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Paros is a charming Cycladic island just 2 hours by ferry from Santorini and 3 hours from Athens. Paros is known best for its marvelous beaches, lively nightlife, and lovely whitewashed towns. I tend to characterize Paros as a perfect mix of Mykonos (trendsetting clubs and eateries) and Naxos (amazing beaches and authentic inland villages). It has aspects of both done excellently. Taking a ferry from Paros is the lone way to reach Antiparos, a smaller and more secluded island situated just west of Paros.
Table of Contents
The 2024 Paros Travel Guide
Paros Basics
- Preferred Areas to Reside in Paros
- Paros or Naxos?
- Paros Maps
- Online videos providing footage from Paros Island
Paros Hotels
- Top-Rated Accommodations in Paros
- Preferred Seashores on Mykonos
- Premium hotels on Santorini
- Top beachside lodgings on the island of Paros
Paros Activities and Attractions
- Best Excursions & Experiences to Experience in Mykonos
- Prime seaside locations on Paros Island.
- Esteemed dining establishments on Paros
- Nighttime entertainment venues on Paros.
Paros Trip Planning
- Internal transportation around Paros using buses.
- Travel between Athens and Paros Island by ferry
- Journey from Paros Island to Athens via ferry routes
Transportation connecting Santorini and Paros is offered through ferry travel between the islands Ferry travel allowing transportation from Paros to Santorini can be found listed at this online resource
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- A Day at the Marketplace • Sara Anderson
Frequently Asked Questions about Paros
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See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers
Where is Paros?
Paros is a Greek island, part of the Cycladic group positioned in the Aegean Sea. Paros lies approximately 40 km south of Mykonos, 180 km southeast of Athens, 85 km North of Santorini, and 200 km north of Crete. Flights to Paros take 40 minutes from Athens and 65 minutes from Thessaloniki. Most people travel to and from Paros using a Greek ferry.
How big is Paros?
Paros has a population of around 12,500 and a land area of 196 sq. km (more than 3 times the size of Manhattan). The length of the island is around 22 km, and it measures around 13 km at its widest point. It takes about 30 minutes to drive the longest route (north to south) from one end of the island to the other.
What is the history of Paros
The island of Paros was first inhabited around 3200 B.C. and later received settlers from Crete, who gave it the name Minoa, as with several other places also called Minoa. Minoans and Mycenaeans predominantly occupied Paros, until the Ionians conquered the island around 1100 B.C., followed by people from Arcadia a century later. Its central location among the Cyclades made it an important maritime hub, while its exports, chiefly high-quality marble and agricultural goods, made it a prosperous trading center of the ancient world. Paros allied with the Persians during the Persian War and ultimately faced defeat by the Athenians. Later, the island came under the control of the Spartans, Macedonians, Ptolemies, and Romans.
Over time, Paros came under the control of the Byzantine Empire. Many churches were built on the island during this era, with the most significant being Panagia Ekatontapiliani (The Church of Hundred Doors), reputedly founded by Saint Helene, mother of Constantine the Great.
Around the 8th century CE, Paros became a stronghold for pirates and lost much wealth. Under Venetian rule in the 13th century as part of the Duchy of the Aegean, remnants of a defensive castle – constructed to ward off pirates and situated offshore in Naoussa village – still remain. The Ottomans assumed control in the early 16th century and had authority over the island until its inclusion in the newly independent nation of Greece in 1832.
When is the best time to go to Paros?
The most favorable time period to visit the island of Paros, Greece is contingent on individual preferences and interests. Generally, the transitional seasons of late April through early June and September through early October are the peak times to visit. Throughout these months, weather conditions typically involve warmth, sunlight, smaller crowds, and more moderate temperatures in comparison to the busiest summer months of July and August.
During the shoulder seasons, you can expect pleasant weather for sightseeing, exploring the island’s picturesque villages, beaches, and archaeological sites, as well as engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and windsurfing. The sea temperatures are also comfortable for swimming, particularly from June onwards.
