Paros

Paros is the fourth-largest island in the Cyclades and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Aegean. It is famous for its magnificent beaches, beautiful villages with picturesque alleys, and vivid nightlife.

Find all the information you need for your vacation in Paros: beaches, sights, villages, food, and nightlife. Compare ferry schedules and book ferry tickets to Paros on Ferryhopper with confidence!

Graphic paved alley with flowers in Parikia

Vacation in Paros

The traditional Paros is one of the most popular summer destinations in Greece with visitors coming from all over the world. This gorgeous island of the Cycladic is well-known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, beautiful beaches and abundance of activities!

Paros is a top destination not only for younger travelers looking to party, but for families as well. The island has many options for families, such as children-friendly sandy beaches with games and facilities.

In Parikia and Naoussa, Paros’ main settlements, you will find many accommodation options.

How to get to Paros

Traveling by ferry to Paros is quite easy. There are multiple routes from all ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrion) and other Cycladic islands. Conventional and high-speed ferries operate this crossing all year long. Tickets can sell out fast due to the island’s popularity.

Find more information about the ferry schedules from and to Paros below.

Paros also has an airport, so you can get to the island by plane as well.

What to do in Paros

Paros offers numerous things to do and a wide variety of activities for your holidays. You can enjoy relaxing moments on the beautiful beaches and traditional tavernes of the island, but you can also party every night until the morning!

In the main settlements of the island, you will find dozens of spots for coffee, food and nightlife. Paros offers many options for water sports: most beaches have special facilities and tutoring services along with other amenities.

The beautiful town of Naoussa, with traditional Cycladic architecture

Beaches in Paros

Paros has many beaches with crystal-crystal waters, golden sand, or pebbles. Most of them have amenities, such as umbrellas, sun lounges, showers and beach bars. There are also beaches with water sports infrastructure, where you can try windsurfing or water skiing. However, there are more secluded beaches for quiet moments by the sea.

Some of the best beaches in Paros are:

• Kolymbithres: it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with a breathtaking natural landscape. Actually, Kolymbithres are 3 small beaches with crystal-clear, cool waters, and impressive rock formations like sculptures. It has umbrellas, sunbeds and other amenities.
• Chrissi Akti: the largest beach in Paros, with golden sand -as the name indicates- and magical turquoise waters. It has both infrastructures for visitors and for water-sport lovers.
• Santa Maria: beautiful beach near Naoussa, with umbrellas and bars. It has golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
• Punda: one of the most popular and largest beaches in Paros, known for its beach bar and all-day parties. The strong winds make its crystal sea ideal for kitesurfing. Moreover, in the area you will find tavernes, cafés and a diving school.
• Monastery: another popular beach in Paros. It is family-friendly, as it is protected from the wind and has shallow, cool waters. There are umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent.
• Marcello: large beach with sand, clear blue waters, overlooking Parikia. It has amenities like umbrellas and has a cafe, a beach bar and water sports facilities.
• Farangas: one of the busiest beaches on the island. It is large, protected from winds and has fine sand and crystal-clear waters. You can choose among umbrellas and sunbeds, and the free shade of the tamarisks. 
• Lageri: an idyllic beach for relaxing moments away from the crowd. It has no facilities, but it has golden sand, turquoise waters and tamarisk trees. The beach is accessible either by boat or on foot. Bathing suits on this beach are optional.
• Kalogeros: it is known for its clay sand, considered to have beneficial properties for the skin. The imposing rocks offer shade from the afternoon onwards. The beach has no amenities, so make sure you bring the essentials with you.
• Aliki: quiet, windless beach with golden sand and tamarisk trees for shade. It has some umbrellas and sunbeds, but you can also bring your own necessities. 
• Logaras: one of the most beautiful and popular beaches of Paros. It is large, with fine golden sand, clear blue waters and large tamarisk trees that offer plenty of shade. Its impressive seabed is ideal for diving and snorkeling. There are restaurants, beach bars and infrastructure for water sports (water skiing, pedal boating, beach volley) near the beach.

Turquoise waters and impressive rocks at the Kolymbithres beach in Paros

Sightseeing in Paros

The whole island of Paros is an attraction! You can just get lost in the picturesque alleys and admire the houses with the traditional Cycladic architecture. Paros is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes.

