Paros is an island throughout the coronary 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 numerous sandy seashores with azure blue waters.
Not solely is the pure panorama stunning, nevertheless there are fairly a couple of points to do in Paros to keep up you entertained. That is no doubt one of many best areas to go to in Greece.
We visited Paros remaining 12 months for 8 days and will say that wow, this island really is gorgeous! Undoubtedly lease a automotive to find, make sure to stop off at little seashores and coves, go to wineries, and eat unbelievable seafood.
On Paros island, you’ll uncover historic, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no shortage of tavernas bars and cafes.
You might anticipate all of this, plus inexpensive prices, superb vacationer companies, and nice people who know the true which means of hospitality. It’s simple to see why many regard Paros as a result of the quintessential Island for any Greece journey itinerary.
They’re saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years up to now. It has the entire attract and ambiance nevertheless with out the heaving crowds and steep prices which is no doubt one of many important reason my confederate and I fell in love with it.
Rather a lot so, we’ve got now been once more 4 years working now and really take into consideration ourselves to be amongst family after we go to.
There are so many points to do in Paros, and it’s merely the right measurement. It really does tick the entire containers and there really is one factor for everyone. Proper here’s a few wise information for Paros. Whenever you’d choose to skip this and bounce to the Points To Do in Paros half, click here.
When to Go to Paros Island
Ideally, the best time to go to Greece is between May and October, and the equivalent is true for Paros. The local weather is good and the ‘season’ is open — many areas shut for enterprise by the totally different months.
The peak season is July and August when the Europeans take their holidays and it could be every scorching and windy then too. Personally, we love June or September when it is nonetheless vigorous adequate nevertheless not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a robust wind that blows through the Cyclades down from Turkey usually between July and September. It could be very extremely efficient and due to this, Paros could possibly be very widespread with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics nonetheless it’s moreover simple to find a protected bay, highway, or quiet nook so the wind is perhaps manageable.
Strategies to Get to Paros Island
You might get to Paros by boat or plane. Attributable to its place and significance, Paros is said not merely to Piraeus (the port of Athens – certainly one of many busiest passenger ports on this planet!) however along with Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is usually the first stop throughout the Cyclades for many of the ferries and is the stopping-off degree on the best way wherein to Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, and all the alternative Cyclades Islands, along with linking with routes servicing the Dodecanese and Crete.
It’s solely 3 hours from Piraeus to Paros on the short ferry and there is now a model new train link direct to the port from the airport.
The airport on the island was completely rebuilt in late 2016 and there is now a model new small terminal and an prolonged runway. There are quite a few potentialities every on the island and to areas previous. For particulars in regards to the ferry routes and to e-book tickets we propose Ferry Hopper.
Getting Spherical Paros Island
Paros has a terrific public bus system that will take you to most seashores and cities on the island. That’s significantly useful for anyone on a funds as a result of the bus expertise is only one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). Yow will uncover a timetable here.
There are moreover a great deal of rental areas throughout the island the place you might lease cars, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’re going to e-book out quickly throughout the peak season so plan ahead in case you’re visiting in Summer season season.
We booked our automotive through Uncover Autos and positively counsel having your private wheels to find Paros. Click here to see the latest rates on rental cars with Uncover Autos.
Paros has started issuing fines in case you’re driving with out a world driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
In relation to quad bikes and scooters, make sure to confirm your insurance. Many people uncover out the exhausting method that they don’t seem to be lined and accidents on the islands is perhaps troublesome to deal with, to not level out, pricey.
Best Points To Do in Paros, Greece
Let’s get into it. For such a small island, there really are many points to see and uncover in Paros. Listed below are the 21 best.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and important port of the island, Parikia can be the economic and enterprise hub. There are many consuming locations and cafes alongside the waterfront and through a maze of alleys throughout the outdated metropolis.
In true Cycladic sort, it’s a labyrinth of slender whitewashed streets and a terrific place to stay if you happen to want to be close to each half.
The complete fundamental banks and firms are located proper right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and quite a few vacationer firms.
There are moreover some very attention-grabbing historic monuments and components of curiosity along with an historic windmill and an attention-grabbing Church (see subsequent degree).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That’s one amongst Greece’s most crucial Byzantine monuments. Constructed initially throughout the 4th century it’s usually often known as the Church of a Hundred Doorways.
