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Paros is an island within the 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 infinite sandy seashores with azure blue waters.
Not solely is the pure panorama gorgeous, however there are quite a few issues to do in Paros to maintain you entertained. This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
On Paros island, you’ll discover historic, medieval ruins and monuments, picturesque white sugar-cube cities and villages, and no scarcity of tavernas bars and cafes.
You possibly can count on all of this, plus cheap costs, glorious vacationer services, and pleasant individuals who know the true that means of hospitality. It’s simple to see why many regard Paros because the quintessential Island for any Greece journey itinerary.
They are saying Paros is like Mykonos was 20 years in the past. It has all of the appeal and ambiance however with out the heaving crowds and steep costs which is likely one of the principal explanation why my associate and I fell in love with it.
A lot so, now we have been again 4 years working now and actually take into account ourselves to be amongst household after we go to.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros, and it’s simply the best dimension. It actually does tick all of the bins and there really is one thing for everybody.
Right here is a few sensible info for Paros. In the event you’d prefer to skip this and soar to the Issues To Do in Paros part, click on right here.
When to Go to Paros Island
Ideally, the greatest time to go to Greece is between Could and October, and the identical is true for Paros. The climate is sweet and the ‘season’ is open — many locations shut for enterprise through the different months.
The height season is July and August when the Europeans take their holidays and it may be each sizzling and windy then too. Personally, we love June or September when it’s nonetheless vigorous sufficient however not so busy.
The ‘Meltemi‘ is a powerful wind that blows by the Cyclades down from Turkey often between July and September. It may be very highly effective and because of this, Paros could be very fashionable with avid windsurfing and wakeboarding fanatics however it’s additionally simple to discover a protected bay, avenue, or quiet nook so the wind might be manageable.
The way to Get to Paros Island
You may get to Paros by boat or airplane. On account of its place and significance, Paros is related not simply to Piraeus (the port of Athens – one of many busiest passenger ports on the earth!) but additionally to Rafina which is nearer to the airport.
Paros is usually the primary cease within the Cyclades for most of the ferries and is the stopping-off level on the best way to Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, and all the opposite Cyclades Islands, in addition to linking with routes servicing the Dodecanese and Crete.
It’s solely 3 hours from Piraeus to Paros on the quick ferry and there’s now a brand new practice hyperlink direct to the port from the airport.
The airport on the island was fully rebuilt in late 2016 and there’s now a brand new small terminal and an extended runway. There are numerous prospects each on the island and to locations past.
For details about the ferry routes and to e-book tickets we advocate Ferry Hopper. And, take a look at my web site for extra Greece journey recommendation.
Getting Round Paros Island
Paros has an ideal public bus system that may take you to most seashores and cities on the island. That is particularly handy for anybody on a finances because the bus journey is just one.80 Euro ($2.09 USD). You’ll find a timetable right here.
There are additionally loads of rental locations across the island the place you may lease automobiles, quad bikes, and scooters. Be warned they’ll e-book out shortly within the peak season so plan forward in case you are visiting in Summer time. Click on right here to see the newest charges on rental automobiles with Uncover Vehicles.
This 12 months, they’ve began issuing fines in case you are driving with out a global driver’s license so it pays to journey with one.
In relation to quad bikes and scooters, ensure you examine your insurance coverage. Many individuals discover out the onerous means that they aren’t coated and accidents on the islands might be troublesome to handle, to not point out, costly.
Finest Issues To Do in Paros, Greece
Let’s get into it. For such a small island, there actually are many issues to see and uncover in Paros. Listed here are the 21 greatest.
1. Go to Parikia
The capital and principal port of the island, Parikia can be the industrial and enterprise hub. There are numerous eating places and cafes alongside the waterfront and thru a maze of alleys within the outdated city.
In true Cycladic type, it’s a labyrinth of slim whitewashed streets and an ideal place to remain if you wish to be near every thing.
The entire main banks and providers are situated right here as are laundries, supermarkets, the hospital, and varied vacationer providers.
There are additionally some very attention-grabbing historic monuments and factors of curiosity together with an historic windmill and an enchanting Church (see subsequent level).
2. See Panagia Ekatontapiliani
That is certainly one of Greece’s most necessary Byzantine monuments. Constructed initially within the 4th century it’s often known as the Church of a Hundred Doorways.
Legend has it that 99 doorways have been discovered within the Church and that the a hundredth might be found when Constantinople (Istanbul) is returned to Greece once more.
Entrance right here is free, and opening hours (on the time of publication) are 7am‑9pm. Within the off-season: 7am‑2pm and 4pm‑8pm.
