Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
The Best Way to Spend 3 Days in Paros
Don’t sleep on visiting Paros, Greece. Slowly becoming the star of the Cyclades, Paros is underrated compared to Santorini or Mykonos. It is the perfect destination as a solo female traveler.
But island hopping in Greece wouldn’t be complete without visiting Paros for a few days! However, this picturesque island is a favorite not just for tourists but for Greeks too. The historical villages give this less touristy destination a different pace and an authentic experience, unlike any other Greek island.
Known for its Parian Marble during ancient times, marble from Paros was used to construct some of the most famous temples, such as The Acropolis, The Temple of Zeus, and The Temple of Apollo. Filled with history, visiting Paros is known for its distinct beaches and coves. It is the perfect combo for the solo female traveler. No matter where, the Greeks like and know how to party, and Paros is no exception. Checking out the exciting nightlife is a must. Don’t worry; if partying isn’t for you it is nothing like its sister island, Mykonos, the party island of Greece.
With Paros being less touristy, it is also less expensive. Perfect for any budget and the solo female traveler looking for affordable luxury, visiting Paros is also suitable for families and those who prefer a more relaxed Grecian vacation.
Getting there
Located where it is, Paros makes a great stop coming from Mykonos or Santorini or numerous other islands, including Naxos, Crete and Milos. Getting to Paros is quite simple since there are only two ways. Flight or Ferry. Flights are available from Athens, roughly around 40 mins air time, but are they really less travel time? A ferry is 3 hours from Athens and just under 2 hours from Mykonos.
I think it’s cool to be on a ferry out in the middle of the Aegean, clocking in more memories on the ferry. I had an exceptional ferry experience from Santorini to Crete. My favorite site for booking my Ferry tickets is Ferry Hopper.
Where To Stay
Parikia
Where to stay might be the most challenging decision of the trip. Parikia is the main port town where you will likely arrive if you take a ferry. This is the most touristy part of the island you will come across. However, it is an excellent choice for being a central location with many nearby areas to explore.
Naoussa
Naoussa is my absolute favorite part of Paros though. About a 15-minute drive from the port is a charming fishing village called Naoussa, with picturesque white alleyways and Authentic Greek vibes. You will not be disappointed if you decide to stay in Naoussa. It is also known for having one of the most beautiful ports in Greece, with rows of cute fishing boats and exciting places to explore. Naoussa is also known for its incredible seafood. There are many yummy restaurants, bars, and boutiques along the port. Dare I mention there are some very insta-worthy photo ops too. Naoussa is so picturesque.
If you want a quieter and more romantic vibe, check out the smaller villages like Marpissa, Piso Livadi, and Pounda.
Getting Around
As a solo female traveler, I always feel safe getting around Greece. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive from Parikia to Naoussa, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. You come across beautiful rolling hills, ancient churches, and quaint little villages galore. That said, renting a scooter, car, or ATV for the day is the best way to explore the island. It gives you the ultimate flexibility, and you can visit some of the more secluded spots that the local buses don’t cover.
Speaking of bus routes, local transportation is the least expensive option. Plenty of routes throughout the island take you to the most popular tourist spots. You will also see taxis on the island; although convenient, they are very pricey. Renting a Car is roughly 30-40 euros, while a Scooter + ATV will cost you approximately 20-30 euros daily.
Insider Tip: If you decide to rent a car be sure to ask for an automatic beforehand if you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, as most European cars are manual.
What To Do
Day 1. Explore Naoussa
“Wondering” around the harbor is a treat of its own, and exploring the area is the best way to get the lay of the land. It is cute and quaint, with rows of sophisticated boutiques and stores to explore. The best is simply wandering through the alleys along the infamous and authentic Cycladic architecture. Exploring the nearby beaches and coves is a must and so much fun.
There is also a 15th-century Venetian Castle in the heart of the harbor. Mostly ruins now it is an added part of the adventure by walking along the sea-lined path to reach the famous Castle. From a quiet fishing village by day, Naoussa comes to life at night.
Taking time to refresh and rally, aka nap and getting ready for the night, is the perfect choice if you plan to partake in the nightlife scene.
