You want to know more about Paros?
Paros is located at the heart of the Cyclades. a wonderful island that exudes an earthy, Mediterranean beauty, perfectly located right in the heart of the Cyclades. This picturesque island is the most blessed of Greece, being fertile enough compared to others of Cyclades, and with rich vineyards that produce their famous, top quality wine. Its a place where myth, history and culture converse, rich in tradition and natural beauty.
Uncover the secrets that make visitors of Paros return again and again … Stroll through the traditional villages, amongst the picturesque houses, along the stone-laid roads and pathways meticulously outlined with white wash, and under the archways, boasting examples of typical Cycladic architecture.
Paros has already been famous from the ancient times due to its high quality white, hard and transparent marbles, which some of the most important statues of Ancient Greece were sculptured on. Relics of this is still scattered across Paros today.
The islands highest point is 766 m - leveling out into gentle rolling hills sloping smoothly down to the coast. Dazzling white animated villages in scenic landscapes, Greek churches, windmills, beaches, picturesque small ports, cobbled roads and narrow alleys, archaeological remains testifying the passage of many centuries.
Be swept away by the colors and the pure magic of the Parian sunsets and sunrises.
Lose yourself in the deep blue of the sky and the sea. Watch the colorful fishing boats that bid us good morning, brimming with the catch of the day, as the seagulls fly around them - dancing in playful delight. And if you think that’s all, you’re wrong…
Paros has many well-kept secrets, which you are challenged to uncover..
If you want to know more about Paros, the island, the people and its meaning of „A festival for the senses“, visit:
How to get to PAROS?
The most common way to get to Paros is to fly to Athens, Santorini or Mykonos and then continue your trip with a ferry. Most European capitals have direct flights to the above destinations.There are also daily connections flights from Athens to Paros .
Arriving by plane:
You can fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) and then catch a connection flight to Paros (PAS) which is around 30min. During the summer months there are usually around 3 to 5 daily flights from Athens. From there you can get a Taxi or if you have booked a rental car pick it up from the airport parking ( for details see relevant section)
Olympic Air: www.olympicair.com/el
Aegean Airlines: en.aegeanair.com/
If you decide to fly directly to Mykonos you can catch the ferry from Mykonos to Paros which is around 1 hour.
Arriving by ferry:
You can take the ferry from Piraeus to Paros . Journey time is around 3 to 4 hours depending on the ferry . To book tickets/ check timetables please see below links :
Hellenic Seaways hellenicseaways.gr/en/
BlueStar Ferries www.bluestarferries.com/
Direct Ferries www.directferries.co.uk
If you arrive in Athens airport please visit the Athens Airport Website (www.aia.gr/traveler/to) and find how to get to the port.
Getting around in Athens
The easiest way to get around Athens, and especially back and forth from the airport and port of Piraeus is by taxi (download the BEAT app ) or with public transport .Information can be found at www.aia.gr/traveler/to
As mentioned earlier, you can fly from any European city, to Athens
Airlines: Aegean Airline, British Airways, Easy Jet, Wiz & Ryanair.
The easiest way to get around Athens, and especially back and forth from the airport and port of Piraeus.
You can download BEAT ( taxi app) or use Uber
What to do in Paros?
Activities
You can enjoy a variety of activities on Paros island and there is something for everyone - mountain biking, horse riding, sea diving, windsurfing & also kite surfing and other water sports activities. Paros is popular for windsurfers, kite surfers and water sports, especially Pounta beach, Golden beach and New Golden beach. Other beaches not to miss with crystal clear waters include Aliki in southern Paros and Piso Livadia on the eastern coast. Every year Chrissí Aktí is the venue for the Windsurfing World Championship. On the sea bed at Alykí beach, to the southwest, you can explore the ruins of an ancient town!
Beaches
Paros has some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the Greek islands. In almost every corner of the island, clean, sandy beaches or with impressive rock formations, either cosmopolitan and noisy or quiet and isolated with beautiful deep blue waters will be waiting for you
Enjoy the unusual natural landscape with impressive white rock formations on Kolymbíthres beach. The beach of Kalogeros, surrounded by red and green clay rocks offers a really effective spa for free! Cover your body with clay and let it dry in the sun; after a while rinse yourself in the sea and your body will feel softer than ever!
Aliki Beach, South of Paros Island
White sandy beach with clear blue warm waters. Nice fishing town which is calm and good for snorkeling.
Faragkas Beach
Beaches close to Parikia:
Livadia, Marchello, Krios and Parasporos beach.
Beaches nearby Naoussa:
Piperi, Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Santa Maria and Ambelas.
NAOUSSA
Naoussa is a beautiful town filled with traditional and modern culture and still today, village life remains that of the colourful fishing boats, the fishermen and the celebrated seafood delicacies, blending harmoniously with touristic hospitality. Naoussa is built amphitheatrically, it has wonderful traditional houses, winding paths, arches and old churches. At its port you will find the Venetian fort, and the St Nicolas church, aside the boats and the taverns that, in the summer, are full of locals and tourists enjoying seafood and ouzo.
PARIKIA TOWN
Parikia town is the capital of Paros island. It is a wonderful town with narrow walkways through the traditional town with great little cafes, pubs and ice-cream bars. Also home to a number of historical sites and churches. The old town is centered around the remains of a 13th century Venetian Castle and is accessible through a maze of winding streets.
LEFKES MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Lefkes is located at the highest point of Páros and enjoys stunning views of the island. The village is set up in the mountains and is surrounded by a rich green landscape. It has very well preserved Cycladic and neoclassical buildings, beautiful squares and narrow marble alleys. A throwback to medieval times.