Handle: Ekatontapiliahs, Paros 844 00, Greece. Discover the church on the map, right here.
3. Discover the Fishing Village of Naousa
Positioned within the North of the island about 20 minutes drive from Parikia, this vigorous fishing village is the place we desire to remain. It’s just a little quieter than Parikia through the day however actually comes alive at evening when it may be fairly the social gathering city.
It’s nonetheless a fishing village at coronary heart and far of the nightlife revolves across the small compact harbour. This space is the most costly, however it’s additionally potential to get an affordable and cheerful meal in one of many many winding again streets. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Go to the City of Lefkes
A small medieval city nestled within the mountains behind Naousa with views over neighbouring Naxos. Lefkas has all of the makings of the Cyclades — white homes, blue doorways, and dripping vibrant pink Bougainvillea. A visit right here is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Paros.
It’s a stunning city to go to for a day and you could find some glorious handmade native pottery, jewellery, and different crafts, in addition to issues corresponding to honey and figs bought by the highway.
Some individuals love to remain right here yearly and it’s potential to search out some very cheap rooms on Reserving.com, or simply by wandering by the village.
5. Discover Piso Livadi
A small and picturesque fishing port on the southeast of the island, Piso Livadi has quite a lot of charming tavernas well-known for his or her native seafood dishes. Don’t miss Ouzeri Halaris!
Sampling the regional delicacies is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Greece — ensure you don’t miss the mussels right here!
As soon as a really small and quiet bay, it has change into extra fashionable in recent times and is the principle port to embark on crusing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos. Click on right here for a well-liked crusing journey.
6. Golden Seashore (one of many prime issues to do in Paros if you happen to’re feeling lively!)
Slightly additional south from Piso Livadi is Golden Seashore, thought of by many to be one of many greatest seashores in Greece for water sports activities, if not the world.
In addition to some excellent accommodations and tavernas, additionally, you will discover quite a lot of locations to lease windsurfers, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wakeboards.
There are additionally some pretty and moderately funky little beach-inspired outlets and boutiques. It may be very windy when the Meltemi is blowing however for many individuals, that’s a part of its attraction.
In the event you’re into watersports, a visit to Golden Seashore needs to be in your record of issues to do in Paros.
Rental costs range from place to put and 12 months to 12 months however are comparatively cheap. For one hour of windsurfing, count on to pay round 25 euros ($29), SUP is round $20 euros ($23) for an hour, whereas kayaks go for 15 euros per hour ($17).
There are a number of rental locations proper on the seaside. Click on right here for particulars.
7. Go to Drios
One other small fishing village, Drios was as soon as the traditional port of the island and is likely one of the greenest villages in Paros.
Right here you may take pleasure in typical Cycladic hospitality, scrumptious delicacies, and really tranquil environment. It’s potential to lease just a little room proper on the seaside for the value of a pleasant meal and there are a variety of quiet sandy seashores, together with a nudist one shut by.
Make sure to take a look at Aspro Chorion, the small charming settlement above Drios. Get instructions to Drios right here.
8. Laze on Kolombithres Seashore
The seaside at Kolimbithres is likely one of the most well-known in Paros and is situated west of Naousa in Plastira Bay. It has large boulders of granite positioned into the ocean that has been worn away over the centuries into easy sunbathing platforms.
The water right here is shallow and crystal clear and there is a wonderful taverna proper subsequent to the seaside which has a few of the greatest residence cooking on the island.
You possibly can drive round or catch the small public ferry over from Naousa. Whereas there are quite a few issues to do in Paros, don’t miss spending a day at this seaside.
9. Calm down on Santa Maria Seashore
One other very talked-about seaside that’s well-known for its windsurfing, water snowboarding, and scuba diving services.
Santa Maria is situated a few 10-minute drive east of Naoussa and is surrounded by seaside bars, tavernas, and eating places which provides it a extra cosmopolitan really feel and has been a favorite of Scandinavian households for many years.
Handle: Paros 844 01, Greece. Discover this lovely seaside right here on the map.
Planning a visit to different locations in Greece? Don’t miss the superior issues to do in Ios, the enjoyable issues to do in Zante (Zakynthos), and the unimaginable issues to do in Corfu! Kefalonia Island is stuffed with issues to see and do, whereas Chios Island and Lesvos Island are extra offtrack and provide travellers a plethora of sights and actions. Plus, if you happen to’re visiting the mainland, don’t miss the highest sights and issues 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’s a small man-made seawall that ensures calm water nearly on daily basis and a few excellent tavernas on the seaside, together with the very talked-about Thalami and Christiana.
