Our first journey to Paros was a shock journey to Paros for my thirtieth birthday. The Greek Island of Paros had been on our record of locations to go to in Greece for years. So it was a beautiful expertise to take a look at all the perfect issues to do on Paros Island, Greece. Who knew that years later, we’d get married on the island?
Paros is the luxury little sister to its extra well-known Cycladic neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos. It’s an attractive combination of charming cities, inviting locals, water sports activities, boutique outlets, and sandy seashores. The 2 hubs of Parikia and Naoussa are a heady maze of white-washed streets.
We love the island for its means to really feel faraway from the plenty but provide traditional vacationer trappings resembling fantastic eating places and buzzing cocktail bars. It is going to at all times be our selection over the extra well-known Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos.
Paros has all the things you would need from a visit to the Greek islands. We’re right here to assist with what to do on Paros.
The place is Paros?
Paros is an island a part of the Cyclades group of Greek islands. It’s quieter than close by Mykonos and Santorini, though it nonetheless has these idyllic stone streets and white-washed buildings. The island neighbors Naxos and Antiparos, whereas Mykonos is a brief ferry experience away to the North.
It’s greatest recognized for its beautiful seashores and conventional villages and is certainly one of Greece’s greatest locations to go to. Paros can simply be reached by ferry from Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Sifnos, Amorgos, and lots of extra Greek locations making it the right place to go in your Greek islands journey itinerary.
Greatest Issues to do In Paros, Greece
Dive Into Parikia
Most guests to Paros will journey by Parikia, the island’s capital and port. Parikia is house to the island’s ferry terminal and lots of eating places and cafes. It’s straightforward to skip over the port city because it doesn’t seem like a lot from the ferry port. Nonetheless, that might be a mistake as the inside city streets are stuffed with boutique outlets, eating places, and bars.
There are a number of glorious bars for drinks at sundown, however Bebop provides the perfect views with an creative cocktail menu. Afterward, head to Mira Restaurant for a traditional Greek taverna, which pulls a crowd on busy nights. You can even go for a charcuterie board on the wine bar, Ela Paros, French/Greek eating at Stou Fred, or Pizza at Cuore Rosso.
If you wish to go to a financial institution or a grocery store, Parikia is the place you’ll try this. It’s additionally the place you’ll discover automobile rental businesses, that are a good way to get round Paros, however I’ll contact extra on that later!
Be taught to Wind Surf on Golden Seaside
Greece is infamous for its winds; when the Meltemi winds blow in from the north, it howls throughout the island. The wind will not be best for beachgoers, nevertheless it attracts wind and kite surfers from across the globe.
Whereas we don’t suggest taking classes in excessive wind, on calmer days, Golden Sand seashore has a number of windsurfing operators who provide classes. Paros Windsurf Heart has a superb status with nice tools and useful instructors. Windsurfing is straightforward to be taught in a few hours and is a blast. Simple to know why it’s top-of-the-line issues to do on Paros.
Naxos is famend for its wind and kite browsing scene should you get hooked on the neighboring islands. For those who’re a blended group, don’t fear; Golden Seaside is likely one of the seashores on Paros. It’s a blue flag seashore well-known for its fantastic golden sand stretching 700 meters. The right spot to catch some rays and get a tan or go for a swim, because the seashore itself is protected against the wind.
Stroll Round Lefkes
The small mountain village of Lefkes is a spotlight for a lot of guests to the island. It could have solely 500 inhabitants, nevertheless it options some pretty boutique outlets, tavernas, and low outlets. Its magnificence makes it effectively value exploring for a day or a few hours.
Lefkes is charming, as cobblestone alleys wind up and down hills to type a maze solely accessible by foot. The village has fantastic examples of traditional Cycladic structure, white stone properties with blue accents, and bougainvillea flowers.
Historical past is in every single place within the little village. A lot of the stone partitions and residential date again to the center ages when Lefkes was the island’s capital. Guests may also see Venetian properties that date again to their rule in between these conventional properties.
