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Guide to the most beautiful places, bays and beaches of Paros

In the heart of the Cyclades Islands, Paros sums up all its characteristics: fine sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and typical white cottages. The island skillfully combines social life and Greek authenticity.

Paros is the third largest island in the Cyclades and lies right in the middle of the archipelago with the larger Naxos to the east and Antiparos and Despotiko to the west. It represents a perfect starting point for a sailing vacation since it is very well connected to Athens and the neighboring islands, but it can also be one of the destinations of an itinerary devoted to typically Greek island hopping. Either way, Paros will amaze you and you cannot fail to spend at least a few days there. For those looking for adventure, just scout out the wildest and most authentic bays where you can enjoy the depths of the sea by snorkeling, or those more exposed to the wind where you can kite or windsurf. For those, on the other hand, who want to relax to the rhythm of music or enjoy Greek delicacies, there is no shortage of typical clubs and taverns

The best time of year

From June to September, the Meltemi also arrives in Paros, giving engaging and exciting sailings. In spring and from mid-September, on the other hand, the wind is more placid and allows for calm sailing while the weather is still mild, typically Mediterranean.

Sea color

What shade of blue prevails around the coast

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seal-color-type

Beach type

Fine sand, small pebbles, shells or rocks?

Sand

Wind strength

How much wind is there in the peak season?

Strong wind

Vacation highlights in the Cyclades Islands

Paros is the perfect destination for

Navigation

Navigation

Perfect destination for lovers of sailing and strong sensations

Style

Style

White buildings and windmills for a Greece like you've always imagined

Beaches

Beaches

Hidden coves all to discover and a wild hinterland to get lost in

At the heart of the Cyclades, the paradise of sailing vacations

The perfect balance of nature and nightlife

The perfect balance of nature and nightlife

Still far from the unruliness of Mykonos or being as trendy as Santorini, Paros has seen strong tourist growth in recent times. Today it is no longer just a gateway to other destinations, but the vacation destination, and it is clear why. This island expertly combines evenings of fun and music with days made up of exploring typically Greek villages. In the towns of Parikia and Naoussa, there is no shortage of parties throughout the summer, as well as busy restaurants and chic little stores. Conversely, in the villages of Marpissa and Lefkes you will find tradition and authenticity. Here, for example, Holy Week in spring and the August 15 holiday are keenly felt and celebrated by locals with traditional events, food stands, and typical dances.

Sustainable and authentic Paros

Sustainable and authentic Paros

Like other islands in Greece, Paros has long been on a path of sustainability. One example is the desire to eliminate the use of disposable plastic throughout the island and become the first plastic-free island in all of Greece. On the ground, citizens have been engaged in restoring and preserving many nature areas such as the Nature Park on the peninsula of Ai Yannis Detis-a large area in the north of the island that has slowly become a nature paradise again. Here you will also find some of the most beautiful and unspoiled bays: that of Ai Yanni, at the foot of the ancient Monastery of Agios Ioannis Delis, and that of Torkou Ammos, surrounded by wilderness.

Antiparos and other surrounding islands

Antiparos and other surrounding islands

Visiting Paros by sail surely also means sailing to the nearby islands, chief among them Antiparos. Only an hour's sailing distance away if you start from the port of Parikia, it is smaller and easier to circumnavigate. The scenery, however, is very similar: deep blue sea with fine sandy bottoms and a landscape of white buildings and barren hills. Very close from there is the island of Despotiko: it is completely uninhabited and, in addition to the second largest sanctuary in the Cyclades, is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the archipelago that can only be reached by sea. From there, you can decide whether to continue westward moving to the bays of Sifnos and Serifos, or head back toward Paros and make a few stops in Naxos.

A perfect mix of nature, entertainment and typical Greek villages

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Practical info

Territory

With its 120 kilometers of coastline, Paros is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades. The white color stands out throughout the island due to the typical Cycladic architecture contrasting with the brown and green of the rocky and hilly landscape. The hinterland is characterized by fertile areas planted with vines and the famous marble quarries that gave birth, for example, to the Venus de Milo.

Population centers

The main town is Parikia, which, in addition to housing the island's main port, teems with clubs, typical taverns and small stores. The historic center is a maze of narrow streets all worth photographing. Other important centers on the island are Naoussa in the north and Alyki in the south, two typical fishing villages.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Italy to Paros. Nevertheless, getting to this island is not difficult: just take a flight to Athens, Mykonos or Santorini and then one of the many ferries that connect them to Paros. Flying to Athens will be the cheapest option.

Getting around

Once on the island, the ideal way to get inland is to rent a scooter, even by the day, from one of the many villages overlooking the sea.

Ports and marinas

The main port is Parikia, a key junction between the various islands of the Cyclades. However, there are also other harbors on the various shores of the island that always provide shelter in case of strong winds. For example, those of Naoussa, Piso Livadi and Pounta.

Activities

Fans of kitesurfing and windsurfing will find plenty to do in Paros. Even if you left your equipment at home because it was too bulky, don't worry, you can rent it on one of the island's many beaches. Going inland, on the other hand, you will be able to visit the island's marble quarries or follow one of the many hiking trails to discover typical windmills and ancient monasteries.

Sea and beaches

Paros offers a remarkable variety of beaches, all sandy and with water ranging from azure blue to crystal green. Some are now very touristy with bars and clubs for a drink to music, such as KolymbithresMonastiri, or Santa Maria. Many others, on the other hand, are hidden and represent a true natural paradise, such as that of Kalogeros, also famous for its clay sand, or Tsoukalia. Finally, there are those suitable for kite or windsurfers, such as that of Chrissi Akti, that of Faragas, and especially that of Pounta.

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