Paros, located in the Cyclades next to Naxos, is known as a party island that combines Cycladic tradition with a fun nightlife that is not unlike Mykonos and Santorini. From the cosmopolitan Naoussa to the picturesque Parikia, the cobble-stone alleys and the Cycladic architecture are perfect for night strolls and cocktails on the go. Paros has stunning beaches, which are all accessible by land.
It offers everything; beaches like Kolymbithres and Kalogeros to enjoy an easy-going day or Punda and Golden Beach for beach parties and fun. Here’s all you need to know in order to get to Paros from Athens.
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4 Ways to Get From Athens to Paros
1. Fly from Athens to Paros
Paros has its own National Airport known as PAS, which is located in Alyki, 10 km away from Parikia. There are daily flights to and from Athens ATH, serviced mainly by Olympic Air/Aegean Airlines and Sky Express.
Depending on the season, you can find reasonable ticket prices, but keep in mind that it’s always best to book well in advance. Prices usually begin from 45 Euros and the trip lasts approximately 40 mins. There are daily flights all year round.
My favorite island in Greece is Aegean Airlines/ Olympic Air. Find flights to Paros below:
Transport from the airport to the other regions is possible via taxi or by having pre-booked and pre-paid your private transfer via Welcome Pickups.
Alternatively, you can take bus number X 96 from outside the arrivals terminal at the airport.
2. Private Jet from Athens to Paros
On very special occasions, there is also the option of flying to Paros but with luxury. Booking a private jet and flying from Athens to Paros is surely a unique experience. The Greek landscape and the Aegean Sea are stunning from above.
The so-called Air Taxis offer relaxing, stress-free flights that are short and safe. Chartering a plane or a helicopter isn’t a cheap option, as prices start at least 1,000 Euros. There is also the possibility of a single-day trip.
Find more info on private flight providers and estimated prices here.
3. Athens to Paros by Ferry
The most frequent way to get to Paros from Athens is by ferry. Not only can you travel there from Port Piraeus, but there are also some ferry lines from Rafina and even Lavrion.
Port of Piraeus- Paros
From the port of Piraeus, there are ferries daily, operated by BLUE STAR Ferries, SEAJETS, and GOLDEN STAR Ferries. The average price begins at 30 Euros and the journey lasts anywhere between 2 hours and 45 mins to 4 hours and 15 mins, depending on the ferry. The first ferry usually departs at 06:35 a.m. and the latest at 23:00 p.m.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
Rafina-Paros
During the high season, you can also find daily routes from the port of Rafina directly to Paros island. The ferry journey lasts 4 to 6 hours and is serviced by GOLDEN STAR Ferries, SEAJETS, and Cyclades Fast Ferries.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
Lavrion-Paros
Another transport option is from Lavrion, offered by Hellenic Seaways as a weekly route to Paros, but the journey lasts longer than the other lines, namely, 7 hours more or less.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
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Tip: If you plan your holidays during high season, which means July and August in Greece, book your tickets way ahead in time to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Private Transfer from the airport to the port
If you plan to fly to Athens ATH International Airport and then get to the port, you should consider your transportation method beforehand. Although there are connections from the airport to the port, they require that you change different means and lines to get there
A great solution would be to book a private transfer via Welcome Pickups, which is pre-paid and prevents overcharging with its flat fares. In addition, they provide flight monitoring services, to avoid any delays for the airport pickup.
Book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups in 4 simple steps here.
4. Sail to Paros
What better way to get to Paros than to sail there? Imagine experiencing the beauty of the Aegean Sea with its strong winds and emerald waters on board! You can either charter a bareboat if you are qualified to sail alone or hire a skipper and enjoy the sun and salt.
Sailing cruises to Paros oftentimes include stops in other islands as well for a little island-hopping fun. To find the perfect spots along the coastlines and avoid overcrowded anchorages and stuffed beaches, you can consult keeano, the free-to-use Social Coastline Guide that will help you create routes and plan your sailing trip.
Click to download for iOS or Android.
From Athens to Paros and the Cyclades, you can see the offered charter/cruise services below to see the itineraries and prices:
7 Day Sailing Itinerary for the Cyclades Islands by Book2Sail
Sailing Route – Northern & Middle Cyclades by Sail Greece
Need more recommendations? Find more itineraries here.
How to get around Paros Island
Paros has quite a few places to visit so the ideal duration of stay is up to a week. To get around the island, there are various solutions.
Rent a Car
If you stay more than 3 days or you want to explore the best choice could possibly be to rent a car. Paros has a good and relatively new road network, covering a very large part of the island, and most, if not all of the beaches are accessible by road. A conventional car would be more than enough.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Private Transfer
A second way of moving around is local taxis or better yet private transfers via Welcome Pickups. They offer services to and from the port or the airport, or simply to the beach.
Local Bus
Last but not least, you have the option of the local bus (KTEL) with scheduled bus routes around the island that you can easily find here. Plan your transportation accordingly and stay informed about changes.
Ticket prices vary according to the destination/station, but generally, the minimum full ticket price is 1.80 Euros and the discounted 0.90 Euros. They also have an offer of 10 Euros for a daily ticket to explore the whole island!
Find all the details about ticket prices here.