The peak summer months from June through August provide the warmest temperatures and the maximum quantity of sunshine, making it the finest time for beach vacations, swimming, and watersports. However, this can also be the busiest and priciest time of the year, with larger crowds at well-known tourist sites and destinations. Paros is usually less crowded than other famous Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini, but it can still become busy during the peak season.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere with cooler temperatures, consider visiting Paros during the off-peak season from November to March. The weather during this time can be cooler and less predictable, with a higher likelihood of rain and strong winds, especially from December to February. However, you’ll find fewer tourists, lower prices, and a more authentic experience of the island.
How do you get to Paros?
Ferries travelling from Athens to Paros island will make stops at a few different ports along the way and can take between three to six hours depending on the type of vessel. There is a direct ferry connecting Paros to nearby Naxos island, taking approximately 30 minutes. Ferries linking Paros to other Aegean islands such as Mykonos, Ios, Milos, Folegandros and Santorini as well as the island of Crete typically dock at multiple locations. Ferryhopper.com is a premier resource for finding and purchasing tickets for ferry travel between Paros and other destinations.
Both Sky Express and Olympic Air offer direct trips from Athens and Thessaloniki to Paros. Trips from Athens take about 40 minutes; trips from Thessaloniki take about 65 minutes. There are no direct flights to Paros from any other cities; trips beginning outside of Greece will most likely transfer in Athens. Note that flights will sell out much earlier than ferries – if you find a trip that works for you, book it as soon as possible.
What are the main towns in Paros?
The two primary towns in Paros are Parikia situated in the western region and Naoussa located further north. Parikia functions as the capital and holds one of the earliest settlements on the island. Here visitors will find notable attractions like the historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Venetian constructed Frankish Castle that incorporates marble from an old Apollo temple, and the Paros Archaeological Museum in addition to superb dining establishments, bars, artistic workshops and boutiques. Within close proximity of central Parikia are two beaches that may be reached on foot – Livadia Beach also called Parikia Beach and Parasporos Beach.
The village of Naoussa sits at the old harbor at the northern tip of the island, still used by smaller vessels, with ruins of a Venetian castle rising from the sea to the north. Naoussa has the most cosmopolitan ambiance in Paros, featuring several upscale restaurants, trendy cocktail bars, a couple dance spots, boutiques, and a winery. Naoussa is within walking distance of beaches like Piperaki, Piperi, and Agii Anargyri, and just a brief drive from the frequently photographed Kolymbithres Beach.
Other villages include traditional Lefkes, a hidden gem in the mountains of central Paros. Lefkes was the former capital of the municipality Iria during the late nineteenth century when Paros belonged to the neighboring island and long-time rival Naxos. Several smaller villages are spread throughout the island, but Parikia, Naoussa, and Lefkes are the most populous.
Some busier beaches away from main villages, like Aliki, Drios, and Piso Livadi, have enough hotels, taverns, and mini-markets within walking distance creating unofficial village feels.
Where is the best place to stay in Paros?
The same hotels were referenced but with rephrased descriptions: The Embassy Suites, located downtown, is a popular lodging choice. Another highly-rated option is the Arctic Club Hotel in the city center. The Courtyard Pioneer Square is also conveniently located downtown. Nearby is the Best Western Plus Pioneer Square. Another option in the area is the Silver Cloud Seattle Stadium
What are the best beaches in Paros?
Paros offers remarkable beaches to satisfy every need; it all depends on what you’re seeking. Generally considered the top beach on Paros is Santa Maria Beach, with soft, pale sand, tranquil and shallow waters, and plenty of dining and water sports centers. Paros’ most unusual beach is Kolymbithres, renowned for its peculiar rock formations. The best beach on Paros for windsurfing or kitesurfing is Chrissi Akti. Kalogeros Beach provides healing mud for a DIY spa experience. All beaches on Paros are easily accessible by bus, and there’s a water taxi connecting Naoussa to three well-known beaches along the island’s northern coastline.
How many days should I spend in Paros?
Spend no less than 2 nights and 1 complete day. But there’s plenty to see and do on Paros so it’s simple to fill 4 to 7 days. If possible, spend some time exploring walking paths and beach at Paros Park, then cap it off with a movie in their open-air cinema. Visit two of Paros’ most unique beaches: Kolymbithres with its strange landscape and Kalogeros with its natural healing mud. Take a boat and go swimming or snorkeling in the sea caves, or spend a day on Antiparos or Naxos Islands. Take a day tour to cosmopolitan Mykonos and ancient Delos.