Legend has it that 99 doorways have been found throughout the Church and that the one hundredth will most likely be discovered when Constantinople (Istanbul) is returned to Greece as soon as extra.
Entrance proper right here is free, and opening hours (on the time of publication) are 7am‑9pm. Inside the low season: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑8pm.
Deal with: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Uncover the church on the map, here.
3. Uncover the Fishing Village of Naousa
Located throughout the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this vigorous fishing village is the place we select to stay. It’s considerably quieter than Parikia by the day nevertheless really comes alive at night when it could be pretty the social gathering metropolis.
It’s nonetheless a fishing village at coronary coronary heart and much of the nightlife revolves throughout the small compact harbour. This house is the most costly, nonetheless it’s moreover attainable to get an inexpensive and cheerful meal in certainly one of many many winding once more streets. Click here for directions.
Goats On The Road Observe: We stayed in Naousa and very counsel it. There are a lot of guesthouses spherical. We stayed at Irini Rooms and will counsel it. Click here to book.
4. Go to the Metropolis of Lefkes
A small medieval metropolis nestled throughout the mountains behind Naousa with views over neighbouring Naxos. Lefkas has the entire makings of the Cyclades — white properties, blue doorways, and dripping vibrant pink Bougainvillea. A go to proper right here is no doubt one of many best points to do in Paros.
It’s a surprising metropolis to go to for a day and you will find some superb handmade native pottery, jewelry, and totally different crafts, along with points resembling honey and figs purchased by the road.
Some people love to stay proper right here yearly and it’s attainable to hunt out some very low cost rooms on Booking.com, or just by wandering through the village.
5. Uncover 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 no doubt one of many best points to do in Greece — make sure to don’t miss the mussels proper right here!
As quickly as a extremely small and quiet bay, it has develop into additional widespread in latest instances and is the precept port to embark on sailing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click here for a most well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Seaside (Certainly one of many Excessive Points to do in Paros if You’re Feeling Full of life!)
Just a bit extra south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seaside, thought-about by many to be the best seashores in Greece for water sports activities actions, if not the world.
Along with some excellent inns and tavernas, moreover, you’ll uncover quite a few areas to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are moreover some fairly and fairly funky little beach-inspired retailers and boutiques. It could be very windy when the Meltemi is blowing nevertheless for a lot of people, that is part of its attraction.
Whenever you’re into watersports, a go to to Golden Seaside should be in your guidelines of points to do in Paros.
Rental prices vary from place to place and 12 months to 12 months nevertheless are comparatively low cost. For one hour of windsurfing, anticipate to pay spherical 25 euros ($29), SUP is spherical $20 euros ($23) for an hour, whereas kayaks go for 15 euros per hour ($17).
There are a variety of rental areas correct on the seaside. Click here for particulars.
7. Go to Drios
One different small fishing village, Drios was as quickly as the normal port of the island and is no doubt one of many greenest villages in Paros.
Proper right here you might have the benefit of typical Cycladic hospitality, delicious delicacies, and actually tranquil setting. It’s attainable to rent a little room correct on the seaside for the worth of a pleasing meal and there are a number of quiet sandy seashores, along with a nudist one shut by.
Be certain you strive Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get directions to Drios here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seaside
The seaside at Kolimbithres is no doubt some of the well-known in Paros and is located west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has giant boulders of granite positioned into the ocean that has been worn away over the centuries into clear sunbathing platforms.
The water proper right here is shallow and crystal clear and there’s a great taverna correct subsequent to the seaside which has quite a few the best residence cooking on the island.
You might drive spherical or catch the small public ferry over from Naousa. Whereas there are fairly a couple of points to do in Paros, don’t miss spending a day at this seaside.
9. Sit back on Santa Maria Seaside
One different extraordinarily standard seaside that is well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving companies.
Santa Maria is located a few 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seaside bars, tavernas, and consuming locations which provides it a additional cosmopolitan actually really feel and has been a favourite of Scandinavian households for a few years.
Deal with: Paros 844 01, Greece. Uncover this beautiful seaside here on the map.
