Below, you will find information about how to get to Paros by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the island and its ports, and many photos.
Combining tradition with modernity, Paros is a favorite destination among Greeks and foreigners alike.
Located in the Cyclades in Greece, it flaunts a traditional Cycladic charm, enchanting beaches, vivid nightlife and delicious local delicacies.
The island can be easily reached by ferry from Athens and several islands of the Aegean.
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
Paros has a national airport, which only receives domestic flights: to wit, flying directly to the island from abroad is unattainable.
The most affordable and preferred way to travel to Paros from Athens, though, is not the plane but the ferry. Note: A ferry is the only option for a transfer to Paros without transit from other islands.
Ferry Connections
The island is connected with the ports of Athens (Piraeus & Rafina), numerous Cycladic islands and Crete. Ferry connections include but are not limited to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Crete (Heraklion), Andros, Amorgos, Milos, and Ios.
Both conventional and high-speed/catamaran ferries reach Paros. Conventional ferries are larger in size and have more affordable tickets, while high-speed/catamaran vessels are faster and have more high-priced tickets.
Conventional ferries mainly appertain to the Blue Star Ferries company. On the other hand, several companies own high-speed/catamaran vessels, namely Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Minoan Lines. Note: Since high-speed ferries are small in size, they are affected by strong winds. Therefore, delays occur from time to time.
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Paros.
We make this step the easiest and most exciting one, as booking your ferry tickets with ferriesingreece.com comes with lots of perks:
The experience we provide to our customers has been awarded (Tourism Awards).
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Paros is considered a very picturesque Cycladic island. White and blue dominate, while paved paths cross the villages.
Traditional windmills are scattered across the island and romantic spots dot the landscape.
Parikia and Naoussa are the most famous villages on the island.
Parikia is the capital and main port. It has a lot of beautiful neighborhoods and churches.
The most famous church is the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the most important religious centers in Greece, dating back to the 4th century.
Naoussa is the second most popular village and mostly attracts young people due to its vivid nightlife.
Paros is also famous for its beaches. Long and sandy, pebbled and narrow, popular or isolated, you can find all kinds of beaches on the island.
Most of them are surrounded by accommodations and establishments and are frequently connected to Parikia and Naoussa by public transport.
The most famous beaches of Paros are found on the eastern side of the island. Those include Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Piso Livadi and Logaras.
On the western side, there is another unique beach, Pounta, which is frequently affected by northern winds and is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Overall, water sports are much developed on the island.
Best time to visit
Although Paros is pretty lively during the shoulder season, the best period to visit the island is the summer (June to September).
During summer, you’ll have the chance to do watersports, visit the island’s endless sandy beaches, enjoy the nightlife, and explore the quaint villages.
Best things to do
Panagia Ekatondapiliani Monastery, Lefkes and Marpissa villages and the Archaeological Museum are among the top places to visit. In addition, the stunning beaches are certainly considered attractions of the island.
Is the island for you?
Paros is a cheaper alternative to the superstar Cycladic islands of Santorini and Mykonos.
If you love super-long beaches, watersports, and a pinch of glamour, Paros is perfect for you!
Facts
Know what you don't know about Paros!
More than 3 million people visit the island every year.
It is the third largest island of the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros.
The infamous Venus of Milos and Nike of Samothrace sculptures were made with Parian marble.
The Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is one of the oldest Christian churches in Greece. Its name (Ekatontapiliani) translates to “the one with hundred gates”. Legend has it that 99 of them are manifest, while the 100th will be revealed when Constantinople becomes Greek again.
Boats departing from two areas of Paros (Parikia and Pounda) are the only way to reach the beautiful Antiparos island.
Map
Discover a basic map of Paros with some points of interest:
Island hopping: Where to go next?
Paros lies in the central part of the Cyclades. Its location makes it the ideal starting point for island hopping to several enthralling destinations. Taking the ferry to Santorini is the most popular option. After Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos and Ios are among the travelers’ favorites. Heraklion in Crete is also vastly preferred. A one-way, standard ticket to Crete costs '79' 'EUR'(79 Euro) to '100' 'EUR'(100 Euro), with the trip lasting around 4 - 5 hours.
Photos of Paros
Map
ABOUT PAROS PORT
Port description
The main port of Paros is located in Parikia, the island’s capital. It welcomes both passenger and commercial ships.
The port is connected to all three ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio), Crete (Heraklion) and several islands of the Cyclades.
It is a small port getting really crowded during the peak season. It is advisable to have your tickets in hand before going to the port since the local travel agencies will probably be very busy.
If your accommodation is outside Parikia, the cheapest way to reach it is by taking a KTEL Bus. The central bus station of Paros lies nearby the port and conducts routes to the most touristy spots on the island, including Naoussa, Lefkes and Marpissa villages as well as many beaches. A one-way ticket does not exceed '3' 'EUR'(3 Euro).
You can also reach your destination by taxi. Each cab can take up to 3 individuals and their luggage. The drivers only accept cash. However, bear in mind that, during the high season, finding a free taxi right after arriving may be challenging and time-consuming.
The most convenient way to get to your hotel is by private transfer. You can book it in advance and have a driver wait for you at the port when you get off the ferry.
Last but not least, you can opt for a car rental. Your vehicle will be delivered at the port and you can use it immediately to go anywhere on the island
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