Renting A Car In Paros: The Ultimate Guide + Tips (2024)

Planning on renting a car in Paros?

This comprehensive guide will answer every question you want to ask. It includes where and how to hire a car in Paros, how much you can expect to pay for a hire car, things you should think about before embarking on your road trip, plus tips for the best places to visit in Paros. 

Paros is a jewel of the Cyclades islands in Greece. The small island offers something for everyone, from historical sites, ancient churches, world-renowned wines, and delicious freshly caught seafood to world-class museums, expansive sandy beaches and crystal clear seas. 

🚗 Find the cheapest rental car in Paros and book your vehicle safely with no hidden cost & generous cancellation policy through ➡️ Discover Cars.

It is not a place to party; it is a scenic island on which to kick back, relax and savour an authentic Greek experience. Renting a car on the island will allow you the freedom to achieve this. 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Is Renting A Car In Paros A Good Idea?

Renting a car in Paros is a great idea if you wish to do more than just sunbathe and dine at your hotel or resort. If you want to explore and discover all that this fantastic island has to offer, you will need to rent a car. 

A rental car offers you the freedom to set your own itinerary; you can go where you want, when you want and for as long as you want. Driving a rental car will enable you to visit off-the-beaten-track locations or allow you to visit busy locations at quieter times of the day. 

In addition to sightseeing, having your own car means that you can drive to small, lesser-known villages, eat in local tavernas or sunbathe on isolated beaches. Plus, if you are travelling as a group or as a family, a car will make it cheaper to explore the island and easier to carry all the belongings necessary for a family day trip. 

Another benefit of renting a car in Paros Greece is that you can choose to stay outside the main tourist areas of Parikia and Naoussa. Not only does this generally mean that you will be able to find cheaper accommodation, but it will also result in a more authentic Paros stay. 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Paros Rent A Car: Logistics

What’s the best way of renting a car in Paros Greece?

As with any country in which you plan to hire a car, it is important to shop around to compare car rental Paros Greece prices and available cars. 

Plus, as Paros is a small island, rental cars will be limited in number, so it is essential to book your car in advance of your trip, particularly if you are travelling to Paros in the peak summer months. This is even more important if you hope to hire an automatic car rather than a manual car.   

Browsing individual car rental websites takes a considerable amount of time. You can save time and avoid frustration by using the reliable car rental comparison site Discover Cars. We use Discover Cars wherever we travel to, and the company has proved trustworthy, flexible and cost-effective – which is why we recommend them to our readers. 

Discover Cars compares all the cars that will be available on Paros during your chosen vacation dates. It then shows you the cars in order of best reviews, so whichever company you eventually choose to rent from, you can be assured that you will be renting from a trusted company. 

Discover Cars’ detailed listings include specifications about the car so you can find the right car for your needs (and your luggage!). The quoted price is the price you will pay as Discover Cars has no hidden or add-on fees. 

Another reason why we love Discover Cars is that they offer free cancellation should you change your mind about the car you have chosen or in case your trip plans have to change. Discover Cars will help you find the best car rental Paros has to offer.  

Car rental Paros Airport

Many visitors to the island rent a car from Paros Airport. You can avoid the queues and paperwork plus the potential disappointment of a car you want not being available by booking your car online in advance with Discover Cars. 

There are several car hire Paros Airport companies such as Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Budget and Sixt. 

Car rental Paros Port

Paros Port is another popular location on the island for car rental. Many visitors to Paros will be island hopping their way across Greece, so Paros Port will be their first point of entry. It is also where day trippers from Naxos will arrive and rent a car. 

If you are arriving into Paros Port, avoid the uncertainty of rental car availability by booking a vehicle online in advance with Discover Cars, with a pick-up at Paros port. 

There are several car hire Paros Port companies, including Entreprise, Karent, Polos and Hertz. 

How much does it cost to hire a car in Paros?

The cost of renting a car in Paros varies according to the size of the car you are renting and the season in which you are travelling. The best cheap car rental Paros has to offer will be in low season. 

For example, hiring a small, 4-seat car (such as a Fiat 500) costs from £405 / $501 for one week in the peak season month of August. The same car costs from as little as £90 / $111 for one week in the low season month of November. 

