Paros, Greece: A Handy Travel Guide To This Cycladic Island

Paros, Greece—a paradisiacal gem in the heart of the Aegean, where azure waters lap gently on golden sands and traditional whitewashed buildings dot the landscape. This Cycladic island is the stuff your Greece dreams are made of. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family holiday or a chilled out trip with friends, Paros is a fantastic choice for your Greek island getaway.

In this travel guide, we share all the key information we found useful for planning a trip to Paros, such as when to go, how to get to there and around, where to stay and more.

Note: We do our best to keep the information on our website up to date, but if you notice anything has changed please leave us a comment.

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Paros, Greece Italy: The Basics

Currency // Euro.

Timezone // Eastern European Time / Eastern European Summer Time (EET / EEST).

Language // Greek. If you don’t speak Greek then you’ll get by just fine (although it’s always nice to give key phrases like “hello” and “thank you” a go!).

Cash or Card //  It used to be the case in Greece that cash was king, however times have changed. On Paros we found most shops, bars, and restaurants accepted credit cards. I would still suggest taking a small amount of cash with you because it is still always good to have some on you for small purchases or any businesses that could still be cash only, plus unexpected issues using your card can always occur.

Tipping // You are not obligated to tip on Paros but it is a sign of gratitude. A good rule of thumb is 10% at a sit down restaurant depending on level of service. For bars, cafes and taxis you could round up the bill to the next Euro.

Climate // On Paros summers are warm and dry and winters are cool and rainy (compared to the summer!). Dry season runs from April to September. Paros is known for its strong summer winds, particularly during July and August. This is known as the meltemi. Best times to visit will be covered in more detail later in this travel guide.

Watch our Paros Video
if you can’t wait to see the island for yourself!

Where is Paros & How To Get There

Where is Paros?

Paros is a Greek island located in the central Aegean Sea, part of the sunny Cyclades archipelago.

For anyone interested in a a bit of island hopping, below are the approximate distances between Paros and some other places you might want to add to your itinerary.

I’ve also included Athens as it’s home to an international airport and is a popular starting and/or finishing point on a multi-stop trip to Greece. I will discuss how to get to/from Paros from Athens in a moment.

• Athens to Paros: 112 miles / 180 km
• Santorini to Paros: 85 miles / 137 km
• Syros to Paros: 56 miles / 90 km
• Tinos to Paros: 50 miles / 80 km
• Ios to Paros: 38 miles / 61 km
• Mykonos to Paros: 25 miles / 40 km
• Naxos to Paros: 22 miles / 35 km
• Antiparos to Paros: 5 miles / 8 km (just short ferry ride!)

How to get to Paros by Plane

Paros does have a small domestic airport that receives regular flights from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Flights can be as short as 40 minutes from Athens and about an hour from Thessaloniki.

If you arriving into Greece via one of these airports then I would allow about 2 to 3 hours connection time to be safe. 

There is an airport bus that runs from Paros airport to Parikia several times a day. Depending on where you are staying you could catch a bus onwards from there. 

If the timings of the bus don’t work out or you just want a quicker and easier option then I would recommend pre-booking a taxi, especially if you’re travelling during high season, as waits could be really long. Some accommodations will help you with arranging this.

How to get to Paros by Ferry

Paros is connected to nearby islands and mainland Greece through regular ferry services. The central hub on Paros is the lovely town of Parikia, making Paros easily accessible from other popular destinations like Naxos, Santorini, Mykonos, and Ios. The extensive ferry network is ideal for creating your own DIY Greek island hopping itinerary.

Booking Tips:

• Advance Tickets: Although ferry tickets are unlikely to sell out, booking in advance provides peace of mind. We recommend securing your tickets just before your Greece trip, just in case. However, keep in mind that ferry schedules can be subject to changes.
  
  We would recommend using a website like FerryHopper.com to research schedules, and then book either through FerryHopper or direct on the ferry company’s own website.

