18 Oct Paros Travel Guide: The Best Tips for the Greek Island
Looking for a breathtaking island in Greece? Then look no further than Paros! This idyllic island in the Aegean Sea is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, crystal clear water, charming village, elegant bars and restaurants.
Here is a short guide to help you plan a visit to this stunning island.
How to get to Paros
To get to Paros you can either fly into the airport or take the ferry. If you go by plane, it is about 35 minutes from Athens. But if you decide to go by ferry it takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes on a high-speed ferry or about 4 hours and 30 minutes on regular ferries. There are ferries that take you into town all day from different parts of Greece. Ferryscanner is a good site to book your ferry. The faster ferries like Sea Jets will cost more than slower ferries like Blue Star.
You will be arriving directly at the main port of the island- The Parikia Paros, from there you can walk to your accommodation rent a car or take the bus to where you will stay.
Where to stay in Paros
Hostels
If you are on a budget, you can stay in one of the numerous hostels in Paros.
Paros Backpackers is a budget new place with private dorm rooms in the downtown area of Parikia the capital of Paros island. All rooms have a balcony, private bathroom, fridge and air-conditioning.
Siroco’s rooms and studios – Siroco’s is a small complex comprising of various types of rooms and studios. It is situated in Parikia in a quiet area within walking distance of the main town, beaches and clubbing areas. It has a swimming pool and is surrounded by a nice courtyard.
Hotels
Margarita Studios– Surrounded by a charming courtyard, traditionally decorated Margarita Studios are situated in the stone-paved streets of old Paroikia Town. The self-catered units are a few minutes walk from the beach and centre.
Adonis Hotel Studios & Apartments– located just a minute from Piperi beach. This whitewashed hotel has beautiful views of Naoussa and the Aegean Sea.
Lilly Residence-Sea View Suites – In a whitewashed building overlooking the Aegean Sea, this boutique hotel is an adult-only hotel in Naoussa.
How to get around the island
The best way to explore the island is by renting a car. Having your own transport is always better for the flexibility it gives you to travel on your own terms, you can stop at any stop and as many times as you want, also you don’t have to wait to go somewhere.
You can drive to explore the Towns such as Naousa and Kolymbithres in the north and the villages Lefkes and Marpissa on the South coast. The roads in Paros are in good condition and it is to rent a vehicle. Another alternative is to rent a scooter to explore the island. During the summer (July/August) you might need to rent a vehicle in advance. If you don’t have a driving license, don’t worry. You can always explore the island by bus.
I used public transport only when I visited Paros. You can ask for a timetable at the bus information point in Parikia. This method of exploring the island is very convenient for those on a budget, as the bus ride only costs 1.80 euros.
Things to do in Paros Greece
Visit Lefkes village
Lefkes is a small village between the mountains and olive groves. This traditional village offers stunning views of the island. The cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and cozy cafes create an atmosphere of tranquillity and charm. There is also a church that you can visit on the island.
I found it perfect to visit the village in the morning before the heat was very strong and relax at a beach after lunchtime.
Naoussa village
A vibrant fishing village with a trendy twist, Naoussa is a lively hub filled with restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Its charming harbour is dotted with colourful fishing boats, and at night, the village transforms into one of the island’s hotspots for dining and nightlife.
Climb to St. Antonio's Monastery Church
This church is small and secluded located in the village of Naoussa. This beautiful church is situated on a small hill overlooking the village, it is the best viewpoint on the entire island! You will be able to see Molos Beach, Kalogeros Beach and the villages of Marpissa and Piso Livadi. The views are just stunning!
Explore Parikia
Parikia is the largest village in Paros and is also the capital city. It’s a charming place with colourful houses lining the cobbled streets, making it feel like a real island paradise. There are plenty of shops here selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as cafes for you to enjoy afternoon tea or coffee. Grab your camera and explore the traditional town square where locals dance in the evenings.
Don’t miss the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors, one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in Greece.
Watch the sunset
The sunsets and sunrises in Greece are epic, probably the best ones I’ve seen. When I was in Paros I didn’t miss a single sunset. I would eat my baklava and watch the sunset every day near the port. There are many great places to watch sunsets on the island:
- Naoussa Harbor
- Parikia Promenade
- Kastro of Parikia
- Agia Irini Beach
- Lefkes Village
Just make sure you don’t miss a single sunset.
Water Sports
Water sports are one of the most popular things to do on the island you can do surfing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving. The best beaches for water sports are new Golden Beach Santa Maria beach and New Golden Beach due to their strong winds and water sports infrastructure.
Visit the medieval Fortress of Port Vroton
If you’re looking for a unique way to see the island, then head over to Porto Vroton. This beautiful fortress is located on top of a steep cliff and offers spectacular 360-degree views of the coastline below. Be warned though, it is quite a hike to get up here so be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning sights such as the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea and the island of Naxos in the distance.
Visit Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi is a small village with a fishing harbour. It is located a couple of km south of Marpissa. You can walk on the nice promenade along the harbour, admiring the fishing boats and the bluest water. The small village also has tavernas and cafes by the sea where you can get something to eat and relax. On the south of Piso Livadi there are many amazing beaches such as the famous Golden beach which is great for windsurfing.
Yoga and Meditation
Paros is an idyllic destination for yoga and meditation, offering a serene environment with stunning natural landscapes. Here are some places and activities where you can practice yoga and meditation on the island
There are several yoga and meditation centres on the island where you can take yoga, pilates and meditation classes.
Check out:
Beaches in Paros
Kolympethres beach – This beach is just a short ride from Naoussa. It is rockier than sandy, but it has crystal-clear water and a serene atmosphere. The smooth, naturally sculpted rock formations create private coves, perfect for a peaceful swim or sunbathing. It’s one of my favorite beaches for its unique beauty and the sense of seclusion it offers, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy Paros’ natural charm.
Gold Beach – This expansive beach is ideal for water sports, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its strong winds. It’s also a Blue Flag beach, ensuring clean waters and well-maintained facilities. With its golden sands and lively atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax by the sea.
Lageri Beach -This hidden gem is the perfect escape from Paros’ more crowded beaches. Mostly frequented by locals, it offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. With no shops or restaurants nearby, it’s essential to bring your own food and water. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a more authentic, untouched beach experience.
Kalogeros Beach– Located just south of Molos beach, Kalogeros is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The beach is surrounded by cliffs. The cliffs and beach caves are a source of volcanic mud. So, if you want you can get a free spa treatment by covering yourself with mud and letting your body soak in all the minerals, you can wash off the mud in the water.
Take a day trip to Antiparos
Antiparos is a small island just to the west of Paros. From the village of Pounta take the ferry over to Antiparos it is just 10 minutes by ferry. Ferries run every half hour until late evening. You can spend the day exploring the beautiful beaches and villages. The island is perfect for those looking for a relaxing and serene escape. The island is full of taverns and secluded beaches.
A great thing to do in Antiparos is to explore the cave full of stalagmites.
So there you have it – top things to do on Paros! With so much to see and do, it’s definitely a destination not to be missed!
Check out our other blogs for more great destinations in Greece such as Athens and Santorini, just click here.
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