If you want to hire a large SUV such as a Nissan Qashqai, you can expect to pay from £1081 / $1337 for a one-week hire in August. The same car would cost just £350 / $433 for one week in November. 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Rent A Car In Paros: Requirements

Can US citizens rent a car in Greece?

If you are a U.S. citizen hoping to book car rental Paros Island, you will be pleased to learn it is an easy process.

You can rent a car in Paros – or anywhere else in Greece – using a U.S. driver’s licence. However, you must have had your U.S driver’s licence for at least one year and be aged over 21 and under 70. Note that if you are over 21 but are under 25, you are classed as a young driver and may have to pay an additional rental fee.

You are no longer required to show an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), but as more than 150 countries around the world accept the International Driver’s Permit (and very few solely accept a U.S. licence), it is well worth getting an IDP, particularly if you are a frequent traveller. Plus, there have been reports from Paros of rental car agencies and police asking drivers to produce an IDP.

You are eligible for an International Driver’s Permit if you are over 18 and have a valid U.S. licence. The IDP is easy to apply for either online or at an AAA office in the United States.

Can UK citizens rent a car in Greece?

Despite leaving the E.U., UK citizens can currently rent a car in Greece and on the Greek islands using only a British driving licence as long as they are over 21 years old and under 70. Plus, you must have had your UK licence for at least 12 months. 

However, as mentioned above, to avoid confusion, it is a good idea to get an International Driver’s Permit.  

What are the requirements for EU countries?

Drivers from other EU countries need to show a valid, current driving licence from their home country. The same age rule applies; you must be over 21 but under 70 years old and have had your licence for at least one year. 

This driving regulation also applies to drivers from European countries who are not in the EU, such as Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Do I need an International Driver’s Permit to drive in Paros?

If you are from the UK, the U.S. or an E.U or European non-E.U country, you do not technically need an International Driver’s Permit to drive or to hire a car in Paros. 

However, if your driver’s licence is not in a recognisable English or Greek script, it is a good idea to get a universally understood International Driver’s Permit, just in case. As previously mentioned, there have been reports online where rental agencies and police in Paros have asked drivers to show an IDP. 

Do I need insurance for renting a car in Paros?

Yes, you will need insurance for renting a car in Paros. 

Most rental companies offer a basic form of collision damage waiver (or CDW) with their rental car, but you can add on extras to provide you and the car with maximum protection. These extras can quickly add up, so we always recommend taking out full insurance coverage, just in case.

It is almost always cheaper to book full insurance coverage online in advance rather than on arrival at the car rental agency.  For a comprehensive and affordable full insurance policy, check out Discover Cars. 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Tips For Car Hire Paros

Paros is no different to any other country around the world in which you wish to hire a car. There are rules and regulations you must follow and procedures to adhere to in order to protect you, the car and other road users. 

✔️ Get a full insurance cover

Renting a car in Paros is like driving anywhere else; it carries an element of risk, both to yourself and other road users. Therefore it is essential to take out full insurance coverage on your rental car, in addition to any personal travel insurance you may already have. 

However, many travellers feel that full insurance cover is an unnecessary expense on top of rental car fees, especially in expensive summer months. But the question to ask yourself is would you drive uninsured in your home country? If the answer is no, take out full insurance cover. 

Sadly, road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of injury or death to travellers abroad. If an accident or third-party damage to the car or to other people did occur, full insurance cover could save you serious legal repercussions and unexpected enormous bills.

Full insurance cover provides comprehensive cover for injuries sustained by you or your passengers, serious and light damage to the rental car, plus cover to other cars, passengers or property involved in the accident.

Before signing on the dotted line, read the full insurance cover policy carefully. Know before setting out on your Paros road trip what you are covered for and what you aren’t. It is essential to know if there are any restrictions that could invalidate your policy, such as driving off-road on dirt tracks. 

✔️ Record the condition of the car

It is imperative to accurately record the condition of the rental car before setting off on your road trip. Avoid being hustled out the door and pause your eagerness to get going on your road trip – a few minutes spent closely examining the car now could save you a lot of money and stress later on. 