There’s additionally trendy restaurant/seaside membership on the seaside referred to as Aspro that gives solar loungers and beachside service to diners. An important spot for an extended, lazy lunch and swim — with hardly another individuals round. Discover Ampelas on the map right here.
11. Test Out the Small Village of Aliki
Aliki means ‘salt marsh’ in Greek and this village received its title from the adjoining one on the southern finish of the island.
Fairly near the airport in Aliki additionally, you will discover the Cycladic Folklore Museum. Many cultural occasions are held in Aliki, such because 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 stunning village with quite a lot of glorious seafood tavernas and small rooms and pensions to remain in. Click on right here to search out Aliki on the map.
12. Expertise Butterfly Valley
Positioned 5km south of Parikia, close to the Monastery of Jesus of Woods, this valley is known as Petaloudes, which suggests Butterfly in Greek.
Yearly through the summer time months (beginning in June), the valley is verdant because the Jersey Tiger Moths appear to wrap your complete valley, creating a really breathtaking pure phenomenon.
Handle: Petaloudes, 84400, Paros- Greece. Get instructions right here.
13. Take the Ferry to Antiparos
Antiparos is a really picturesque and laid-back island situated simply off the coast of Paros. It’s an ideal day journey or if in case you have the time, keep a day or two. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart each half-hour from Parikia and the journey is about 10 minutes.
You probably have a rental automobile, you may catch the automobile ferry from the township just a little additional south of Parikia in Punda, after which the journey is simply 7 minutes.
Antiparos is residence to quite a lot of celebrities most notably Tom Hanks and his Greek spouse Rita Wilson. They’re much-loved (and guarded) by the locals and take part in lots of native occasions once they go to every summer time.
In the event you’d moderately sail to Antiparos, hop aboard a catamaran! This lovely boat will whisk you away to Antiparos, Panteronisi and Despotiko whereas having fun with swims within the crystal clear sea. All through the day, you’ll eat and drink conventional Greek meals and snacks. Wine and beer are included. Discover out extra right here.
14. Day Journey to Mykonos or Santorini
You don’t want to remain on the 2 costliest islands in Greece to take pleasure in them. There are ferries quite a few instances a day to Santorini and several other may also cease at Naxos and Ios. A day journey to close by islands is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Paros.
The Blue Star ferries are large and extra like small cruise ships with nice eating places, bars and cabins. It takes about 3 hours to get to Santorini however it may be a nice journey and value it to see what all of the fuss is about (belief me, it’s value it!). Click on right here for ferry listings.
Mykonos is simply an hour away and it’s fairly potential to pop over for lunch, though you’ll unlikely be there when the hard-core partying begins round midnight.
So, if you wish to benefit from the social gathering, you’ll must spend the evening in case your finances permits it. If not, day journeys from Paros to Mykonos are potential and nonetheless gratifying.
15. Take a Day Journey to Naxos
Naxos is a wonderful island solely 20 minutes away from Paros and is each fascinating and enjoyable. There are some nice seashores on this large island however you have to a automobile to get to most of them particularly in case you are pressed for time.
St. George seaside on the southern finish of Naxos city is a stunning calm seaside, nice for households, and there are a variety of wonderful tavernas proper on the sand. Whilst you can positively go to on a day journey from Paros, there are quite a few issues to do in Naxos and glorious villas to lease…you could need to spend the evening!
16. Sail the Small Cyclades
Crusing across the Greek Islands generally is a lot harder, and costly than individuals understand. On Paros, nevertheless, it’s potential to affix a ship, or privately constitution one, from both Naousa or Piso Livadi.
Take pleasure in a surprising day journey across the Small Cyclades, a gaggle of spectacular islands on the southern finish of Naxos which embody Koufanisi and Danousa.
The price of this tour varies dramatically relying on the scale and elegance of the boat, which islands you go to, the length of the journey, and the way many individuals are on board.
Anticipate to pay wherever from 20 euros ($23) per individual to 150 euros ($165). Click on right here to study extra about boat journeys across the Small Cyclades.
17. Go Procuring
There are some nice little boutiques and shops in each Parikia and Naousa and even a number of funky locations within the smaller villages as nicely.
There are small markets, high-end boutiques, and native Greek designer put on and jewelry, a lot of it very inexpensive. In the event you’re seeking to discover one thing particular to take residence out of your journey this may positively be the place to do it.
18. Go to a Vineyard
There are a few glorious wineries on Paros. Established in 1910, Moraitis Vineyard is simply behind the city of Naousa and has an excellent cellar that additionally sells mild meals and cheese platters.
