Things to do in Paros

Paros is a round island under 200 square kilometres, 8 km west of Naxos. One hill stands in the middle, and the villages sit in a ring around it. Parikia is the ferry port and the capital.

Things to do in Paros are a mix of town walks and boat days. The island is a ferry hub. Day cruises leave from here for Mykonos, Delos and Santorini.

Round the island

• Parikia. A whitewashed old town under a Frankish castle of the 13th century. Beside the harbour stands the Church of a Hundred Doors, an early Christian pilgrimage site.
• Naoussa. The northern fishing harbour, with painted boats and narrow lanes.
• Lefkes. A pine-shaded village at about 250 metres, once the capital of the island.
• Antiparos. The neighbouring island, a short ferry from Pounta on the west coast. Its main village keeps the remains of a 15th-century Venetian fortress.

The eight-hour bus tour strings Parikia, Antiparos, Lefkes and Naoussa into one day.

Boats and slower days

• Mykonos. The boat from Naoussa gives about six free hours in Mykonos town. A second trip stops first on Delos for about three hours.
• Santorini. A boat from Piso Livadi takes about two hours to Athinios, then a bus runs to Fira. The day lasts 12 hours.
• Horse riding. A one-hour morning ride from Kormos, or a 90-minute sunset ride from Kakapetra.
• Cooking class. Four hours with Parian recipes and local wine.

Practical

• Weather. Days reach 30C in summer and nights stay near 23C. Rain almost never falls from June to August, and the meltemi wind blows through the season. January days run about 14C. The year totals about 480 mm, mostly October to March.
• Ports. Boats leave from different harbours: Naoussa for Mykonos and Delos, Piso Livadi for Santorini. Check yours.
• Delos. The island has almost no shade, so bring a hat and water.
• Wind. Strong northerlies can cancel crossings. Keep a spare day before a flight home.