Start by looking at the paperwork you have been given. There should be a record of any dents, scratches or windscreen cracks that are on the car. If any damage has been noted, check this damage carefully to make sure the paperwork has accurately recorded the location and severity of the damage.

You can then proceed to record the condition of the car yourself. Don’t just look; take close-up photos and videos of both the outside and inside of the car. Pay particular attention to potential problem areas such as the windscreen, headlights and bumpers/fenders.

If you see any damage, no matter how small, note it on the paperwork and get it verified by the rental car agent. It is a good idea to make copies or save a copy of your photos and videos just in case you lose your camera or phone. 

✔️ Make sure your hotel comes with parking

If you are going to be driving around Paros island, make car parking a ‘must have’ on your hotel or Airbnb list.  

Having car parking on site (even better if it is a designated parking spot) will save you time and hassle each day trying to find a parking space nearby. This is a situation you will want to avoid when returning home in the dark after a long day of sightseeing, especially if you have kids or luggage with you. 

Plus, if your car is parked securely, you will feel more confident leaving it at night. 

Try to book a hotel or Airbnb with free, designated and ideally secure parking. Some hotels in Paros may charge a daily car parking fee which can really add up over a two-week vacation.  

✔️ Take advantage of free car parks

There are lots of free car parks around Paros. You will find them in towns, villages, beaches and popular tourist locations. 

There are also fee-paying car parks, so make sure you park in the right car park! The free car parks may be a little further away from where you want to be, but they will save you money. Plus, for the safety of your car, it is better to park in a free car park than on the side of a narrow road.

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Best Places To Visit With A Rental Car In Paros

If you are planning on renting a car in Paros, you will be able to travel all over this amazing island. We’ve listed some of the attractions on Paros that you will not want to miss below. 

📍Parikia

Parikia is the capital of Paros and is the town next to Paros ferry port. Unlike many port towns, Parikia is well worth exploring. 

The charming Parikia old town is lined with traditional white-walled houses with blue shutters and is a maze of narrow, car-free alleyways. You could spend several hours happily getting lost. If you would like to learn about the diverse history of the island, check out the Archeological Museum of Paros or the Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of the Virgin Mary).

Walk along the bustling seafront promenade, where in 10 minutes, you will arrive at Livadia Beach. A further 10 minutes on foot brings you to Parikia Beach; both beaches have sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Parikia faces the west, so anywhere on the beaches or along the waterfront is an ideal spot to watch a Paros sunset. 

Alternatively, stretch your legs with a hike on the Agios Fokas peninsula to take in excellent views of Parikia. 

The best Parikia car rental agencies can be found at Paros ferry port. 

📍Naoussa

If you are planning on using a car rental, Naoussa Paros should be on your must-visit list. Naoussa is a charming coastal village on the northeast coast of Paros, a short 10-kilometre drive from Parikia. It boasts some of the best seafood restaurants on the island, so it is a perfect spot to stop for lunch or dinner. 

You can visit the 13th-century Venetian Fort ruins, Agioi Anagyroi Church, or join a wine-tasting tour at the Moraitis Winery. Spend a couple of hours exploring the traditional Cycladic architecture of the village, strolling around the harbour or viewing Naoussa from the sea on a caique boat. 

Don’t miss Nouassa’s gorgeous sandy beaches, such as Santa Maria, Agioi Anargyroi or Monastiri. 

You will find Naoussa car rental agencies such as Sixt and Spirou in the village centre. 

📍Lefkes

Lefkes is a traditional Greek village in the centre of Paros, which is surrounded by pine forests and olive groves. 

One of the best things to do in Lefkes is to get lost in its maze of narrow paved alleyways lined with tightly packed white-washed houses overflowing with bougainvillaea. Slow down, and grab a coffee and a sweet pastry in Agia Triadi Square before visiting the 19th-century church of the same name or the small but interesting Folk Art Museum. 

📍Paros Beaches

You will be able to visit the best beaches in Paros with a rental car. There are so many amazing beaches to choose from!

In the north of the island, you can visit Kolymbithres Beach, best known for its unusual granite rock formations, sandy Piperi Beach or the gorgeous Santa Maria Beach near Naoussa. 

