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 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 might say that wow, this island really is beautiful! Undoubtedly lease a automobile to discover, be certain to cease off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unimaginable seafood.
On Paros island, you’ll discover historic, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no scarcity of tavernas bars and cafes.
You possibly can count on all of this, plus affordable costs, wonderful vacationer services, and pleasant individuals who know the true which 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 environment however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is among the fundamental the explanation why my accomplice and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve got been again 4 years operating 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 fitting 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. Should you’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 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 the Cyclades down from Turkey often between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros could be very fashionable with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics nevertheless it’s additionally straightforward to discover a protected bay, road, or quiet nook so the wind could be manageable.
Methods to Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or airplane. As a result of its place and significance, Paros is related 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 usually 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 practice 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 prospects 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 awesome 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 journey is only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You could find a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you may lease vehicles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will guide out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer season.
We booked our automobile by Uncover Automobiles and positively suggest having your personal wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the newest charges on rental vehicles with Uncover Automobiles.
Paros has began issuing fines if you’re 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 examine your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the onerous approach that they aren’t coated and accidents on the islands could be tough 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 fundamental port of the island, Parikia can also be the business and enterprise hub. There are lots of 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 slender whitewashed streets and an awesome place to remain if you wish to be near every thing.
All the main banks and providers are situated right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer providers.
There are additionally some very fascinating historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historic windmill and an enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one in all Greece’s most vital Byzantine monuments. Constructed initially within the 4th century it’s often known as the Church of a Hundred Doorways.
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. Within the off-season: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑8pm.
Deal with: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Discover the church on the map, right here.
3. Discover the Fishing Village of Naousa
Positioned within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this energetic fishing village is the place we want to remain. It’s a bit of quieter than Parikia in the course of the day however actually comes alive at night time when it may be fairly the social gathering 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, nevertheless it’s additionally potential to get an affordable 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 suggest it. There are many guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and might 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 among the finest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and you will discover some wonderful handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues comparable to honey and figs bought by the highway.
Some individuals love to remain right here yearly and it’s potential to search out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.com, or simply by wandering by the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has a lot of 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 turn out to be 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 Lively!)
A bit additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seashore, thought of 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 a lot of locations to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and somewhat 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.
Should you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore needs to be in your record of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to position 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 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 may get pleasure from typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s potential to lease a bit of 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.
Make sure to try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seashore
The seashore at Kolimbithres is 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 clean sunbathing platforms.
The water right here is shallow and crystal clear and there is a wonderful taverna proper subsequent to the seashore which has a few of the finest residence cooking on the island.
You possibly can drive round or catch the small public ferry over from Naousa. Whereas there are quite a few issues to do in Paros, don’t miss spending a day at this seashore.
9. Chill out on Santa Maria Seashore
One other very talked-about seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is situated a couple of 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.
Deal with: Paros 844 01, Greece. Discover this lovely seashore right here on the map.
Planning a visit to different locations in Greece? Don’t miss the superior issues to do in Ios, the enjoyable issues to do in Zante (Zakynthos), and the unimaginable issues to do in Corfu! Kefalonia Island is full of issues to see and do, whereas Chios Island and Lesvos Island are extra offtrack and provide travellers a plethora of sights and actions. Plus, in case you’re visiting the mainland, don’t miss the highest sights and issues to do in Athens, and the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries.
10. Go to the Village of Ampelas
Ampelas is a small village and seashore about quarter-hour drive from Naousa. There’s a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water virtually on daily basis and a few superb tavernas on the seashore, together with the very talked-about Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally a very good fashionable restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An incredible spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly another individuals round. Discover Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Verify Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village obtained 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 stunning village with a lot of wonderful 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 time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap the whole valley, creating a really breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Deal with: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get instructions right here.
13. Take the Ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is a really picturesque and laid-back island situated simply off the coast of Paros. It’s an ideal day journey or you probably 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.
In case you have a rental automobile, you may catch the automobile ferry from the township a bit of additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is barely 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence to a lot of celebrities most notably Tom Hanks and his Greek spouse Rita Wilson. They’re much-loved (and guarded) by the locals and take part in lots of native occasions after they go to every summer time.
Should you’d somewhat 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 costliest islands in Greece to get pleasure from them. There are ferries quite a few instances a day to Santorini and a number of other will even cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is certainly one of many prime 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 price it!). Click on right here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is barely an hour away and it’s fairly potential to pop over for lunch, though you’ll unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins round midnight.
So, if you wish to benefit from the social gathering, you’ll should spend the night time in case your funds permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are potential and nonetheless gratifying.
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 will want a automobile to get to most of them particularly if you’re pressed for time.
St. George seashore on the southern finish of Naxos city is a stunning calm seashore, nice for households, and there are a selection of wonderful tavernas proper on the sand. When 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 lease…it’s possible you’ll wish to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot tougher, and costly than individuals notice. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s potential 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 embody Koufanisi and Danousa.
The price of this tour varies dramatically relying on the dimensions and elegance of the boat, which islands you go to, the length of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Anticipate to pay anyplace from 20 euros ($23) per particular person to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to study extra about one of many extremely rated boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Buying
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. Should you’re trying to discover one thing particular to take residence 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 behind the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells gentle meals and cheese platters.
The best 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 (robust winds that blow by the Cyclades from July – September).
Should you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is among the prime issues to do in Paros. For many who would somewhat go on a tour with a driver so you are able to do as many tastings as you need, this can be 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 ordinary in Medieval instances. Younger 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.
One other very talked-about occasion is The Fish and Wine Competition which takes place in Marpissa on the primary Sunday of July.
Small or bigger festivals involving artwork exhibitions, dance and music occasions, concert events, theatrical performances or guide festivals are scheduled in the direction of the tip of the summer time. These festivals and occasions are among the many prime cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Bask in Superb Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of wonderful tremendous 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 provide unimaginable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s straightforward 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 massive and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
- Lease Your Personal Boat: A enjoyable approach to discover the island is to lease your personal boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are plenty 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. Should you don’t really feel snug driving, you may also rent a captain. Discover out extra and guide your boat right here.
- Cooking Lessons: Should you’re keen on native experiences, meals, and cooking, you received’t wish 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 study her grandmother’s recipes, make new buddies, and revel 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: In search of 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 properly. Click on right here to study extra.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you wish to journey early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit out there. In the course of the sundown journey, you’ll discover the realm of Kakapetra along with your teacher, and in case you go for the morning journey, you’ll journey Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click on right here to study concerning the sundown journey, and click on right here for particulars on the morning horseback driving 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 of discover a couple of of the villages and seashores. Lease a automobile to discover at your personal tempo and cease the place you wish to. Give your self extra time if you wish to be a part of a enjoyable boat tour, a cooking class, go to a vineyard, and have time to loosen up and unwind.
The very best factor to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Be part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your personal boat to discover the shoreline. Lastly, in case you don’t wish to be out on the water, you may merely get pleasure from 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 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 such a lot of issues to do in Paros (and eat!) that I may go on without end. The “island for everybody” actually does stay as much as its popularity 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, be certain Paros is in your itinerary.