Planning Your Journey:

• Account for Disruptions: Be mindful of potential disruptions such as rescheduled or delayed ferries. While cancellations are rare, they can happen. Plan for unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you need to catch a flight after your ferry, make sure you leave more time than you think you will need. 
• Smart Itinerary Planning: If you are creating a multi-stop itinerary, one option would be to organise your trip to end with a stay in the destination you plan to fly home from. This not only alleviates concerns about tight connections but also offers an extra day to explore a new location. For example, we ended our trip with two nights / one day on Santorini as we had never been before, and we were able to fly home from Santorini airport.

Choosing the Right Ferry:

You’ll have several different ferry companies to choose from. While ultimately I would use departure and arrival time as the main deciding factor, we personally prefer the Blue Star Ferries.

Though Blue Star Ferries may be slower, their larger size makes them a more reliable choice than the smaller, high-speed ferries, especially in adverse conditions like high winds.

They also tend to have plenty of outdoor seating on the deck which, in our opinion, makes the journey much more enjoyable. Plus they are typically cheaper than the faster ferries, which always a bonus!

How to Get Around Paros By Bus

Visiting Paros without renting a car does have limitations, but in our experience using buses was a convenient way to explore the island and did not leave us feeling like we missed out on anything.

Here are a few things to know about using the buses on Paros:

Paros Bus Timetable

Best Time To Visit Paros

Best time to visit Paros: June—September
VERY best time to visit Paros (in our humble opinion!): Early-Mid September

While our personal favourite time to visit Greece is early to mid-September, I will cover the key factors to consider about visiting at different times of the year. Depending on the type of holiday you are looking for, you might prefer a different time of year to us.

Spring (March–April)

• Milder temperatures than Northern Europe. However, weather can be very mixed.
• Cooler temperatures for hiking.
• Too cold for swim (unless you’re a total bad ass).
• Lower crowds and prices.
• Buses will be running a reduced schedule.
• Tavernas and accommodation in the smaller villages and tourist coastal resorts may still be closed.
• Be aware of when Greek Orthodox Easter falls as this could impact opening hours.

Late Spring/Early Summer (May–June)

• Pleasant weather with temperatures starting to warm up. However you may still need a light sweater in the evenings, particularly in May.
• Sea temperatures warm up. The earlier in the year you visit the less likely you are to be able to swim, however by May swimming could be possible, depending on what you can tolerate. By June many people will find the water warm enough to swim. Note that sheltered bays will be warmer.
• Accommodations and attractions reopening. However some services and businesses might still be gearing up for the peak season.
• Crowds are lower than the peak summer.
• Accommodation prices are generally more reasonable than peak summer.
• Atmosphere starts to become more lively with the beginning of the tourist season. However, if you’re looking for exciting nightlife and a real buzz, then you might want to hold out for peak summer.

Peak Summer (July–August)

• Dry and sunny weather, perfect for the beach (and Paros has some corkers!)
• Lovely, warm sea temperatures.
• Full operation of restaurants, bars, and attractions.
• Vibrant nightlife. Perfect if you’re looking for a holiday with lots of socialising!
• Public transport is running at its peak.
• Highest tourist crowds.
• Accommodation may be more expensive.
• Popular sites and beaches can be busy.
• Higher temperatures may be uncomfortable for some.
• Summer is the peak time for Paros to experience a seasonal, dry wind known as the meltemi. This can make the sea choppy, which is a reason to consider booking one of the larger, slower ferries if you plan to travel between islands; they are less likely to be delayed or cancelled due to weather, and the journey will be more pleasant if the sea is rough. 

Early Autumn (Our favourite time to visit!) (September)

• Good weather with warm temperatures.
• Sea temperatures remain nice and warm after heating up all summer.
• Lively atmosphere with most services still operating.
• Public transport is less frequent than the peak summer months but still regular.
• Crowds and prices are lower compared to peak summer.
• Some places might start to close towards the end of September.
• As the month goes on weather may start to transition, with a slight risk of rain. In terms of weather the earlier you visit in September, the better.

Autumn (October–November)

• Lower crowds and prices compared to summer.
• Pleasant weather in early October.
• As temperatures drop it becomes ideal for hiking holidays.
• More space to explore without the summer crowds.
• Accommodation may be more affordable.
• Towards the end of October, more businesses may close.
• Weather becomes less predictable, with a higher chance of rain.
• Sea temperatures may start to cool.
• Public transport becomes less frequent.

