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Parikia Paros – A Guide to the Island’s Vibrant Harbour

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Parikia Paros is the island’s port with a super charming old town including historic ruins, quaint churches and fairytale-like whitewashed windmills. White sugar-cube-like houses line up the shore of Parikia and the first thing you see when you get off the ferry is its long, sunny promenade.   

If you’re thinking about where to stay in Paros, Paroikia Paros together with Naoussa and Lefkes is one of the best places on the island. It is super convenient being the island’s port, has a very pretty old town and lots of affordable Paros hotels to choose from. 

Best hotels in Parikia
Aerial shot taken with my drone

Paros was the first Cycladic island I have visited and I stayed in Parikia town. I was amazed by the number of restaurants and shops there is and how beautiful the old town of Parikia is with its narrow whitewashed alleys and cute cafes. 

Parikia paros Greece

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Paros Parikia from awesome Parikia Paros things to do, beautiful Parikia Paros beaches, best hotels in Paros Parikia for all budgets, best restaurants in Parikia Paros and practical tips about getting to the island. 

Where is Paroikia Paros? – Parikia Paros Map

Parikia Greece is the capital ‘city’ of Paros and its ferry port where all people that take a regular ferry, arrive. Paroikia is located on the western coast of the island, 15 minutes drive to Naoussa and about the same time to Lefkes. 

Map of Paros island Greece (Click on the Map for an interactive version)

Parikia Paros Quick Guide 

✈️ Check the best Milos Greece flights via Expedia

🚢 Book your Paros ferry through Ferry Scanner

🚗 For the best Car Rental Paros Deals, check Discover Cars

🏨 Still looking for a hotel? Here are the best Parikia Hotels:

Boutique & Adults-only | High Mill Paros Hotel

Midrange Suites  | Marioly Studios Paros

⛵Best Paros Boat Tour: Full-Day Sailing Cruise around Antiparos 

Parikia Paros Greece – Introduction

Parikia Paros
The charming alleys of Parikia
How beautiful is this place?

Apart from being a port town where everyone arrives, Parikia’s central location also makes it an excellent location to base yourself for exploring the rest of the island. If you’re an active type of traveller and would like to take part in some tours, most of them start from Parikia. The same applies to boat and sailing tours. 

One of the best things about renting a a car in Paros is that you can explore beyond Parikia.

Planning On Renting A Car In Paros?

In this blog post, we will tell you how easy it is to rent a car in Paros, covering everything from prices, rental conditions, insurance requirements, tips for driving in Paros, and so much more.

There are three beaches in Parikia and no matter in which Parikia accommodation you’re staying, you are likely to have walking distance to the beach! Parikia beaches are sandy and have plenty of room to stretch your own towel. They also have sun loungers and umbrellas to rent. 

Parikia Paros

For history buffs, there is a quaint old town with whitewashed narrow alleys and cube-like Cycladic houses. Amongst the alleys of the historic part of town, you can find small boutique shops selling high-quality clothes and fashion accessories as well as unique home decor items that are perfect to bring as a souvenir or a gift for your loved ones. Doing Parikia shopping one evening is definitely something to be experienced. 

Parikia Paros Greece

The old town also features many cute cafes where you can spend a slow morning sipping your coffee and people watching. Restaurants also line up the promenade and offer a seafront dining experience that is best enjoyed at the golden hour. 

Parikia Paros is also excellent for finding well-priced accommodation. Check out the next section for more details about Parikia Paros hotels.

Best Paros Hotels Parikia 

In this section, you’ll find the best Parikia Paros accommodation, including luxury hotels in Parikia Paros, midrange Parikia hotels as well as affordable apartments in Paros Parikia. 

LUXURY

High Mills Paros Hotel
High Mills Paros Hotel via Booking.com
High Mills Paros Hotel
High Mills Paros Hotel via Booking.com

High Mill Paros HotelAdults Only Hotel Parikia Paros with Pool & Seaview

Location | High Mill Paros Hotel Parikia is situated in the southern part of Parikia, 15-20 minutes walk to the town shops, cafes and the historic centre. The hotel is perched on a hill and boasts panoramic views over the bay. Delfini Beach is 11 minutes walk. 

Rooms | Each ensuite room has a tasteful, minimalist decor and comes with a balcony overlooking the sea. Inside each room are a vanity area, a minibar, and ironing facilities. 

