Paros, Greece, is a stunning island in the heart of the Aegean Sea, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages. But what is Paros Greece known for beyond its natural beauty? Well, Paros is the aristocratic younger yet spectacular sister besides its more well-known Cycladic peers, Santorini and Mykonos.
Paros is the place where modernity meets tradition. At the heart of the Cyclades group, Paros Island, one of the most famous Greek vacation spots, greets guests and encourages them to experience its tremendous beauty, extensive beaches with clear waters, and impressive landscapes.
We start the series of the most questioned issues regarding taking a break from “the ride called life” and making some memories on a Greek island. So, let’s find out what is Paros Greece known for!
What is Paros Greece known for?
The hidden treasure of the Cyclades welcomes its visitors with plenty of options, stunning the traveler as every Greek island does.
Marble quarries
Paros has a long history of marble extraction dating back to ancient times. The island’s fine-grained, white marble was highly prized for its beauty and was used to create some of the most iconic sculptures in history, including the Venus de Milo.
Today, visitors can still explore the ancient quarries and witness the skill of the local artisans as they transform marble into exquisite pieces of art.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Paros is considered one of the best destinations in Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its ideal weather conditions and the strong Meltemi wind that blows in the summer months.
The island’s numerous beaches, such as Golden Beach and Pounda Beach, offer perfect spots for windsurfers and kitesurfers of all levels.
Traditional villages
Dotted with picturesque traditional villages with unique aura and charm, the most famous is Naoussa, a quaint fishing village with a lively harbor, colorful houses, and narrow alleys that exude a romantic atmosphere. Other notable towns include Lefkes, Marpissa, and Parikia, the island’s capital.
Local cuisine
Paros is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, based on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Visitors can savor authentic Greek dishes, such as moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki, and seafood specialties, like octopus, squid, and grilled fish, all accompanied by local wine and ouzo.
Paros Greece, it’s a sum of natural beauties, marble quarries, windsurfing and kitesurfing options, traditional villages, local cuisine, and cultural heritage. If you come for the first time, you’ll probably want a “sooner than soon” return to this hidden treasure.
I’ve got you captured, and you decided to try Paros Greece, but the only thing that blurs your mind is the answer to the question: “Is Paros very touristy?”.
Is Paros very touristy?
Paros, Greece, is a popular tourist destination, especially during summer. The island attracts diverse visitors, ranging from families with children to couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.
While the island can be busy during peak season, Paros has retained its authentic character and charm, thanks to its traditional villages, unspoiled beaches, and local culture. Even in the most touristy areas, such as Naoussa and Parikia, you can still find hidden corners and quiet spots to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Paros Greece can be touristy during the high season but still offers visitors a unique and authentic experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, overwhelming legends, tasty food, and welcoming locals, Paros is a must-visit destination for anyone willing to explore Greece’s stunning islands.
But is Paros very touristy? The answer is yes, it is a touristy destination, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting this beautiful Greek island.
While Paros attracts a fair amount of tourists, it still maintains its charm and authenticity. One of the main draws of Paros is its stunning beaches, which are worth a visit.
Why is Paros so popular?
If you never visited this unrivaled spectacular island before, you might wonder:” Why is Paros so popular?”.
Well, Paros, Greece, is a popular destination for many reasons. It reaches impetuosity even if it has no “soundly name” as its Santorini or Mikonos fellows, yet the island prides with:
Natural beauty: Paros is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, golden sandy beaches, and picturesque landscapes. The island’s unique geological formation, marble quarries, and rugged coastline add to its charm and allure.
Authenticity: Paros has retained its authentic character and traditional way of life despite its popularity. The island’s charming villages, narrow alleys, and whitewashed houses exude a typical Cycladic atmosphere, while its local cuisine, folklore, and festivals showcase its rich cultural heritage.
Accessibility: Paros is easily accessible from Athens and other major Greek cities, with regular ferry and flight connections throughout the year. The island also has a good transportation network, with buses, taxis, and rental cars, making exploring its many attractions and beaches easy.
Activities: Paros offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From windsurfing and kitesurfing to hiking, biking, and exploring ancient monuments, the island has something for everyone. Paros also has a vibrant nightlife scene, owning many bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to all tastes and preferences.
Accommodation: Paros has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses and apartments, catering to all budgets and preferences.
Paros Island, Greece, has a rich history and mythology, contributing to its cultural heritage. Here are some of the principal legends related to Paros:
The Birth of Aphrodite: According to legend, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, took life right from the foam of the sea near the island of Paros. The famous statue of Aphrodite of Milos, also known as Venus de Milo, is believed to have been created in Paros during the Hellenistic period.
The Battle of Paros: During the Persian Wars in 479 BCE, the Persians tried to invade Paros, but the locals, aided by the Athenians, fought back fiercely and repelled the invaders. They won. They celebrated the victory by building the famous Marble Arch, a landmark that still stands today in Parikia, the Paros island capital.
Exploring the island
Paroikia
You’ll come across lovely places with stunning scenery as you tour the island. Start your journey in Paroikia, a charming village constructed in the region’s Cycladic style, situated on the spot of an old town.
