30 BEST Things to do in Paros, Greece (2023)

Our first journey to Paros was a shock journey to Paros for my thirtieth birthday. The Greek Island of Paros had been on our listing of locations to go to in Greece for years, so heading there for a birthday extravaganza was an exquisite expertise to take a look at all the most effective issues to do on Paros Island, Greece. We cherished our expertise a lot that just a few years later we even returned to get married on the island, so we actually have a deep love for this Cycladic gem.

Paros is the luxurious 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 retailers, and sandy seashores. The 2 hubs of Parikia and Naoussa are a heady maze of white-washed streets to meander by means of.

We love the island’s capability to really feel faraway from the lots but provide traditional vacationer trappings corresponding to high-quality eating places and buzzing cocktail bars. It can at all times be our selection over the extra well-known islands like Santorini, Rhodes, Zakynthos, and Mykonos.

Paros has all the pieces you might need from a visit to the Greek islands, and we assure you’ll love this island simply as a lot as we do! Let’s break down all our favourite issues to do in Paros.

Greatest Issues to do In Paros, Greece

Dive Into Parikia

Most guests to Paros will journey by means of 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. Nevertheless, that may be a mistake as the inside city streets are stuffed with boutique retailers, eating places, and bars.

There are a number of wonderful bars for drinks at sundown, however Bebop provides the most effective views with an creative cocktail menu. Afterward, head to Mira Restaurant for a traditional Greek taverna, which attracts a crowd on busy nights. You can too 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 most effective place to do this because it has the most effective choice on the island. Parikia can also be 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 windsurf on Golden Seashore

Greece is infamous for its winds; when the Meltemi winds blow in from the north, it howls throughout the island. The wind might not be perfect for beachgoers, however it attracts wind and kite surfers from across the globe.

Whereas we don’t advocate 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 wonderful repute with nice gear and useful instructors. Windsurfing is a blast and straightforward to be taught in a few hours. It’s straightforward to grasp why it’s the most effective issues to do on Paros.

If you find yourself loving the game, don’t fear, Naxos is famend for its wind and kite browsing scene in the event you get hooked on the neighboring islands. In case you’re a blended group, don’t fear; Golden Seashore is without doubt one of the seashores on Paros and provides rest for individuals who want to sit down on the seaside. It’s a blue flag seaside identified for its high-quality golden sand stretching 700 meters. The right spot to catch some rays and get a tan or swim, because the seaside 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 might have solely 500 inhabitants, however it options some beautiful boutique retailers, tavernas, and occasional retailers. Its magnificence makes it nicely value exploring for a day or a few hours.

Lefkes is charming, as cobblestone alleys wind up and down hills to kind a maze solely accessible by foot. The village has high-quality examples of traditional Cycladic structure, white stone houses with blue accents, and bougainvillea flowers.

Historical past is in every single place within the little village. A lot of the stone partitions and houses date again to the Center Ages when Lefkes was the island’s capital. Guests can even see Venetian houses that date again to their rule in between these conventional houses.

Nevertheless, the Byzantine Church of Agia Triada is essentially the most imposing and tough to overlook. It makes for an incredible photograph cease and is value taking a better look to look at a few of the high-quality 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 an enthralling little seaside village with a ravishing little port and charming conventional tavernas. Aliki makes for a well-liked base with latest guests to the island because it’s quieter, than different cities like Naousa and has quick access to a number of seashores. There are additionally some idyllic seaside eating places right here and a wide array of lodging choices. When you have a ship cruise booked on Paros, it’s potential that it departs from the small port in Aliki.

Catch A Cruise From Aliki

You can too 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.

Nevertheless, we extremely advocate getting out on the water with one of many boat firms. You possibly can simply stroll into an workplace and e-book a ship tour or e-book one upfront!

Calm down on Faragas Seashore

Faragas Seashore is without doubt one of the hottest on the Southern coast of Paros and for purpose. It’s a beautiful little seaside with blue waters and golden sand. The seaside is ideal for swimming and provides calm waters even on windy days. It additionally contains a first rate seaside bar that serves up cocktails and pizzas rapidly.

Faragas Seashore Bar a classy little seaside bar with fashionable services and seaside chairs. The one draw back is the comparatively excessive costs for chairs and meals, particularly for Greece. In case you want the free possibility, there’s loads of free sand to carry your towel and umbrella and simply loosen up.