Facilities | The hotel boasts an adults-only pool area overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy a superb breakfast daily and other meals in the onsite restaurant and bar. There is also complimentary parking for guests. 

Best for | Couples, romantic getaway, ocean views, pool lovers

Parian Village Beach Hotel Parikia
Parian Village Beach Hotel via Booking.com
Parian Village Beach Hotel Parikia
Parian Village Beach Hotel via Booking.com

Parian Village Beach HotelAdults Only Hotel with Pool (Parikia Beach) 

Location | Parian Village Beach Hotel is situated on the northern end of the Paros cove, just a minutes walk from Parikia Beach, which it overlooks. Paros ferry port and historic centre is 2 km away.

Rooms | The hotel offers a range of rooms from standard to suites that come with a sitting area. Each room comes with a private bathroom, including a shower, free toiletries and a bathrobe. There is also a balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea.  

Facilities | Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The hotel also boasts a swimming pool overlooking the ocean, a bar and free parking.

Best for | Couples, beach lovers, romantic and chilled stay

where to stay in Parikia Paros
Argonauta Hotel via Booking.com
where to stay in Parikia Paros
Argonauta Hotel via Booking.com

Argonauta Hotel Paros – Parikia Hotel with personalised service & intimate settings (Historic Town)

Location | This family-own hotel is situated in the heart of Parikia’s historic centre, minutes walk to its shops and restaurants as well as port. 

Rooms | The hotel offers a selection of rooms from single to king suite with a balcony overlooking the town. All rooms come decorated in pastel colours with marble floors and wooden ceilings. Other room facilities include a bathroom with a shower or bath, a safe and a coffee and tea making facility. The king suite also is equipped with a kitchen. 

Facilities | Breakfast is included in the room rate. There is a cosy courtyard for guests to enjoy, a restaurant, and complimentary parking. 

Best for | Families, couples and solo travellers, staying close to nightlife and restaurants, intimate settings 

MIDRANGE

where to stay in Parikia Paros
Marioly Studios via Booking.com
where to stay in Parikia Paros
Marioly Studios via Booking.com

Marioly Studios ParosApartments Paros with kitchen near Livadi beach

Location | Marioly Studios are situated a minutes walk from Livadia Beach, Parikia Beach, as well as the port and the historic centre. 

Rooms | Each studio comes with a well-equipped kitchenette including a coffee maker, a private bathroom featuring a shower and a balcony with a seating area. The apartments can sleep up to 4 adults.

Facilities | There is free parking and a shaded courtyard where guests can relax on sofas and hammocks. The hotel also provides a BBQ facility. 

Best for | Friends and families, cooking your own meals, beachgoers and being close to nightlife

Best Hotels in Paros Parikia
Golden Sunset Hotel via Booking.com
where to stay in Parikia Paros
Golden Sunset Hotel via Booking.com

Golden Sunset Paros – Studios on a hill with panoramic views & infinity pool

Location | Golden Sunset Hotel is located a 7-minute drive from Livadi Beach and Parikia shops and restaurants. It boasts a hilltop location with stunning sunset views over the sea. 

Rooms | The property features a range of apartments that can sleep up to 6 adults. They all come with a private balcony overlooking the sea and a fully equipped kitchenette. 

Facilities | Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and an outdoor pool with panoramic sea views. There is also a bar and free parking.

Best for | Quiet location, pool lovers, sunset views over the sea

where to stay in Parikia Paros
Roses Beach Hotel via Booking.com
where to stay in Parikia Paros
Roses Beach Hotel via Booking.com

Roses Beach Hotel Paros ParikiaOne of the best affordable Paros Parikia hotels with pool

Location | Roses Beach Hotel is located a 7-minute walk to Paralia Parikia (beach) and a 25-minute walk to Parikia historic centre. 

Rooms | The hotel features a double and family room sleeping up to four adults. Each room comes with a balcony and some come with a sea view.

Facilities | The property boasts a pool with a sun lounge area and a bar overlooking the Parikia bay and beach. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast daily and a free transfer to and from the ferry port. There is also free and secure parking.

Best for | Couples, families, friends, pool lovers, beachgoers 

BUDGET

where to stay in Parikia Paros
Stella Hotel via Booking.com
where to stay in Parikia Paros
Stella Hotel via Booking.com

Stella Hotel Paros – One of the best budget hotels Parikia Paros Greece, 2 min walk to Livadi Beach

Location | Stella Hotel has a superb location –  2 min walk from Livadia Beach and 5 minutes walk from the historic centre of Parikia. 

