Paros is a large island, easily accessible by boat or plane. And if you want to visit the whole area, you’ll need to hire a vehicle. Here’s a summary of transport : getting there, getting around, where to stay in Paros?… We’ll also give you some information on the best places to stay in Paros.
How to get to Paros
One of the great advantages of Paros is its accessibility. Indeed, it is well served. This is also what makes it so popular with tourists. But it’s still very pleasant in mid-season.
By boat
From Athens, you can set off from Piraeus, Rafina or even Lavrio to reach Paros for a 4-5 hour crossing on traditional ferries. As a rough guide, from Piraeus the crossing takes between 3h and 4h30, from Rafina between 3h and 4h15 and from Lavrio between 3h and 4h15, or even 7h when the ferry stops on several islands. There are fast boats that take just under three hours.
For all you need to know about Athens ports (which one to choose, how to get there, practical information), see our article on Athens ports.
Paros is also very central in the Cyclades. It is therefore easy to reach many islands from Paros. For example: Naxos (between 30mn and 1h crossing), Mykonos (40mn to 1h45 crossing), Santorini (between 1h45 and 5h crossing), Syros (between 1h and 3h30 crossing), Tinos (between 1h and 1h45 crossing time), Amorgos (between 3h20 and 4h30 crossing time), Folegandros (between 2h15 and 4h30 crossing time), Milos (between 5h and 7h crossing time), Serifos (between 1h40 and 2h45 crossing time).
To book your tickets, we advise you to do so about three months in advance. You can do this either through an online booking site such as Ferry Hopper.
By plane
Paros also has an airport. There are daily connections from Athens. It’s easy to reach Paros from all major European cities, as well as from other islands with airports, such as Santorini.
To find your flights, we advise you to use a Aegean.
Transport on Paros: how to get around the island?
Paros is a large island, and if you want to explore its pretty beaches and small villages, some form of transport is essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of transport options on Paros.
Public transport
During the summer season, a bus service runs around the island. These are the Ktel buses, and you can find out more about their routes and timetables on the tourist office website.
Cab
Many cabs are available onarrival at the port and airport. Then remember to get their phone numbers, so they can look for you in more remote areas. The tourist office provides numbers by town . You can also book your cab directly on the Welcome PickUps website. Welcome PickUps so there’s no stress or unpleasant surprises when you arrive!
By car
There are two options for renting a car: either rent one on the mainland when you arrive at the airport, or rent a car locally.
The first option can be wise and sometimes cheaper if you take the boat: there’s no need to transfer to the port, and fares in Athens are a little lower if you book in advance.
The second option is ideal for people arriving at the airport. Several international and local companies offer car rental in Paros. Prices rise sharply during the summer season, so don’t wait until the last minute.
To keep costs down, you can also rent only a few days, which you can use to explore the island.
Don’t hesitate to compare prices from different rental companies. Rentalcars is an efficient comparator for this kind of research, and we recommend it.
Other means of transport
In Parikia and Naoussa, you’ll easily find scooters, buggies and bicycles for hire.
Where to stay in Paros?
For practical reasons, you can choose accommodation close to the port, in Parikia. It will be easier to get around Paros, and you’ll find everything you need on the spot (restaurants, bars, museums, beaches…).
You can also choose to spend the night in Naoussa, a charming Cycladic fishing village. A wide range of accommodation is available in this part of the island. The village is close to kitesurfing beaches, so it’s an ideal place for those who want to practice the sport of sailing. See our article on the beaches of Paros.
In the south, the island is a little less crowded. In Marpissa, for example, you can stay in a mountain village and still be close to the more family-friendly beaches.
Finally, why not let yourself be tempted by a villa in more remote areas. For example, close to the mountain village of Lefkes or in the heights to theeast of the island. However, if you make this choice, remember to rent a vehicle. You will find a good choice of villas and apartments on Booking or Airbnb .
What to do in Paros
To make sure you don’t miss a thing on Paros, we bring you our best-of list of things to do and not to miss in Paros as well as Visit Paros in 3 days: our top 12 .
Sophie B.