Today, it serves as the island’s capital and as a port. The village’s white cube-shaped residences surround the ruins of neoclassical and medieval structures. The streets of the historical, traditional hamlet come alive in the summer as people meander through, shop, or eat at tavernas and restaurants.
A stunning structure from Greece’s Early Christian Period, the church of Panagia, is the attraction you should not miss out on. Its second name, Ekatontapyliani or Katapoliani, either refers to the fact that the church faces the old town or that, following tradition, it has 100 doors—99 visible and one hidden.
Older murals in the church, initially built in the fourth century, are from the seventh or eighth century. It has a courtyard, monastic quarters, and grand chapels and is built like a monastery. Visit the Baptistry (4th century), the best-preserved East Orthodox structure of its sort, and take in the impressive displays in the Byzantine Museum.
Check also a few nearby archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient Athena temple (525 BC) in the castle, the old town’s cemetery (near the harbor), the Hellenistic pottery and sculpture workshops (4th–1st century BC), and the Roman building’s ruins (located behind the Archaeological Museum).
On the two main streets of the old town (Lochagou Fokianou and Lochagou Gravari), you could delight your traveler’s taste buds with various cafes and restaurants constructed in the distinctive island architecture.
Lefkes
This beautiful mountain settlement, constructed in the Cycladic and Neoclassical styles, is surrounded by forest. There are marble-paved alleyways and lovely squares throughout the area. The accommodation offers fantastic panoramas of the entire island and the water due to its location on the highest point of Paros.
Learn more about the cultural customs of the archipelago by visiting the Folk Culture Museum of the Aegean Sea. The displays refer to the architecture, traditional crafts, and minerals mined on these Aegean islands.
Dryos
A small port where boats are anchored rises in this beachside of Paros. Traditional dining establishments, cafes, and taverns are displayed along the shoreline.
Stop by the old boathouses, where the residents once kept their boats, and the St. Nicholas rural chapel.
As you can see, plenty of options are ready to help you explore this Greek hidden treasure, but you probably wonder: “Is Paros an expensive island?”
Well, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend and how you organize your budget, but let’s see the options for an “all budgets travel”! Let’s jump right in!
Is Paros an expensive island?
Since everybody looks for an outstanding vacation, yet a budget-friendly one, I have the answer to the question, but it is complex and depends on several factors.
For instance, it depends on accommodation, since in Paros, you can get a magnificent 5-star settlement with a private swimming pool and a stunning ocean view.
Of course, this fantastic facility will come at a fair price, not the most budget-friendly one. Contrary, you might opt for cheaper accommodation, like staying in a hostel, so your budget won’t be drastically affected.
I continue the series “Tip for a Greek trip” and announce that the cost of lodging in Paros increases or decreases by the time of the year and whether you are traveling alone or in a group.
Thus, the ideal time to visit Paros to take advantage of this vibrant island’s beautiful beaches is during the hot summer months.
But, consider that the most expensive times to visit Paros are in the high season: July and August.
Yet, in June, lodging costs are a little less expensive, not to mention the lowest prices from September and May.
Of course, the cost gets influenced by your lodging choice. Compared to Parikia and other villages, lodging in Naoussa is typically more expensive.
Since we solved the accommodation, we might try something delicious, fresh, and tasty food for an empty stomach and an almost empty wallet. Let’s dive in!
Well, restaurants on Paros often cost a little less than those on Mykonos or Santorini. However, Naoussa still has fine-dining seafood locations where a single plate costs 40 euros, there are alternatives as well.
A simple meal like mushroom gyros or a falafel wrap costs approximately 5€ at locales like Allas Souvlaki in Naoussa. Hmm, yummy on a low budget!
And if you have already finished the “finger liking,” let’s see if Paros, Greece is a low-budget destination for day trips.
Day visits in Paros can be expensive or as affordable as you want to make them be.
You’ll need to plan for the expense of day trips from Paros. Every village on the island is easily accessible, and by renting a car, you can easily explore them all. The cost of renting a vehicle varies based on the time of year and the rental time frame.
On the other hand, you could easily use public transportation, with 2-3€ you could buy a one-way bus ticket.
To conclude and give you the answer to: “Is Paros an expensive island?” well, compared to Santorini and Mykonos, Paros Island is less expensive. But since the Cyclades are typically the most pricey island group in the country, Paros is among the most costly Greek islands.
The cost of daily meals in Paros is comparable to that on other islands. The prices are slightly higher than in Athens.
Compared to Mykonos, Paros is substantially cheaper regarding lodging, beverages, and dining out and is more affordable than Santorini.
Overall, while Paros is not the cheapest island in Greece, it is also not the most expensive. You can enjoy all Paros offers without breaking the bank by choosing budget-friendly accommodation, food, and transportation options.
To sum up, Paros is a relatively inexpensive island if you follow the main rules for a budget-friendly vacation.
However, calling the island of Paros cheap or expensive depends on your travel goals and budget. But if you carefully plan and budget, you can enjoy a memorable vacation on this beautiful island without overspending. There is room for every budget. What are you waiting for, give some calls, grab some friends, and start planning an unforgettable trip!