseback Riding: Whether you need to experience early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit obtainable. During the sundown journey, you’ll discover the realm of Kakapetra together with your teacher, and should you go for the morning journey, you’ll experience Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click right here to study in regards to the sundown experience, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback using journey.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
What is Paros greatest recognized for?
Paros is greatest recognized for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its lovely seashores.
Is 2 days sufficient for Paros?
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll be capable of discover a couple of of the villages and seashores. Rent a automobile to discover at your personal tempo and cease the place you need to. Give your self extra time if you wish to be part of a enjoyable boat tour, a cooking class, go to a vineyard, and have time to chill out and unwind.
What’s the very best factor to do in Paros?
The smartest thing to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Join a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your personal boat to discover the shoreline. Finally, should you don’t need to be out on the water, you may merely take pleasure in swimming from one of many many lovely seashores.
Which is nicer Naxos or Paros?
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. Both of the islands have glorious 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 so many issues to do in Paros (and eat!) that I might go on perpetually. The “island for everyone” actually does reside as much as its fame and for that cause, we are going to proceed to go to annually.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to be visiting Greece for the primary time and even your thirtieth time, be certain that Paros is in your itinerary.
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