In the south, you can drive to Chrissi Akti, known for its long golden sands or cover yourself in the healing mud at Kalogeros Beach. 

If you like organised beaches with sunbeds and facilities, head to Monastiri or Pyrgos Beach, or if you prefer secluded, unspoilt beaches, go to Molos or Legeri Beach (which is nudist-friendly). 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

How To Get Around On Paros Without A Car?

Bus

Paros has a good network of air-conditioned buses that run on regular schedules between Parikia and Naoussa and to other towns and villages across the island. Bus schedules are more frequent in the summer than in the quieter winter months, but as the buses are run for locals rather than tourists, you can use the buses at any time of the year. 

Using comfortable, coach-style buses is a cost-effective way to explore the island, but you will be limited to the bus route and schedule. To fully explore the island and at your own pace (particularly in the evenings), you will need to hire a car. 

Bus tickets are cheap but vary in price according to the length and route of your journey. You can also buy a one-day ticket that covers the whole island. Children travel for half price, and students also receive a discount with proof of I.D. There are bus stations in Parikia and Naoussa and bus stops in most towns and villages. 

Paros buses are operated by the Paros Land Transport Network or KETL. You can check bus routes, timetables and prices on the KETL website here.

Water Taxis

You can also catch water taxis from Parikia and Naoussa harbour to several locations around the island and to neighbouring Antiparos Island.

For example, in Parikia, you can catch a regular water taxi to and from Marchello and Krios Beaches. From Naoussa, you can get a water taxi to and from popular beaches such as Monastiri, Legeri and Kolympithres. 

Water taxis are cheap, quick and easy to use and provide a different perspective of the island. However, you may not find a regular water taxi schedule if you visit outside peak season. 

Scooter

If you prefer independent travel in Paros scooter rental is another popular form of transport on the island, particularly with young travellers. 

Scooter rental is cheaper than hiring a car, and it has cheaper running costs. Plus, it will be easier to find parking in busy towns and villages. 

To hire a scooter in Paros, you will need a valid driving licence from your home country that includes motorbikes and scooters up to 125cc. 

In addition to full coverage insurance for the scooter, it is essential to check whether your travel insurance allows you to hire a scooter or motorbike. Generally, your travel insurance will not cover you to ride a scooter or motorbike abroad if you do not have a scooter or motorbike licence at home. 

If your insurance does cover you, double-check the details of which power bikes you are permitted to drive. 

If you have never ridden a scooter before, I would advise not doing it for the first time in a new country with unfamiliar road layouts, new signs and different rules and regulations.  

However, if you decide to proceed with scooter rental Paros prices are higher in peak season than in low season. You can expect to pay from £14 / $17 for the cheapest bike in low season, rising to £30 / $38  a day for the same bike in peak summer months. 

ATV

If you like your transport a little more adventurous, a Paros ATV rental may be an option for you. 

Quad rentals seat two people, and as wearing a helmet is mandatory by law in Greece, helmets are usually included in the hire price. 

All-terrain vehicles are an exciting and scenic method of transport that will enable you to get off the beaten track and fully explore Paros. However, it is important to remember that these vehicles are not toys and must be driven with caution. 

Quad bikes can – and do – tip over easily, causing serious injury, especially when travelling at speed. Furthermore, given the terrain you will be driving on, it is important to have some experience driving on slippery sandy dirt tracks. 

If you want to rent a quad bike in Paros, you will need a current valid driver’s licence. Plus, like scooter rental, it is essential to check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance carefully. If you are not insured to drive one of the buggy rental Paros has to offer, you will not be insured medically or legally if you are involved in an accident. 

Sadly, accidents do happen to tourists on quad bikes. Quad bike or ATV rental prices start from £25 / $27 per day in low season to £45 / $48 per day in high season. Like rental cars and scooter hire, discounts are available for long-term hire. 

You can rent an ATV from Paros Airport and from agencies in Parikia and Naoussa. 

Taxi

If you need to travel somewhere quickly (for example, to get to the ferry port or the airport), then taxis are your best option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. 

