ParosCyclades · Greece

All About Paros

Looking for a little piece of Aegean paradise? Paros is one of those destinations that has retained the quintessential Cycladic island charm. Taking a ferry to Paros is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.

From its sun-kissed beaches and pristine waters to the picture-postcard villages decked by bougainvillea and family tavernas, Paros is the epitome of the perfect Greek island getaway. Whether you seek the buzz of upbeat beach bars, want to immerse yourself in the slow pace of sleepy island vibes, or fancy a short boat trip to the adjacent islet of Antiparos, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do and see on this unique island.
 

Routes and Ferries to Paros

The shortest ferry journey to Paros is a 40-minute jaunt from the nearby island of Mykonos. If you are setting off from Athens, you will either leave from the port of Piraeus, where the regular ferry will take approximately 4 hours. Or, you will depart from the port of Lavrio, where Hellenic Seaways offers a weekly route. With regular ferry connections, getting to Paros is very easy and you can also connect with other islands from there.

Seajets is one of the major ferry companies that travel to and from the island, and it offers some of the fastest ferries in the Cyclades. Other companies that provide regular services to Paros include Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries and Minoan Lines. Using Ferryscanner, you can book your ferry to Paros easily and quickly.

If you’re coming from abroad, the best way to get to Paros involves flying to Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos. From one of these destinations, you can easily hop onto a ferry and continue your journey to this magical island.
 

Ports of Paros

The main port of Parikia is the hub of island life on Paros and as you disembark the ferry, you will immediately get a sense of its bustling importance. This is the arrival point when sailing from Athens and Mykonos, as well as from the surrounding Cycladic islands. The two secondary ports of Naoussa and Pounda only operate local boats and are wonderful reminders of how connected the islanders still are to their traditional way of life.

From the port of Pounda, there is regular ferry transport to the island of Antiparos. The trip takes less than 10 minutes, so it’s perfect if you want to spend the day (or a few hours) exploring somewhere new. Tickets cost €1.20 per passenger and during high season, the boat departs every half hour. If you are in Paros with a car, the ferry to Antiparos can accommodate it. However, if you’re just heading over to the adjacent island for a drink or stroll it won’t be necessary. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Paros.
 

Capital & Villages

From Parikia, the capital of Paros, to the smaller picturesque villages, you will discover a wealth of things to see and do as you explore this charming island.

Parikia

Also known as Chora or Paros Town, Parikia is the capital of the island. Located on the west coast, the town’s Old Quarter is a rambling labyrinth of enchanting alleyways packed with alluring boutiques and eateries. Take a wander around the whitewashed side streets and pick up some wonderful mementos of your captivating time here. History buffs will also appreciate a visit to Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia, one of the most important early Christian churches in Greece dating back to the 4th century A.D.

Naoussa

Naoussa is located on the north of the island and is the second-largest town in Paros. It’s known as one of the most beautiful fishing ports in Greece and is definitely a place to visit if you wish to switch to relax and unwind mode. Take a seat at one of the many waterfront tavernas and watch the local fishermen reel in your lunch as you enjoy the idyllic ambiance.

Lefkes

Located up in the imposing mountainside, Lefkes is a tranquil pine-decked haven tucked just 10 km away from the lively port. Once a refuge from marauding pirates, the mix of traditional Cycladic and Venetian architecture makes the village a lovely spot for a leisurely walk. You can also explore the well-known Byzantine Trail, which leads you through the sprawling countryside accompanied by the sound of cicadas and the sight of hillside windmills.

Marpissa

Wander around the traditional settlement of Marpissa and take in the breathtaking views of the Aegean below from the 16th-century Monastery of St. Anthony at the crest of Mount Kefalos. Visit the Sculpture Museum of Perantinos and the Byzantine Church of Metamorphosis before heading down to the coastal village of Piso Livadi to enjoy its fish tavernas and bars. At the end of August, you can partake in the three-day Marpissa Routes, which offers thematic events focusing on folklore, music, visual arts, and the environment – not to be missed!

Aliki

A seaside village with a quaint little port, Aliki is located around 13km from Parikia and is a hotspot with tourists seeking both unspoiled beaches and freshly-caught fish. The salt cedars that spread down to the sea and the salt marshes (in Greek, aliki) at the edge of this lovely fishing hamlet lend themselves to its name. The white-pebbled beach of Piso Aliki and the cove-filled Faragas make the perfect spots to while away your day before savoring the culinary delights of sun-dried salted mackerel at a local taverna.
 

Best Beaches

There is no shortage of fabulous beaches on Paros for those of you seeking sun, sea, and sand. From long, sandy stretches just perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing to secret coves, the island offers you a wide range of options from which to enjoy the crystalline turquoise waters.

Kolymbithres Beach

The most famous beach in the Naoussa region, the iconic Kolymbithres beach is known for its clean water and distinctive granite rock formation. The surreal, bleached rocks give way to two main sandy beaches, just a short drive from Parikia and Naoussa.

Golden Beach

Located just under 20km from Parikia, this is the perfect beach for windsurfers and kitesurfers with its 700 meters stretch of windswept sands. Spend the afternoon sipping an iced coffee as you watch the surfers dipping in and out of the waves, with a view of the tiny island of Drionissi in the distance.

Santa Maria Beach

Santa Maria is one of the best beaches on Paros for families with young children and teens because of its shallow waters and options for camping. The long, sandy beach also attracts water sports enthusiasts, authentic dining experiences, and friendly beach clubs, making it a busy summer favorite.

Paros Parasporos Beach

One of the closest beaches to Parikia, Paros Parasporos beach is another popular choice for watersports. It is one of the more crowded beaches on the island due to its proximity to the town and is a mix of sand and pebbles with a handful of restaurants.

Agia Irini Beach

If you’re looking for somewhere smaller and more secluded to catch some rays and make a splash, head to Agia Irini beach. Located just a few kilometers south of Parikia, it is also known by the locals as palm beach because of the smattering of palms offering a leafy shade.
 

Transportation Around Paros

Paros is almost 200 kilometers in size, which means you’ll need a car or motorcycle if you want to easily get around the island. There are plenty of rental services, most of which can be found in the capital of Parikia. Hiring a rental car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and can work out considerably cheaper than taking multiple taxis. There is also a local bus service (KTEL) available in Paros, which is a fun way to get around the island.