Planning a go to to totally different areas in Greece? Don’t miss the superior points to do in Ios, the pleasing points to do in Zante (Zakynthos), and the unbelievable points to do in Corfu! Kefalonia Island is full of points to see and do, whereas Chios Island and Lesvos Island are additional offtrack and supply travellers a plethora of sights and actions. Plus, while you’re visiting the mainland, don’t miss the best sights and points 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 is a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water nearly each single day and some excellent tavernas on the seaside, along with the extraordinarily standard Thalami and Christiana.
There could also be moreover an excellent fashionable restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside known as Aspro that offers photo voltaic loungers and beachside service to diners. A implausible spot for a protracted, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly one other people spherical. Find Ampelas on the map here.
11. Study 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 end of the island.
Pretty close to the airport in Aliki moreover, you’ll uncover the Cycladic Folklore Museum. Many cultural events are held in Aliki, such as a result of 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 surprising village with quite a few superb seafood tavernas and small rooms and guesthouses to stay in. Click here to hunt out Aliki on the map.
12. Experience Butterfly Valley
Located 5km south of Parikia, near the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, this valley is named Petaloudes, which means Butterfly in Greek.
Yearly by the summer season season months (starting in June), the valley is verdant as a result of the Jersey Tiger Moths seem to wrap your total valley, creating a really breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Deal with: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get directions here.
13. Take the Ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is a extremely picturesque and laid-back island located merely off the coast of Paros. It’s a super day journey or if in case you may have the time, hold a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart every half-hour from Parikia and the journey is about 10 minutes.
If you have a rental car, you might catch the automotive ferry from the township considerably extra south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is barely 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence to quite a few celebrities most notably Tom Hanks and his Greek partner Rita Wilson. They are much-loved (and guarded) by the locals and participate in numerous native events as soon as they go to each summer season season.
Whenever you’d moderately sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This beautiful boat will whisk you away to Antiparos, Panteronisi and Despotiko whereas having enjoyable with swims throughout the crystal clear sea. All by the day, you’ll eat and drink standard Greek meals and snacks. Wine and beer are included. Find out more here.
14. Day Journey to Mykonos or Santorini
You don’t wish to stay on the two most expensive islands in Greece to have the benefit of them. There are ferries fairly a couple of events a day to Santorini and quite a few different may even stop at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to shut by islands is definitely certainly one of many excessive points to do in Paros.
The Blue Star ferries are giant and further like small cruise ships with good consuming locations, bars and cabins. It takes about 3 hours to get to Santorini nevertheless it could be a pleasant journey and worth it to see what the entire fuss is about (perception me, it’s worth it!). Click on on proper right here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is barely an hour away and it’s pretty attainable to pop over for lunch, although you will unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins spherical midnight.
So, if you happen to want to profit from the social gathering, you’ll should spend the night in case your funds permits it. If not, day trips from Paros to Mykonos are attainable and nonetheless gratifying.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is an outstanding island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is every fascinating and pleasing. There are some good seashores on this massive island nevertheless you should have a automotive to get to most of them significantly in case you’re pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern end of Naxos metropolis is a surprising calm seaside, good for households, and there are a number of implausible tavernas correct on the sand. While you possibly can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are fairly a couple of points to do in Naxos and superb villas to lease…likelihood is you will must spend the night!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing throughout the Greek Islands usually is loads harder, and expensive than people discover. On Paros, nonetheless, it’s attainable to hitch a ship, or privately structure one, from each Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Have the benefit of a surprising day journey throughout the Small Cyclades, a bunch of spectacular islands on the southern end of Naxos which embrace Koufanisi and Danousa.
The worth of this tour varies dramatically counting on the size and class of the boat, which islands you go to, the interval of the journey, and the best way many people are on board.
Anticipate to pay wherever from 20 euros ($23) per particular person to 150 euros ($165). Click here to learn more about certainly one of many extraordinarily rated boat journeys throughout the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Shopping for
There are some good little boutiques and retailers in every Parikia and Naousa and even just some funky areas throughout the smaller villages as properly.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer placed on and jewellery, loads of it very moderately priced. Whenever you’re attempting to find one factor specific to take residence out of your journey this is ready to positively be the place to do it.
18. Go to a Winery
There are a couple of superb wineries on Paros. Established in 1910, Moraitis Winery is just at the back of the town of Naousa and has a wonderful cellar that moreover sells light meals and cheese platters.
One of the best native climate circumstances of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some good reds, whites and rose wines.