Rooms | The hotel offers a range of rooms, some come with a balcony and sea view. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower, a fridge, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. 

Facilities | Guests can get access to nearby free parking. The hotel does not have a restaurant or breakfast but guests can take advantage of the excellent location with all the best Parikia cafes nearby. 

Best for | Friends, couples, beachgoers and good proximity to nightlife 

where to stay in Parikia Paros
Siroco’s Rooms via Booking.com
where to stay in Parikia Paros
Siroco’s Rooms via Booking.com

Siroco’s Rooms and StudiosBudget apartment Paros with pool

Location | Sirco’s Rooms are located a 10-minute walk to the Parikia beachfront and its restaurants and the old town.

Rooms | The property has a range of available ensuite rooms and studios that come with a kitchen and can sleep up to four adults.

Facilities | There is an outdoor pool and sun loungers. The hotel offers free parking for its guests and an onsite cafe where guests can purchase breakfast and light meals. 

Best for | Group friends, families, pool stay

Best Parikia Beaches

Livadia Beach Paros 

Livadia Beach Parikia
Livadia Beach Parikia

Livadia Beach is one of the main beaches in Parikia, situated just a short walk south of the ferry port. The water is crystal clear with hardly any waves, which is ideal for a leisurely dip and also for the little ones to enjoy as well. Various local restaurants offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and there is also plenty of room to stretch your own towel with a few good spots under the trees for those that prefer a shelter from the midday sun. A few grocery shops are located nearby if you run out of beach snacks or water. Livadia beach is situated just off the main road and may get a little noisy from the road traffic. 

Location | Livadia Parikia 

Parikia Beach Paros 

Paralia Parikia Beach

Parikia Beach is located further down from Livadia, a leisurely 10-minute walk from the ferry port of Paros. Paralia Parikia is similar to Livadia Beach – has a shallow calm, crystal clear water and golden powdery sand. Part of the beach is taken up by the sun loungers that are available for rent and the other part is free to bring your own towel. Both beaches have the perfect position to watch the sunset! 

Location | Beach Parikia 

Delfini Beach Parikia

Delfini Beach Parikia
Drone shot of Delfini Beach

Delfini Beach is the smallest out of the beaches in Parikia. It is not well marked on Google, but you can find it in the northern part of the town, by the windmill of Parikia (marked on Google as Alexandros Cafe). The beach is sandy with a few trees and also the possibility of renting a sun lounger and an umbrella.  

Location | Delfini Beach 

Best Nearby Paros Beaches 

Parasporos Beach 

Parasporos Beach Paros

Parasporos Beach is situated on the south-western edge of Parikia, 3 km from the ferry port. Parasporos is a gorgeous beach with turquoise, crystal clear water and powdery, golden sand surrounded by rugged hills. A few tavernas on the beach provide parasols and sun loungers for rent, cold drinks, and light meals during the European summer (and high season). The sea is relatively shallow, and the shore is a little stony and uneven, so it is recommended to wear water shoes.  

Nearby, there is a campsite that is popular with backpackers. During the months of July and August, the beach gets busy and lively, with the backpackers and beach tavernas organising beach parties. Outside of the summer holidays, the beach is super quiet. 

Monastiri Beach Paros

Monastiri Beach Paros

Paros Monastiri Beach is situated 20 minutes drive (13 km) from Paros Parikia town and it is by far my favourite Paros Beach! The drive to this beach is super scenic and an adventure in its own right! The beach takes its name from a nearby Monastery of St John’s of Deti. The monastery is very picturesque with its whitewashed walls and if you climb its hill, you get some stunning panoramic vistas of the small cove Paros, where Monastiri Beach is tucked away. 

The beach has a unique, almost red shade of sand and it contrasts with the azure sea providing a delightful scene to look at! The water is also very shallow here and you need to walk in for a little while before it gets deep enough to swim. On the right side of the beach, there is a cute jetty where you can rent out SUP paddleboards and kayaks. 

The beach has plenty of sun loungers and parasols for rent as well as free space to stretch your own towel. Expect to pay around €20 per set. At the back, trees provide some shade for those that prefer to stay away from the midday sun. There is also a restaurant if you get hungry serving tasty woodburning oven pizzas and sandwiches. 

