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Paros is one of the 3 largest islands in the Greek Cyclades. Easily accessible by boat or plane, you’ll need to find a way to get around if you want to explore the island’s treasures and attractions in good conditions.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to get around Paros! All you need to do is find the one that suits your travel style and plans best.

In this guide, find out all the information and tips on how to get around Paros either by public transport, cars, or taxis. 

 

Using Buses in Paros

The bus is the most used option for getting around Paros. It’s the best choice if you’re staying in Paros on a budget, if you visit for a short time, and/or if you’re planning to visit only a few specific places.

 

Bus Operation and Schedules

Paros’ land transport network (KTEL) is fairly well developed and organized, at least in high season. The main bus stations are in Parikia and Naoussa, but all the island’s towns are served. 

In most cases, buses in Paros are punctual and respect the announced timetables. However, make sure to check the bus timetables regularly as schedules change once or twice a month.

First buses start their rounds around 7.30 am, and the last ones run until 1 am on the busiest routes. You can expect between 30 minutes and 2,5 hours waiting between buses, depending on the city. 

The good thing about Paros buses is that they stop on demand! So if you see one coming, don’t hesitate to wave to the driver to stop and let you on, even if you’re not at a stop. It’s the same if you want to get off somewhere between 2 stops, just let the driver know and he’ll stop.

 

paros beach and landscape

 

Paros Buses Fares

Using the bus in Paros is also pretty affordable: 

  • Full price: €1.80 to €3
  • Half-fare: €0.90 to €1.60
  • Students: €1.40 to €2.40
  • Night rate: €2.20 to €4
  • 24-hour ticket: 10€ 

Fares vary depending on the route. 

 

paros buses and boats

 

Getting Around Paros by Car 

The car is definitely the most efficient and common means of transport on Paros, especially if you’re traveling with children. You’ll be able to get around wherever you want without having to depend on bus timetables and enjoy the comfort and safety of a car as opposed to a two-wheeler.

 

Authorized Driving Licenses in Paros

Greece accepts driving licenses from all EU member states. So if you are a citizen of an EU member state, your national driving license is all you need to drive in Greece.

Since 2021, Greece has accepted driving licenses from countries with a system similar to its own. For example, Swiss, UK, American, Canadian, and Australian driving licenses are officially accepted. Check whether your driving license is accepted in Greece here.

Note that car rental companies in Greece are allowed to have their own rules, and may require an international driving license. So pay close attention to the applicable conditions when booking your car.

 

how to get around paros by car

 

Renting a Car in Paros 

As everywhere else, car rental prices vary according to model, options, and season.

There are 2 options for renting a car for your Paros trip:

  1. Rent a car on the mainland when you’re in Athens prior to your ferry transfer to Paros: This option is worth considering, as car rates in Athens can be a little lower than in Paros. Plus, it saves you the train journey between Athens city center and the port of Piraeus. However, don’t forget to count the cost of the car on the ferry. It’s not very expensive, but you make sure to include it.
  2. Rent a car on site when you arrive on Paros: This is the best option if you’re arriving from Athens airport.

In both cases, the best solution is to book your car in advance online to benefit from lower rates (especially if you’re planning your trip several months in advance) and to make sure you have a car reserved for you when you get there.

Indeed, if you’re traveling during the peak season, you may not find a car available, or you may have to wait in long queues and waste a lot of time. Avoid unpleasant surprises and prefer to book online!

Get the best car rental deals in Paros on DiscoverCars. 

 

driving around paros

 

Driving Around Paros

Here are a few things to know about driving around Paros and some tips: 

  • Speed limits: 50km/h (31 mph) in towns, 70 (43 mph) or 90 km/h (55 mph) outside towns, 110 km/h (68 mph) on high-speed roads and 130 km/h (80 mph) on highways.
  • Road conditions: Roads on Paros are sometimes poorly maintained, hilly, and narrow, so wear your seatbelt (mandatory) and respect speed limitations.
  • Blood alcohol level: It’s forbidden to drive with over 0.5 g/l of alcohol in the blood and 0.25 g/l in the breath.
  • Roundabouts: When driving through a roundabout, you don’t have first priority. This means you must give way to vehicles entering the roundabout unless otherwise signposted. Yielding signpost is rarely used.
  • Car insurance: Make sure that car insurance is included in your rental or check whether your travel insurance includes car rental insurance (especially if you’re taking the ferry with your car!).

 

Getting Around Paros by Motorcycle

Like in most Cycladic islands, scooters, motorcycles, quad bikes, and buggies are very popular for getting around Paros. You’ll see them everywhere! 

It’s the best solution if you want to access secluded areas and want to discover out-of-the-way spots. Roads in Paros aren’t equally maintained, so some areas aren’t accessible by bus or are difficult and risky to access by car. 

