Paros is the quintessential Cycladic island -- whitewashed villages with blue shutters, golden sandy beaches, a fishing harbour at Naoussa that's one of the prettiest in Greece, and a pace of life that makes Santorini feel like it's trying too hard.
In this guide
The ferry from Santorini to Paros takes about 2-3 hours depending on the operator, making it the longest day trip on this list. It's feasible, but it's honest to say you'll spend a significant chunk of the day on boats. What you get in return is an island with a genuinely different atmosphere -- more relaxed, more local, and with beaches that rival anything in the Cyclades.
To secure your seats, book early at Ferryscanner.
If you can manage an overnight stay instead, do it. But a day trip still gives you enough time for the highlights.
How Do You Get There?
Ferries run from Santorini's Athinios port to Paros (Parikia) daily, with 3-4 departures per day in high season.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 100 km |
| Journey time | 2-3 hours (varies by ferry type) |
| Ticket price | 35-80 EUR one way (economy) |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries |
| First ferry | Around 07:00 |
| Last return | Check seasonally -- typically 18:00-20:00 |
Tips: - Take the earliest ferry to maximise your time. Arriving by 10:00 gives you a full day. - Book return tickets in advance. The late-afternoon returns are popular. - Blue Star is slower but more comfortable (big ship, deck seating). SeaJets is faster but pricier and rougher in choppy seas.
What Can You See and Do?
Parikia (The Capital)
The ferry docks at Parikia, the island's main town. It has a Venetian kastro (castle), a beautiful whitewashed old town, and one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani ("Church of 100 Doors") -- A 4th-century Byzantine church that's one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in Greece. The interior is atmospheric and surprisingly large. Free entry. Worth 20-30 minutes.
The old town behind the waterfront is a tangle of marble-paved lanes, bougainvillea-draped walls, and small squares with cafes. It's the kind of place where you put the map away and just wander.
Naoussa
The fishing village on the north coast, about 10 km from Parikia. This is Paros's biggest draw and arguably the prettiest harbour in the Cyclades. Fishing boats bob in the water, octopus dries on lines outside the tavernas, and the sunset lights up the Venetian fortress ruin at the harbour entrance.
Naoussa has become fashionable in recent years -- there are cocktail bars and boutique shops alongside the traditional tavernas -- but it hasn't lost its character yet.
A bus runs from Parikia to Naoussa about every 30 minutes in summer (20 minutes, a few euros).
If you only have time for one thing on Paros, make it Naoussa. Get there for lunch, eat fish at the harbour, walk the backstreets, and you'll understand why people come to this island year after year.
Beaches
Paros has proper sandy beaches -- the kind Santorini doesn't have.
- Kolymbithres -- Near Naoussa. Dramatic smooth granite rock formations surrounding small sandy coves. Unique landscape, clear water. Reachable by boat from Naoussa harbour (5 minutes).
- Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti) -- On the east coast. A long stretch of golden sand, popular with windsurfers. About 20 km from Parikia.
- Santa Maria -- Near Naoussa. Sandy, turquoise water, organised with sunbeds.
For a day trip, Kolymbithres is the easiest beach to reach from Naoussa and the most visually interesting.
Lefkes Village (If You Have Time)
An inland village about 10 km from Parikia, set in a green valley with marble-paved streets, traditional architecture, and views across the island. It's the kind of village that guidebooks call "unspoiled" and for once they're right. A bus runs from Parikia.
How Should You Plan Your Day?
- 07:00 -- Ferry from Santorini
- 09:30 -- Arrive Parikia. Visit Ekatontapiliani church and walk the old town.
- 10:30 -- Bus to Naoussa (20 minutes)
- 11:00 -- Explore Naoussa harbour and backstreets
- 12:00 -- Lunch at a waterfront taverna in Naoussa
- 13:30 -- Boat to Kolymbithres beach (5 minutes from Naoussa harbour)
- 13:45-16:00 -- Beach time
- 16:15 -- Boat back to Naoussa, then bus to Parikia
- 17:00 -- Coffee and shopping in Parikia
- 18:00-19:00 -- Ferry back to Santorini
What Should You Know Before Going?
- The 4-6 hours of ferry time is the main drawback. Be honest with yourself about whether you want to spend that much of your day on a boat. An overnight stay eliminates this problem.
- Paros is less expensive than Santorini for food and drinks. Enjoy the savings.
- The bus system is good in summer. Frequent service between Parikia, Naoussa, and the main beaches. Timetables are posted at the bus station.
- Rent a car or ATV if you want to see more. Available at the port. Around 30-50 EUR for a day.
- Book the morning ferry. The afternoon departure options eat into your time on the island.
- Wind can affect ferry schedules. The Meltemi is strongest in July-August and can delay or cancel sailings. Check conditions before committing.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
June and September -- Good ferry schedules, warm weather, beaches in full swing, fewer crowds than peak.
July-August -- Busiest and hottest. Naoussa is packed. Ferries run most frequently.
May and October -- Quieter island, fewer ferry options. Beaches may not be fully set up. The towns are still lovely.
Paros is about 100 km from Santorini. Ferry takes 2-3 hours. Tickets from 35 EUR one way. Allow a full day -- or better, stay overnight.
Planning more adventures on the island? Browse our complete guide to the best day trips from Santorini.
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