Location | Monastiri Beach 

Santa Maria Beach

Santa Maria Beach Naoussa

Santa Maria Paros is located 15 km northeast of Parikia or about 22 minutes drive. This beach has a golden, powdery sound and shallow, calm waters with a tantalising turquoise shade. The beach is large with plenty of space to stretch your own towel with a few trees providing shade. 

Further down the beach, you can find plenty of sun chairs and umbrellas to rent out, the prices range from €20 to €40 per day, which is not cheap. There are also a few places to get some snacks and a drink. There used to be Santa Maria Beach Bar, which was pretty famous for its party vibe and great cocktails, but it was closed when I visited in September and according to Google maps, it’s been permanently closed down. But, hopefully, the beach bar will reopen soon.

Apart from soaking up the sun and swimming in the azure water, you can also rent a kayak or a standup paddleboard to explore the shore and get some physical activity done. There is a large free off-road  car park space in front of the beach, where you can leave your vehicle  

Location |  Santa Maria Naoussa

Lageri Beach Paros

Lageri Beach Paros

Lageri is one of the quieter beaches on Paros. It is a sandy beach in a quiet alcove with crystal clear azure water. In my opinion, Lageri beach is not as special as Monastiri or Santa Maria beaches, but if you value peace and quiet above all, this could be a beach for you. There is also a nudist part of the beach in the southern part of the beach. 

Lageri Beach is super quiet and this is perhaps because it is difficult to get to! A large part of the road to get to the beach is off-road and you will need an ATV or a 4×4 car to get there. I visited Lageri Paros on a scooter and I had to leave it a fair distance away from the beach and walk the last stretch, which turned out to be a long long hike in the scorching heat. While the hike is entirely possible, it is not something I would recommend. 

Location | Paros Lageri Beach 

Things to do in Parikia Paros

Parikia town is an excellent base for exploring the island, but it also has many interesting places to visit and things to do. Below, I’m sharing what to do in Parikia Paros. 

#1 Watch the Sunset 

Church of Sain Constantine Parikia

One of the best things to do in Parikia is to watch the sunset from the Church of Agios Konstantinos. Any place on the Parikia promenade is good for watching the sunset really. There are a few restaurants with front raw seats where you can marvel at the colourful evening sky while sipping a cocktail or having dinner. There are also a few benches along the promenade, where you can watch the sunset Parikia is so famous for, for free. However, the best sunset view is at the Church of Agios Konstantinos! The church is perched on a hill and offers a truly spectacular view of the Paros bay Parikia.

Church of Saint Constantine Parikia
Church of Saint Constantine Parikia

TIP | Bring some snacks and a drink, sit on a wall and wait for the show! During the high season, you may want to arrive a little early to get a good spot. 

#2 Go hiking 

Most Parikia tours meet under the windmill by the port

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and want to get some exercise done, go on an organised hike to a secret unspoiled beach! The hike starts in Parikia port Paros where the group gets some tasty goodies from a local bakery for the hike first. Then the guide leads the group through the mountains to an off-beaten track beach!

#3 Visit the Old Town Parikia Paros & Frankish Castle

The wall of the Frankish Castle

One of the best Parikia Paros Greece things to do is to explore the Chora Paros. Parikia old town is a quaint network of whitewashed alleys with hidden small shops, cute cafes and old churches. The best way to enjoy Parikia’s old town is to visit it in the morning and get lost in its alleys without a map! Then, find a breakfast spot and people watch while sipping your morning coffee!

Paroikia Paros
The alleys of Parikia

Don’t miss the ruins of a Frankish castle built by the Venetian Duke of Naxos in the 13th century. Not much is left out of the castle, which was the most prominent construction in Parikia, however, you can admire its peculiar construction of differently shaped bricks. 

Beauty in every corner ♥️
Paroikia Paros

The castle had an elliptical shape with a rectangular tower and it was built using materials from ancient buildings that already stood in Paros. The castle also incorporated parts of the archaic temple of Athena from the 6th century BC. The temple was dedicated to the patroness of the city of Paros and was a massive construction measuring 33 meters in length 17 meters in width. 

