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 likely one of the finest 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 hire 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’ll be able to anticipate all of this, plus cheap costs, wonderful vacationer amenities, and pleasant individuals who know the true that means of hospitality. It’s straightforward 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 likely one of the primary the reason why my associate and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we now have been again 4 years working now and actually take into account ourselves to be amongst household after we go to.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros, and it’s simply the appropriate measurement. It actually does tick all of the packing containers and there really is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible info for Paros. In the event you’d prefer 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 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 powerful wind that blows via the Cyclades down from Turkey normally between July and September. It may be very highly effective and because of this, Paros could be very fashionable with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics however it’s additionally straightforward to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind will be manageable.
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 earth!) but additionally to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is commonly 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’s now a brand new practice hyperlink direct to the port from the airport.
The airport on the island was fully rebuilt in late 2016 and there’s now a brand new small terminal and an extended runway. There are numerous potentialities each on the island and to locations past. For details about the ferry routes and to guide tickets we suggest Ferry Hopper.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an ideal 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 only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You’ll find a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you possibly can hire vehicles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll guide out shortly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer time.
We booked our automotive via Uncover Vehicles and positively suggest having your individual wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the most recent charges on rental vehicles 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 the case of quad bikes and scooters, be sure to verify your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the laborious means that they don’t seem to be lined and accidents on the islands will be troublesome to handle, to not point out, costly.
Finest Issues To Do in Paros, Greece
Let’s get into it. For such a small island, there actually are many issues to see and uncover in Paros. Listed below are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and primary port of the island, Parikia can also be the industrial 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 model, it’s a labyrinth of slim whitewashed streets and an ideal place to remain if you wish to be near all the things.
The entire main banks and providers are situated right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer providers.
There are additionally some very attention-grabbing historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historic windmill and a captivating Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is certainly one of Greece’s most necessary 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 one centesimal can be found when Constantinople (Istanbul) is returned to Greece once more.
Entrance right here is free, and opening hours (on the time of publication) are 7am‑9pm. Within the off-season: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑8pm.
Tackle: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Discover the church on the map, right here.
3. Discover the Fishing Village of Naousa
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 a little bit quieter than Parikia through the day however actually comes alive at night time 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 inexpensive and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click on right here for instructions.
Goats On The Street Word: 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 guide.
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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a beautiful city to go to for a day and you could find some wonderful 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 seek out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.com, or simply by wandering via 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 likely one of 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 develop into extra fashionable in recent times 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 Energetic!)
A bit 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 excellent inns and tavernas, additionally, you will discover various locations to hire windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some beautiful and fairly funky little beach-inspired outlets 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 Seashore needs to be in your listing of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs differ from place to position 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 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 likely one of the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you possibly can get pleasure from typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s attainable to hire a little bit room proper on the seaside for the value of a pleasant meal and there are a variety of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Make sure you take a look at Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seashore
The seaside at Kolimbithres is likely 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 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 a few of the finest dwelling cooking on the island.
You’ll be able to drive round or catch the small public ferry over from Naousa. Whereas there are quite a few issues to do in Paros, don’t miss spending a day at this 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 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 stunning 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 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, for those who’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 nearly day by day and a few excellent 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 incredible spot for an extended, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly some other folks round. Discover Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Examine Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village 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 various wonderful 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
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 through the summer time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap all the valley, creating a very breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Tackle: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get instructions right here.
13. Take the Ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is a really picturesque and laid-back island situated simply off the coast of Paros. It’s an ideal day journey or when you’ve got the time, keep a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart each half-hour from Parikia and the journey is about 10 minutes.
When you’ve got a rental automotive, you possibly can catch the automotive ferry from the township a little bit 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 after they go to every summer time.
In the event you’d fairly sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This stunning boat will whisk you away to Antiparos, Panteronisi and Despotiko whereas having fun with swims within the crystal clear sea. All through the day, you’ll eat and drink conventional Greek meals and snacks. Wine and beer are included. Discover out extra right here.
14. Day Journey to Mykonos or Santorini
You don’t want to remain on the 2 costliest islands in Greece to get pleasure from them. There are ferries quite a few occasions a day to Santorini and several 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 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 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 should spend the night time in case your finances permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are attainable 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 big island however you’ll need a automotive 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 wonderful tavernas proper on the sand. Whilst you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and wonderful villas to hire…it’s possible you’ll need to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot harder, and costly than folks understand. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s attainable to affix 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 embrace Koufanisi and Danousa.
The price of this tour varies dramatically relying on the scale 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 wherever 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 Purchasing
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 effectively.
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 positively be the place to do it.
18. Go to a Vineyard
There are a few wonderful wineries on Paros. Established in 1910, Moraitis Vineyard is simply in the back of the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells mild meals and cheese platters.
The best local weather situations of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some nice reds, whites and rose wines.
You could discover as you drive across the island that the vines are left to develop on the bottom as an alternative of on a trellis. That is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away through the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow via the Cyclades from July – September).
In the event you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is likely one of the high issues to do in Paros. For many who would fairly 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 Tackle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right here.
19. Attend a Competition
The Greeks love a pageant and there are greater than 10 spiritual festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full listing right here.
The Pirates Competition is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been common in Medieval occasions. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) working via the group to grab the younger ladies 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 guide festivals are scheduled in the direction of the top of the summer time. 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 variety of wonderful positive eating decisions 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 lately.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
The entire Cycladic islands provide unimaginable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s straightforward to seek out many west-facing areas.
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 individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are a whole lot 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. In the event you don’t really feel snug driving, you may as well rent a captain. Discover out extra and guide your boat right here.
- Cooking Courses: In the event you’re excited by native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t need to miss this unimaginable cooking class. Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By means of the expertise, you’ll be taught her grandmother’s recipes, make new mates, and revel in a meal with wine and ouzo. Be taught 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 proper 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 revel in a picnic as effectively. Click on right here to be taught extra.
- Go Horseback Using: Whether or not you need to experience early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit obtainable. Throughout the sundown journey, you’ll discover the realm of Kakapetra together with your teacher, and for those who 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 finest identified for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its stunning seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll be capable of discover a couple of of the villages and seashores. Lease a automotive to discover at your individual 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 calm down and unwind.
The perfect factor to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Be a part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your individual boat to discover the shoreline. Lastly, for those who don’t need to be out on the water, you possibly can merely get pleasure from swimming from one of many many stunning seashores.
Naxos and Paros are each stunning 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 wonderful seashores and eating places, and because of the 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 endlessly. The “island for everybody” actually does dwell as much as its status and for that purpose, we are going to 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.
