Vacation Packages to Paros

General Information About Paros

Paros is located in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is the third largest island in the Cyclades, the most popular Greek island group. Due to its proximity to  Mykonos and Santorini, it is a highly visited destination and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.

This island is located right next to Naxos. With charming narrow streets lined with colorful flowers and pristine beaches with turquoise waters, it's an ideal destination for fun-seekers and those who love a relaxing holiday alike.

Parikia is the capital and the main port of Paros. This is the center of the commercial and cultural life of the island throughout the year and it is a quiet and charming place, where you will find small boutiques, centuries-old churches, ruins and museums such as the Archaeological and the Byzantine.

Staying here is an excellent option, since in addition to having many infrastructures, both hotels and restaurants, you will be a few steps from the ferry.

The island has a coastline of about 120 km and its highest point is Mount Profitis Ilias, which is about 533 meters above sea level.

In addition, Paros is mainly made up of limestone and features rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and sandy beaches. The island also has a number of small rivers and streams that flow into the Aegean Sea.

How to Get to Paros

You can reach Paros by air, since the island has its own airport, which has daily flights from Athens airport. As well, you can get to Paros by ferry, from Athens or from other islands.

Paros: One Island, Many Civilizations

Paros has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The island was inhabited as early as the third millennium BC. C. and was known for its valuable marble quarries.

The island was colonized by the Ionians in the 8th century BC. C. and then became part of the Delian League under the Athenians in the 5th century BC. During the Hellenistic period, the island came under the control of the Ptolemies of Egypt and then the Romans.

In the Byzantine period, Paros became an important center of Christianity and the island's capital, Parikia, was home to the Church of Ekatontapiliani, considered one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece.

In the Middle Ages, the island was ruled by a succession of conquerors, including the Venetians, the Genoese, and the Ottoman Turks. During the Venetian period, the island's capital was fortified with a castle. In the 19th century, the island became part of the newly independent Greek state.

In the 20th century, Paros experienced a major economic boost thanks to tourism. Today, the island is a popular vacation destination.

Highlights of Paros

What to Eat If You Travel to Paros

Paros has a rich culinary tradition, which is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean diet. Without a doubt, its gastronomic offer will amaze you, since its secret is excellent quality raw materials.

One great recipe to try is Moussaka, a casserole-style dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat (usually beef or lamb), and a creamy béchamel sauce. We also recommend the Dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs and sometimes ground meat.

We also invite you to order Gyros, similar to souvlaki, but with meat that is cooked on a vertical spit and then sliced ​​and served in a pita with various toppings such as tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions.

Another very popular dish is Spanakopita, a savory pastry made with spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in phyllo dough.

And don't leave the island without trying fish and seafood. Paros is an island, so it's no surprise that fish and shellfish are a staple of the local cuisine. Visitors can find a wide variety of fresh seafood on the island, such as grilled octopus, sardines, and sea bass.

And if you are a lover of sweets, there is a wide variety of desserts in Paros, such as: Baklava, Rizogalo, Galaktoboureko, Melomakarona and many more.

And to drink, try the wines, we assure you that you will not regret it.

Finding where to taste all these options will not be difficult at all, since you will find a variety of taverns, restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Greek dishes and seafood, as well as new and creative Mediterranean cuisine.

Parikia Jewelry

The most important sight in Parikia is the Byzantine-era Monastery of Panagia Ekatondapiliani. It is located just a few steps from the port of the city, and is distinguished by its architecture and unique colors.

On August 15, a great religious festival is held here where people from all over Greece travel to Paros to worship the Virgin Mary.

Another of Parikia's jewels is Paros Environmental and Cultural Park, which is located on the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula, behind Monastiri beach, in an area of ​​approximately 80 hectares.

This park features rock formations, caves, hidden coves and coastlines with crystal clear waters in an authentic Cycladic landscape.

Treasures of Naoussa

The second largest city of Paros is the city of Naoussa, being also the favorite center of nightlife, with elegant restaurants, boutique shops and luxury hotels. As there are no emblematic monuments in the town, you can walk through its narrow streets and admire the typical architecture of the city.