Nonetheless, the Byzantine Church of Agia Triada is essentially the most imposing and troublesome to overlook. It makes for a terrific photograph cease and is value taking a more in-depth look to look at a few of the fantastic marble work from Tinian sculptors. Cafe Marigo, which sits reverse the church, makes for a pleasant cease for selfmade lemonade, remember to pop inside to see historic pictures from Lefkes.
Benefit from the small city of Aliki
The southern village of Aliki is a captivating little village with an exquisite little port and charming conventional tavernas. Aliki makes for a preferred base with latest guests to the island because it’s quieter, has easy accessibility to a number of seashores, and has a big selection of lodging choices.
Catch A Cruise From Aliki
You can even catch a number of boat tour choices out of Aliki. Boat operators vary from personal charters on fashionable rib boats to day cruises and small rental boats. We’ve taken each possibility round Paros and might say there isn’t a foul possibility. Nonetheless, we extremely suggest getting out on the water with one of many boat corporations. You’ll be able to simply stroll into an workplace and e-book a ship tour.
Chill out on Faragas Seaside
Faragas Seaside is likely one of the hottest on the Southern coast for an excellent cause. It’s a stunning little seashore with blue waters and golden sand. The seashore is ideal for swimming and provides calm waters even on windy days. It additionally includes a first rate seashore bar that serves up cocktails and pizzas.
It’s a stylish little seashore bar with fashionable services and seashore chairs. The one draw back is the comparatively excessive costs for chairs and meals, particularly for Greece. For those who desire the free possibility, there may be loads of free sand to carry your umbrella and loosen up.
Hit Up Extra Southern Seashores
The South of the island holds a few of Paros’ greatest seashores. For those who discover Faragas too crowded, it’s straightforward to go to a different one of many island’s sandy seashores to loosen up and go for a swim.
Paralia Lolantonis is certainly one of our favorites on the island. Different seashores value exploring are Piso Aliki, Tripiti, Paralia Glifa, and Voutakos. They’re all a brief drive from each other, so you’ll be able to spend the day seashore hopping round or decide your favourite.
BEST Seashores In Paros
absorb the vibe in Naousa
Virtually each customer will go to Naousa because it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Paros. We’ve spent plenty of time within the city, and it’s a terrific expertise irrespective of the time. Store through the day, seize breakfast, take pleasure in sundown drinks, take pleasure in a seafood dinner, or after-dinner drinks.
Naousa is a complicated little fishing village that now caters to seasonal vacationers. It includes a small harbor with traditional white Cycladic buildings and stone streets. It’s a stunning village that may be a maze of lovely alleys flanked by bougainvillea. The village has all the things a vacationer may need, with glorious eating places, lodges, cocktail bars, boutique outlets, rental businesses, ice cream outlets, and tour operators.
You’ll be able to seize a terrific brunch or benefit from the breezy Almond in Paros cafe with a cup of espresso. In order for you one thing fast, seize a tasty gyro or souvlaki from Souvlakia Kargas or Allas Souvlaki & Extra.
The Yemeni Wine Restaurant is a improbable conventional taverna that serves lovely rustic dishes in a nice ambiance. Sigi Ikthios and Mario serve recent seafood alongside fishing boats for an idealistic setting.
Eat At Siparos
In any case these restaurant suggestions, the perfect restaurant on the island is arguably Siparos. It’s been beloved by locals for years now, since 2009 when siblings opened up the restaurant. Traditional greek dishes are given fashionable renditions with glorious substances and in-house merchandise.
On account of its reputation, it’s greatest to make reservations prematurely. It’s an exquisite spot to have a good time a particular occasion. We even had our wedding ceremony reception on the restaurant and couldn’t have requested for higher meals!
Benefit from the Nightlife in Naousa
In case you are trying to benefit from the nightlife scene on Paros the perfect space for that’s Naousa. Head right here on any given summer time evening for bars and golf equipment.
Catch the ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is the small neighboring island subsequent to Paros. It’s a small island well-known for its exclusivity, with luxurious villas dotting the shoreline. Solely a five-minute ferry experience will carry you to the small island. As soon as there, you’ll be able to discover the lovable city of Chora, enterprise to the various seashores, or take a look at the Antiparos cave.
