Paros Holidays

Paros Holidays – Lively resorts, sandy beaches and quiet villages, ideally positioned in the Cyclades

Positioned right in the middle of the Cyclades Islands, Paros is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, and a great base for exploring this delightful region. Offering something for everyone, the island boasts a wonderful combination of non-stop holiday fun and nightlife, and quieter villages boasting a laid-back peaceful atmosphere. The gorgeous coastline is the main attraction here on Paros, with the sandy beaches and quiet coves appealing to everyone, whatever style of holiday you choose.    

The vibrant capital, Parikia, is the liveliest resort, with the bustling port full of non-stop action and the chance for plenty of nightlife and entertainment. Elsewhere, Paros displays a more authentic character, being home to traditional towns and fishing villages oozing with Greek charm. Don’t miss the spectacular Naoussa, known as one of the most beautiful sights in the country, with its picturesque port and delightful old town, or the enchanting Lefkas, a quaint rural village in the hills.

When to go

The tourist season in Paros runs from May to October, when charter flights operate a regular service to the region. Peak season weeks of July and August remain the busiest, the hottest and the most expensive time to visit the island, so if you travel outside of these months, you’ll have a quieter and more peaceful holiday. During the spring, Paros is a delight, with its green landscape and lush countryside full of wildflowers. Cooler temperatures will suit walking, biking and sightseeing, and there’s still great conditions for the beach well into September and early October.

The weather in Paros

Paros enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with the island experiencing long hot summers and short mild wetter winters. Temperatures range between 23C – 26C in May and June, with 10 hours of sunshine, and rise to 28C in July and August, when the island can see up to 14 hours of daily sun. The waters of the Aegean reach 23C, and there’s a night-time temperature of around 22C in the summer. September and October see highs of 23C – 26C, and the sun shining for up to 11 hours each day, with wetter weather during the winter, and an average temperature of 15C. 

Getting the best deal

Try to avoid the busy peak season weeks if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Paros, as these get booked up very early and always command high prices. Instead, look for departures during the quieter low-season months, and be flexible with your travel dates, as you can often see a wider choice of accommodation and flights, at much cheaper prices. If you’re able to depart at the very last moment, you’ll also see considerable savings on your holiday, so for the best deals to Paros and the lowest prices, look at our offers below, and visit our late deals page to search for last minute specials.

Airport and transport need to know

There is no international airport on Paros, so flights are into Mykonos Airport (JMK) or Santorini Airport (JTR), followed by a ferry ride to the island, which is generally included on a package holiday to Naoussa. Flights are available from London Gatwick or Manchester, and take between 3-4 hours, depending on which airport you fly into. Mykonos is a slightly longer flight (3 hours 55 minutes), but the ferry crossing is quicker, taking 40-50 minutes, whilst flights to Santorini take 3 hours 15 minutes, but have a transfer time of 3 hours.

Once on Paros, there’s a regular bus service to the resort from the main port, Parikia, as well as taxis operating in the town. Car rental is recommended, as driving is a great way to get around the area, and scooter and motorbikes can also be hired. Boat trips are widely available, and water taxis travel up and down the coast to and from the island’s beaches.

Best beaches in Paros

The main attraction of any holiday to Paros and the Cyclades Islands are the beaches, which offer an excellent base for a week or two soaking up the glorious Mediterranean sunshine. There are wonderful spots dotted all around the island, with some of the best found along the more sheltered east coast. Here are our picks for the best beaches on Paros.

Best beach for sunbathing – Kolymbrethes

Known for its stunning rock formations, Kolymbrethes sits on a beautiful stretch of coastline, where rocky outcrops are dotted with lovely sandy coves, perfect for quiet relaxation. Plenty of beach bars, shady trees, picturesque views and clear shallow waters make this beach one of the most popular on the island, especially for families with children.

Best beach for activities – Golden Beach

Home to the Windsurfing World Cup each year, this Blue Flag beach is situated on the southeast coast, and boasts a beautiful long sandy stretch, ideal for both sunbathing and water sports. Fantastic wind conditions and warm crystal-clear waters make this beach ideal for both windsurfing and kite surfing, with a choice of schools and centres in the area.

Best beach for isolation – Glyfades

Just 5km south of Naoussa, down a narrow dirt road, is the little beach of Glyfades, an extremely sheltered spot with plenty of shady trees and wonderfully calm shallow waters. A quiet and peaceful beach, there’s plenty of Greek character here, with the only facilities being one lone bar, for much-needed refreshment.