MARPISSA
Marpissa, founded in the 15th century, is a traditional village with a distinctive medieval character. It is located on a hill, a few kilometers away from the famous beaches of Logarás and Písso Livádi. You can also visit the impressive Monastery of Ayios Antonios (17th century) on the hill of Kéfalos, where the ruins of a 15th century Venetian castle stand, and enjoy a wonderful view of the sea.
PISO LIVADI
The scenic coastal settlement of Piso Livadi, a coastal summer and tourist resort, is situated at a distance of 18 kilometers southeastern to the town of Paros (Paroikia), at the eastern coast of the island.
The idyllic port it is protected to the north east from Paros marble blocks and offers an ideal anchorage for fishing boats and small yachts. Along the promenade there are several cafes and restaurants.
VALLEY OF BUTTERFLIES (PETALOUDES)
A valley of butterflies, only 2euro entry and a great stop while driving towards Pounda from Parikia. Petaloudes is an area of stunning beauty near the village of Psychopiana. The habitat is rich in vegetation and running water, with tall plane trees, laurels, wild olive trees, and carob trees covered in ivy that play host to the butterfly species Panaxia quadripunstaria
ANTIPAROS
To the west of Paros lies its smaller sister island Antiparos. At its narrowest, the channel between the two islands is less than 2 km wide. For those looking for a remote escape you can take a day trip to Antiparos, 10 min ferry ride from Pounta,
The most famous sight on the small but magnificent island of Antiparos is its cave. This interesting natural wonder has a long history and the oldest stalagmite in Europe.
Parikia
ARODO RESTAURANT www.arodoparos.com/
Little green rocket
Fabulous asian fusion cuisine in Parikia along the promenade 200m before the town coming from Livadia beach. It's like gourmet street food from around the world with a twist. Super flavours and reasonably priced. Highly recommend.
Naoussa
Taverna Glafkos
Lovely restaurant beside the sea in Naoussa town near the fishing harbour with excellent sunset views and a great bit of seafood. Also yummy pasta dishes.
SIGI IKTHIOS
In the picturesque port of Naoussa, “Sigi Ikthios”, offers excellent gastronomic delicacies, healthy selections, prepared with local, wherever possible, and organically grown produce. Enjoy your meal sitting beside the small traditional fishing boats under the natural light of the Greek sunset.
MEDITERRANEO
Seafood and greek restaurant in the marine port of Naoussa. Always fresh and delicious food. Excellent service! Petros, the owner is one of a kind. Enjoy the appetizers...exp. the fried zucchini balls with joghurt and mint leaves. For lunch or dinner try some fresh sea food and Greek traditional dishes! Kali Orexi! :-)
YEMENI
Traditional restaurant with a well-taken care of menu including Greek and local specialties. Yemeni is in the narrow streets of Naoussa old town, decorated in old-fashioned style.
Nikos, the Parian owner, lets you know about the dishes of the day, and tells you which ones are cooked with chemical-free fruits & vegetables from his family's produce. His mother helps in the kitchen every day so you are sure to taste home made meals.
OTHER VILLAGES
THALAMI - Ambelas
KATSOUNAS - Santa Maria
SIPAROS - Xifara
KOLIMBITHRES - Kolimbithres
HALARIS - Piso Livadi
THALASSA MOU - Aliki
Parikia
PIRATE BAR - Parikia Town Centre, Paros
Funky lil joint for cocktails or beers with chilled jazzy live music. Feels like your in a cave.
www.tripadvisor....
THE DUBLIINER / Irish Bar - Parikia Town (Near Hardrock Cafe)
Entry is free if your Irish. Usually gets busy from midnight onwards.
A group of 5 bars under one roof, all with a different style, music & vibe, from salsa-dance-R&B-karaoke.
www.tripadvisor....
SATIVA
Sativa is an original Cafe & Live Music Bar where you can listen to some of the best music on the island, ranging from lounge to funk and from reggae to electronic, while various live bands spice up the moods. In the summer, Sativa is open all day long, serving breakfast, coffee, juices and snacks in its dreamy interior courtyard and on the stone-paved street in front. • Opening hours summer: 9am to late at night, winter: from 9pm. Closed from middle of January till beginning of March.
BEBOP
Stylish, Cycladic cafe bar, with great views to the sea and the sunset. Funky atmosphere, nice crowd and live music events with a lot of jazz. Try the Caipirinhas! Open all year round, every day, from the morning until late at night
Naoussa
SALTY BAR - Naoussa Town Centre, Paros
Cosmopolitan cocktail bar in the middle of the fishing harbour over looking the bay and usually has a late night DJ.
SOMARIPA CONSOLATO
SANTE COCKTAIL BAR
I TRIA
BLUE
COME BACK
FOTIS
AGOSTA
BARBAROSSA
Parking is generally free and most accommodation has a parking area. It is also very safe.
TAXIS
TAXI Station Parikia: 22840 21500
Taxi Paros
0030 6944221645 George (Use the name Wedding Paros)
BLUESTAR FERRIES: 22840 22654
KTEL BUS STATION Parikia: 22840 21113
AIRPORT Alyki: 22840 91257
PUBLIC MECIAL CENTER: 22843 60000
POLICE DEPARTMENT Parikia: 22840 23333
PORT AUTHORITY Parikia: 22840 21240
AMBULANCE - nationwide: 166
FIRE DEPARTMENT Parikia: 22840 51999/ 52999
On August 23rd, the whole village is celebrating. The young people of the country, parading with masks and disguises in perfect pirate style, to represent the raids. In the sky, fireworks warn of the presence of corsairs and enemy fire. All in a real representation of a battle!
Barbarossa Pirate Festival is a representation of the pirates' raids, performed by young people. Fireworks are thrown to represent the battle and the fires of the pirates, while after the festivity, traditional dancing, eating, and drinking are continued until dawn.