Our suggestions on natural and cultural sights to see in Paros are:

• Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church
• The Frankish Castle in Parikia
• The Venetian Castle in Naoussa
• The History and Folklore Museum of Naoussa
• The Benettos Skiadas Museum of Cycladic Folklore
• The ancient quarry of Paros
• The Mycenaean acropolis at Koukounaries
• The valley with butterflies
• The cave of Antiparos

The historic Venetian Castle in Naoussa

Nightlife in Paros

Paros is a lively island with intense nightlife and many spots where you can have a cocktail, drinks or even dance! Parikia, the island’s capital, has many food and drink options, with The Dubliner being one of its most famous clubs among tourists. However, the heart of Paros’ nightlife beats in Naoussa! Younger travelers usually choose large clubs to party until early in the morning, while there are also bars and tavernes for families and large groups.

Partying in Paros is not limited only at night. There are a lot of famous beach bars where you can have fun all day long. The most popular one is the Punda Beach Bar, which organizes huge parties with DJs where you can dance all day long!

Tip: if you have plenty of time and energy to spend, we highly recommend planning a night out to the island of Antiparos! In the summer season, there are plenty of boat connections, so that you can combine island hopping and bar hopping in one night!

Full moon above the graphic Naoussa in Paros

Food in Paros

Paros is an island that has maintained its local gastronomy. The main local products of the Parian cuisine are seafood, cheese, wine, and vegetables that are grown there.

While in Paros, you can taste traditional dishes from the island’s many restaurants. Most of them are located in Parikia and Naoussa, but you can also find many well-known tavernes in villages and beaches, such as Santa Maria, Molos and Marpissa.

Ferryhopper’s Paros food recommendations are:

• Grilled octopus
• Octopus with orzo
• Traditional meatballs
• Revithada (chickpea stew)
• Black-eyed beans salad with greens
• Traditional grape and quince preserves
• Kalfa (artichokes with beans)
• Gouna (cured fish)
• 56 Isles (local beer)

Honey, grape must and mizithra cheese are the main ingredients of Paros’ sweet delicacies, such as mizithropita (mizithra pie), pasteli (honey sesame bar) and moustokouloura (grape must cookies). You should definitely try Paros samota figs (baked figs with sesame).

Local tip: for vegan holidays in Paros, consider checking out the restaurants Hello Mango, Aeoli and Almond. Also, in Parikia, you can try out delicious vegan moussaka at the restaurant Exesion (“Εξαίσιον”).

Octopuses drying under the sun in Paros

Villages in Paros

The capital and the largest settlement of Paros is Parikia, which is also its administrative center. The second-largest settlement is Naoussa, which is located in the north and retains the traditional Cycladic character with its small port and picturesque alleys. At night, Naoussa transforms into a meeting place for locals and visitors, as there are many places for drinks, food and entertainment.

In Paros, you will also find small mountain villages. We suggest you visit them to enjoy food and coffee in the traditional kafeneia. 

Some of the most popular Paros villages are:

• Prodromos
• Lefkes
• Marpissa
• Kostos
• Marmara

Pro tip: in the village of Lefkes, you can check out the stunning Byzantine Road, an old hiking trail that takes you all the way to the picturesque settlement of Prodromos. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and put some sunscreen on!

The traditional village of Lefkes, inside the green mountain landscape

Tips for Paros

Here are useful travel tips for your holidays in Paros:

• Paros is a destination for all tastes and types. Some visitors prefer to have luxury vacations in the island’s boutique hotels, fine restaurants and fancy clubs. However, the island is also ideal for budget holidays, since you can find affordable accommodation and great street food.
• Travelers from all over the world visit the island in the summer. If you want to avoid crowds and just relax, you had better visit Paros in early June or September.
• On the 15th of August, one of the biggest religious holidays in Greece, don't miss the big panigiri (local festival) that takes place at the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
• If you are interested in the island's cultural life, you can attend the Paros Festival, usually held in mid-July! It includes concerts, lectures, tours and discussions.
• We recommend you plan a trip to the neighboring Antiparos, to get around or even spend a few days there. Antiparos also has beautiful beaches, good food, sights and a relaxing atmosphere. There are regular daily crossings from Paros to Antiparos, with ferries departing from the ports of Punda and Parikia. The ferry ticket is very affordable.

