The Ultimate Paros Travel Guide for First-Timers

Paros attracts thousands of tourists every year making it one of the most popular islands in Greece. With its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that this island has become the ultimate summer getaway.

If you’re visiting Paros for the first time then there are a couple of things you should know before you go.

This Paros travel guide will take you through some useful information for your trip including where to stay, the best things to do, and how to get around. So let’s dive straight in!

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Paros Travel Guide: The Basics

Location

Paros is part of the Cyclades Island group and is located in the Central Aegean Sea. It’s situated between the islands of Naxos and Sifnos and is around 190 km (118 miles) from the capital of Athens. Paros is also relatively close to other popular islands including Ios and Milos.

Paros is the second largest island within the Cyclades family covering an area of 196 square km (75 sq miles). Its coastline has an impressive length of 120 km (74 miles) which means you’ll find countless beautiful beaches on Paros.

The width of the island is 16 km (10 miles) at its widest point, and the length of the island is 21 km (13 miles) from the North to the South tip.

Trip Length

For the best experience, I’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Paros! There’s so much to see and do on the island, and this isn’t a place you want to rush.

However, you could easily spend a week on Paros so it’s completely up to you. You can also take plenty of day trips to other islands which is something to consider too.

Currency

Like the rest of Greece, the island of Paros uses the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted on the island but you’ll find some businesses will prefer you to pay with cash. You’ll also want to keep loose change on you at all times for things like bus tickets and taxis.

Visa

If you’re a member of the European Union then you don’t need a visa to visit Paros but you will need a valid passport or ID card.

Some countries can travel through the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days, and this includes Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The situation will be different depending on your country of origin so it’s important to check the visa requirements for Greece before you travel.

Best Places to Visit in Paros

For the ultimate travel guide to Paros, I’ve included some of the top places to visit on the island. From beaches to idyllic villages, these are the spots you don’t want to miss!

• Parikia: The island’s hub with the ferry port, Parikia is full of great bars, restaurants, and attractions like the Archaeological Museum, Ancient Cemetery, and Archaic Temple of Athena.
• Parasporos Beach: One of the best beaches in Paros, Parasporos boasts golden sands, emerald waters, and vibrant nightlife with beach bars hosting late-night parties.
• Naousa: A charming fishing village with white-washed houses, crystal-clear waters, and excellent restaurants. It’s also known for its nightlife and nearby beaches.
• Paros Park: This 800-acre nature reserve features hiking routes and attractions like the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti and Monastiri Beach.
• Kolympethres Beach: Famous for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and unique rock formations, this beach offers water sports and plenty of facilities.
• Santa Maria Beach: Divided into two sections, Santa Maria and Mikri Santa Maria, both feature pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and water sports options for a perfect beach day.
• Lefkes: This mountainous village, once the capital of Paros, offers stunning views of Naxos, white-washed windmills, and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Chrissi Akti Beach: Also known as Golden Beach, this popular spot is accessible by public transport and offers breathtaking beauty, facilities, and water sports.
• St. Antonios Monastery: Perched on Kefalos Hill, this 17th-century monastery offers panoramic views of Paros and the Aegean Sea, making it a must-visit.

Where to Stay in Paros

Deciding where to stay in Paros isn’t easy as there are so many options! Generally, the most popular places on the island are Naousa, Parasporos, Parikia, and Piso Livadi. 

If you’re visiting Paros for the first time, then Parikia and Naousa are fantastic options as there are plenty of attractions nearby and the transport links are also great. Parasporos and Piso Livadi are much quieter, and they are both incredibly scenic and family-friendly.

I’ve got a more in-depth guide on where to stay in Paros if you’re looking to weigh up your options. That guide details the pros and cons of each area and my hotel recommendations!

If you’re in a rush, here are my top recommendations,

• Luxury: Summer Senses Luxury Resort
• Mid-Range: Paros Palace
• Budget: Argonauta Hotel

Best Places to Eat in Paros

You’ll find plenty of fantastic restaurants in Paros and there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for delicious seafood or traditional Greek cuisine, there are tons of places to choose from. Here are some of the must-visit places! 