Location | Frankish Castle Paroikia 

#4 Go on a Food Tour 

This one is for all the foodies out there. There is no better way of experiencing the Cycladic culture other than eating your way through the island! This tour guides you through the best local foods and your guide will give you a nice back story to the foods you try. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or all-eating foodie, this tour caters for all diets. Check it out below. 

#5 Stroll along the Paros Parikia Seafront

Parikia Paros
Drone shot of Parikia Promenade

Parikia has a fantastic promenade that stretches along the whole length of the town from a windmill at the northern end, all the way to the port and then to Livadia beach. The best time to enjoy this walk is late in the afternoon when the heat eases off and the seafront tavernas start filling up with people.

Parikia Promenade
Parikia Paros
Cafes on Parikia Seafront

At the end of your walk stop by for a drink in one of the restaurants, or even better have a drink at the windmill, which is converted to a cafe!

Windmill of Parikia Paros

Location | Windmill Parikia 

#6 Visit Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani

Panagia Ekatontapiliani main entrance

If you’re a fan of religious architecture, don’t forget to check out this stunning Byzantine church! Panagia Ekatontapiliani translates to the Most Holy of a Hundred Gates. The temple was built on an ancient gymnasium and represent a beautiful blend of Byzantine and Roman architecture. The church is surrounded by some roman ruins, smaller shrines and there is also a Byzantine baptistry and a small souvenir shop.

A lush garden surrounds the church
A dome of Panagia Ekatontapiliani

The interior of the church is also beautiful, the walls lack frescos or any other form of art but instead feature the most exquisite stone masonry you can find in the Cyclades at the same time it is minimalist and humble. The church was built to resemble Haghia Sofia of Constantinople. 

Location | Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church

#7 Check out the Archaeological Museum of Parikia Cyclades Greece

The Archeological Museum of Paros is an interesting place to visit for those interested in ancient history. Its collection includes large statues of Artemis, Athena and Gorgon, ancient pots, burial casks, coins and other artefacts and ornaments dating back to 700-400 BC. The biggest treasure of the museum is a mosaic floor of the ancient gymnasium depicting Herakles’ Labors. For the nominal ticket price, this place is totally checking out, especially if you enjoy learning about history. 

Entrance | €2 per person

Location | Paros Archaeological Museum 

#8 Pop into Fluxus Museum 

Paros Parikia Museums

If you’re looking for some usual things to do in Paros, paying a visit to the Fluxus Museum is certainly at the top of the list! The museum is located at the back of the old Marble Factory near the yacht harbour in Parikia Paros. When I visited they had their first installation a video from The Oracle of Paros. If you want to know what the Oracle of Paros can tell you about your life, follow the instructions below and get invoiced in this fun and quirky activity! But, basically, you’ll be taking a photo of a message to find out your life prediction! 

A link to instructions | The Oracle of Paros 

#9 Spend a day on the Parikia Beach (Paralia Parikia)

Monastiri Beach Paros
Monastiri Beach

Not much explanation is needed here. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the holiday is relaxing on the beach! There are three beaches to choose from when staying in Paros Parikia – Parikia beach Paros, Livadia Beach Paros and a smaller one – Delfini Beach next to the Windmill of Parikia. Bring your own towel or rent a parasol and sun loungers for the ultimate comfort and chill. 

#10 Dine at the Parikia Port

Parikia Paros greece

Last but certainly not least, a stay in Parikia would not be complete without dining at one of the seafront Parikia Paros restaurants! One of my favourite Paros restaurants Parikia is Bountaraki which specialises in traditional Greek cuisine and meze dishes. The best time to dine is during the golden hour when you not only can enjoy the food but also the beautiful colour changing sky!

TIP | During the high season months of July and August, book your restaurant in advance. Choose one hour before the sunset time for the best experience. 

What to do in Paros near Parikia 

#1 Take a sailing tour 

Milos boat

An excellent idea for a day trip from Paros is taking one of the Paros boat cruises that conveniently leave from Parikia port. 

Full-Day Sailing Cruise around Antiparos & Despotiko. This cruise is one of the best boat tours Paros is famous for!

Full-day Boat Trip Paros on a Sailing Yacht. This tour takes you to some of the hidden, perfect bays and small islands such as Irakleia, Schoinousa and Koufonissia.