Useful information for Paros

Paros is one of the Cycladic islands with significant tourism development. In Parikia and Naoussa, there are facilities for travelers, such as ATMs, supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies. The island also has an international airport and a medical center.

As for accommodation, there is a great variety of options, depending on your budget and vacation style: luxury hotels and villas, rooms and small apartments, studios, and camping sites. The 4 camping sites of Paros are located near Parikia, Naoussa, Punda, and Lageri.

If you’re traveling to Paros in peak season, we recommend you organize your trip well in advance, as the island is always in high demand.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Paros

Here are some useful contacts for your holiday in Paros:

• Port Authority of Paros: +302284021240
• Paros Medical Center: +302284360000
• Parikia citizen service center (KEP): +302284024912
• Naoussa citizen service center (KEP): +302284051691
• Paros intercity bus station (KTEL Parou): +302284021133
• Paros airport: +302284090500

Transportation in Paros

You can bring your own vehicle or rent one, as the island has a good road network that leads to the main points of interest. Keep in mind that, due to increased tourist traffic, finding a parking spot can be quite challenging. 

You can also get around by taxi or intercity buses that connect Parikia and Naoussa to the port, airport, beaches, and other villages.

Tip: Naoussa and most villages have small and paved pedestrian-only streets where cars either don’t fit or are prohibited, so this is an opportunity for some on-foot exploration!

Ports in Paros

The main port of Paros is in Parikia and is connected to mainland Greece and other destinations in the Aegean. At the port, you will find car rentals, grocery stores, cafés, and a few tavernes.

There is another smaller port near the beach of Punda. This port operates the Paros - Antiparos crossing with small ferries and boats that run many times a day. 

Tip: keep in mind that many travelers visit Paros during the summer, so the port of Parikia can be very busy. Therefore, make sure that you reach the port at least one hour in advance.

The beautiful old port of Naoussa

Island hopping from Paros

Paros is an ideal starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades. There are frequent ferry routes not only to Antiparos, but also to the neighboring Naxos and the Small Cyclades or to cosmopolitan islands, like Santorini and Mykonos.

Some destinations that are directly accessible by ferries from Paros are:

• Naxos
• Mykonos
• Santorini
• Andros
• Syros
• Tinos
• Amorgos
• Donousa
• Koufonisia
• Ios
• Serifos
• Milos
• Folegandros
• Astypalea
• Heraklion (Crete)

Do you feel lost with all these options? Don’t worry! The Ferryhopper Map of Ferries can help you choose your ideal island combination and plan your trip quickly and easily!

Paros ferry: schedules and tickets

Paros is an ideal holiday destination but also a great weekend getaway from Athens, as it is relatively close to Greece's capital. The ferry connection from Athens to Paros is served via the ports of Piraeus and Rafina with frequent crossings, while there are also a few weekly crossings from the port of Lavrio.

Here are all the options for your ferry trip to Paros from Athens:

• Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros: ferries from Piraeus to Paros run daily in the summer. The duration of the trip is close to 3 hours by high-speed ferry and around 4.5 hours by conventional ferry.
• Ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Paros: the ferry connection is served daily by conventional ferries during the summer. The trip Rafina - Paros lasts from 3 hours and 20 minutes to 6 hours.
• Ferry from Athens (Lavrio) to Paros: the route usually runs once a week and the Lavrio - Paros trip lasts a bit more than 7 hours.

Tip: most ferries to Paros have garages for vehicle transportation. We suggest you take a car or motorcycle with you to explore as many places on the island as possible during your vacation.

Idyllic liquid sunset in Naoussa

Book ferry tickets to Paros online

Looking forward to relaxing by the sea and partying all night with your friends in Paros? Compare prices and schedules, book ferry tickets to Paros with no hidden fees on Ferryhopper, and get ready for your dreamy vacation on this Cycladic island!

Extra tip: for even cheaper tickets to Paros, check some cheap Greek ferry deals here.