Nearby Islands

From Paros you can access through day cruises, the paradisiacal islands of the Small Cyclades: Donoussa, Schinoussa, Iraklia and Koufonisia.

Top 5 Places of Interest in Paros

Undoubtedly, choosing what to visit on the island, especially when you don't have too many days, is not an easy task at all, as this destination overflows with wonderful views and amazing places. 

For this reason, we will mention some of the most interesting Sites below, so that you do not miss out on the essentials on your trip to the island:

1. Cape Kouloupi Lighthouse: This lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands. It is a popular place to watch the sunset.
2. The Ancient Marble Quarries: These quarries were an important source of marble for ancient Greece and are considered one of the most important archaeological sites on the island.
3. The Venetian Castle: This castle was built by the Venetians in the 14th century and is located in the main town of Parikia. The castle offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
4. The Archaeological Museum of Paros: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the island's ancient past, including ceramics, sculptures, and inscriptions.
5. The Beaches: Paros is known for its beautiful beaches, many with crystal clear water, some of the most famous beaches are: Kolibithres, Santa Maria, Kolympithres, Krios, Pounda and many more.

What to Give If You Travel to Paros

If you are planning a trip to Paros and you are one of those who enjoy bringing nice gifts, typical of the place, for your loved ones, or for yourself, you will find lots of interesting offers on the Island.

A good option is handmade pottery, as Paros is known for its traditional pottery, which can be found in a variety of styles and designs. You can find ceramic items like plates, bowls, vases, and other decorative items.

So too, the island is known for its textiles, such as handmade linen and cotton fabrics, which can be used for clothing, tablecloths, and other household items.

And if you would like to take some of the Greek cuisine in your suitcase, great options are olive oil, since Paros is home to several olive groves, and you can find high-quality olive oil produced on the island, or wines, since the island is also known for its wine offer.

Another alternative is handmade soaps and cosmetics, made with natural ingredients such as olive oil, herbs and other local ingredients.

And if you are looking for a very elegant option, go for jewelry. Paros is also known for its jewelry, particularly its traditional gold and silver jewelry and you'll find a variety of designs, including traditional Greek-inspired pieces as well as more modern designs.

How to Get Around Paros

To move around Paros you will find different options. Undoubtedly, the most comfortable will be by car, so renting a car or booking private transfers from Greca are the best alternatives.

If this doesn't convince you, you can also move around the country by bus, one of the cheapest options to get from one place to another. Or rent a bicycle, with which you can walk and take care of the environment.

You should also take into account the boats, a great option to move.

The options to organize your itinerary are multiple, so you will be able to access all the outstanding sites of Paros without much difficulty.

Some Cultural Aspects of Paros

The culture of Paros is heavily influenced by its location and history.

The main religion on Paros is Greek Orthodox Christianity and you can find many churches and chapels on the island. You can also find many festivals and religious celebrations throughout the year, including the Feast of the Assumption and the Feast of the Annunciation.

When it comes to art, music is an important part of the culture, and you can find live music performances on the island, especially during the summer months. The island is also known for its bouzoukia clubs, which are places that offer live music and dancing.

So also the plastic arts, so you will find a variety of traditional and modern art on the island. This includes traditional ceramics, jewelry, textiles and icons, as well as galleries and exhibitions of contemporary art.

Finally, a prominent aspect of the culture in Paros is the importance it places on parties. Throughout the year, Paros hosts various festivals and events that reflect the culture and history of the island. Some examples include the Paros Jazz Festival, the Paros International Film Festival, and the Paros Wind Festival.

What to See And to Do in Paros

Paros is an incredible destination thanks to its beautiful landscape, its cultural heritage and its incredible architecture, which combines ancient and modern constructions.

In turn, due to its proximity to Mykonos and Santorini, many travelers combine their trip to Paros with these sites.

Do you want to marvel at the best landscapes of the Cyclades? Would you like to swim in crystal clear waters? Do you want to watch the sunset while you walk among the typical white houses of the Greek islands?

If your answer is "Yes" in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Paros, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!