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Paros
If you are looking for a cosmopolitan yet relaxing destination in Greece, then Paros is the best place to visit. Filled with stunning beaches with emerald waters, ancient landmarks and wonderful white-washed towns, Paros is quintessential Greece. Parikia, the island's capital town is a maze of charming white-washed lanes and corridors, elegant boutiques and some fantastic restaurants that spill out onto the streets. On the other hand, Naoussa is one of the prettiest towns in all of the Cyclades with a romantic waterfront, where you can hang out in the evenings. But, the real spirit of the island can be found in the hinterland villages, which have retained the charm and are characterized by their traditional Cycladic architecture. In Paros, you can do sport activities, visit trendy bars and clubs, enjoy delicious local food, taste excellent local wine, admire the traditional architecture and hike the beautiful countryside paths.
Its central location in the middle of the alluring Cyclades, makes Paros easily accessible by both ferry and plane. The island attracts thousands of tourists every year making it one of the most popular islands in Greece, but it is far less crowded than nearby Santorini and Mykonos. The best time to visit Paros is May/June or September/October for better prices, fewer people and great weather. Plan to stay a minimum of five days and do not miss to visit neighboring Antiparos. Over the course of this Paros travel guide, you will discover why Paros needs to be added to your Greek bucket list, as well as tips on what to do and how to get around.
Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros. It lies west of Naxos, from which it is separated by an 8 miles wide channel. Its nearest neighbor island is Antiparos, which lies to its southwest.
Historically, Paros was known for its fine white marble, which gave rise to the term "Parian" to describe its finest quality.
Around 1100 BC, when the Dorians attacked the Arcadia region, Arcadians fled to the island. Their leader was Paros, from whom the island took its name.
Facts and numbers about the place. Get a quick view of the number of beaches, sights, footpaths and events.
Wondering what to do and what to see? The team of ALLOVERGREECE put together a list of must-see destinations and top-rated tourist attractions to help you make the most of your travel itinerary, so be sure to refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions.
Find local recipes and local products. Try the local cuisine, discover the greek food and find local products to buy.
HOW TO GET AROUND PAROS | Car Rental, Bus. Taxi, Boats, Scooter / ATV
Bus: One of the cheapest ways to get around Paros is by using the public transport system. Paros has a great public bus system that can take you to most coastal towns and beaches, also heading inland to the mountain villages. Buses not only are inexpensive, but are also efficient, reliable and best of all, air-conditioned, although in peak season they fill up seriously quickly and you may find yourself standing. The fare ticket price depends on the route and tickets need to be bought prior to boarding. A full timetable and price information is online here.
Rental: Of course, renting a car, scooter or ATV will offer you more flexibility and will give you the freedom to explore the beaches that public transportation doesn’t reach. ATVs and scooters are hugely popular, and unlike cars, you’ll rarely struggle to get a parking space. ATVS also make exploring off-road easier than a normal car. The roads in Paros are in good condition and easy to navigate. Almost all rental agencies in Greece will ask for an International Driver's License, so best to be safe and get one before arriving in Greece. Note that to rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license. Taxi: If you’d prefer not to drive around yourself, then you can always use taxis as they are a quick and convenient way to get around. Prices can be high during the peak season, so you will want to keep this in mind if you are travelling on a budget. Taxis are primarily found in Parikia, Naoussa and the airport, otherwise there are a couple of phone numbers you can ring to call one. Boats: Lastly, if you are staying in Parikia or Naoussa there are daily excursions by boat to nearby beaches for a very low cost. In our opinion, relying solely on buses and boats to get around the island will not make you feel like you miss out on anything.
On coasts and islands of central and southern Greece, where the climate is Mediterranean, winter is mild and quite rainy, while summers are sunny and hot.
On the islands, during winter the wind often blows; precipitation often occurs at night and in the early morning. On the islands, snowfalls are rare, and generally occur only in the northern ones, during the most intense cold spells.
Spring is pleasant and sunny in most of Greece. The days with some rainfall become less and less frequent. In summer, in the Aegean Sea the Meltemi, a northerly wind typical of the warmest months (July and August), often blows, and even if the sky is clear.
Paros - Day and night air Temperature °C
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