Hit Up Extra Southern Seashores

We discover that the south of the island holds a few of Paros’ finest seashores. In case you 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 one in every of our favorites on the island because it’s small and never well-known amongst different vacationers. 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 seaside hopping round or decide your favourite.

The place Are the BEST Seashores In Paros?

Take in the vibe in Naousa

Nearly each customer will go to Naousa because it’s the most effective issues to do in Paros. We’ve spent numerous time within the city, and it’s an incredible expertise regardless of the time. Store in the course of the day, seize breakfast, take pleasure in sundown drinks, take pleasure in a seafood dinner, or order after-dinner drinks.

Naousa is a fancy little fishing village that now caters to seasonal vacationers. It contains 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 pieces a vacationer may want, with wonderful eating places, small inns, cocktail bars, boutique retailers, rental businesses, ice cream retailers, and tour operators. If finances isn’t a difficulty, we might advocate basing your self at a boutique resort in Naousa above wherever else because it’s the most effective space to remain on the island.

You possibly can seize an incredible 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 unbelievable conventional taverna that serves stunning rustic dishes in a pleasing ambiance. Sigi Ikthios and Mario serve recent seafood alongside fishing boats for an idealistic setting.

Eat At Siparos

In any case these restaurant suggestions, we’ve got to say the most effective restaurant on the island is arguably Siparos. It’s been cherished by locals for years since 2009 when siblings opened the restaurant. Basic Greek dishes are given fashionable renditions with wonderful elements and in-house merchandise.

On account of its reputation, it’s finest to make reservations upfront. It’s additionally a ravishing spot to have fun a particular occasion. We even had our marriage ceremony reception on the restaurant and couldn’t have requested for higher meals and vibes!

Benefit from the Nightlife in Naousa

Whereas nothing just like the occasion scene in Mykonos, in case you are seeking to benefit from the nightlife scene on Paros the most effective space for that’s Naousa. Head right here on any given summer time evening to occasion the evening away on the bars and golf equipment.

Catch the ferry to Antiparos

Antiparos is the small neighboring island subsequent to Paros well-known for its exclusivity, with luxurious villas dotting the shoreline. Head to the little port of Pounta and catch a five-minute ferry experience that can carry you to the small island. Ferries run usually and are cheap, you’ll be able to see the schedule right here. As soon as there, you’ll be able to discover the lovable city of Chora, enterprise to the various seashores, or try the Antiparos cave.

Outdoors of personal villas, a lot of the lodging on the island is positioned 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 assume you’ll discover out the place he lives simply!

Go Purchasing Boutique Purchasing

Paros is blessed with a variety of boutique and memento retailers. Yow will discover all the pieces right here out of your typical vacationer fare to some stunning boutiques with distinctive clothes, jewellery, woodwork, and stonework. Parikia and Naousa each have fantastic procuring alternatives. Parikia has a better number of retailers because it’s additionally the place locals store, whereas Naousa has a extra excessive finish designer really feel to it!

Hire a Boat and Shore Hop!

Our very best day on Paros (moreover our marriage ceremony in fact) was after we rented a small boat for our group and set out on the water. You possibly can hire a 30-horsepower motored boat (no extra and not using a boat license acknowledged by the EU) in Paros your self so long as you will have a sound drivers license, you’re a reliable boat driver, and are in fact assured on the water.

We rented a small boat for €150, plus €40 for gasoline. At €50 per particular person, 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).

In case you don’t need to captain your personal boat, it’s potential to affix a tour or rent out a skipper to your group for a little bit bit more cash.

Be part of a Catamaran Tour!

Snorkel off the shore

Paros is a beautiful Mediterranean island and swimming and snorkeling off its shores is a should for each customer to Paros. The clear waters across the Cycladic Islands make for an exquisite spot to seize a masks and snorkel.

The rocky coves present wonderful 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 pleasing expertise. Snorkelers can pack fins and a masks, hire, or buy from one of many native retailers.

Ebook: Sea Kayak Journey with Snorkeling and Snack or Picnic

Benefit from the Blue Lagoon

Having the boat rental meant we may get to some extraordinary locations. This included the “Blue Lagoon,” which is strictly what it feels like – deep turquoise clear water (see above photograph).

It’s an incredible place to loosen up and take a swim or go for a snorkel! Ask your boat rental firm to offer you instructions to this spot, and so they can present you the place precisely to anchor. In case you e-book a captained boat tour on Paros, they’ll unquestionably take you to the Blue Lagoon as nicely.

Ebook a tour!

