Paros has a great public bus system and it is easy to get between the main towns and beaches on Paros, and to the Antiparos ferry.
The main bus station is in Paroikia, very near the port. The second hub is Naousa.
There are five lines well distributed to cover every part of the island. Fares vary by route and distance traveled, but range from 1.80€ to 4€ per trip. A full-day, cross-island ticket is available for 9€.
Bus tickets are sold at the Paroikia and Naousa terminal stations, as well as some stores, mini-marts and kiosks displaying the bus sign in Paroikia, Naousa, Lefkes, Prodromos, Marmara, Marpisa, Piso Livadi, Drios, Aliki, Punda, Voutakos and on Antiparos.
You can find the bus timetable with all the routes HERE
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Renting a vehicle is ideally the best way to go because you have the freedom to explore the beaches that public transportation doesn’t reach. The island has a good road network with comfortable roads. Keep in mind that due to increased tourist traffic, finding a parking spot can be quite challenging.
There are many rental places around the island where you can rent cars, quad bikes and scooters. Be warned they can book out quickly in the peak season so we recommend that you plan and book ahead if you are visiting during the busy months.
Note: scooter hire requires you to have an appropriate licence, while four-wheelers require a regular car licence.
If you don’t rent a car, pre-arranged transfer provided by your hotel is the easiest way to get from the Paros airport or ferry port to your hotel.
Paros has taxis for getting around the island and to and from the port or airport. The licensed taxis are either grey or black and carry a yellow taxi rooftop sign. The average taxi fare for a regular 4 passenger taxi vehicle from the airport to the city centre of Paros is around €15. This fare can be affected by the time of the day, the amount of luggage, as well as the type of vehicle you choose.
You will find the taxi ranks in Parikia, at the port and at the square of Naoussa.
You can call them here:
Paroikia +30 22840 21500
Naousa +30 22840 53490
It is also a good idea to get to know the island through one of the numerous private transfers, who offer both daily transfers and guided private tours around the island by very knowledgeable and professional locals. Click here to see our favourites.
Note: Naoussa and most villages have small and paved, pedestrian-only streets that cars either don’t fit or are prohibited. This is a perfect chance to explore Paros on foot!
BICYCLE
If you feel like exploring the most remote beaches or taking your time admiring the beauty of the island’s countryside, you can rent a bicycle. Rentals are readily available, and both islands are small and flat enough that they can be thoroughly enjoyed and explored. The Paros-Antiparos strait is particularly delightful being easy riding along the coast with plenty of opportunities to swim in some of the prettiest sandy beaches on Paros and Antiparos.
FOOT
Hills overlooking the seashore, quaint white houses with Cycladic blue shutters, charming streets, breathtaking beaches, historical sights, museums, the wind for a guide – exploring Paros on foot is an unforgettable experience. Discover the charming streets of Naousa or Paroikia on foot or venture on to one of the many beaches or traditional and quaint inland villages.
With a network of about 35km of trails, hiking on Paros is the best way to get acquainted with the real island and its secrets.
There are experienced and knowledgeable professional guides who organise various hiking tours of different duration and focus where you can explore Paros’ unique landscape, ancient pathways, diverse flora and fauna and interesting history while enjoying unlimited sea views.
However if you would prefer to explore the island yourself, there are numerous trails both on the coast and inland where you can enjoy the ancient paths filled with the scents of oregano and sage at your leisure. We recommend the following for you to enjoy:
Walk the Byzantine Road:
The Byzantine Road is the oldest walking path in Paros. It’s 3.5km long and it’s paved with Parian marble. The Byzantine Road starts from Lefkes and ends in Prodromos Village. This is a well known trial and popular walk that takes about an hour to complete. Start from the village of Lefkes and head towards Prodromos. By following the signs you will end up at the charming village of Marpissa village, where you can also visit the near-by monastery of Saint Antonios. Walking its entire length is a unique experience not to be missed.
Naousa – Lefkes:
This is a rather easy path, of around 10 kilometers. Follow the road from the village of Naousa to the picturesque inland village of Lefkes. With an early start in the morning you will have ample time to explore the quaint alleys of the village, and enjoy a lunch at one of the charming traditional taverns. After enjoying a wonderful typical Parian meal you can always return via taxi or bus.
Kolymbithres – Korakas – Agios Ioannis Detis – Almyros:
This is a beautiful and very interesting coastal rout. It begins at Kolymbithres and continues to the Cape of Korakas. From there, walking parallel to the sea, you can explore the Monastery of St. John Detis, finally arriving at beautiful Cape Almyros.
Drios – Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach):
This is a delightful 15 minute coastal hike between the villages of Drios and Chrisi Akti. Starting at the small port of Drios, and walking towards the beach (Eastern), you will pass the stairs (on your left) and the path ahead will lead you first to Boudari and then on to Chrisi Akti. Explore the small bays and sandy beaches along the way and give yourself plenty of time to take a dip or two in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean.
GETTING TO & AROUND ANTIPAROS
Antiparos is accessible from Paros via two ferry ports: the smaller Pounta port and the main ferry port at Parikia. It’s a mere ten minute trip past the island of Goulandris (that’s not the name of the island. Goulandris is a ship owner who owns the island).
The Pounta ferry operates daily, year-round; departing every 30-45 minutes from 7am to around midnight. Crossing the narrow strait between Pounta and Antiparos takes only 7 minutes. You can get to Pounta by taxi, or by bus from Parikia. The bus station at Parikia is about 200 yards south of the ferry port, to the left as you are facing the water. The #4 Pounta/Antiparos bus runs about every hour; tickets are sold at the terminal kiosk.
Renting a car on Paros is recommended for travelers staying on Antiparos. Bus service on Antiparos is very limited; with a car you can get outside of Antiparos Town to access the beautiful southern end of the island, as beaches that are off the bus route.
The passenger-only Parikia ferry to Antiparos operates only during the summer, running multiple times each day. Sailings are timed to coincide with main ferry arrivals, weather permitting; as these are very small boats, they are sometimes cancelled even when the main ferries are operating.
GETTING TO DESPOTIKO ISLAND
Despotiko Island is a super tiny uninhabited islet just off the coast of Antiparos reachable only by boat. It is home to an ancient sanctuary which used to be the largest one on the Cyclades Islands, second only to the world renowned sanctuary on Delos Island. Join a boat tour so as to visit the archaeological site as well as some of the island’s remote, heavenly beaches, the most popular of which is the exotic Livadi Beach.