How to Get to Paros (2025): The Ultimate Travel Guide

Paros is one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, known for its whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and chic yet laid-back atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Paros offers a quieter alternative to Mykonos and Santorini while still boasting all the postcard-perfect charm that Greece is famous for.

With no direct international airport on the island, you might be wondering how to get to Paros. It requires a bit of planning, but don’t worry, this Greek travel guide will take you through the easiest ways to get there.

About Paros

Paros is often described as the “all-rounder” of the Greek islands. Despite becoming more popular in recent years, it has kept its authenticity and has quickly become a must visit destination on any Greek island hopping itinerary.

Its capital, Parikia, is home to the iconic Panagia Ekatontapiliani church and a pretty harbour lined with tavernas and cocktail bars.

Over on the northeast coast, Naoussa is a picture-perfect fishing village with a sophisticated edge, known for its trendy restaurants, nightlife and luxury stays.

Despite its growing popularity, Paros still retains a peaceful pace, especially if you visit outside of the peak summer months. It has become an alternative destination to Mykonos due to its chilled out atmosphere and more favourable pricing.

When is the best time to visit Paros?

The best time to visit Paros is between late May and early October. June and September are the most ideal, both months are warm enough to enjoy the beaches but without the crowds of high summer.

July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so book well in advance if you're travelling during this time. You will also need to prebook restaurants and activities throughout peak season.

The summer season doesn't start till late May, if you travel before this you can enjoy the island all to yourself, but many hotels and restaurants will not yet be open.

Where is Paros?

Paros sits in the central Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades island group. It lies just west of Naxos and can be easily accessed from both Athens and other nearby islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Its central location and its size makes it a great base for island hopping.

Does Paros have an airport?

Paros has a small airport served by daily flights from Athens, there are no international flights.

To visit Paros from other islands, the ferry is the only option.

How to get to Paros

There are two main ways to reach Paros, either fly into Athens and take a ferry, or connect through another island with an international airport, this will be Santorini or Mykonos.

You cannot fly directly to Paros from outside of Greece, but the process is easy with a little advance planning.

Option 1: Fly to Athens and take the ferry to Paros

Step 1: International flight to Athens (ATH)

Fly into Athens International Airport from major cities such as London, Manchester, New York and Paris. Depending on what time your flight arrives, you may have to overnight in Athens, or catch the ferry same day.

I advise aiming to arrive into Athens in the morning, giving you time to catch a ferry the same day.

Step 2: Transfer to Piraeus Port

From Athens Airport, take a taxi (about 45 minutes), pre-booked shuttle, or the X96 express bus to Piraeus Port. The bus takes 60 minutes and departs 1-2 times per hour. Piraeus is where most ferries to Paros depart.

Step 3: Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros

Ferries from Piraeus to Paros take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on whether you choose a high-speed or conventional ferry. High-speed ferries are quicker but more expensive.

Book your ferry tickets through Direct Ferries, which offers an easy-to-use app which stores your tickets and allows you to compare all available operators and schedules in one place. You can download mobile tickets or print them in advance.

Ferry lines include:

Blue Star Ferries – Reliable and comfortable with larger, slower vessels (approx. 4.5 hours).
Seajets – High-speed catamarans that reach Paros in around 3.5 hours.
Fast Ferries – Another quick and efficient operator with good onboard facilities.

Option 2: Fly to Mykonos or Santorini, then ferry to Paros

If you are visiting Paros from the UK or the rest of Europe, it tends to be easier to fly directly into Mykonos or Santorini and take the short ferry to Paros.

From Mykonos to Paros

The ferry takes just 45 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on the operator. Multiple services run daily during the summer.

The quickest ferries from Mykonos to Paros are with Seajets and Golden Star Ferries, Seajets offers up to four sailings a day in high season.

You can search for Mykonos to Paros ferries here.

From Santorini to Paros

The journey from Santorini to Paros is longer (starting at 1 hr 50 minutes with Fast Ferries), but there are even more sailings.

