Paros Tours

Long a ferry hub for trips throughout the Greek Islands, Paros has quietly become a second Mykonos without the crowds and the price tag. Away from its sun-kissed beaches—popular for soaking up the Aegean sun—terraced hills climb up to the mountainous interior, where the island’s famous pure-white marble is quarried.

Paros has a little bit of everything you’d want in a Greek island vacation: a labyrinthine old town, taverna-lined waterfront, whitewashed churches, and tiny fishing villages. It’s also an excellent spot for outdoor pursuits, including hiking, windsurfing, kite surfing, and scuba diving. Most tours of the island start in Parikia Town and include stops at a 13th-century Venetian castle, the churches of Saint Konstantinos and Panagia Ekatontapiliani, and Punda Beach. It’s also possible to include a trip to the nearby island of Antiparos, known for its beaches and cave formations.

Paros offers a cheaper and less crowded alternative to Mykonos.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the whitewashed buildings intensify the sun’s rays.

Be sure to pack a swimsuit and towel to enjoy the island’s sandy beaches.

Paros is connected by ferry service to Mykonos, Piraeus, the Cyclades, and Heraklion. Buses run around the island, and in summer you can catch a ferry to Antiparos off the island’s west coast. Many visitors also choose to rent motorbikes, ATVs, or bicycles to get around the island.

Typically, weather on Paros is warm enough to enjoy the beaches from mid-May through mid-October, though expect a few showers in October. The climate tends to be sunny and mild throughout the year, making it an excellent choice any time of year. 

The island of Paros earned much of its wealth during the early Cycladic period (3000 BC–2500 BC) from the white marble quarried from its interior. This prized marble was used to create works such as the Venus de Milo and Napoleon’s tomb, on display at Les Invalides in Paris.