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 gorgeous, 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 12 months for 8 days and might say that wow, this island actually is gorgeous! Positively hire a automobile 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 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 affordable costs, glorious vacationer amenities, 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 attraction and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is among the foremost the reason why my accomplice and I fell in love with it.
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 such a lot of issues to do in Paros, and it’s simply the correct measurement. It actually does tick all of the packing containers and there actually is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible info for Paros. If you happen to’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 finest time to go to Greece is between Might and October, and the identical is true for Paros. The climate is sweet 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 vigorous sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a robust 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 may be very in style with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics but it surely’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, avenue, or quiet nook so the wind may be manageable.
Tips on how to Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or airplane. Attributable to its place and significance, Paros is linked 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 commonly 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 may be now a brand new practice hyperlink direct to the port from the airport.
The airport on the island was utterly rebuilt in late 2016 and there may be now a brand new small terminal and an extended runway. There are numerous prospects each on the island and to locations past. For details about the ferry routes and to ebook tickets we advocate Ferry Hopper.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an incredible 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 trip 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 hire automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will ebook out shortly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer time.
We booked our automobile by means of Uncover Automobiles and undoubtedly advocate having your personal wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the most recent charges on rental automobiles with Uncover Automobiles.
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, be sure to test your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the arduous method that they aren’t lined and accidents on the islands may be troublesome to handle, to not point out, costly.
Greatest Issues To Do in Paros, Greece
Let’s get into it. For such a small island, there actually are many issues to see and uncover in Paros. Listed here are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and foremost port of the island, Parikia can also be the business and enterprise hub. There are various eating places and cafes alongside the waterfront and thru a maze of alleys within the previous city.
In true Cycladic type, it’s a labyrinth of slender whitewashed streets and an incredible place to remain if you wish to be near every part.
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 attention-grabbing historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historical windmill and a captivating Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one in every 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 hundredth 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. 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 vigorous fishing village is the place we desire to remain. It’s a bit of quieter than Parikia in the course of 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 costliest, but it surely’s additionally attainable 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 Notice: We stayed in Naousa and extremely advocate it. There are many guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and might advocate 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 among the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a beautiful city to go to for a day and you will discover some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues reminiscent of honey and figs offered by the street.
Some folks love to remain right here yearly and it’s attainable to search out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.com, or simply by wandering by means of the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has various 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 — be sure to don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has change into extra in style lately and is the principle port to embark on crusing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click on right here for a well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Seashore (One of many High Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Lively!)
Somewhat additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seashore, thought-about by many to be one of many finest seashores in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some superb lodges and tavernas, additionally, you will discover various locations to hire windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some beautiful and quite 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.
If you happen to’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore must be in your record of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs fluctuate from place to position 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 seaside. 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 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 attainable to hire a bit of room proper on the seaside for the worth of a pleasant meal and there are a variety of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Be sure you try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seashore
The seaside at Kolimbithres is among the most well-known in Paros and is situated 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 easy sunbathing platforms.
The water right here is shallow and crystal clear and there is a superb taverna proper subsequent to the seaside 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 seaside.
9. Calm down on Santa Maria Seashore
One other extremely popular seaside that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving amenities.
Santa Maria is situated a couple of 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seaside 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 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 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 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. Go to the Village of Ampelas
Ampelas is a small village and seaside 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 seaside, together with the extremely popular Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally a superb trendy restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An important spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly every other folks round. Discover Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Test Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village bought its title from the adjoining one on the southern finish of the island.
Fairly near the airport in Aliki additionally, you will discover the Cycladic Folklore Museum. Many cultural occasions are held in Aliki, such because the feast of St. John of Klidonas in June, the feast of Christ the Savior on the sixth of August and the feast of the Holy Cross in September.
It’s a beautiful village with various glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to remain in. Click on right here to search out Aliki on the map.
12. Expertise Butterfly Valley
Positioned 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 all the 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 if in case 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.
You probably have a rental automobile, you possibly can catch the automobile ferry from the township a bit of additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is simply 7 minutes.
Antiparos is dwelling to various celebrities most notably Tom Hanks and his Greek spouse Rita Wilson. They’re much-loved (and guarded) by the locals and take part in lots of native occasions once they go to every summer season.
If you happen to’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. 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 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 certainly 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 pleasing 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 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 get together, you’ll must spend the evening in case your funds permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are attainable and nonetheless satisfying.
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 automobile to get to most of them particularly in case you are pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern finish of Naxos city is a beautiful calm seaside, 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 hire…you could need to spend the evening!
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 attainable to hitch a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Take pleasure in a shocking day journey across the Small Cyclades, a 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 period of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Count on to pay anyplace from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to be taught extra about one of many extremely rated boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Procuring
There are some nice little boutiques and shops in each Parikia and Naousa and even just a few funky locations within the smaller villages as effectively.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer put on and jewelry, a lot of it very reasonably priced. If you happen to’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 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 perfect local weather circumstances of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some nice reds, whites and rose wines.
Chances are you’ll discover as you drive across the island that the vines are left to develop on the bottom as a substitute of on a trellis. That is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away in the course of the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow by means of the Cyclades from July – September).
If you happen to’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is among the high issues to do in Paros. For many who 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 choice.
Moraitis Vineyard Deal with: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right here.
19. Attend a Competition
The Greeks love a competition 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 common in Medieval occasions. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by means of the group to grab the younger women away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other extremely popular 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 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. Bask in Fantastic Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of fantastic nice 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 just lately.
21. Watch the Unbelievable Sunsets
All the Cycladic islands supply 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 most effective 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 technique to discover the island is to hire your personal 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. If you happen to don’t really feel comfy driving, you may also rent a captain. Discover out extra and ebook your boat right here.
- Cooking Courses: If you happen to’re curious about native experiences, meals, and cooking, you received’t need 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. Study 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 right memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros right here.
- Go Kayaking: Searching for energetic issues to do in Paros? Sea kayaking is an superior choice! 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 effectively. Click on right here to be taught extra.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you need to trip early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit out there. Throughout the sundown journey, you’ll discover the world of Kakapetra along with your teacher, and should you go for the morning journey, you’ll trip Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click on right here to be taught in regards to the sundown trip, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback using journey.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is finest identified 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 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 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, should you don’t need 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 may go on eternally. The “island for everybody” actually does stay as much as its popularity and for that motive, 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 sure that Paros is in your itinerary.
