Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about 8 kilometres wide. It lies approximately 150 km south-east of Piraeus.
16 pictures of Paros from Ryan Spencer, Annie Spratt, Henry Gillis and other travelers
To get to Paros, you can either fly directly to Paros National Airport (PAS) from Athens or other European cities during the summer months or take a ferry from Piraeus (the port of Athens) or other nearby islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, or Santorini. Ferries run regularly, and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose.
It's essential to book your accommodations and any popular activities or tours in advance, especially during the peak travel season (June to September). Some must-do activities that may require booking include guided tours of the island, boat trips to nearby islands, and water sports like windsurfing or kitesurfing.
The costs of visiting Paros can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels and villas. Meals can be affordable if you dine at local taverns or more expensive at high-end restaurants. In general, though, Paros is considered a moderately priced destination compared to other Greek islands like Mykonos or Santorini.
Some of the best things to do in Paros include exploring the charming villages of Naoussa and Parikia, sunbathing on the golden sands of Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, visiting the historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, and taking a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Despotiko, known for its archaeological sites and secluded beaches.
For dining, consider eating at Soso, a Mediterranean restaurant tucked away in the alleys of Naoussa, offering delicious seafood dishes and stunning views of the harbor. Another great option is Levantis, located in Parikia's old town, serving an array of Greek and Mediterranean specialties with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
As for accommodations, the seaside boutique hotel Senia Hotel in Naoussa is an excellent choice with its elegant rooms, stunning views, and a beautiful infinity pool. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at the cozy and comfortable Eri Hotel in Parikia, which offers a lovely pool and is within walking distance of the beach and town center.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in Paros, consider hiking the Byzantine Road, an ancient pathway that connects the villages of Lefkes and Prodromos. This well-preserved stone-paved trail offers a glimpse into the island's history while providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Aegean Sea. Along the way, you may encounter old chapels, traditional villages, and charming vineyards, making it a memorable experience that takes you away from the typical tourist spots.
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Antiparos is a small island in the southern Aegean, at the heart of the Cyclades, which is less than one nautical mile from Paros, the port to which it is connected with a local ferry.
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Naousa, officially The Heroic City of Naousa is a city in the Imathia regional unit of Macedonia, Greece with a population of 21,139.
Learn moreEmbark on a private hands-on interactive sailing tour from Paros and explore the ancient Despotiko, the picturesque Antiparos, and the charming west coast of Paros while learning how to sail on the captivating Aegean! Sailing is not a difficult activ...
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Naousa is a village in the Cyclades. It is located in the northeastern corner of the island of Paros, and it has a population of 2,870.
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Naxos is a city and a former municipality on the island of Naxos, in the Cyclades, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Naxos and Lesser Cyclades, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit.
Learn moreExplore the beautiful beaches of Greece on horseback and enjoy incredible vistas on this guided, 2-hour evening excursion horse riding in Paros! Welcoming beginners and adventurers aged 8 and up. Centrally located in the Aegean Sea, Paros is a pictur...
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Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island has an area of 85.5 square kilometres and rises to an elevation of 341 metres at its highest point.
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Hold your breath and enjoy freediving in the quiet underwater world of the Aegean Sea in Antiparos, Greece. You will feel absolute freedom while admiring the marine life surrounding you. Activity Freediving is perfect for unbreakable spirits with a t...
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Discover the outstanding coastline of the beautiful island of Antiparos while giving your body one of the best possible workouts on this SUP & Yoga combination activity! Spot One Antiparos Surf Club offers 2 hours of pure fun and relaxation ...
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Agios Stefanos was originally a fishing village for the nearby village of Avliotes located on the north west coast of Corfu island. In 2011, its population was 176. It is located 35 km from Corfu town, approximate transfer time by car is 1h 15 min.
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Syros, or Siros or Syra is a Greek island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. It is located 78 nautical miles south-east of Athens. The area of the island is 83.6 km² and it has 21,507 inhabitants. The largest towns are Ermoupoli, Ano Syros, and Vari. Ermoupoli is the capital of the island and of the Cyclades. It has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century it was even more significant than Piraeus. Other villages are Galissas, Foinikas, Pagos, Manna, Kini and Poseidonia.
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Paros, Greece (island in the Cyclades archipelago)
Paros is a small corner of paradise. This place gathers all the characteristics of a magical trip. You can find beautiful landscapes, beaches, hiking trails, a lot of history and charming little villages. It's time for me to explain to you what Paros is.
This Greek Island is the 3rd largest of the beautiful Cyclades islands. This island offers a lot of surprises and has a diverse culture for everyone to enjoy. Indeed, it is famous for its beaches and summer sports, but promises to those who love nature, hiking and an authentic hinterland.
One of the most beautiful places of Paros is Parikia, which is located on the west coast. Parikia, is the economic and cultural capital of Paros. It has 3000 inhabitants and amazes thousands of tourists every year. You can see the main port of Paros which is a place full of charm. It is an anthentic port that has been shaped by the arrival of tourists and offers souvenir stores, bars and even discos. Then, let's talk about the old town, typically Cycladic with its rows of white houses punctuated by some Venetian style buildings and church domes. You can walk along Gravari street and the Old market street or visit the beautiful Venetian Kastro which is a castle built in 1260 with materials recovered from a temple of Athena.
There are so many things that will leave you speechless on this island and no one can be insensitive to the charm that emanates from it. Paros represents an affinity of beautiful discoveries other than Parikia. Naoussa and the north coast or the villages of the center of the island… But why not discover them by yourself?
Questions :
1) Where to stay in Paros ?
You can stay in Paros in many small villages, each offering different atmospheres. Here are the 2 most popular places for tourists:
To begin with, Parikia, the capital, is the main port of arrival for ferries and tourists to Paros. The Casa Di Roma and Sunset View hotel are incredible.
Then, Aliki is the village for beach and turquoise water lovers! Many beachfront hotels are present like the Ostria Studios & Apartments and the Nissiotiko Hotel.
2) What is the best beach in Paros?
The beach of Kolymbithres is surely one of the most beautiful beaches in Paros. It is located in the bay of Naoussa and Plastira, you can swim in crystal clear water. There are also beautiful stone sculptures that have been carved into the rocks, creating natural pools of salt water. And if you are in the capital, you can go to Livadia, a very close beach (less than one kilometer from the center of Parikia). Livadia is a large white sand beach with a transparent sea.
3) What is the best time to visit Paros?
If you like the sun and the heat, the months of July and August are for you. On the other hand, if you want to avoid tourists, May, June and September are very pleasant and the weather is still perfect for walking and swimming!
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
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🌊 Ocean spots 🏘️ Town spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🏖️ Headland spots 🚢 Lighthouse spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🏰 Place of worship spots 🌲 Plain spots 🏊 Swimming pool spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🏖️ Coast spotsExplore popular touristic places around Paros
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