As with Athens, book your ferry through Direct Ferries to easily compare all routes and times. The app is especially handy for checking live schedules and managing your bookings on the go.

Can I take a ferry to Paros from other Greek Islands?

In short, yes. The Cyclades Islands are very well connected with extensive ferry networks that you can view here.

There are over 600 daily sailings serving the Cyclades, connecting the islands not just to each other, but also to Crete, Samos, Ikaria and the Dodecanese Islands.

Paros benefits from a central location and is easily accessible by ferry from many islands such as Naxos, Ios, Sifnos, Syros and Milos. You can search for ferries to Paros in more detail here.

Ferry is by far the easiest way to explore the Cyclades islands in general. Despite many of the islands having small national airports, these are serviced by flights from Athens only, there are no inter island air services.

If budget allows, there is the option of taking a helicopter to Paros from surrounding islands such as Santorini or Mykonos, but of course this is a much more expensive option than a scenic ferry journey.

How to get around Paros

Once you’ve arrived, getting around Paros is easy.

Hire a car or quad bike if you want to explore the island’s beaches and inland villages. Roads are generally in good condition and distances are short, you can drive from one end of the island to the other in under an hour.

Buses are reliable in summer, connecting Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, and popular beaches like Kolymbithres and Golden Beach. However, services drop off in the shoulder seasons.

Taxis are available but can be limited in high season, so pre-booking is advised if you have dinner reservations or an early ferry, this is also the most expensive way to explore the island.

FAQs: How to get to Paros

Can you fly directly to Paros from outside of Greece?

No, there are currently no direct international flights to Paros. Travellers must fly to Athens or a nearby island such as Mykonos or Santorini and then take a ferry or a short domestic flight to Paros.

Is it better to fly into Athens or Mykonos when visiting Paros?

It depends on your itinerary. Athens offers the most ferry options year-round, while Mykonos is closer and has faster ferry connections during the summer. If you're combining islands, flying into Mykonos or Santorini tends to be more efficient, especially if you are visiting from other European destinations.

How long is the ferry from Athens to Paros?

Ferry times vary by operator. High-speed ferries from Athens (Piraeus Port) to Paros take around 3.5 hours, whilst standard ferries take about 4.5 hours.

Which ferry company should I use to get to Paros?

Reliable operators include Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and Fast Ferries. You can compare prices and schedules on Direct Ferries, which also has an easy-to-use app for managing your tickets.

How far in advance should I book ferry tickets to Paros?

For travel from June-September, it’s recommended to book at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Ferries can sell out, especially high-speed options and popular time slots.

Can I fly from Athens to Paros instead of taking the ferry?

Yes. Olympic Air and Sky Express offer daily flights between Athens and Paros. The flight time is about 40 minutes. This is a good option if you're short on time or prefer to avoid ferry travel.

Do ferries to Paros run year-round?

Yes, but schedules are more limited outside the summer months. High-speed services usually run from April to October, while conventional ferries operate more consistently throughout the year.

How do I get around Paros once I arrive?

The best way to explore is by hiring a car, scooter, or quad bike. There’s also a reliable bus network during summer, connecting major villages and beaches. Taxis are available but limited, so book ahead if travelling at peak times.

Is Paros good for island hopping?

Absolutely. Its central Cycladic location makes Paros a perfect base for visiting nearby islands like Antiparos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Santorini. Check out my Cyclades island hopping itinerary here.

What app should I use to book ferries in Greece?
Direct Ferries is highly recommended for booking Greek island ferries. The app is user-friendly and allows you to compare prices, view live schedules, and store mobile tickets all in one place.

Can I bring large suitcases on the ferry to Paros?

Yes, most people combine Paros with other Greek islands so travel with bulky suitcases and other luggage. You must carry your own luggage when boarding and disembarking the ferries, luggage is stored downstairs in luggage racks.

Can I take a car onto the ferry to Paros?

Yes, many ferry services allow cars to board. When booking tickets on Direct Ferries, you have an option to add a car.