 

Conditions for Renting a Scooter in Paros

If you want to rent one, you’ll need a license. Due to the high number of accidents, it’s now impossible to rent a scooter in Paros without a license.

  • For 50cc scooters, you’ll need a motorcycle or car license.
  • For 125 CC motorcycles and above, you’ll need a motorcycle class driving license (Europe A, A1, or A2 driving license)
  • If you have a motorcycle class driving license, you can rent any type of model 

You might need an international driver’s license depending on your country of origin. Just like car driving licenses, EU citizens don’t need one, but most other countries do. Check here to know if you have to get an international driver’s license. 

Note that scooter rental companies in Greece are allowed to have their own rules, and may require an international driving license, no matter the country you come from. So pay close attention to the applicable conditions when booking your car.

 

 

How to Rent a Scooter in Paros + Tips

Renting a scooter or motorcycle in Paros is quite affordable. During the peak season, the cost ranges from €20 to €35 a day. You’ll easily find scooter rental companies in the island’s largest towns, Parikia and Naoussa. 

Here are a few tips to help you rent your motorcycle and avoid unpleasant surprises: 

  • Get insurance: Motorcycling can be dangerous, so don’t skip out on insurance. Choose an insurance option with reimbursement or full deductible buy-back. This way, you’ll only have to pay part or nothing at all in case of damage. If there are 2 of you on the scooter, also check that the other passenger is protected. 
  • Wear a helmet: Scooter and motorcycle rental companies must provide you with helmets. If they forget, request one. 
  • Beware of chargeable options: Don’t be fooled and ask carefully what’s included in the basic price before paying any extra. 
  • You may have to pay extra: In some cases, you’ll have to pay additional charges such as for young drivers (aged 21 to 25), extra kilometers in the case of limited mileage, etc.
  • Inspect the scooter’s condition carefully: As with a car, take photos of your vehicle when renting it, before you leave with it. That way, you won’t be blamed for damage you didn’t cause!

 

naoussa landscape in paros greece

 

Getting Around Paros by Taxi 

There are plenty of cabs in Paros, and the drivers all speak a minimum of English to understand your destination. You’ll have no trouble finding a cab near the airport, the port or in the streets. It’s the most expensive transportation option in Paros though. 

The fare is fixed in advance according to the destination, the number of people, and the amount of luggage. So make sure you agree with your driver before you get in as there are no taxi meters. (For night runs, there’s a surcharge). 

Uber in Paros isn’t available. The best solution for booking a cab is to use WelcomePickups or to get the phone number of a taxi driver you’ve previously met to arrange your future trips. 

 

getting around in paros

 

FAQ About Getting Around in Paros

How big is Paros? 

Paros covers an area of 196 square kilometers, making it the third largest island in the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros. The longest route on the island is north-south, which takes about 30 minutes by car. The population of Paros is about 12,500 people. 

 

How to get to Paros?

Getting to Paros is easy as the island is well connected to the mainland and to the other Greek islands. You can reach it either by air or by sea, depending on where you’re coming from.

  • By plane: Paros has a national airport located in the southwest of the island about 10 min drive to Aliki and 30 min drive to Naoussa. It only handles domestic flights, mainly to and from Athens. The flight from Athens airport to Paros airport takes about 40 minutes.
  • By boat: Most visitors to Paros come by boat or ferry from either Piraeus (the closest port to Athens) or other Greek islands. There are a lot of ferries serving Paros on a daily basis with the possibility to take your car with you if you have one. You can book your ferry tickets on Ferries.gr.
    • From Athens: You need to take a train line M1 to Piraeus station, then take the Blue Star Ferries or the Sea Jets to Paros. The whole trip takes around 4 hours 30.
    • From any other island: you can simply take a ferry from your departure island’s seaport as most of them are connected to Paros such as Santorini or Mykonos.

 

getting to paros by ferry

 

How to get from Paros Port to Naoussa? 

You have several options to choose from to get from Paros Port to Naoussa: 

  • By car or scooter: Driving time is only 20 minutes 
  • By bus: Bus line 2 will take you to Naoussa in about 30 minutes for €1.8 (single adult fare).  
  • By taxi: A standard taxi from Paros Port to Naoussa would cost between €15 and €25.  

 

Where is the best place to stay in Paros? 

The best place to stay in Paros is Naoussa. It’s a famous village located in the northern part of the island offering a lot of activities to do, including beautiful attractions, delicious restaurants, and heavenly beaches.    

Book the best hotel in Naoussa: Despina’s Mare

If you want to learn more about the different areas of Paros and choose the right one for you, check out this dedicated Paros district guide.

 

I hope you’ve found all the info you needed about getting around in Paros through this post. If you want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below, I love reading your feedback! 🙂