Winter (December–February)

• Extremely quiet and peaceful.
• Accommodation prices are at their lowest.
• Opportunity to experience local life without tourists.
• Colder and wetter weather, not suitable for swimming and sunbathing!
• Many restaurants, shops, and hotels may be closed, particularly in the the smaller villages and tourist coastal resorts.
• Limited public transport and activities available.
• The island may lack the lively atmosphere of the peak season.

Where To Stay On Paros

This travel guide will cover a varied range of places to stay on Paros, from tranquil fishing villages to vibrant cosmopolitan hot spots.

• Parikia
• Naoussa
• Aliki
• Drios
• Piso Livadi
• Lefkes

I’ll go into each area a little further to help you pick the part of Paros that’s right for you.

Accommodation (Where We Stayed)

Villa Isabella, Naoussa // This was a gorgeous apartment complex. A great option as long as you aren’t looking for somewhere with a swimming pool.

Hotel Zannet, Parikia // A really good price, friendly owner and our balcony had a fab view of the sea. The downside was the bathroom, it was small and dated

Parikia

• Charming capital and main port.
• Located on the west side of the island (which means you get get the most spectacular sunset views!).
• Pretty whitewashed buildings and vibrant flowers.
• The most convenient base for ferry connections to other islands and for exploring Paros without a car outside of the summer months. 
• Home to historical sights like the Panagia Ekatontapiliani (church with 100 doors) and the Frankish castle ruins.
• Bustling waterfront with restaurants and shops.
• Beaches closest to the port aren’t particularly great, however it’s only a short boat ride from the port over to Marcelo or Krios beach.

Naoussa

• Quaint, narrow streets lined with picturesque white buildings.
• Feels a little more luxurious than Parikia. Some say it’s also prettier, and perhaps it is, but in my opinion there’s not much in it.
• Located on the northern side of the island.
• Home to an old Venetian fort and a winery.
• Vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs.
• As with Parikia, the village beaches are not spectacular, however just a short boat ride from the port are the beautiful Kolymbithres and Monastiri beaches.
• Like Parikia, this is a good option if you aren’t hiring a car.

Aliki

• Coastal village with a laid-back vibe.
• Located on the south-west side of the island.
• Picturesque harbor and fishing boats.
• Popular windsurfing spot in the summer. 
• Excellent seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
• Proximity to the airport and various beaches.
• Great for families.

Drios

• Tranquil village on the east side of the island.
• Relaxing atmosphere with a traditional Greek feel.
• Close to Golden Beach, which is perfect for water sports (especially wind surfing).
• A quiet area; ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful holiday, but not if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere.

Piso Livadi

• Quaint fishing village with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Waterfront tavernas and cafes.
• Small port is the starting point for some boat excursions.
• Livelier than Drios or Aliki, but quieter than Naoussa or Parikia.
• Home to a small sheltered beach, making it a good choice for families.

Lefkes

• A traditional cycladic village high up in the mountains, surrounded by olive groves, pine forests and rugged hills.
• Starting point for the popular hiking trail along the Byzantine road.
• Busy during the day with day trippers, but quiet at night.

Best Things To Do On Paros

• Explore the winding streets of Naoussa without a set plan. // Wander the pedestrian-only part of the village, with pristine cafes, swanky bars, and boutique shops boasting colorful doorways and vibrant flowers.
  
  Don’t miss the remains of the small 14th century venetian castle and the hilltop Kimisis Theotokou Church.

• Go wine-tasting. // Go on a tour of the family run Moraitis Winery. Learn about the process of winemaking and follow it up with a wine-tasting session. Contact the winery directly to book your place.

• Kick-back on the beach. // You can’t go to Paros without visiting at least one, if not several, of the many amazing beaches. There are plenty to choose from depending on your preferences and location, but our favourites beaches on Paros were:
  
  Kolymbithres beach: Splash around the strange rock formations that rise from the sea. There was a bar nearby playing rock music, which was pretty fitting. Accessible by boat from Naoussa.
  
  Golden beach: A long stretch of soft warm sand and bright clear waters set to a stunning backdrop of rolling hills. There are plenty of beach bars as well as empty stretches of sand available here. You will find water sports on offer; Golden Beach is renowned for windsurfing.
  
