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 countless 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 likely one of the finest locations to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros final yr for 8 days and may say that wow, this island actually is beautiful! Positively hire 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 historical, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no scarcity of tavernas bars and cafes.
You possibly can count on all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious 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 appeal and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is likely one of the predominant the explanation why my companion and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve got been again 4 years operating now and actually contemplate 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 fitting measurement. It actually does tick all of the bins and there actually is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible info for Paros. For those who’d wish to skip this and soar 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 Could and October, and the identical is true for Paros. The climate is nice and the ‘season’ is open — many locations shut for enterprise throughout 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 often 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 might be manageable.
Get to Paros Island
You will get to Paros by boat or aircraft. Resulting from its place and significance, Paros is related not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – one of many busiest passenger ports on the planet!) but additionally to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is usually the primary cease within the Cyclades for most of the ferries and is the stopping-off level on the 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 guide tickets we suggest 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 finances because the bus experience is just 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 possibly can hire automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll guide out rapidly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer time.
We booked our automobile via Uncover Automobiles and undoubtedly suggest having your personal wheels to discover Paros. Click on right here to see the newest charges on rental automobiles 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 the case of quad bikes and scooters, ensure you verify your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the laborious approach that they aren’t lined and accidents on the islands might 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 below are the 21 finest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and predominant port of the island, Parikia can also be the business and enterprise hub. There are a lot of eating places and cafes alongside the waterfront and thru a maze of alleys within the previous city.
In true Cycladic model, it’s a labyrinth of slim whitewashed streets and an incredible place to remain if you wish to be near the whole lot.
All the main banks and companies are situated right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and numerous vacationer companies.
There are additionally some very attention-grabbing historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historical windmill and an interesting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is one among Greece’s most essential 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 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.
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 desire to remain. It’s a little bit quieter than Parikia throughout 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, 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 Highway Observe: 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 stunning city to go to for a day and you will discover some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues comparable to honey and figs bought by the highway.
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 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 — ensure you don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has turn into extra fashionable lately and is the primary 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 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 superb inns and tavernas, additionally, you will discover various locations to hire windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty 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 enchantment.
For those who’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore must 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 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 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 you 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 likely one of 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 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. Calm down on Santa Maria Seashore
One other very talked-about seashore that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving amenities.
Santa Maria is situated a few 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seashore 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 stunning 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 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, if you happen to’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 nearly each day and a few superb tavernas on the seashore, together with the very talked-about Thalami and Christiana.
There may be additionally an excellent trendy restaurant/seashore membership on the seashore known as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An important spot for an extended, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly another 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 bought 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 stunning 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 throughout the summer season months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap your complete valley, creating a very 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 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.
In case you have a rental automobile, you possibly can catch the automobile ferry from the township a little bit additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is simply 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence 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.
For those who’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 most costly islands in Greece to get pleasure from them. There are ferries quite a few instances a day to Santorini and several other may even cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is unquestionably 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 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 get together, you’ll should spend the evening in case your finances 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 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 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 might wish to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot tougher, and costly than folks notice. On Paros, nevertheless, it’s attainable to affix 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 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 length of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Count on to pay anyplace from 20 euros ($23) per particular person to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to study 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 number 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. For those who’re trying to discover one thing particular to take residence 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 behind the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells gentle 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.
Chances are you’ll 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 throughout the Meltemi (robust winds that blow via the Cyclades from July – September).
For those who’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is likely one of the prime 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, 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 non secular 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 had been ordinary in Medieval instances. Younger boys gown in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) operating via 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, live shows, theatrical performances or guide festivals are scheduled in the direction of the top of the summer season. These festivals and occasions are among the many prime cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Take pleasure in Nice Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of fantastic advantageous eating selections too.
Unimaginable sunsets and white tablecloth service is discovered at Siparos a couple of minutes’ drive previous Naoussa — we loved a really particular group birthday celebration right here not too long ago.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
All the Cycladic islands supply unimaginable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s straightforward to search out many west-facing areas.
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 option to discover the island is to hire 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 soar off for a swim, and have the liberty to go the place you need. For those who don’t really feel comfy driving, you can even rent a captain. Discover out extra and guide your boat right here.
- Cooking Lessons: For those who’re all in favour of native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t wish 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 study her grandmother’s recipes, make new associates, 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: In search of lively 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 study extra.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you wish to experience early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit obtainable. In the course of the sundown journey, you’ll discover the world of Kakapetra together with your teacher, and if you happen to go for the morning journey, you’ll experience Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click on right here to study concerning the sundown experience, 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 stunning seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll be capable to discover a number 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 calm down and unwind.
One of the best 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, if you happen to don’t wish 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 occurring 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 endlessly. The “island for everybody” actually does reside as much as its repute and for that purpose, 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 certain Paros is in your itinerary.