Guide to getting to Paros from Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos and beyond
From the 19th Century aristocracy to the hippies of the 60s and modern-day backpackers, Greek island-hopping has long been a staple of the international travel smorgasbord.
And surely you must dream of following in their footsteps?
Of course you do! And the magnificent island of Paros must be near the top of your list.
But you’re probably wondering how to get to Paros?
Well, this is where we come in. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to get to Paros, Greece.
There are so many great things to do in Paros and getting there is all part of the fun.
Whether you’re looking for flights to Paros or want to take a ferry to Paros, this guide will explore the different ways of getting to Paros so you can start packing those bags now!
Whitewashed buildings nestling on the hills and coastline around the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.
Ancient history. Fascinating culture. Magnificent Mediterranean cuisine.
And all those stunning beaches in Paros! What are you waiting for, let’s figure out how to get to Paros, Greece!
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Useful Travel Information About Paros, Greece
✈ Book cheap flights to Paros, Greece with Skyscanner
☘ Book ferries to Paros with Ferries in Greece
❖ Best hotel deals with Trivago
$ Get the best tours and activities in Paros, Greece with GetYourGuide
➳ Rent a car at the best rates with DiscoverCars
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at HeyMondo. It is reliable and easy to set up.
Quick links:
Buy cheap flight tickets to Paros here
Buy ferry tickets to Paros here
Where to Stay in Paros
When you arrive, you’ll probably want to know that you have a comfy hotel and to head to and relax in before exploring the island.
Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Paros, Greece:
Budget
Irini Rooms ***
Tarsa Studios
Hotel Senia – Onar Hotels Collection
Mid-Range
Christina Hotel **
Akrotiri Hotel ***
Zefi Hotel & Suites ****
Luxury
Poseidon of Paros Hotel & Spa *****
Paros Agnanti Hotel *****
Mythic Exclusive Retreat, Adults Only *****
You can also check out my guides on the best resorts in Paros, and the top luxury hotels in Paros.
For those who prefer a private rental, I also have a guide on the best luxury villas in Paros.
Should You Get a Ferry or Flight to Paros?
Dilemmas, dilemmas! Choosing how to get to Paros, the Cycladic island paradise shouldn’t ruin your holiday.
Essentially, this all depends on your time schedule and personal preference.
From Athens, Paros is only a 40-minute flight, making this the best option for those pushed for time.
By contrast, ferries take between four to six hours and are almost never on time!
The ferry is the cheaper option (from €20), though flights are relatively cheap too (from €30).
If you’re looking for a direct flight to Paros from overseas, then forget it.
They don’t exist (as I’ll explain below), and experiencing those famous Greek ferry journeys is one of the great travel adventures.
You should try to experience it at least once in your lifetime!
Buy here your ferry tickets for Paros, Greece
How to Get to Paros from Athens
Now that we’ve tackled the ferry versus flight dilemma of how to get to Paros, let’s have a closer look at the different ways of exactly how to get from Athens to Paros specifically.
This is the most popular route for getting to Paros, and the one with the most options.
Of course, conversely, these options can work for how to get to Paros from Athens, too.
1. By plane
First, let’s look at flights from Athens to Paros. – Check tickets here
It’s worth noting that there are no flights to Paros from overseas so you will need to transit through Athens (or alternatively, the islands of Mykonos or Santorini, from where you can take a ferry over).
Several airlines run frequent flights from Athens International Airport including Sky Express, Olympic Air, and Aegean Airlines.
There are many flights each day and so getting tickets shouldn’t be a problem.
Remember though, the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be!
In terms of price, flights from Athens to Paros start at a very reasonable €30.
Bear in mind though that prices can escalate sharply during the high season, particularly during the traditional European holiday period of late July and early August.
Flights are super quick, taking an average of only 40 – 45 minutes.
2. By ferry to Paros
For the starry-eyed among you, there is probably no more romantic way how to get to Paros Island than arriving by ferry. – Get tickets here
Sailing through the Cyclades into Parikia, the island’s main port and capital, is the stuff that travel fantasies are made of.
Parikia, with its narrow, cobbled streets, ancient churches, and iconic blue and white buildings is the quintessential Greek idyll.
The port here is a major transportation hub for the Cyclades region and as such has magnificent ferry connections.
Ferries from Athens to Paros depart from either Piraeus or Rafina ports.
Rafina Port is convenient for those flying into Athens International Airport, while Piraeus Port has proximity to the center of Athens, making it a great option for those wishing to take in some of the sights.
There are several companies operating these routes including Blue Star, SeaJets, Minoan, and Golden Star Ferries.
As with flights, Athens to Paros ferry prices fluctuate wildly depending on the season but start as low as €20.
Buy here your ferry tickets from Athens to Paros, Greece
How to Get to Paros from Santorini
Taking the ferry from stunning Santorini to Paros is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. – Buy ferry tickets here
Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to do it – in fact, prices start from just €30.
There are up to six options a day to choose from in high season (less off-season) and the journey takes from 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on which boat you choose.
The slower boats are recommended so you can truly soak in the experience.
Buy here your ferry tickets from Santorini to Paros, Greece
How to Get to Paros from Mykonos
The short hop from Mykonos to Paros will take you between 45 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the boat you take. – Get tickets here
There are currently 5 departures a day. In general, you don’t need to book ahead as tickets are readily available (and no more expensive).
While much shorter in duration than the Santorini to Paros ferries, prices for this route tend to run a bit higher.
Expect to pay anything from €50 to €60.
Buy here your ferry tickets from Mykonos to Paros, Greece
How to Get to Paros from Naxos
If you’re wondering how to get to Paros, then don’t worry, this short hop is one of the cheapest routes in the Aegean. – Get ferry tickets here
In high season there are 10 ferries a day to choose from with travel times taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and this route can get busy in high season as many tourists take the popular Naxos to Paros day trip.
Buy here your ferry tickets from Naxos to Paros, Greece
Can You Get to Paros from Other Islands?
The Greek Islands are incredibly well-served with excellent ferry networks operating across the region.
Wherever in Greece you are, there is always a solution to the dilemma of how to get to Paros.
The nearby islands of Syros, Antiparos, and Ios are extremely well-connected with frequent ferries to Paros at incredibly low prices.
However, if you are Greek island-hopping then it really isn’t too difficult to get to any of them!
Buy here your ferry tickets for Paros, Greece
Can You Get to Paros from Abroad?
Sadly, you can’t get a direct flight to Paros from abroad!
Therefore, you will need to fly into Athens then take a connecting flight or hop on a ferry.
From many places in Europe, it is possible to fly directly to the islands of Mykonos or Santorini, where you can get a ferry over to Paros.
Buy here your ferry tickets for Paros, Greece
If you’ve chosen Paros as the destination for your vacation then congratulations, you have chosen well!
In this article, I’ve tried to simplify matters for you by explaining some of the main ways how to get to Paros.
While the plethora of routes and options for how to get to Paros may seem complex, it really isn’t.
The best way to experience this amazing adventure is to just dive straight in. You won’t regret it!
Short FAQ About How to Get to Paros
Can you fly to Paros, Greece?
Yes, but there are only flights to Paros opperating from Athens and Thessaloniki.
What airport do you fly into for Paros?
There is only one airport on Paros Island: New Paros Airport (PAS). The New Paros Airport is located in the southwestern part of the island, and is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the island’s capital city of Parikia.
How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Paros?
You can expect to be on an Athens to Paros ferry from 3 – 5 hours. The duration will depend on the type of ferry and the route it takes. However, you will be made aware of the expected travel time before boarding.
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
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