About the journey from Mykonos to Paros
Mykonos has long been the “it” destination for the party crowd. But it's not just nightclubs and windmills that make it popular.
Mykonos also boasts another very strong reason to visit: it’s a great place to begin your travels through more of the Greek Islands. First up on that list should be the nearby gem of Paros.
Quieter and less touristy than its neighbor, Paros seems frozen in time in many ways. Quaint villages of boxy white houses, ancient olive groves, and traditional taverns give it a sense of character and charm.
Visitors from around the world come to see its Instagram-famous cobblestone streets and crystal-clear waters for themselves. A visit here lets you see where history, culture, and natural beauty collide — all in a relaxed atmosphere that any traveler can appreciate.
Four unmissable things to do in Paros
Paros is a perfect island escape, blessed with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and a dry climate. Those seeking a little rest and relaxation to go along with their history and culture won’t be disappointed. Here are a few of the best things to see in Paros:
Explore the island capital, Parikia: Built on the site of an ancient town, lovely Parikia is the lively hub of Paros. Its beautiful, narrow streets are brimming with shops and taverns that are truly worth exploring. History buffs won’t want to miss the archeological museum, Venetian Castle, and famous churches in town.
Go beach hopping: Popular with families, windsurfers, and the party crowd alike, Paros’ beaches are considered some of the best in Greece. Kolymbithres Beach, with its rocky landscape and many amenities, is one of the most popular. Logaras and Pounda Beaches also offer plenty of activities in their gorgeous turquoise waters.
Go village hopping: In between Paros’ world-class beaches are a number of charming fishing villages worth visiting. Naousa, with its half-sunken castle, is a popular day trip. The same goes for Lefkes, located at the highest point of the island, which offers incredible views.
Get lost in the historic landscape: The rocky, arid landscape is dotted with age-old buildings that bring Paros’ history to light. Exploring the ancient monasteries, chapels, and windmills — most with spectacular sea views — will level up your Paros holiday experience.
What you can expect to see when traveling from Mykonos to Paros
Ferry is the only practical way to get from Mykonos to Paros, so be prepared to spend some time at sea. The blue of the Aegean will spread out in all directions as you head due south from Mykonos to the port of Paros.
But don’t worry if ferries aren’t your favorite. The Greeks have perfected the inter-island ferry experience.
You can expect comfortable vessels with the option of indoor or outdoor seating. Staying outdoors will give you cruise-worthy views. It will also give you the fresh air that helps to prevent seasickness.
Your first glimpse of Paros, with its sunbaked hills and whitewashed buildings, will stir up some excitement.
When the ferry docks, both passengers and cars will get off in a momentary rush of activity.
How to get from Mykonos to Paros
Taking a ferry
High-speed ferries run the Mykonos to Paros route several times a day. During the busy summer season, that number is even higher. Here are some helpful things to keep in mind when choosing one:
Greek ferries are usually very modern, with ample seating and lots of conveniences.
You will find both restrooms and air-conditioning. The AC is a must during the brutally hot summer months.
There are often several classes of seating for sale. Check with the specific operator to see the difference in pricing and services.
Prices start around $64.
You can cross the 43 kilometers (27 miles) separating the islands in just 45 minutes. Technically, this would allow you to visit Paros on a day trip. But after sampling its many charms, you’ll want to spend at least a night there, if not (much) longer.
Where do I get the ferry in Mykonos?
Ferries departing Mykonos for Paros leave from Mykonos Port in Mykonos Town's harbor on the island's west coast.
Where does the ferry arrive in Paros?
The ferry to Paros from Mykonos arrives at the Paros Ferry Terminal on the southern curve of Parikia’s waterfront. Here, you are within walking distance to most of the town’s attractions, shopping, and plenty of hotels. Several car rental agencies are also nearby if you want to take your travels further afield.
Be aware that you will probably be approached by people looking to direct you to hotels or tours in the hope of receiving a commission. Your best bet is to brush them off. This is easy to do if your hotel or activities are planned in advance.
When is the best time of year to visit Paros?
The best time to visit Paros depends on how you feel about the heat, crowds, and higher prices.
July and August see a surge of both Greek and international visitors. Of course, with bigger crowds come higher prices. The tradeoff is that the island is at its busiest. With all the shops and restaurants open and the party scene at its peak, finding something fun to do is never hard.
Expect hot days, with daily highs averaging around 30°C (86°F). During summer, there is practically no chance of rain, making it the perfect season for beach days.
Winds are expected, which will help keep you cool and is great for windsurfers.
The shoulder seasons of May, June, and September offer slightly lower temperatures and only a fraction of the crowds.
The chance of rainfall during these months is still minimal, which makes for great beach days as well. And while the island’s nightlife and tourist spots aren’t quite as lively, many prefer the more authentic experience of visiting Paros outside peak season.
How much time do I need in Paros?
Even though Paros’ location near Mykonos allows you to visit the island on a day trip, you’ll want more time than that. To do the island justice, set aside at least three days to fully explore the beaches and landscape. Add several more if you really want to relax.
As a side note, Paros makes a great base for visiting other nearby islands, like Antiparos and Naxos, which are just a short boat ride away.