Outdoors of personal villas the many of the lodging on the island is situated in the primary city of Chora. The island is understood for its well-known residents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who’ve a vacation house. The pair are well-loved and guarded by locals so don’t suppose you’ll discover out the place he lives simply.
Go Procuring Boutique Procuring
Paros is blessed with various boutique and memento outlets. You’ll find all the things right here out of your typical vacationer fare to some lovely boutiques with distinctive clothes, jewellery, woodwork, and stonework. Parikia and Naousa each have great buying alternatives. Parikia has a larger number of outlets because it’s additionally the place locals store.
Lease a Boat and Shore Hop!
Our very best day on Paros was after we rented a small boat for our group and set out on the water. You’ll be able to lease a 50 horsepower motored boat (no extra and not using a boat license acknowledged by the EU) in Paros your self so long as you’ve got a license, you’re a reliable boat driver, and are assured on the water.
We rented a small boat for €150, plus €40 for fuel. At €50 per individual, I couldn’t consider a greater approach to spend the day. Having our personal technique of transport on the water meant we may get to some superb locations solely accessible by water. Convey snacks and drinks (most boat leases will include a cooler).
For those who don’t need to captain your personal boat, it’s potential to affix a tour or rent out a skipper in your group for a bit of bit more cash.
Be a part of a Catamaran Tour!
Snorkel off the shore
Swimming within the attractive Mediterranean is a should for each customer to Paros. The clear waters across the Cycladic Islands makes for a beautiful spot to seize a masks and snorkel.
The rocky coves present glorious shelter for snorkeling with loads of areas to discover. Don’t look forward to finding a plethora of fish because it’s not a reef, however nonetheless a nice expertise. Snorkelers can pack fins and a masks, lease, or buy from one of many native outlets.
Benefit from the Blue Lagoon
Having the boat rental meant we may get to some extraordinary locations. This included the “Blue Lagoon,” which is precisely what it feels like – deep turquoise clear water (see above photograph).
It’s a terrific place to loosen up and take a swim or go for a snorkel! Ask your boat rental firm to provide you instructions to this spot, they usually can present you the place precisely to anchor.
Hike The Byzantine Highway
The Byzantine Highway is the oldest path on Paros and connects the villages of Lefkes and Prodromos. It dates again to 1000 AD through the Byzantine period and is constructed totally from Parian marble.
It’s a straightforward 3.5km hike that descends a few hundred meters from Lefkes all the way down to the coast. It’s greatest to be conscious of your step because the marble is slick after a millennia.
Attempt Out A Scuba Dive
It’s potential to go scuba diving in Paros! Diving in Paros will not be that thrilling should you’ve dived in locations just like the Maldives or Indonesia. Sadly, there’s not an entire plethora of marine life on this a part of the world.
However, if you’re a brand new diver or need to check out the game Paros is an efficient place to begin. It doesn’t get significantly better than heat, clear, and calm water in your first dive. Take a look at Eurodivers for dive journeys across the island.
Go to a Greek Vineyard
Greece is well-known for its scrumptious wine. So what higher approach to spend your time in Paros than at a vineyard. Moraitis Vineyard is essentially the most well-known vineyard on the islands, they usually do tastings all day lengthy. Began in 1910, this personal 10-hectare winery is run by 4th technology relations of Manolis Moraitis.
You’ll be able to e-book reservations right here for a pleasant meal or simply present up for a wine tasting with buddies. Visiting this vineyard is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Paros!
Sit again and revel in a Frappe or Fredo Cappuccino
My favourite factor to do in Greece, generally, is to take a seat again, loosen up, order a Frappe (blended Greek espresso), and watch life go by. You are able to do this in any of the cities, and I extremely suggest the expertise no less than as soon as.
Cliff Leap at Ambelas Seaside
Ambelas is one other nice Greek seashore to go to whereas on Paros. It’s small and secluded however go earlier in day to keep away from the shade. There’s additionally a superb cliff leaping spot should you’re into that. You’ll be able to see Cameron leaping within the photograph above.
take a look at the rock formations at Kolympethres Seaside
Kolympethres Seaside is a seashore close to the city of Naousa that’s totally in contrast to some other on Paros. That’s as a result of they’ve beautiful crystal waters and funky rock formations. The distinctive rocks create small swimming swimming pools to swim in and nice locations to lounge.
