Paros at a glance
Paros lies in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea and covers roughly 196 km². Most visitors arrive by ferry in Parikia, the island's main town and port. Naoussa, a harbor village with a Venetian castle, lies on the north coast. Lefkes sits in the hills in the interior. They are three very different places, so decide early which one suits your trip. The Athens ferries dock in Parikia, not in Naoussa.
Beaches, walking paths, small churches and water sports are spread around the coast. The neighboring island of Antiparos is a short ferry ride away and works as a day trip. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the municipality, a ferry company, a hotel or a tour operator.
The three main places
Pick a base by what you want to do each day.
Parikia: port, church and museum
The main town is where ferries arrive and most bus lines start. It has the church complex of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Archaeological Museum, the ruins of a kastro with reused ancient marble and a waterfront promenade.
Parikia guide →Naoussa: harbor and castle
A harbor village on the north coast. The Venetian castle stands at the water's edge, and several beaches lie within walking distance or a short ride.
Naoussa guide →Lefkes: village in the hills
A quieter inland village with a church that has marble bell towers. A Byzantine path of 3.5 km leads from here down to Prodromos.
Lefkes guide →Our picks: Paros tours
A boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, a half-day drive around the island and a wine tasting.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Half-day island tour with a driver
Four hours with an English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned vehicle, with visits to Kolymbithres, the Mycenaean acropolis, Paros Park, Naoussa and Lefkes.
Check availability →
Blue Lagoon boat tour from Pounta
Three and a half hours with a skipper and three swim stops. Mask, snorkel and fins, water, soft drinks and fruit are included; lunch and hotel transfer are not.
Check availability →
Wine tasting at a local winery
One hour with five wines and snacks at a winery in Marpissa.
Check availability →Paros tours and day trips
Boat trips, Antiparos excursions and island tours around Paros, with live prices and availability.
Plan your visit
The main pages of this guide.
Things to do in Paros
Twelve ideas, from the church of Parikia to granite coves and windsurfing.
Paros beaches
Sandy bays and rocky coves on the north, east and south coasts.
Antiparos
The short ferry from Pounta, the stalactite cave and the beaches of the neighboring island.
Athens to Paros
Ferries from Piraeus and Rafina, flights and what to expect at the port.
Weather and meltemi
Dry summers, the wind in July and August, and how to choose a month.
Where to stay
Naoussa, Parikia, the east coast and Antiparos compared by location.
What to know in autumn 2026
Timetables and traffic rules that change with the season. Status as of 20 October 2026.
Bus timetable
The island bus operator published a timetable for 19 to 30 October 2026. Routes run from Parikia to Naoussa, to Lefkes and Prodromos, to the east coast and to Aliki. Check the current timetable before you go.
Antiparos ferry
The short car and passenger ferry from Pounta changes its hours on 21 October 2026, with the last departure from Pounta at 23:30. The direct passenger boat from Parikia to Antiparos is paused, and the operator's timetable shows it returning in summer 2027.
Antiparos guide →Pedestrian zones
The square and harbor area of Naoussa are pedestrian from 4 April to 30 October 2026. On the Parikia waterfront, the coastal road is pedestrian from 1 May to 31 October 2026, daily from 14:00 to 05:00. Emergency and supply vehicles are exempt.
Getting there and around
Arrival is simple. Moving around depends on how much you want to see.
By ferry
Boats from Piraeus take about 4 to 5 hours 35 minutes on conventional ferries and 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes on fast ones. Rafina is another departure port, with examples of about 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes, mainly from April to October.
Ferry guide →By air
Paros has an airport with flights from Athens in about 50 minutes. A bus links the airport with Pounta and Parikia, with four departures a day in the October 2026 timetable.
On the island
A full bus ticket starts at €2.20 and a day ticket costs €12, according to the operator. Bus lines reach the main villages and many beaches. A car or scooter gives more freedom, but parking near Naoussa and Parikia fills up in season.
Paros: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Paros from Athens?
By ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or by plane from Athens airport in about 50 minutes. All ferries from Athens arrive at the port of Parikia. Fast ferries from Piraeus take 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes, conventional ones 4 to 5 hours 35 minutes. See the Athens to Paros guide for details.
Which town is the best base?
Parikia suits you if you arrive by ferry and want bus connections. Naoussa suits you if you want a harbor village with nearby beaches. Lefkes is a quiet option inland. The east coast around Golden Beach is a base for windsurfing. The where to stay page compares them.
Can I visit Antiparos from Paros?
Yes. A short ferry crosses from Pounta on the west coast of Paros to Antiparos. It is a separate trip from the Athens ferries, which dock in Parikia. The island has a stalactite cave and several beaches. See the Antiparos page.
When does the meltemi blow?
The meltemi is the dry northern wind of the Aegean. It is usually strongest in July and August, especially in the Cyclades, but there is no fixed start or end date and it does not blow every day. Read the weather page before you plan windsurfing or boat trips.
Do I need a car on Paros?
Not necessarily. Buses connect Parikia with Naoussa, Lefkes, the east coast and Aliki, and a short ferry runs to Antiparos. A car is useful for remote beaches and for flexible timing. Rental conditions vary by company, so check age limits and ferry rules before you book.
Is this the municipality's website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Municipality of Paros, a ferry company, a hotel or a tour operator, and it shows prices and times as published for 2026.