Paros Travel Blog – Plan a trip to Paros island, Greece

This travel blog post has everything you need to know about planning a trip to Paros island in Greece.

A travel guide to Paros island in Greece

Visiting Paros

Paros is a small and lovely island located in the Aegean Sea, Greece. One of the Cycladic islands, it's known for its clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, charming villages, and stunning sunsets.

Lefkes village in Paros island Greece

Paros is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months when visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and other water sports.

There are many things to see and do on the island, from visiting the Venetian castle in Parikia to exploring the traditional villages of Lefkes and Naousa. There are also plenty of beaches to relax on, including Santa Maria Beach, Krios Beach, and Pounda Beach.

Travel Guide To Paros Greece

The aim of this Paros travel blog is to briefly describe what you need to plan a trip. You'll find that most sections link out to more dedicated guides such as where to find the best beaches. You'll find links to deeper dive blog posts in orange text – just click on them!

Walking in Naousa in Paros

What to know before planning a trip to Paros

Perhaps it's important to start by saying that while Paros isn't as visited as the popular destinations of Santorini and Mykonos, it is no longer the quiet island it once was. In fact, some islanders are starting to think that it is just on the wrong side of too busy, especially in August.

This is something to be aware of when planning a trip as it means that you might not find the peace and quiet that you're expecting if you thought it was an off the beaten path destination. Nevertheless, Paros is still a beautiful island with plenty to offer visitors.

When to go to Paros

The best time to visit Paros is in the summer months from June to September when the weather is at its hottest and the island is busiest with tourists. However, if you're looking to avoid the crowds, you can also visit in May or October when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer visitors.

My suggestion – why not experience Paros outside of peak season by going in June or September? There's less other tourists at that time and the weather is still warm and sunny.

How to get to Paros Greece

There are two ways to get to Paros: by ferry or by plane. Paros airport only connects with Athens airport, and so when planning to visit Paros you could see if there are any flights that suit your travel plans.

Paros ferry port

The other option is to take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens to Paros, which takes around 4 hours. You can also take a ferry from other Cycladic islands such as Naxos, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Need to book ferries in Greece? I recommend Ferryscanner to check the schedules for Greek ferries and to book ferry tickets online.

Read a dedicated guide here on how to get to Paros

Things to do in Paros

There are plenty of things to see and do on the picturesque island of Paros. Here are some of the highlights:

Visit the Venetian castle in Parikia: The Venetian castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paros. Built in the 13th century, it was used as a defensive fortress against pirates and invaders. Today, it's a well-preserved ruin that's worth exploring. In fact the entire town of Parikia has a lot to see and do.

Tower of Kastro in Parikia, Paros

Explore the traditional villages of Lefkes and Naousa: Paros is home to two traditional villages that are worth exploring. Lefkes is a charming village with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, while Naousa is a fishing village with a distinctly Mediterranean feel.

Visit the beaches: One of the best things to do in Paros is to relax on one of the many beaches. Kolymbithres, Krios Beach, and Pounda Beach are some of the most popular beaches in Paros.

Take a day trip to Antiparos: Many people find that a day trip to the neighbouring island of Antiparos is a highlight of their trip to Paros. There is an amazing cave in Antiparos and the nightlife is very good. If you can, aim to spend a couple of nights there!

Read here: Things to do in Paros, Greece – The Complete Guide!

Dave at Kolymbithres in Paros

Where to stay in Paros

Many first time visitors will find that the main port town of Parikia is the best place to stay in Paros. It's a convenient base for exploring the island, and there's a good selection of hotels, restaurants, and bars.

If you're looking for somewhere quieter to stay, the traditional villages of Lefkes and Naousa are both worth considering.

You'll find all types of accommodation on Paros, from villas with private pools to simple studios and apartments.

Wherever you choose to stay in Paros, make sure to book your accommodation in advance!

Read more here: Where to stay in Paros

How to get around Paros

Paros is quite a large island, and if you really want to explore it, the best way is to rent a car. You perhaps don't need one for the entire duration of you vacation, but a few days is probably a good idea. You can also rent bikes or scooters if you want to get around under your own steam.

Driving around Paros island in Greece

If you're staying in the main town of Parikia, there are plenty of buses and taxis available. You'll need to brush up on the public transport timetables when you are there as they change from year to year.

Other Greek Islands near Paros

Neighboring islands to Paros include Antiparos, Naxos, Mykonos, and the Small Cyclades. All of these islands can be reached by ferry from Parikia port.

This means that Paros is a great place to include on a Greek island hopping itinerary of the Cyclades islands.

Take a look at this guide to Greek islands near Paros

The Naxos to Paros high speed ferry operated by the Minoan Lines ferry company

Greek Island of Paros FAQ

Readers who are thinking about a vacation in Paros Greece might find these commonly asked questions and answers to be of use:

Is Paros too touristy?

Paros is a very popular tourist destination. I wouldn't describe it as over touristy at this stage, apart from August, when practically every Greek island is too busy!

How many days is enough in Paros?

This really depends on what you want to do and see while you're in Paros. If your focus is simply relaxing on the beach, then 2 or 3 days might be enough. However, if you want to explore the island properly, I'd suggest staying for at least a week.

Which is better Paros or Antiparos?

They are both beautiful islands with plenty to see and do. Antiparos is a little smaller and quieter than Paros, but there is no shortage of things to do on either island. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Is Paros or Naxos nicer?

I prefer Naxos to Paros. See my comparison guide of Naxos vs Paros to find out why!

Paros Island Travel Guide

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