#2 Take a day trip to Naoussa 

Naoussa Paros Aerial View
Naoussa Marina

It is a super hard choice whether to stay in Parikia or Naoussa! But, if you’ve already decided on Parikia town, I still recommend visiting Naoussa for a least a day trip. Naoussa town is very chic and extremely beautiful. It has a picturesque marina with colourful small fishing boats moored at the front and cosy seafood restaurants overlooking it.

Naoussa also has an excellent nightlife scene, so if you’re a party lover, make sure you visit; and for the wine-lovers, there is a fantastic winery to tour at Moraitis.

Full Guide | Naoussa Paros

Location | Naoussa on Google Maps 

#3 Take a day trip to Lefkes 

lefkes paros
The Byzantine Square in Lefkes
lefkes paros

Another excellent day trip destination is the small town of Lefkes located in the mountains, in the middle of the island. Lefkes old town is completely pedestrianised and strolling its quiet whitewashed alleys in the early morning was a highlight of my stay on Paros!

Full Guide | Lefkes Paros 

Location | Lefkes on Google Maps 

#4 Visit Golden Beach Paros

Chrissi Akti Golden Beach Paros

Golden Beach also called Chrissi Akti Beach is one of the best beaches in Paros with golden sand (as the name suggests) and a calm sea perfect for all sorts of water sports. Chrissi Akti is famous for great beach clubs where you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas and get served drinks all day long!

Next to Chrissi Akti Beach, there is another beach that is famous for windsurfing competitions!  Golden Beach is situated on the other, eastern side of the island, about 30 minutes drive from Parikia. 

Location | Chrissi Akti Paros  

#5 Take a ferry to Antiparos

The Old Town of Antiparos

Antiparos is a smaller island located off the southeastern coast of Paros. A frequent ferry service connects the two islands, and the ride takes only 10 minutes. 

What’s special about Antiparos is its local charm and quintessential Cycladic vibe. Here you can stroll through super sleepy whitewashed alleys and experience the local hospitality. The island of Antiparos is as far as it gets from the mass tourism in the Cyclades.

Antiparos has a few stunning beaches, the historic town of Chora and some super cool caves. What’s interesting, Antiparos is also famous for the holiday villas of some Hollywood celebrities such as Tom Hanks! 

Location | Antiparos Paros 

Best Parikia Restaurants

Paros Parikia restaurants
Hellas
Paros Parikia restaurants
Nostimo

Hellas | excellent for grabbing a quick bite such as inexpensive gyros or salad.

Enjoyment Cafe Paros | this cafe and a bakery is great for an early morning breakfast when all other places in Parikia are still closed. They have a range of tasty baked goods, fresh orange juices, speciality coffees and a super delicious vegetable omelette. 

Nick’s Burgers | best restaurant Paros Parikia for a vegetarian burger, great prices.

Paros Parikia restaurants
Veggie burger from Nick’s

Nostimo cafe & more | this cafe is situated inside the historic town of Parikia and is a cute spot for a coffee and a dessert. Try their chocolate crepe or waffle! 

Bountaraki Paros | is a great traditional taverna overlooking the sea that specialises in seafood and meze at fair prices. It gets really busy so I recommend booking a table in advance. 

Paros Parikia restaurants
Bountaraki
Paros Parikia restaurants
Kastro

Cuore Rosso Paros | best Italian restaurant Parikia Paros, super tasty wood-fired oven pizzas.

Ela Paros | one of the best restaurants Parikia Paros, quality Greek food + superb wine bar Paros. 

Little Green Rocket Paros | superb fusion, Asian cuisine with healthy options. 

Best time to visit Paros & Parikia 

Parikia Paros Greece
Strolling through the whitewashed alleys of Parikia
Paroikia Paros

The best time to visit Paros island is the shoulder season months of June and September when the weather is still beach-friendly but not too hot, the room rates are lower and the island is less busy. 

May and October are also very nice to visit Paros with average daily temperatures around 23-24 degrees Celsius. If you are not fussed about lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea, these months are great for exploring the island and getting Paros accommodation for a real bargain. 

July and August are the peak season for the island’s tourism with average day temperatures of 31 degrees Celcius and blue sky every day. If you decide to choose the peak season, I recommend booking Paros Parikia accommodation, car rental and other things way in advance for the best rates and availability.

Car Hire Paros

Paroikia Paros
Dining at the seafront
Paroikia Paros

The most convenient way of getting around the island is renting a car. Car hire shops are widely available in Paros. You can get a car as soon as you arrive by ferry in Parikia and drive to your hotel. Having your own vehicle will be also super handy if you’re planning on exploring the island. 