Day 2. Boat Cruise
The best way to get around and see the island in a totally unique way, where transportation is also included, is by boat!
A boat cruise is one of my favorite things to do as a solo female traveler. Soaking up the sun with food and drinks included is the best way to spend the day on any island. You also meet people from all over the world to have fun for the day with. Boat cruises in Paros will undoubtedly stop in Antiparos, allowing you to explore the Cycladic further. Check out the gorgeous hidden caves of Antiparos and snorkel in the most beautiful turquoise waters. If you’re a daredevil, there are also some epic cliffs to jump off and plenty of swimming opportunities to take a break from the heat. Some places you will stop at on the cruise are accessible only by boat so definitely take advantage of this core memory maker.
Day 3. Beach Hop/Rent a Car or Scooter
Kolymbithres Beach
With over 40 beaches in Paros, all distinctly beautiful in their own ways, it can be hard to choose which ones are worth checking out. It depends on your taste, so I have narrowed it down here with some of my favorites.
Kolymbithres Beach is by far, the number one beach on the island, with its moon-like rock formations along the shore. The unique shape of this bay creates a natural divide into two main areas. Each part is served by a beach club with small patches of sandy beach between the rocks. You can also find water sports to have fun if you get bored or need to spice things up a bit.
Monasti Beach
One of the most beautiful Paros beaches is Monasti Beach. Located in Naoussa Bay, it is 8 km from Naoussa village and 13 km from Parikia. You can reach Monasti by car or by local fishing boat. Located near Paros Park, the beach was named Monastiri because of the monastery of St. John Detis, which is located just before it. This beach is perfect for swimming since it is protected by the bay and has no waves. I love how organized it is, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar. However, being as epic as it is, the beach is small and can get crowded quickly. There are also options to have fun with water sports at this beach too, making it a good time for everyone.
Parasporos Beach
Parasporos Beach is just a 35-minute walk or 15-minute drive from Parikia and is arguably one of the best beaches in Paros. The calm emerald waters, golden sands, beachside bars, and tavernas nearby where you can grab a bite to eat and a drink don’t take a lot of convincing to visit. However, this beach is also famous for its ‘party atmosphere’ during summer, where you can dance the night away.
Side Note: I recommend taking water shoes and a quick dry towel to any of the beaches in Greece, as they are generally rocky and uncomfortable without shoes.
Day 3. Alternative
Alternatively, hiking through Paros Park is an excellent option if you are over being on or in the water. There are three main hiking routes through the park, where you’ll see plenty of beautiful coves and hidden caves along the way. But beware of the Mediterranean Sun. It gets hot! A must-see inside Paros Park is the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti. This blue-domed church overlooks Naoussa Bay and the Aegean Sea so as you can imagine, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Day 4. Departure Day
On the final day of my visit to Paros was a travel day to Athens where I would close out my Grecian vacation however this may be where you detour to another island.
After soaking up the sun and exploring the best of Paros, you will want to get an early start to Athens or on to your next as early as possible. It is always a great to settle into your new stomping grounds and find a nice glass of wine and grape leaves. Athens is full of history, and with all the fun just having come from other islands, arriving in Athens is a nice change of pace.
Ferry to Athens
With daily ferry rides from Paros to Athens year-round and trips increasing during the summer months, getting to Paros from Athens is easy. The length of the ride and costs depends on the type of boat you choose and how many stops it makes along the way. It can take a high-speed catamaran ferry a little over 3 hours to reach Athens from Paros, whereas Blue Star ferries, which are larger and slower, can take up to 4 to 5 hours. The upside of taking a catamaran is it is faster; however, you’re stuck inside. They don’t allow passengers to move around. When you take a Blue Star Ferries, you can walk around the observation deck for the ultimate sea breeze and views.
Piraeus Port is the best port to arrive in if you plan on spending time in Athens from Paros, as it is the closest port to the Athens city center.
Rafina Port is the second port in Athens, and it is the closest port to the airport. It makes sense to arrive here if you are going straight to the airport.
Check Ferry Hopper for the best up-to-date times and prices.
2 Comments
Wow, this itinerary looks like a dream. A boat cruise is such a great idea, I’ll have to try it out!
Thank you! You will have so much fun.