The best local weather circumstances of the Cycladic panorama have led to the manufacturing of some nice reds, whites and rose wines.
Chances are you’ll discover as you drive across the island that the vines are left to develop on the bottom as an alternative of on a trellis. That is so the wind doesn’t blow the grapes away through the Meltemi (sturdy winds that blow by the Cyclades from July – September).
In the event you’re into wines, a visit to a vineyard is likely one of the prime issues to do in Paros.
Moraitis Vineyard Handle: Epar.Od. Naoussas-Marpissas, Naousa 844 01, Greece. Get instructions right here.
19. Attend a Competition
The Greeks love a pageant and there are greater than 10 non secular festivals on Paros between July and September alone! Discover a full record right here.
The Pirates Competition is a vibrant celebration representing the raids of the pirates in Paros that have been ordinary in Medieval instances. Younger boys costume in conventional pirate costumes and soar from the caciques (fishing boats) working by the group to grab the younger women away. Fireworks, conventional music, and dancing coincide with a lot feasting and frivolity.
One other very talked-about occasion is The Fish and Wine Competition which takes place in Marpissa on the primary Sunday of July.
Small or bigger festivals involving artwork exhibitions, dance and music occasions, live shows, theatrical performances or e-book gala’s are scheduled in the direction of the tip of the summer time. These festivals and occasions are among the many prime cultural issues to do in Paros.
20. Bask in Wonderful Eating
Whereas conventional tavernas abound throughout the island, there are a variety of wonderful effective eating decisions too.
Unimaginable sunsets and white tablecloth service is discovered at Siparos a couple of minutes’ drive previous Naoussa — we loved a really particular group birthday celebration right here just lately.
The Seven Senses Gastronomy in Drios is efficiently filling a niche on the southern finish of the island, and if you happen to’re searching for a change from seafood and Greek delicacies, Le Sud in Naousa is value a glance.
21. Watch the Unimaginable Sunsets
The entire Cycladic islands provide unimaginable vistas of the well-known Mediterranean sunsets and it’s simple to search out many west-facing places.
On Paros, Parikia and west-located villages like Punda have the perfect spots however there are eating places such because the above-mentioned Siparos that even have magnificent golden views within the evenings.
The great thing about a Greek sundown is the solar is so giant and units fairly slowly. It’s a really hypnotic impact!
Different Actions in Paros
A enjoyable option to discover the island is to lease your personal boat and be a captain for a day! These small speedboats are a number of enjoyable – pull up at secluded coves, moor up and soar off for a swim, and have the liberty to go the place you need. In the event you don’t really feel comfy driving, you may also rent a captain. Discover out extra and e-book your boat right here.
In the event you’re fascinated about native experiences, meals, and cooking, you received’t need to miss this unimaginable cooking class.
Create a tasty meal with a chef who grew up in Paros. By means of the expertise, you’ll study her grandmother’s recipes, make new associates, and luxuriate in a meal with wine and ouzo. Be taught extra about this highly-rated expertise right here.
If artwork is extra your factor, head out to create your personal marble sculpture. The proper memento from Paros! Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Paros right here.
Lastly, for some nice reminiscences of your journey to Paros, head out on an epic buggy tour to a few of the coolest pure sights like caves, and waterfalls and luxuriate in a scrumptious BBQ lunch. Be taught extra right here.
Visiting Paros: FAQ’s
Paros is greatest recognized for its high-quality white marble, enjoyable festivals and events, and naturally, its lovely seashores.
With 2 days in Paros, you’ll have the ability to discover a number of of the villages and seashores. Hire a automobile to discover at your personal tempo and cease the place you need to. Give your self extra time if you wish to be a part of a enjoyable boat tour, a cooking class, go to a vineyard, and have time to loosen up and unwind.
The most effective factor to do in Paros is to get out on the water! Be part of a catamaran or sailboat journey and benefit from the day. Or, rent your personal boat to discover the shoreline. Lastly, if you happen to don’t need to be out on the water, you may merely take pleasure in swimming from one of many many lovely seashores.
Naxos and Paros are each lovely islands in Greece. Paros has a bit extra happening than Naxos. Paros is a flatter island whereas Naxos is extra mountainous. Each of the islands have glorious seashores and eating places, and because of the winds, Naxos and Paros are recognized for his or her watersports (kitesurfing, crusing, windsurfing).
Now You Know What To Do in Paros
There are such a lot of issues to do in Paros (and eat!) that I may go on endlessly. The “island for everybody” actually does reside as much as its repute and for that cause, we are going to proceed to go to every year.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to be visiting Greece for the primary time and even your thirtieth time, make sure that Paros is in your itinerary.
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