It is potential you will uncover as you drive throughout the island that the vines are left to develop on the underside in its place of on a trellis. That’s so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away by the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow through the Cyclades from July – September).
Whenever you’re into wines, a go to to a winery is no doubt one of many excessive points to do in Paros. For people who would moderately go on a tour with a driver so you’ll be able to do as many tastings as you want, this is a great winery tour option.
Moraitis Winery Deal with: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get directions here.
19. Attend a Competitors
The Greeks love a contest and there are larger than 10 religious festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Uncover a full guidelines here.
The Pirates Festival is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that had been common in Medieval events. Youthful boys costume in standard pirate costumes and bounce from the caciques (fishing boats) working through the group to seize the youthful women away. Fireworks, standard music, and dancing coincide with loads feasting and frivolity.
One different extraordinarily standard event is The Fish and Wine Competitors which takes place in Marpissa on the first Sunday of July.
Small or larger festivals involving art work exhibitions, dance and music events, live performance occasions, theatrical performances or e-book festivals are scheduled within the path of the tip of the summer season season. These festivals and events are among the many many excessive cultural points to do in Paros.
20. Benefit from Efficient Consuming
Whereas standard tavernas abound all through the island, there are a number of implausible great consuming alternatives too.
Unimaginable sunsets and white tablecloth service is found at Siparos a few minutes’ drive earlier Naoussa — we cherished a extremely specific group birthday celebration proper right here currently.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
The complete Cycladic islands present unbelievable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple to hunt out many west-facing locations.
On Paros, Parikia and west-located villages like Punda have the best spots nevertheless there are consuming locations such as a result of the above-mentioned Siparos that even have magnificent golden views throughout the evenings.
The beauty of a Greek sunset is the photo voltaic is so huge and models pretty slowly. It’s a extremely hypnotic influence!
Completely different Actions in Paros
- Lease Your Private Boat: A pleasing method to find the island is to lease your private boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are various pleasing – pull up at secluded coves, moor up and bounce off for a swim, and have the freedom to go the place you want. Whenever you don’t actually really feel comfortable driving, you possibly can even lease a captain. Find out more and book your boat here.
- Cooking Classes: Whenever you’re fascinated about native experiences, meals, and cooking, you gained’t must miss this incredible cooking class. Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By the use of the experience, you’ll research her grandmother’s recipes, make new buddies, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Research additional about this highly-rated experience here.
- Make a Sculpture: If art work is additional your issue, head out to create your private marble sculpture. The best memento from Paros! Uncover out additional about this pleasing experience in Paros here.
- Go Kayaking: Looking out for energetic points to do in Paros? Sea kayaking is an superior chance! The guides are all licensed professionals, so you do not have something to worry about on the journey. Kayak, swim and luxuriate in a picnic as properly. Click here to learn more.
- Go Horseback Driving: Whether or not or not you want to expertise early throughout the morning or all through sunset, there’s a go to on the market. During the sunset trip, you’ll uncover the world of Kakapetra alongside together with your instructor, and while you opt for the morning trip, you’ll expertise Paroikia’s hidden trails. Click here to check regarding the sunset expertise, and click here for particulars on the morning horseback utilizing journey.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is best acknowledged for its high-quality white marble, pleasing festivals and occasions, and naturally, its beautiful seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll be succesful to find just some of the villages and seashores. Lease a automotive to find at your private tempo and stop the place you want to. Give your self additional time if you happen to want to be a part of a pleasing boat tour, a cooking class, go to a winery, and have time to settle down and unwind.
The best issue to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Be part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and profit from the day. Or, lease your private boat to find the shoreline. Lastly, while you don’t should be out on the water, you might merely have the benefit of swimming from certainly one of many many beautiful seashores.
Naxos and Paros are every beautiful islands in Greece. Paros has a bit additional occurring than Naxos. Paros is a flatter island whereas Naxos is additional mountainous. Every of the islands have superb seashores and consuming locations, and on account of winds, Naxos and Paros are acknowledged for his or her watersports (kitesurfing, crusing, windsurfing).
Now You Know What To Do in Paros
There are so many points to do in Paros (and eat!) that I’d go on perpetually. The “island for everyone” really does reside as a lot as its fame and for that objective, we’ll proceed to go to yearly.
In case you’re lucky adequate to be visiting Greece for the first time and even your thirtieth time, make sure Paros is in your itinerary.
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