You can also prearrange car hire online with the car pick up at the ferry terminal in Parikia port, which is an extremely convenient option and will spare you having to shop around for a reputable car hire Paros shop. Booking your car online is also a wise move if you’re visiting Paros during the peak months of July and August. 

I usually use DiscoverCars to search for the best car rental option and always opt-in for the full insurance cover to save myself unpleasantries such as paying an excess fee for damages. 

Best Car Rent Paros Deals

Paros Bus 

Bus Paros

Paros has excellent public transport with buses Paros frequently running between most popular tourist destinations. If you’re planning to use buses in Paros instead of a car to explore the island, staying in Naoussa or Parikia will be the most convenient as both towns have the best bus connections. It is also worth remembering that buses are way less frequent off-season. 

Paros Bus Timetable

Taxi Paros

Another way of getting around the island of Paros Greece is catching a taxi. This is obviously the most expensive way of travelling as taxi drivers seem to always charge foreign visitors a premium for their services. However, if you decide to use taxis, makes sure you agree on the price before getting into the car or ensure the taxi meter is switched on. 

ATV Rental Paros

Riding an ATV vehicle is also a popular form of exploring the island. ATVs are easy and fun to drive, and they are good at riding off-road. The downside of renting an ATV is they are almost as expensive as car rental Paros and may be unpleasant to drive in windy conditions. 

How to get to Paros 

Flights to Paros 

A convenient way to get to Paros is to take an Athens to Paros flight. Paros airport is situated 10 km south of its ferry port and town – Parikia. It’s a super small airport that mostly serves Athens to Paros flights.  

A few airlines fly to Airport Paros, including Aegean, Sky Express, and Olympic. Use a flights comparison website such as KAYAK to search for the cheapest flight to Paros. 

Paros Ferries

Milos Paros ferry

The most common way of getting to Paros is taking a ferry either from Athens or, if you’re island hopping in the Cyclades, from another island. Several companies service the route between the Cycladic islands in Greece: Seajets, Blue Star Paros, and Aegean Speed Lines. 

If you want to save some money on the ferries that can be costly, especially if you’re island hopping, I recommend booking your fares way in advance. I always use Ferry Scanner to look for the best tickets. If you’re planning your trip to Paros at peak season, booking your ferry in advance makes even more sense, especially if you’re not very flexible on dates. If you book online, Ferry Scanner offers an extended free cancellation period in case your plans change. 

parikia port paros
Port at Parikia

When searching for tickets, you will also notice that slower ferries can be a lot cheaper, so if you don’t mind a 2-3 hours longer trip, booking a slower ferry can be a good way of saving some money. 

Travelling on ferries is an experience in its own right! Remember to arrive early as the boarding process and loading the vehicles is swift, and boats don’t wait around and usually leave on time. Also, always check ahead of time if your ferry is scheduled to go on time. Ferry services rely on good sea conditions, and cancellations are common, especially in September and October when there are more chances of strong winds. 

Ferry Athens to Paros

Athens to Paros ferry is the most popular route and the most frequent service. Ferries Athens to Paros leaves multiple times a day from Piraeus or Rafina ports to Parikia. Depending on the ferry, the journey takes anything from 3 to 5 hours. For ferry schedules and prices, check Ferry Scanner

Ferry Mykonos to Paros

A ferry Mykonos Paros is another popular route with multiple ferries scheduled daily. The trip takes from 45 minutes to over an hour, and during summer holidays, ferries get booked out quickly, so consider booking online if you’re travelling during that time. 

Ferries Santorini to Paros

The same applies to ferry Santorini Paros. The journey takes 2 to 5 hours, and online booking is recommended for travels between July and August. 

Ferry Naxos to Paros

Naxos is another superb island worth visiting if you like gorgeous beaches! Ferries Naxos to Paros frequently leave during the day and the journey time is super short – between 30 and 50 minutes. 

Crete to Paros Ferry

If you’re looking for how to get to Paros from Crete, there is a ferry operated by Seajets that leaves from Heraklion to Parikia once a day with a journey time of 5.5 hours. 

Ferry Sifnos to Paros

Sifnos is also a super easy island to get to from Paros. The trip only takes 50 minutes, and it’s one of the best day trips from Paros if you’re short on time. 

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