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 gorgeous, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is among the greatest places to visit in Greece.
We visited Paros final 12 months for 8 days and might say that wow, this island actually is gorgeous! Undoubtedly lease a automobile to discover, be certain to cease off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unbelievable 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 count on all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious 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 travel itinerary.
They are saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the appeal and environment however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is among the foremost the reason why my associate and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, we’ve been again 4 years operating now and actually think about 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 proper measurement. It actually does tick all of the packing containers and there actually is one thing for everybody. Right here is a few sensible data for Paros. In the event you’d wish to skip this and soar to the Issues To Do in Paros part, click here.
When to Go to Paros Island
Ideally, the best time to visit 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 full of life sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a robust wind that blows by the Cyclades down from Turkey normally between July and September. It may be very highly effective and for that reason, Paros may be very well-liked with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics nevertheless it’s additionally straightforward to discover a protected bay, avenue, or quiet nook so the wind might be manageable.
Find out how to Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or aircraft. Because 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 in addition 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 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’s now a brand new train link 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 e book tickets we advocate Ferry Hopper.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has a terrific public bus system that may take you to most seashores and cities on the island. That is particularly handy for anybody on a price range because the bus trip is only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You’ll find a timetable here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you possibly can lease automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they will e book out shortly within the peak season so plan forward if you’re visiting in Summer time.
We booked our automobile by Uncover Vehicles and positively advocate having your individual wheels to discover Paros. Click here to see the latest rates on rental automobiles with Uncover Vehicles.
Paros has began issuing fines if you’re driving with out a global driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
With regards to quad bikes and scooters, ensure you verify your insurance. Many individuals discover out the exhausting manner 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 here are the 21 greatest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and foremost port of the island, Parikia can also be the industrial and enterprise hub. There are numerous eating places and cafes alongside the waterfront and thru a maze of alleys within the previous city.
In true Cycladic fashion, it’s a labyrinth of slim whitewashed streets and a terrific 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 numerous vacationer companies.
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 one in every of Greece’s most essential 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 a hundredth will likely 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, here.
3. Discover the Fishing Village of Naousa
Situated within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this full of life fishing village is the place we favor to remain. It’s a little bit quieter than Parikia through 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 here for instructions.
Goats On The Highway Be aware: We stayed in Naousa and extremely advocate it. There are many guesthouses round. We stayed at Irini Rooms and might advocate it. Click here to book.
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 greatest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a beautiful city to go to for a day and yow will discover some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues akin 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 Booking.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 quite a few charming tavernas well-known for his or her native seafood dishes. Don’t miss Ouzeri Halaris!
Sampling the regional delicacies is among the greatest things to do in Greece — ensure you don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has grow to be extra well-liked in recent times and is the principle port to embark on sailing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click here for a preferred crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (One of many High Issues to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Energetic!)
A bit of additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought-about by many to be one of many best beaches in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some superb lodges and tavernas, additionally, you will discover quite a few locations to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and reasonably 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.
In the event you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seaside ought to be in your checklist of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to put 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 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, delicious cuisine, and really tranquil environment. It’s potential to rent a little room proper on the seaside for the value of a pleasant meal and there are a selection of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Remember to try Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get directions to Drios here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seaside at Kolimbithres is among the most well-known in Paros and is situated west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has large 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 wonderful taverna proper subsequent to the seaside which has a number of the greatest house 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. Chill out on Santa Maria Seaside
One other highly regarded seaside that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is situated a few 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 stunning seaside here on the map.
Planning a visit to different locations in Greece? Don’t miss the superior things to do in Ios, the enjoyable things to do in Zante (Zakynthos), and the unbelievable things to do in Corfu! Kefalonia Island is stuffed 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, in case you’re visiting the mainland, don’t miss the highest sights and things 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 day-after-day and a few superb tavernas on the seaside, together with the highly regarded Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally trendy restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An awesome spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly every other individuals round. Find Ampelas on the map here.
11. Verify 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 events 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 quite a few glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to remain in. Click here to search 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 suggests Butterfly in Greek.
Yearly through the summer time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap your entire valley, creating a very breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Deal with: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get directions 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.
If you have a rental car, you possibly can catch the automobile ferry from the township a little bit additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is just 7 minutes.
Antiparos is house to quite a few 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 reasonably sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This beautiful 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. Find out more here.
14. Day Journey to Mykonos or Santorini
You don’t want to remain on the 2 costliest islands in Greece to take pleasure in them. There are ferries quite a few instances a day to Santorini and several other will 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 large 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 value it!). Click here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is just 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 need to spend the night time in case your price range permits it. If not, day trips from Paros to Mykonos are potential and nonetheless fulfilling.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is a wonderful island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is each fascinating and enjoyable. There are some nice seashores on this large island however you have to a automobile to get to most of them particularly if you’re pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern finish of Naxos city is a beautiful calm seaside, nice for households, and there are a selection of fantastic tavernas proper on the sand. When you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are numerous things to do in Naxos and excellent villas to rent…you could wish to spend the night time!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot harder, and costly than individuals understand. On Paros, nevertheless, it’s potential 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 bunch 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 particular person to 150 euros ($165). Click here to learn more 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 a number 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 inexpensive. In the event you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take house out of your journey this could positively be the place to do it.
18. Go to a Vineyard
There are a few glorious wineries on Paros. Established in 1910, Moraitis Winery is simply in the back of the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells 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.
It’s possible 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 through the Meltemi (robust winds that blow by the Cyclades from July – September).
In the event you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is among the high issues to do in Paros. For many who would reasonably go on a tour with a driver so you are able to do as many tastings as you need, this is a great winery tour option.
Moraitis Vineyard Deal with: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get directions 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 checklist here.
The Pirates Festival is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that had been typical in Medieval instances. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) operating by the group to grab the younger ladies away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other highly regarded 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 e book 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 Positive Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a selection of fantastic fantastic 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 just lately.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
All the Cycladic islands provide unbelievable 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 the very best spots however there are eating places such because the above-mentioned Siparos that even have magnificent golden views within the evenings.
The great thing about a Greek sundown is the solar is so giant and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
- Lease Your Personal Boat: A enjoyable method to discover the island is to lease your individual boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are a variety 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. In the event you don’t really feel snug driving, you can even rent a captain. Find out more and book your boat here.
- Cooking Courses: In the event you’re involved in native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t wish to miss this incredible 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 here.
- Make a Sculpture: If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your individual marble sculpture. The right memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros here.
- Go Kayaking: On the lookout for 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 revel in a picnic as properly. Click here to learn more.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not you wish to trip early within the morning or throughout sundown, there’s a visit out there. During the sunset trip, you’ll discover the world of Kakapetra along with your teacher, and in case you opt for the morning trip, you’ll trip Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click here to be taught concerning the sundown trip, and click here for particulars on the morning horseback driving journey.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is greatest 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 individual 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 most effective 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 individual boat to discover the shoreline. Lastly, in case you don’t wish to be out on the water, you possibly can merely take pleasure in 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 fame and for that cause, we’ll 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.
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