Hike The Byzantine Street

The Byzantine Street is the oldest path on Paros and connects the villages of Lefkes and Prodromos. It dates again to 1000 AD in the course of the Byzantine period and is constructed completely from Parian marble.

It’s a simple 3.5km hike that descends a few hundred meters from Lefkes right down to the coast. It’s finest to be aware of your step because the marble is slick after a millennia.

Strive Out A Scuba Dive

Sure, it’s even potential to go scuba diving in Paros! Diving in Paros might not be that thrilling in the event 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.

Nonetheless, in case you are a brand new diver or need to check out the game, Paros is an effective place to begin. It doesn’t get significantly better than heat, clear, and calm water in your first dive. Try 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, and so they do tastings all day lengthy. Began in 1910, this personal 10-hectare winery is run by 4th technology members of the family of Manolis Moraitis.

You possibly can e-book reservations right here for a pleasant meal or simply present up for a wine tasting with associates. Visiting this vineyard is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Paros!

Sit again and revel in a Frappe or Fredo Cappuccino

My favourite factor to do in Greece, typically, is to sit down 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 advocate the expertise at the least as soon as.

Cliff Leap at Ambelas Seashore

Ambelas is one other nice Greek seaside to go to whereas on Paros. It’s small and secluded, however we advocate to go earlier in day to keep away from the shade. There’s additionally a superb cliff-jumping spot that we scoped out in the event you’re into that. You possibly can see Cameron leaping within the sea within the photograph above.

try the rock formations at Kolympethres Seashore

Kolympethres Seashore is a seaside close to the city of Naousa that’s completely not like every other on seaside on Paros. That’s as a result of they’ve gorgeous crystal waters and funky rock formations. The distinctive rocks create small swimming swimming pools to swim in and nice locations to lounge. It’s additionally the most effective locations on Paros to benefit from the sundown!

Stroll round Piso Livadi

Piso Livadi is one other picturesque fishing port with a cute and quiet seaside. This space additionally has quite a few greek tavernas well-known for his or her seafood pulled straight from close by. Kima Restaurant, is our favourite within the space and is the place even hosted our rehearsal dinner! There may be additionally an incredible stay music bar known as Remezzo, that comes alive at evening right here and stays open until the early morning hours.

Day Journey to Naxos

Naxos island is a close-by Greek island that solely takes one hour to get to through ferry from Paros. It’s one of many extra in style islands within the Cyclades and is a superb addition to your Paros journey. (We additionally love Milos, so why not mix all three!)

Naxos has all the pieces you might need from a visit to the Greek islands. Cycladic white and blue homes, superb historical past, historical Greek structure, nice meals, stunning European seashores, superb sunsets, pleasant Greek individuals? Test, Test, Test! We had a 9 superb days on Naxos after Paros, and have even thought-about shopping for a home there! You possibly can see all the most effective issues to do in Naxos right here.

Eat all of the Greek Meals

One in every of 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 you need to exit to a restaurant each evening? A few of my most memorable nights 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!

Ebook a Cooking Class with 6-Course Menu and Drinks

Kitesurfing In Pounda Bay

Many islands in Greece are a kite surfer’s heaven, together with the island of Paros. Pounda Bay typically has good wind circumstances that make it the most effective windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot on the islands. Whether or not or not you’re a newbie or expert you’ll be able to simply hire gear on the Paros Kite Heart for the day

Marcello Seashore

Many individuals agree that Marcello Seashore is the most effective seaside on all of Paros. Right here you’ll discover stunning white sand, and heat waters, full with seaside chairs and even waiters to carry you a frappe. Although it’s within the Bay of Parikia, which means it’s usually crowded in the summertime months.

It’s removed from essentially the most secluded seaside on the island, however there’s free leisure offered 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 a ravishing valley crammed with Jersey Tiger Moths in the summertime. The Tiger Moth is brown and yellow with black and white spots and two orange/crimson 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 can panic the butterflies.

The guests can take pleasure in their magnificence, nonetheless, they have to be cautious to not make any noise as a result of the inhabitants panics and consumes the power that have to 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 across the Naousa Harbor. Pantasoulas provides sundown cruises full with wine, and snacks to your whole occasion. This household enterprise operates fairly a big boat (50 individuals), so it’s finest achieved when you’ve got a bigger group!

After reserving them for our marriage ceremony reception cruise and having a superb day trip on the water with them, we couldn’t advocate this expertise extra!