Stroll round Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi is one other picturesque fishing port with a cute and quiet seashore. This space additionally has quite a few greek tavernas (strive Kima!) well-known for his or her seafood pulled straight from close by. There may be additionally a terrific reside music bar known as Remezzo, that comes alive at evening right here.
Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos island is a close-by Greek island that solely takes one hour to get to by way of ferry. It’s one of many extra widespread islands within the Cyclades and is great to go to.
Naxos has all the things you would need from a visit to the Greek islands. Cycladic white and blue homes, superb historical past, historical Greek structure, nice meals, lovely European seashores, superb sunsets, pleasant Greek folks? Test, Test, Test! We had a full 5 superb days on Naxos after Paros. You’ll be able to see all the perfect issues to do in Naxos right here.
Eat all of the Greek Meals
One in all my favourite issues to do in Paros and all of Greece is go to the native grocery store, decide up some wine, feta, tzatziki, and olives and revel in.
Who says it’s important to exit to a restaurant each evening? A number of the most memorable nights for me have been after we obtained our meals and loved an evening in. It’s cheaper and a great way to eat just like the Greeks!
Kitesurfing In Pounda Bay
Many islands in Greece are a kite surfers heaven, together with the island of Paros. Pounda Bay usually has good wind situations that make it the perfect windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot on the islands. Whether or not or not you’re a newbie or expert you’ll be able to simply lease tools on the Paros Kite Heart for the day
Marcello Seaside
Many individuals agree that Marcello Seaside is the perfect seashore on all of Paros. Right here you’ll discover lovely white sand, and heat waters, full with seashore chairs and even waiters to carry you a frappe. Although it’s within the Bay of Parikia, which means it’s sometimes crowded in thes summer time months.
It’s removed from essentially the most secluded seashore on the island, however there may be free leisure supplied as you get to look at the ferries are available in!
Butterfly Valley
Close to the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, 7km to the southwest of Parikia, is an exquisite valley stuffed with Jersey Tiger Moths in the summertime. The Tiger Moth is brown and yellow with black and white spots and two orange/pink dots on the winds.
From June to September, the butterflies flock to this space because the females seek for forested and busy areas to put their eggs. Guests can go to and see the spectacle however take particular care of this superb space, watch your step, and watch out to not make any loud noises that may panic the butterflies.
The guests can take pleasure in their magnificence, nonetheless, they should be cautious to not make any noise as a result of the inhabitants panics and consumes the vitality that should be saved for its journey in autumn and for its replica.
Ebook a Sundown Cruise Round Naousa
Among the best issues to do in Paros is take pleasure in a sundown sail round Naousa Harbor. Pantasoulas provides sundown cruises full with wine, and snacks in your whole occasion. It is a household enterprise that operates fairly a big boat (50 individual), so it’s greatest performed when you have a bigger group!
The place to Keep on Paros, Greece
Issues to do in Paros Island Map
How one can Get to Paros, Greece?
You’ll be able to arrive on Paros by way of ferry or airplane.
The Paros Airport is effectively related to Athens and Thessaloniki. It’s near Aliki and Parikia and could be very small, however nonetheless get right here no less than one hour previous to journey time to be protected.
Ferries and highspeed catamarans run each day into Parikia. They run from Mykonos, Crete, Athens, Naxos, and some different Greek islands. I wish to verify schedules advert costs on Ferry Hopper – we discover it’s greatest to e-book on-line as ticket costs are larger on the precise port, and also you stand an opportunity of them turning into bought out.
On account of its place and significance, Paros is related not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – the second busiest passenger port on the planet!) but in addition to Rafina which is nearer to the Athens airport.
How one can Get Round Paros?
There are a couple of essential choices for getting round Paros. Rental Automotive, moped, public bus, or 4×4.
