How to get there

PHASE 2: International Entry Points Section

Flying to Athens International Airport (ATH)

Most travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe will first land in Athens.

• Major Airlines: British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, Emirates.
• Flight Duration:
  • London to Athens: ~3.5 to 4 hours.
  • New York to Athens: ~9 to 10 hours (direct).
  • Paris/Amsterdam to Athens: ~3 hours.
• Best Booking Times: Book 3 to 6 months in advance for summer travel to get the best rates.
• Airport Facilities: Athens Airport is modern with free WiFi, luggage storage, and plenty of dining options.

Direct International Flights to Santorini (JTR) or Mykonos (JMK)

Paros does not have an international airport. However, you can bypass Athens by flying directly to a nearby island during the summer season (May to October).

• Direct Flights: Available from major European cities like London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, and Frankfurt.
• Summer Availability: Daily flights run frequently during peak season.
• When to Use: This is often faster than connecting through Athens if you can time the ferry connection right.
• The Route: Fly to Santorini or Mykonos, then take a short ferry ride to Paros (see Inter-Island Connections).

Alternative Entry: Crete to Paros

• Flight Option: There are no direct flights between Crete and Paros. You would have to fly back to Athens first.
• Ferry Option: Ferries run daily from Heraklion Port (Crete) to Paros during summer.
  • Duration: High speed ferries take about 4 to 5 hours.

PHASE 3: Main Transportation Methods (Detailed Breakdown)

A. FLYING FROM ATHENS TO PAROS

This is the fastest way to reach the island.

• Duration: The flight is very short, typically 40 to 45 minutes in the air.
• Cost Range: €60 to €150 one way, depending on how early you book.
• Airport Details: Paros National Airport (PAS) is located near Aliki, about 10km from Parikia (main port) and 20km from Naoussa.
• Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express operate this route.
• Schedule: There can be up to 10 flights a day in July and August, but fewer in winter.
• Connection Time: Allow at least 2 hours between your international arrival and your domestic flight to Paros to clear customs and collect bags.

B. FERRY OPTIONS FROM PIRAEUS PORT, ATHENS

Taking a ferry is a classic Greek experience. Ferries depart from Piraeus, the main port of Athens.

• Standard Ferry (Blue Star Ferries)
  • Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
  • Cost: Approximately €40 to €50 for an economy seat.
  • Comfort: Very stable and comfortable. You can walk around on deck, sit in cafes, or book a cabin.
  • Best For: Those prone to seasickness or travelling with a lot of luggage.
• High Speed Ferry (Seajets, Hellenic Seaways)
  • Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours.
  • Cost: Premium price, usually €70 to €90.
  • Comfort: Numbered airline style seats. You must stay seated most of the time. Can be bumpy in windy weather.
• Port Details: Piraeus is huge. Ferries to Paros usually leave from Gates E6 or E7. It is about 60 minutes by taxi from Athens Airport to the port.

C. INTER-ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Paros is a central hub in the Cyclades, making it very easy to reach from other islands.

• From Mykonos: A very quick trip. High speed ferries take just 45 minutes.
• From Santorini: A popular route. High speed vessels take about 2 hours; regular ferries take 3 to 4 hours.
• From Naxos: Located right next door. The ferry ride is only 30 to 45 minutes.
• From Other Islands: Frequent connections exist to Ios, Milos, Sifnos, and Syros during the summer.

D. CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS

• Port Details: Paros has one main commercial port in Parikia.
• Tender Process: Large cruise ships cannot dock at the pier. They anchor in the bay and use small tender boats to bring passengers ashore.
• Time Constraints: Tender boats take about 15 minutes. Be sure to check the last tender time to avoid being left behind.
• Location: You are dropped right at the promenade in Parikia, steps away from shops and cafes.

PHASE 4: Getting From Airport/Port to Your Destination

From Airport to Town/Hotel

• Taxi:
  • Availability: Taxis wait outside arrivals, but supply is limited.
  • Cost: Roughly €25 to Parikia and €35 to Naoussa.
  • Tip: In July and August, queues can be long. Pre booking a transfer is highly recommended.
• Bus (KTEL):
  • Cost: The cheapest option at around €3.00.
  • Route: The bus goes from the Airport to the main station in Parikia. From there, you must change buses to go to Naoussa or other villages.
  • Schedule: Aligned with flight arrivals in summer.
• Rental Car:
  • Pick up: Several rental agencies have booths at the airport.
  • Driving: Roads are paved but can be narrow. GPS works well.

From Ferry Port to Town/Hotel

• Bus Service: The main bus station is conveniently located right next to the ferry quay in Parikia.
  • Comfort: Buses are air conditioned and reliable.
  • Routes: Direct buses run to Naoussa, Aliki, and Golden Beach.
• Taxi: There is a taxi rank near the windmill at the port exit. Demand is extremely high when a ferry arrives.
• Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels offer free or paid shuttle transfers. Arrange this before you travel, as they will meet you with a sign.
• Walking: If you are staying in Parikia, many hotels are within a 10 to 15 minute walk along the flat waterfront.

PHASE 5: Practical Tips & Logistics Section

Best Time to Travel

• Peak Season (July-August): Hot weather, warm sea, and busy nightlife. Everything is open, but prices are highest.
• Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October): The best balance. Weather is warm, crowds are thinner, and accommodation is cheaper.
• Off-Season: Winters are mild but quiet. Ferry schedules are reduced, and direct flights from Europe stop.

Booking & Planning Tips

• Flights: Book domestic flights as soon as they are released (usually 6-9 months out) for the cheapest seats.
• Ferries: For high speed vessels or cabins, book 2-3 months in advance. Deck tickets rarely sell out but buying online saves time.
• Baggage: Ferries have no weight limit for luggage. Domestic flights usually restrict carry on to 8kg unless you pay extra.

Cost Comparison Table (One Way)

Route	Method	Avg Cost
Athens to Paros	Flight	€80 – €120
Athens to Paros	Regular Ferry	€45
Athens to Paros	Fast Ferry	€75
Mykonos to Paros	Ferry	€35 – €55
Santorini to Paros	Ferry	€35 – €60

Travel Documents

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.
• Visa: UK, USA, Canadian, and Australian citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
• EU Citizens: Can travel with a valid national ID card.