Be sure to allot ample time to wander aimlessly through the maze-like roads of Parikia and Naoussa. Parikia offers notable historic sites, like Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Frankish Castle, and the Archaeological Museum of Paros, along with relaxed tavernas, high-end dining, sunset view bars, and artisanal workshops. Naoussa offers the charming Old Port, stylish cocktail lounges, gourmet bistros, a 100+ year old winery (with tasting sessions), a few nightclubs, and plenty of boutique shopping.
What are the best things to do in Paros?
The activities considered most worthwhile on Paros Island involve bathing under warm sunlight on sandy shorelines colored bright gold, investigating the unusual rock mounds at Kolymbithres Beach, touring Paros Park (a large recreational area with a lighthouse, hiking trails, boulder structures, caves, an open-air movie theater, and sparkling Monastiri Beach), spending a day visiting the neighboring island of Antiparos, spending a day traveling to Naxos Island, strolling next to the Old Port of Naoussa and scanning its shops and nightlife, enjoying a breathtaking view and small plates as daylight fades over the coast at the seaside eateries in Parikia, exploring the historical and archaeological sites, and visiting the traditional village Lefkes.
How do I get around Paros?
It is straightforward to travel between the primary towns and beaches on Paros, as well as to the Antiparos ferry terminal, by using the island`s public transportation system. Generally, the bus makes a circuit around the perimeter of the island, also heading inland to villages located in the mountains. Fares differ depending on the route and distance covered, ranging from 1.80€ to 4€ per trip. A full-day cross-island ticket is offered for 9€. Bus tickets can be purchased at the Parikia and Naoussa terminal stations as well as some stores and convenience stores situated in Paros` major towns and beaches. (Find the Paros bus schedule here.)
Renting a car on Paros will offer more adaptability, and the roads on Paros are in good repair and easy to navigate. There are a few free public lots in Parikia, Naoussa, and Lefkes, but they fill up quickly and they’re not always situated near where you want to be. RentalCars.com is the best website for pre-booking rental cars in Greece.
If transportation is not arranged via rental vehicle, an organized transfer provided by your lodging or through Welcome Pickups car service is the simplest way to get from the Naxos airport or ferry port to your hotel.
How do you get to Antiparos?
Antiparos is a smaller island located directly to the west of Paros, and makes a great day (or overnight) trip from Paros. Routine vehicle-passenger boats to Antiparos operate frequently from early morning until midnight from the small harbor Pounta, accessible via bus or taxi from Parikia Port. In summer, there are also frequent daily passenger-only ferries to Antiparos departing straight from Parikia Port. (View the Antiparos ferry schedule here.) Antiparos has excellent beaches, restaurants, and small family-managed hotels, and is a popular hangout for many famous American celebrities. When making a day trip to Antiparos, be sure to dine at To Stathero, the best restaurant on the island.
What currency is used in Paros?
The currency used on Paros, and throughout Greece, is the euro (€). In Parikia, Naoussa, and the island’s main beaches, most shops, bars, and eateries accept credit cards, usually with a lowest purchase compulsory; if not, nearby ATMs are effortless to locate. It is constantly advised to have some cash on hand small purchases and bus trips. In the smaller towns, there are many more cash-solely businesses and less ATMs.
Is Paros expensive?
Paros is becoming an increasingly renowned destination for jet set vacationers, but it`s not yet as crowded or expensive as nearby Santorini and Mykonos. While there are several luxury hotels on the island, most hotels in Paros fall into the mid-range category. Lodgings in Parikia tend to be cheaper than hotels in Naoussa. Budget hotels will typically be farther from the water, though there are numerous affordable hotels at the quieter beaches, like Ambelas or Drios Beaches. There are no all-inclusive resorts or packaged vacations. All beaches are open to the public and free to visit. Most beach clubs offer free umbrellas and sun loungers to guests who purchase a drink or meal; the ones that do levy charges usually only cost €10 to €20.
