Excursions & activities
Excursions from Paros
Thanks to its ideal location in the heart of the Cyclades, Paros is the perfect base for island-hopping to the nearby islands.
More specifically, the most popular island-hopping routes are from Paros to Naxos, from Paros to Mykonos, and from Paros to Santorini. What’s more, from the port of Paros depart ferries to Amorgos, Crete, Andros, Ios, Karpathos, and many other Greek islands. If you’re planning to stay for quite a few days in Paros, it is really worth it to set off on an adventure to the islands of the Cyclades.
Activities in Paros
There are many activities to do in Paros, for every taste and budget. Sightseeing, water sports, traditional feasts, exploration, you name it!
Visit the monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani
The monastery of Panagia Ekantotapyliani is one of the most important sites in Paros, as it constitutes one of the best-preserved paleo Christian churches in Greece. Panagia Ekatontapiliani monastery was originally constructed in the 4th century and since then it has gone under many reconstructions. The name of this church, Ekatontapiliani, means the church with a hundred doors because the legend has it that there are 99 hidden doors in the church. According to the legend, the 100th door will open when Hagia Sophia in Constantinople will become Orthodox again. A must-visit for history buffs!
Do windsurfing
This is hands down one of the best things to do in Paros! Famous for its perfect wind conditions and endless sandy shores, Paros is a paradise for water-sports aficionados! The best beaches for windsurfing and kite in Paros lie on the southeastern part of the island. More specifically, Golden Beach and New Golden Beach are the most popular beaches for windsurfing. Santa Maria and Pounda are also very good options!
Join a traditional feast
No visit to Paros is complete without a traditional feast! If you want to introduce yourself to the island’s tradition and customs, this is one of the best things to do! Many religious feasts take place in the summer, as the feasts of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Agia Marina, and Karavolas. These feasts include traditional dance, wine, food, and many customs that will make you feel like a local!
Explore the island
If you’re planning to stay in Paros for quite a few days, don’t miss the chance to explore the island. Paros is too big to explore on foot, so your best bet is to rent a car and set off on an adventure around the island! Some of the best places to visit during your exploration are the Valley of Butterflies, Agios Ioannis Detis, the Ancient Marble Quarries in Marathi, the Church of Agia Triada in Lefkes, and the Sanctuary of Asklepios. If you are a keen museum hound, don’t miss to visit the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Sculpture Museum, and the Wine Museum.