Don’t have a big group? Be sure you inquire about their Semi-Non-public Each day Cruise which is a 6-hour cruise across the North coasts of Paros that stops in 4 chosen areas and likewise provides time for swimming and snorkeling.

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 finest identified for its gorgeous seashores and conventional villages and is one in every of Greece’s finest 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 proper place to go in your Greek islands journey itinerary.

The place to Keep on Paros, Greece

Issues to do in Paros Island Map

The right way to Get to Paros, Greece?

Paros is a good vacation spot because it’s accessible by ferry or airplane.

The Paros Airport is nicely related to Athens and Thessaloniki. It’s near the cities of Aliki and Parikia and could be very small, however nonetheless we advocate to get right here at the least one hour previous to journey time to be protected.

Ferries and highspeed catamarans run day by day into Parikia. They run from Mykonos, Crete, Athens, Naxos, and some different Greek islands. I prefer to test schedules and costs on Ferry Hopper – we discover it’s finest to e-book on-line as ticket costs are generally larger on the precise port, and also you stand an opportunity of them turning into bought out in the course of the summer time months.

On account of its place and significance, Paros is related to not Piraeus (the port of Athens – the second busiest passenger port on this planet!) but in addition to Rafina which is nearer to the Athens airport.

The right way to Get Round Paros?

There are just a few important 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 with the intention to hire one. That being mentioned, many rental businesses in Greece will allow you to slide and hire a moped with out this.

4×4

A 4×4 is essentially the most enjoyable choice to get round Paros in. Nevertheless at round €40-€50 a day, it’s an costly one. Additionally in the course of the excessive season, you’ll want a complicated reservation to hire one in every of these dangerous boys. I want to not hire 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. Belief me, after a day on both a moped or 4×4 you’ll be whooped and may be wishing you had a automobile rental to get to all these Paros sights.

Public Bus

In case you don’t need to drive your self across the island, the general public bus will get you to the primary websites round Paros. Nevertheless, you can be restricted to their schedule, which you’ll be able to test right here.

Rental Automotive

The final possibility is a rental automobile. To hire a automobile in Greece you want a typical Worldwide drivers license (A sound US license works). In case your license just isn’t 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 making an attempt to hire an Worldwide Drivers Allow could also be necessary for in the event you get pulled over. It might be robust to discover a rental company to hire to you with out an IDP on Paros, although we’ve discovered it’s all fairly depending on rental company. We rented with Avis and so they have been nice and didn’t want any further 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 outdoors the EU it’s best to arrive to Greece with an IDP simply to be protected. You may get one at AAA in the USA earlier than you allow to your journey. In case you get in an accident or are pulled over with out an IDP you might be topic to a steep high-quality within the EU. That being mentioned, we’ve rented a automobile in Greece loads of occasions, and have by no means been pulled over or requested to point out our IDP.

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 most effective 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 perfect for an incredible Greek trip.

Shoulder Season (April – Might or Late September/October -November)

The climate in Paros is cooler throughout these months, some would take into account it way more comfy than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see numerous vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automobile leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is usually a unbelievable time to go to Paros, although from November to April many tourist-oriented companies shall be closed for the season.

Low Season (Late November – April)

The temperatures are cooler in the course of 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. Nevertheless, take into account it’s locals solely throughout this time and also you’ll discover most tourist-oriented companies closed for the season.

Thanks for studying our Paros Information!

Now you recognize what to do in Paros, and all the most effective locations to eat, keep and essential journey data 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 unsuitable with any of them. The reality is you will get fairly a bit achieved together with your time on the island! Now we have spent greater than two weeks touring round Paros and have been in a position to get a lot achieved.

In case you’re questioning how lengthy to spend on Paros we advocate at the least 4 days, although you gained’t remorse spending extra time on the gorgeous island.

If we have been telling anybody visiting the Cyclades for the primary time we might advocate to go to Paros, Naxos, Milos, and Tinos multi functional go. Belief us on this one! Until you like crowds and excessive costs take into account giving Mykonos and Santorini a skip. Sure, we all know they’re iconic Greek locations, however to us they only don’t really feel very…Greek! We’ve now been to 22 Greek Islands and Milos, Paros, and Tinos all rank up there as a few of our favorites.

What to Pack for Paros, Island

Spending a while on one of many many Greek islands? Fortunate you. You could be questioning simply what to pack for Greece. The islands are stunning, swarming with historical past, and are populated with a few of the friendliest individuals on this planet. See our full Greek island packing listing.

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