You can catch a taxi in almost every town and village in Paros and to and from the ferry port and airport, but whilst taxis are easy to use, they are not a cheap method of getting around Paros. 

If you have time before your journey starts, ask around for recommendations from reputable taxi firms. If you need to get a taxi on the street, either hail a taxi or pick one up from a taxi rank which you will find in larger towns and villages in Paros (look out for the ‘Piatsa’ sign). 

Only travel in registered taxis with licensed taxi drivers. You may want to bring your own car seats if you are travelling with kids as there is no guarantee of getting good quality age-appropriate car seats in the taxi.

Know that sticking out your thumb to hail a taxi in Greece (like you would for hitchhiking) is considered rude. Instead, wave your arm or hand at the driver. Don’t be surprised if there is already someone in the taxi with the driver. Taxi sharing is common on small Greek islands, and the other passenger will be dropped off before the driver continues to your destination. 

Are taxis expensive in Paros?

Taxis in Paros are not expensive compared to other European destinations, but they are more expensive than using the bus on Paros. Plus, if you use taxis frequently, it could end up being more expensive than hiring a car. 

Paros taxi prices are controlled by the Greek government. You will pay a minimum fare (or a base fare) for short journeys, with longer journeys calculated on a metre per kilometre travelled. The per kilometre rate will increase at night or in the early hours of the morning. 

You may also have to pay a surcharge for luggage or for an airport or ferry drop off or pick up. 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Where To Stay In Paros Without A Car

If you are not hiring a car in Paros, the best places to stay will be Parikia and Naoussa. 

Both locations have a wide range of accommodation and dining options, plus several attractions within walkable distances. Plus, you can walk to sandy beaches from both Parikia and Naoussa. 

Both locations are easy to get to and from the airport and the ferry port. If you want to explore the island, both towns have good bus and boat links and taxi ranks. 

📖 READ MORE: Where to stay in Paros – Ultimate Guide to Best Hotels in Paros

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Rent A Car In Paros Island: FAQ

Is it difficult to drive a car in Paros?

It is relatively easy to drive a car in Paros especially if you are used to driving in a big city. There isn’t much traffic on Paros though you will inevitably encounter more vehicles in peak season. 

Roads are generally well maintained with good signage. The main road in Paros is a coastal ring road around the entire island. There is also a cross-island road via Lefkes, which is hillier and has some blind bends and summits. You may encounter dirt roads if you wish to visit more out-of-the-way beaches and villages. 

Is it worth it to rent a car in Paros?

Yes, it is definitely worth renting a car in Paros if you feel comfortable driving there and are eligible to drive a rental car. You can get out and about on your own timetable and fully explore everything that the island has to offer. 

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?

The minimum age to rent a car in Greece is 21, no matter which country you come from. Some companies will rent you a car at 21 but will charge you an additional young driver’s fee as you are under 25. 

How many days is enough in Paros?

How many days you will spend in Paros really depends on what you want to do and how you like to travel. 

You could see the principal sights of the island in one day as you can drive a full circle around Paros without stopping in one hour. But to fully appreciate the sights, food and scenery of this special destination, you will need at least 3 – 4 full days in Paros, ideally longer. 

Is Paros walkable?

The main tourist locations of Parikia and Naoussa are very walkable. They are compact towns with attractions a short walk from each other, plus some car-free roads and areas. You can even walk to local beaches from Parikia and Naoussa. 

The main road around Paros does not have a pavement /sidewalk, so it is not advisable to walk alongside this road, particularly at night. 

However, if you are into hiking, Paros has a network of hiking trails and old unused dirt roads, some of which provide car-free scenic routes around the island. There are seven major hiking routes in Paros to choose from. 

RENTING A CAR IN PAROS

Renting A Car In Paros: Final Word

So, do you need a car for Paros Greece? If you want to see and experience everything this gorgeous island has to offer, then the answer is yes. 

Renting a car in Paros is an easy process, and once you set off on your road trip, driving in Paros is not difficult compared to other places in Greece.
The time spent researching the rules of the road in Greece and the best hire car in Paros on Discover Cars will pay off enormously when you are able to explore this small but diverse island fully.