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It's so easy to rent a boat or charter a yacht in Paros with Yachtious. Book Now!
It's so easy to rent a boat or charter a yacht in Paros with Yachtious. Book Now!
SAILING IN PAROS
THE OVERLOOKED AND UNDERRATED GREEK ISLAND
In the Cyclades Islands, Paros is one of the best Greece has to offer. Days of fun sailing aboard your yacht charter await, but you will most certainly want to drop that anchor and check out the inland offerings.
It’s here that you’ll see those classic Greek cube-style homes all in white like little sugar cubes dotting the pastoral landscapes. There are blue-domed churches and stunning white-sand beaches that will make you feel like a Greek god. If you’re arriving by yacht, the harbor is very convenient as it has a supermarket to stock up on supplies plus an internet café should you feel the need to get connected.
Rental cars and motorbikes can be found along the waterfront to make moving around the island a bit easier, though it’s not necessary. In Parikía, you can walk through the old town and see the windmill on the waterfront. Enjoy sunset at the Meltemi café on the western end of the harbor, and then go for dinner at the Happy Green Cows or Apollon where the 6th century Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani awaits.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT PAROS
One of the best times to see this beautiful Greek island is in late spring. Amid the lush greenery, you’ll see wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty. It’s a great season for hiking too. The sea is warmer for better swimming, and the beaches tend to be a bit less crowded than they are during the busy summer tourist season. In spring and autumn too, you can find lower prices at the hotels and villas when you hop off your yacht charter to explore the land.
The height of tourist season is in late summer, and along with it comes higher rates for accommodations. During Easter, which usually falls between the 1st and 15th of April, it is very popular too and should be avoided unless this is the reason for your yacht charter. In the winter, Paros experiences more rain with 16 days of precipitation on average so pack accordingly.
QUICK FACTS
BEST FOR CRUISING: MAY TO SEPTEMBER
TIME ZONE: GMT + 2
LANGUAGE: GREEK,ENGLISH WIDELY SPOKEN.
CURRENCY: EURO (EUR)
REASONS TO VISIT
HISTORY
DIVING
WATER SPORTS
THE BEACHES
EXCELLENT FOOD
GETTING TO PAROS
If you’re coming to Paros to catch your yacht charter, you can get there with ease from Athens either by the ferry connections or plane. The ferries connect Paros and the other islands too. In the summer, Paros has direct flights available from abroad for smooth arrival and departure.
Flights to Paros
On the southern side of the island, you’ll find the airport in Alyki, a mere 5.6 miles (9km) from the capital of Parikia. It’s a busy airport during the summer with domestic flights arriving from Athens and Thessaloniki plus many international flights. If you’re coming from Athens, the trip to Paros only takes 30 minutes.
Ferries to Paros
Because Paros is one of the top destinations of Cyclades and is in the middle of the Aegean Sea, ferries are available year-round. Daily, a ferry to Paros leaves from Athens’ main port, Piraeus, and takes about 4 to 5 hours. Summer offers more ferry options with ferries from Rafina and sometimes from Lavrion of Attica. Additionally, you’ll find ferries that head from Paros to Amorgos, Santorini, Naxos, Mykonos, Ios, Koufonisia, Astypalea, Tinos, Iraklia, Donoussa, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, and Heraklion Crete.
WHERE TO STAY IN PAROS
There are hotels all over the island though the most convenient locations are in Parikia and Naoussa. These have the easiest access to the things tourists most want to see from shops to taverns. They also make it easier to connect to buses and your yacht charter.
If you’re looking for a good budget room, Parikia is an excellent choice. Naoussa has more upscale accommodations, though, if you prefer to indulge all the way while yachting in Paros.
Seeking something quieter? Choose something that allows you to walk from the town center or right onto the beach. You’ll find stunning hotels in Paros at Alyki, Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Livadi, Logaras, and Piso. Golden Beach, in particular, is ideal for those sailing in to find water activities. If that’s your interest, make sure to book early for July or August to secure your space.
WINING AND DINING IN PAROS
Step off your yacht and explore the traditional Greek cuisine in Paros. You’ll find plenty of menus that cater to tourists though you should treat your taste buds to a more authentic experience when yachting in the Greek islands.
In Paros, traditional tavernas are a significant part of the food culture. Tavernas are limited in selection but big on flavors. They also feature music and dancing which differentiate them from typical restaurants.
Be sure to try some of the local specialties in Paros:
- Roasted mackerel (Gouna)
- Fish soup (Kakavia, much like a bouillabaisse)
- Boiled snails in garlic sauce (Karavalous)
- White goat cheese (Mizithra)
- Pumpkin pie (a local specialty, called Petimezinia)
- Seafood, especially octopus and squid
In Parikia and Naoussa, there are so many places to eat. Waterfront dining is heavenly though some of the best places are tucked into the back streets. Despite being the most well-known all over Paros and Antiparos, you’ll find wonderful little places to tempt your palate. Give them a try and live a little on your sailing vacation!