  Krios beach: A tranquil bay with clear waters and powdery sand. You can hire loungers or just grab an empty spot. This is a 30 minute walk or short boat ride from Parikia.

• Go windsurfing or kitesurfing. // Weather conditions on Paros make it the perfect place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The best beaches for windsurfing are Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) and Nea Chrissi Akti (New Golden Beach). You can rent equipment and even take lessons here. For kitesurfing, head to one of the kitesurf schools in Pounda.

• Visit landmarks in Parikia. // Visit important landmarks such as Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the church of 100 doors), the Frankish Castle ruins and the Archaeological Museum. Parikia is also a great spot for boutique shops, quality restaurants and lively bars.

• Watch a spectacular sunset. // If you spend at least one evening on the west coast of the island (e.g., in Parikia), then make sure you leave time to simply sit and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the sunset painting the sky in warm hues over the tranquil Aegean Sea.

• Have your fill of delicious local food. // From upscale seafood restaurants to cosy taverns, there are plenty of places for you to choose from. Most of the restaurants and bars are concentrated around Parikia and Naoussa.
  
  A few restaurants and cafes we recommend from our visit are:
  
  Bountaraki (Parikia) — generous portions of traditional, homecooked food. Due to its immense popularity, expect a wait at this restaurant, but it’s absolutely worth it!
  
  Lemon-e (Parikia) — Choose from a few hearty dishes that you can take away or enjoy on their outdoor benches. It’s a wallet-friendly choice!
  
  Taverna Glafkos (Naoussa) — a beautiful waterfront restaurant known for their fresh seafood. We thoroughly enjoyed the stuffed vine leaves, grilled octopus and fish with sauteed vegetables.
  
  Kafenio Palia Agora (Naoussa) — smaller plates of Greek food, which is great for sharing and trying out a few different dishes. Fantastic quality and value for money. It’s walk in only so be prepared to queue!
  
  Kargas (Naoussa) — If you are looking for tasty Greek street food on a budget, then head to Kargas for some gyros.

• Take a hike (in the nicest way possible!) // Paros boasts a hiking trail network spanning around 22 miles / 35km, offering a variety of hikes with different lengths and difficulties. Whether you want short coastal rambles or longer expeditions through the hills, there are plenty of options to choose from when you fancy a break from sunbathing!
  
  A hike we would recommend is the Lefkes the 3.5 km route along the Byzantine Road. This renowned mountain path is the oldest road on Paros and connects the stunning village of Lefkes with the equally stunning village of Prodromos. We went on a longer version of the hike that took us through a number of quiet villages, and finished on the coast.
  
  We followed most this hiking route. but we started in Lefkes and finished at Piso Livadi (missing the first part of the walk.

• Discover Lefkes. // Even if you don’t want to hike the Byzantine Road, we would still recommend a half-day visit to the mountain village of Lefkes. Once the capital of Paros during the Middle Ages, its strategically protected position made it an ideal refuge from frequent pirate attacks. Wander through the narrow streets, marvel at the grand Agia Triada Church constructed by local artisans using Paros’ renowned marble, and unwind with a coffee at one of the charming cafes.

• Valley of the Butterflies. // Follow shady trails through a serene oasis and witness Jersey Tiger moths in their unique, natural habitat (summer only).

• Go on a boat trip. // Sail around Paros and nearby islands on a day cruise. You can browse different options here.

• Visit Antiparos for the day. // Visit Paros’s small and peaceful neighbour – Antiparos. Antiparos is small and tranquil, with an idyllic main port town, pretty churches and gorgeous beaches. You can either depart from the small port of Pounta, or during the summer you can catch a ferry from Parikia.

To find out more about how to spend your time on Paros by reading our guide on things to do on Paros or by watching our Paros video on YouTube.

How Expensive Is Paros

According to BudgetYourTrip.com you should plan to spend around  €122 ($134/£106) per person, per day on a mid-range budget.

We would typically class our travel budget as mid-range, and we tend to find the estimations from BudgetYourTrip.com to be a good guide.

Estimated budget by travel style: