Why you should add Paros Greece to Your Greek Isles Vacation

I’ve been to Paros, Greece twice. Fourteen years ago, we were on a ferry headed from Santorini to Mykonos when high winds caused rough seas and everyone had to get off the ferry on an island called Paros. We ended up stranded on Paros for three nights and we never did make it to Mykonos. In fact, we even missed our flight from Athens to the US. We spent the three days exploring by moped and enjoying the island. We longed to go back after that. I always say, “things happen for a reason.”

What are the chances of getting stuck in Paros a second time? This year the ferries went on strike and we had to stay on Paros an extra night. It is why I think it could be the most magical island in Greece. The Universe wants to keep us on the island of Paros. We certainly love visiting Paros and I will share some of the highlights of our trip and reasons why you should add a stop in Paros on your Greek Vacation.

Map of the Island

Why you should add Paros Greece to your Greek Isles Vacation

Two of the most touristy islands are Mykonos and Santorini in the Cyclades. Paros is between these two islands making it a convenient stop and breaking up your ferry travel time.

Paros has been referred to as “Poor Mans Mykonos” and you can still find inexpensive lodging and better deals. Just adding a stop in Paros will save you money on your vacation and you get to see another island too.

It is less crowded since you don’t have the large cruise ships coming into port every day. Recently I heard a rumor that cruise ships are planning to add a stop in Paros in the future and that a larger airport is going to be built. I wonder how it will change in the future if cruise ships start coming and more people are flying in. Some places you just need to visit now before they change and become super touristy. It is becoming a Greece hotspot. As I traveled the island and met other people vacationing I heard many people say, “Paros is my favorite island in Greece.”

Highlights of Paros

Watching the Kitesurfers -Rent a car or scooter and drive to Punda. You can sit and order a drink in a cafe and watch them. Better yet, sign up for a kiteboarding lesson or plan your trip to learn how to kitesurf.

 

Take the ferry to Antiparos– We rented a moped and decided to take the ferry over to Antiparos and cruise around the island. We drove to Ag. Georgios and found a nice restaurant on the water for lunch. The ferry is in Punda so you can watch the kitesurfers and visit Antiparos all in one day.

 

Take a Boat Ride- The sea is crystal clear and when it is hot in the summer a swim in the sea is exactly what you want to do on vacation. We took the Regaki boat tour from the Parikia port and enjoyed an all-day boat ride to the caves and best swimming spots around the island. The lunch served on board was a traditional Greek lunch and it was delicious.

 

Naousa – Definitely visit at sunset and stay for dinner in the evening. This is the most happening spot on the island at night. There are restaurants sitting right on the water by the Greek fishing boats. It is a beautiful spot. You will find plenty of shopping through the meandering little white alleyways too. The next time we visit Paros we will stay on this side of the island.

 

Favorite Places for a Cocktail

The Art Fortis Bar in Naousa- I could have sat all day overlooking the sea with glasses of Prosecco.

The Magoo Bar in Piso Livadi- we liked the setting here so much we visited twice during our vacation.

 

Don’t miss the sunset- Doesn’t it seem like some of the best sunsets in the world are in Greece? I think so too. Every night at sunset we found a nice spot to watch the sun go down.

 

Wish I had– Visited Kombithres Beach. You can drive or take a boat from Naousa to this beach.

Ready to Visit Paros?

The island of Paros offers a multitude of activities to do. This is an island you will definitely want to rent a car or moped on to explore. Two places not to miss are Parikia Port and Naousa. Pisa Livadi had a laid-back chill sort of vibe and we met some friendly locals there just hanging out. Now is the time to visit Paros before it changes and visit during mid- September to late September when most of the tourists are gone and it isn’t as hot.

Hope you enjoyed this article about Paros and if you did please click on the social media buttons below to spread the word

Bonnie

Looking for a place to stay in Paros? Read Bonnie’s review here