Paros is one of the most charming islands of the Cyclades Island group with its stunning Cycladic architecture, unique seaside villages and fun holiday atmosphere. It’s not quite as hyped or as popular with group tours and cruise ships as islands like Santorini, Ios or Mykonos. This means that it retains a more relaxed atmosphere to it, even in the high season, and the prices are more affordable than in the most well-known destinations. All the better to make the most of a relaxing Greek holiday without breaking the bank!
Where to stay on Paros
There are two main villages on the island; Parikia (the main port) and Naousa the second biggest settlement on the island. They both have ample restaurants, supermarkets and shops so you can rest assured you will find everything you need during your vacation. If you are planning on travelling around by bus it is a good idea to stay in one of these towns, if however you are going to rent scooters or a car you could choose to stay somewhere a little further away like the resort town of Golden Beach.
How long to stay on Paros
As I mention in my guide on how to plan an idyllic holiday in the Greek Islands you are best to book at least three nights on Paros, which will leave you with at least two and a half days to explore. If you like a more active style of holiday it is entirely possible to explore two different villages or beaches in one day but if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace of life you can set out to explore one beach or settlement per day and make the most of a long lunch in the hottest part of the day. There is some really great Greek cuisine to be found don’t be afraid to savour traditional dishes like greek salads and gyros!
How to get around Paros
The bus network on Paros is regular, extensive and affordable so buses are great option for getting around. You simply pay the ticket guy in cash once you are on the bus. Most journeys are 45 minutes maximum. The other option is to rent quads, scooters or a car to get around, but be forewarned that while people with UK (or other EU driver’s licences) won’t have any trouble hiring a vehicle, if you have a NZ driver’s licence you will also need an international drivers licence. This can only be obtained from the AA in New Zealand and is usually valid for a year.
What to do on Paros
Day One
My recommendation would be to aim to spend your first full day visiting Parikia or Naousa (ie. whichever town you’re not staying in) plus a nearby beach such as Kolymbithres (near Naousa) or Parasporos (near Parikia). Parikia & Naousa both have great little gift shops, cafes and restaurants with the difference being that Naousa has more of a seaside fishing village vibe whereas Parikia is much busier as it is the main port. Kolymbithres is probably the most beautiful beach on the island with its unique rock formations, where Parasporos is really nice and peaceful, unlike some of the other beaches in close proximity to Parikia which can get quite crowded.
Day Two
With your second full day either head to a beach further afield such as Golden Beach or Santa Maria, or opt for a full day trip to the nearby island of Antiparos. Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti in Greek) is likely the most popular beach on the island because, as it’s name suggests, it has beautiful golden sand which stretches for 700 metres. It’s a favourite spot for families because it’s very safe, seeing that the water is shallow, as well as for windsurfers who come here from all over the Mediterranean. Santa Maria has a fun vibe and is popular with young people with its beach bars, restaurants and tavernas as well as the multitude of activities on offer such as scuba diving and water-skiing. Alternatively you can get to the island of Antiparos by taking a 15 minute ferry from Pounta. Antiparos is even more chilled out than Paros so you can choose to wander around the small villages and then just lie on a beach somewhere. However for a more adventurous option take a bus from the port of Antiparos and climb down the 411 steps to the Antiparos Cave which is one of the most impressive sea caves in Europe with remarkable stalactites & stalagmites.
Day Three +
If you have an extra half day or day(s) simply pick one or more of the activities from above that you didn’t have time to fit in on day one or two. As I would say every day of our vacation to Greece “another day, another beautiful beach.” Such hard life choices!
Need more information to help you plan your holiday in the Cyclades? Check out my full guide here.