Most people who visit Greece head to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos as a point of priority. One of our favourite islands is in between both of them and offers many of the same things as its famous neighbours but without the crowds or the price tag. Here is all the information you need about how to get to Paros, and beyond.
Further reading:
1. Fly Athens to Paros
There is a small domestic airport on Paros that is serviced by Olympic Airlines/Aegean, and Sky Express. Like many of the islands all flights are to and from Athens.
If you book early enough flights can often be cheaper than the Ferries and it is certainly quicker. The airport is quite new but small and there are only two gates so plan your visit carefully. There are hire car desks at the terminal and the airport is slated to expand and will be able to take International flight in the future.
The scenery as you fly over the Greek island is quite wonderful so make sure to book a window seat!
Flying to Paros from other destinations
At this point, the airport runway is not big enough to take large planes, although plans have been approved for this to be extended.
At this stage, however, if you want to fly to Paros from another island or destination you have to connect via Athens or Thessaloniki. Sometimes in Summer smaller charter flights have arrived from places like Geneva but they are infrequent and not a regular service.
3. Ferry – Athens to Paros ferry
Athens to Paros by ferry
You can travel by ferry to Paros from mainland Greece through the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion in Athens. The main port of Paros is Parikia which is located on the western side of the island.
The ferry route from Piraeus to Paros runs regularly with 2 ferries a day in the low season and up to 5 in Summer. The ferry trip from Athens to Paros takes between 3 and 7 hrs depending on what ferry you book.
The companies that service this route are Blue Star, Golden Star, Seajets and Fast Ferries.
You can book online at Ferryhopper or you can buy a ticket in Athens at either the port or one of the many ticketing agents you will see around the city.
If you are traveling in July, August or during one of the many religious festivals or public holidays it pays to book ahead.
Ferry to Paros from other islands
Paros is well connected to most of the other islands in the Cyclades group. Mykonos, Naxos, Syros, Ios and Serifos all have regular direct services and they, in turn, connect to other islands such as Santorini, Milos and Sifnos.
You can even connect with the Dodacannese Islands like Rhodes via Syros or Santorini and Crete via Naxos or Milos.
Again, check the Ferryhopper box below for schedules and prices.
2. Private transfer – Athens to Paros by private jet or helicopter
If it’s a special occasion or you want to get to Paros quickly then a private helicopter transfer is the way to do it.
Flying in over the Greek Islands in your private helicopter or jet will be an experience you will never forget and if its a special occasion this is one experience you will not regret investing in.
We are proud to work with Air Business International to bring you more choice.
Click here for a quote.
4. Cruise to Paros
Luckily Paros does not have a big port and receives little cruise ship traffic. There is one ship a week , Celystal, that moors in the bay near Adamas and does a Greek Island-only itinerary, and a few random visits from small luxury carriers from time to time.
Some of the best cruise offerings visiting Paros are;
10 day small group (11) island hopping including Santorini, Paros and Naxos
5. Sail to Paros
Visitors to Greece have been enjoying the magical experience of sailing around the islands for decades, either under their own steam in a bareboat charter or by hiring a skippered yacht.
The ability to explore uncharted waters, empty beaches and coves, ancient caves and ruins and largely design your own itinerary remains a popular and iconic way to enjoy Greece.
It is possible to sail from Athens to Milos in a reasonable time frame that can include other destinations and islands in the Cyclades as well such as Santorini, Ios, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and the Small Cyclades to the East or, Sifnos, Syros and Kea to the West.
These are our pick of some of the best ways to sail the Greek islands;
Sail the Cyclades in a superior Catamaran from Athens
Explore the Cyclades islands sailing with Intrepid Travel
Sail the Aegean from Athens on a hiking tour of the western Cyclades
Getting around Paros
It’s a good idea to hire a car on Paros, even just for a day or two. There is a regular bus service that is quite reliable but a car will enable you to explore lots of hidden gems around the island – beaches, coves, caves, ruins, even some villages that the bus doesn’t easily service.
Driving on Paros is pretty easy. There are no traffic lights, little traffic and only a couple of high narrow streets to tackle, which you can avoid if you want.
Due to the size and shape of the island, you can do a loop of the entire island in about 6 hours which makes for a great day trip with lots of wonderful places to stop along the way.
We like to start in the hills and wander around Kostos, Lefkes and Marpissa before heading down for a frappe or snack at Piso Livadi, then a swim at Tripiti.
Lunch at Aliki and maybe another swim at Faragas. Stop for some shopping and sight seeing in Parikia and pop around to Krios for more swims, drinks and perhaps a nap.