Moped
A moped is the most cost effective possibility, however in Greece, you want a bike license in an effort to lease one. Many rental businesses in Greece will allow you to slide and lease a moped with out this, however we couldn’t discover anybody in Paros to lease us a moped on simply an ordinary license.
4×4
A 4×4 is essentially the most enjoyable choice to get round Paros in. Nonetheless at round €40-€50 a day, it’s an costly one. Additionally through the excessive season, you’ll want a complicated reservation to lease certainly one of these dangerous boys. I desire to not lease mopeds or 4x4s as I recognize my shade and AC whereas getting round Paros. They get dusty and transfer a lot slower than a automobile, so it’s not nice for driving lengthy distances.
Public Bus
For those who don’t need to drive your self across the island, the general public bus will get you to the primary websites round Paros. Nonetheless, you’ll be restricted to their schedule, which you’ll be able to verify right here.
Rental Automotive
The final possibility is a rental automobile. To lease a automobile in Greece you want an ordinary Worldwide drivers license (A legitimate US license works). In case your license will not be in English or Greek, have a translation simply in case. You additionally must be ready handy over your passport. Additionally relying on the place you attempting to lease an Worldwide Drivers Allow could also be obligatory for should you get pulled over. It could be powerful to discover a rental company to lease to you with out an IDP on Paros, we rented with Avis they usually have been nice and didn’t want any extra paperwork.
We’ve rented a automobile in Greece with out an IDP and had locations in Greece ask that we’ve got an IDP. In case you are from North America, Australia, or exterior the EU it’s greatest that you simply arrive to Greece with an IDP simply to be protected. You will get one at AAA in the US earlier than you allow in your journey. For those who get in an accident or are pulled over with out an IDP chances are you’ll be topic to a steep fantastic within the EU.
Search and Examine Costs for Rental Automobiles
DiscoverCars.com – We personally use them to go looking and examine rental automobile costs across the globe. Auto Europe – Compares the perfect charges!
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Paros?
Excessive season (June-September)
Like most locations in Europe, Greece’s excessive season runs from June to mid-September. That is when you can see the perfect sunny climate and bigger crowds. Days are longer, the climate is HOT, so that you’ll need to be near a pool or ocean. Lodge and automobile rental costs are at their highest. We traveled to Paros in early September and located the climate and crowds to be completely best for a terrific Greek trip.
Shoulder Season (April – Might or October -November)
The climate in Paros is cooler throughout these months, some would take into account it far more comfy than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see plenty of vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automobile leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is usually a improbable time to go to Paros, although in April and November many vacationer oriented companies shall be closed for the season.
Low Season (Late November – April)
The temperatures are cooler through the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but in addition overcast days and little to no sunbathing on the Paros seashores. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers. Although take into accout it’s locals solely throughout this time and also you’ll discover most vacationer oriented companies closed for the season.
Now you recognize what to do in Paros, and all the perfect locations to eat, keep and essential journey information for visiting!
There’s a lot to do in Paros that you simply may really feel overwhelmed with all these sights, however you’ll be able to’t go improper with any of them. The reality is you may get fairly a bit performed along with your time on the island! We spent per week on Paros and have been capable of do all these items plus extra!
What to Pack for Paros, Island
Spending a summer time on one of many many Greek islands? Fortunate you. It’s possible you’ll be questioning simply what to pack for Greece. The islands are lovely, swarming with historical past, and are populated with a few of the friendliest folks on the planet. See our full Greek island packing record.
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Paros! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Assets
‘Hey’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”Foreign money: Euro – (EUR) – €Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival free of charge. Test along with your embassy to see if that’s you.Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are delicate and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t neglect an excellent pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.Finances: For those who’re within the preliminary levels of planning, take a look at our superior submit that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.Lease a Automotive: We advise most guests take into account renting a automobile for the perfect journey potential. Attempt Uncover Automobiles to match quotes from completely different rental businesses. Test Value Right here!Shield Your Journey: Don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage! We at all times carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from harm, theft, or a canceled journey. We use HeyMondo for our insurance coverage wants.Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our record of the perfect excursions you’ll be able to take pleasure in in Greece!Journey Adapter: Be sure you discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, chances are you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.