• Barbarossa: One of the most popular upscale restaurants in Paros, known for its sea views and celebrity guests. Don’t miss the crayfish orzo, lobster pasta, and calamari.
• Sigi Ikthios: Located on Naousa’s waterfront, this spot offers scenic views and a variety of seafood and traditional dishes. Perfect for a sunset dinner by the fishing boats.
• Cafe Symposium Paros: A laid-back café ideal for starting your day with Mediterranean or continental breakfasts, crepes, waffles, and excellent coffee.
• Hellas: Rated #1 in Parikia, this restaurant is known for its great service and delicious gyros. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence for four consecutive years.
• Cuore Rosso: An Italian gem in Parikia, famous for its pizzas like Parma DOP and Carpe Diem, along with tasty desserts.
• Taverna Kolibithres: Near Kolimpithres Beach, this taverna serves traditional dishes like Dakos, Moussaka, and saganaki with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
• Secret Cafe Bar: Situated in Parikia, this spot offers outdoor seating, sea views, and a menu ranging from club sandwiches to waffles. Ideal for a relaxed break from the sun.
• Ramnos Café: Located in Lefkes, this charming café features a sun terrace and stunning views. The Strawberry Cooler Mocktail is a must-try.

How to Get to Paros

Flying to Paros

Flying to the island is one of the most popular ways to reach Paros although it’s also the most expensive option.

To reach the island you’ll have to fly from Athens as that’s the only flight available. You can’t fly to Paros from surrounding islands or other destinations in Europe without a changeover in the capital first. 

Flights run daily from Athens and the journey takes around 40 minutes. This makes it the quickest way to reach Paros although you’ll have to allow extra time for getting through airport security. 

Taking the ferry to Paros

If you’d prefer some more flexibility with your Greece itinerary, then catching the ferry is often a better option. This is because you can catch the ferry to Paros from several islands including Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini just to name a few.

During the summer months, many of the surrounding islands offer several ferries a day to Paros but be prepared for a long journey.

Some of the ferries take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, but if you’re traveling from further away your journey may take up to 4 hours. Ferries do run from Athens but they take between 3-7 hours so you’ll be better off flying unless you’re trying to save some cash. 

Usually, there are more ferry operator companies on the same route with various prices and duration. You can check Ferryscanner to compare ferries and check the schedules.

How to Get Around in Paros

Public transport

One of the cheapest ways to get around Paros is by using the public transport system. It’s incredibly reliable and serves most of the popular sites on the island.

There are plenty of bus routes that run across the island, and these services are more frequent during the summer months. 

The best transport links can be found in Naousa and Parikia, and from there you can visit popular spots like Alyki, Chrissi Akti, and Lefkes. Tickets start from just €1.80 for a full ticket but you can find the full timetable and price information online.

Car rental

To make the most of your time in Paros I’d recommend renting a car as it gives you the ultimate flexibility when exploring the island. If you’re visiting Paros for the first time this is especially the case as there’s so much to see and do!

Some of the more remote beaches and villages on Paros aren’t accessible by public transport, so if you don’t hire a car or pay for a taxi you won’t get to see them. 

Renting a car between June and September is expensive as it’s the peak season, so you may just want to hire one for a couple of days to reach the more remote locations.

However, if you head to Paros during the shoulder season you can hire a vehicle from €25-35. If you don’t fancy hiring a car then you can rent an ATV or scooter instead!

Taxi

If you’d prefer not to drive around yourself then you can always use taxis instead as they are a quick and convenient way to get around.

However, prices can be high, especially during the peak season so you’ll want to keep this in mind if you’re traveling on a budget. 

You can catch a taxi from the taxi ranks across the island, although they’re primarily found in Parikia, Naoussa, and the airport.

Best Time to Visit Paros

High season

The high season for Paros runs from June to August and is when the island is the most crowded. You’ll share your trip with plenty of other tourists during the summer months and for good reason! 

Temperatures during this time of year range from 19-30°C (66-86°F) and you’ll have plenty of sunshine. Precipitation levels are low too. 

It’s also easy to reach Paros during the summer as ferries run regularly from June to September. However, accommodation prices in the high season can be costly and you’ll want to book in advance to get a better deal.

Shoulder season

If you’d prefer a quieter experience then I’d recommend heading to Paros during the shoulder season. This is considered to be the months of May and September. 

Temperatures during these months will be cooler but still pleasant as they range from 17-27°C (63-81°F). However, just keep in mind that you may get more rainy days! 

The best part about traveling to Paros in the shoulder season is that accommodation is much cheaper and you can find some great bargains. The only thing to consider is that some of the restaurants and tour agencies may be closed. 

Low season

The low season in Paros generally runs from October to April and it’s the quietest time to visit the island.

The temperature will vary dramatically depending on which month you visit, but generally, it ranges from 9-20°C (48-68°F).

Precipitation levels will be much higher during this time of year although you will find some great bargains when it comes to accommodation.

However, many of the restaurants and tour operators will be closed during the low season. The ferries also run on a very limited schedule so it’s best to visit during the shoulder season instead.