Paros port, in the island’s capital Parikia, is one of the busiest ferry ports in the Cyclades. Almost every ferry that crosses the central Aegean stops here, so Paros is a natural hub for island hopping, with fast links to Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios and the Small Cyclades as well as Athens. The port sits right on the Parikia waterfront, beside the little windmill that greets every arriving boat, with the main bus station, taxi rank and car hire offices all close by. This guide covers Paros port, how to get to Naoussa and the beaches, the boats to Antiparos, the ferries from Paros and useful tips for your arrival.
Paros port at a glance
The main Paros ferry port is in Parikia, on the west coast, with the KTEL bus terminal right next to the quay and Naoussa about 20 minutes away by road.
- Main port: Parikia, used by all ferries to Athens and the other islands
- Bus: KTEL terminal next to the port, tickets from 1.80 euros if bought in advance
- Taxi to Naoussa: about 18 to 23 euros
- Antiparos: passenger boats from Parikia in about 30 minutes, or the car ferry from Pounta in under 10 minutes
- Paros Airport: about 10 km south of the port
Where Is Paros Port?
Paros port is in Parikia, the main town, on a wide bay on the west coast of the island. The ferry quay runs along the northern side of the harbour, right next to the town centre. The whitewashed windmill on the roundabout by the port is the landmark everyone uses as a meeting point. From the quay you can walk into the old town, the seafront cafés and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church in a few minutes.
Paros has 2 other ports you may come across. Pounta, on the west coast south of Parikia, is where the small car ferry to Antiparos leaves. Naoussa, in the north, is a pretty fishing harbour with some summer excursion boats, but all the main ferries use Parikia.
Getting From Paros Port to Naoussa and the Beaches
KTEL bus
- Terminal by the port
- Buy tickets in advance
- More on the bus, card only
- Best on a budget
Taxi
- To Naoussa
- Rank at the port
- Queues in August
- Best with luggage
Hire car
- Collect on arrival
- Book ahead in summer
- Good for the east coast
- Best for exploring
Walk
- Hotels in Parikia
- Old town a few minutes away
- Flat seafront
- Best for Parikia stays
Bus From Paros Port
KTEL Paros runs the island’s buses, and its main terminal is right next to the ferry port in Parikia. Buses run from here to Naoussa, Lefkes, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Golden Beach, Aliki, Pounta and the airport. Tickets bought in advance start at 1.80 euros and rise with distance. You can also pay on the bus, but it costs more, from 2.80 to 4 euros, and is card only. A full day ticket costs 10 euros. See our Paros bus timetable for routes and times.
Taxis and Car Hire at Paros Port
Taxis wait at the port, and in low season you can usually find one easily. In July and August, when several ferries arrive together, the queue can be long, so booking ahead is sensible. A taxi from the port to Naoussa costs about 18 to 23 euros. There are plenty of car and scooter hire offices around the Parikia waterfront, and many will deliver to the ferry. See our Paros taxi guide and getting around Paros page.
| From Paros port to | Bus | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Naoussa | Direct from the port terminal | About 18 to 23 euros |
| Lefkes | Direct from the port terminal | Ask the driver |
| Piso Livadi and Marpissa | Direct from the port terminal | Ask the driver |
| Golden Beach | From the port terminal | Ask the driver |
| Aliki and Pounta | From the port terminal | Ask the driver |
| Paros Airport | A few buses a day | About 15 to 25 euros |
Paros to Antiparos
Antiparos, the small island just off the west coast of Paros, is reached by 2 different boats.
| From Parikia port | From Pounta | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of boat | Small passenger boats | Car ferry, also takes foot passengers |
| Crossing time | About 30 minutes | Under 10 minutes |
| Season | Roughly Easter to October | All year, several times a day |
| Fare | Buy at the quay | A little over 1 euro for foot passengers |
| Best for | Staying in Parikia, no car | Taking a car or scooter, or crossing out of season |
You cannot book either boat in advance. Just turn up 20 to 30 minutes early in peak season. Pounta is about 15 minutes from Parikia by car, and buses run there from the port terminal.
Ferries From Paros Port
Paros sits at the crossroads of the Cyclades, with more daily ferry connections than almost any other island. Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Minoan Lines all call at Parikia.
| Paros to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Naxos | 25 to 30 minutes | 45 to 50 minutes |
| Mykonos | About 35 minutes | Up to 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Syros | About 40 minutes | About 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Sifnos | About 55 minutes | Varies, with stops |
| Tinos | About 1 hour | Up to about 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Koufonisia | About 1 hour 10 minutes | Up to 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Ios | About 1 hour 30 minutes | About 3 hours |
| Santorini | About 1 hour 30 minutes | Up to 4 hours 25 minutes |
| Milos | About 1 hour 45 minutes | About 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Amorgos (Katapola) | About 1 hour 45 minutes | Up to 4 hours 25 minutes |
| Folegandros | About 3 hours 5 minutes | Up to 5 hours 55 minutes |
| Piraeus (Athens) | About 2 hours 45 minutes | 4 to 5 hours |
| Rafina (Athens) | About 3 hours 15 minutes | Up to 6 hours 45 minutes |
See our Athens to Paros ferry guide and how to get to Paros for more on the journey from Athens.
Facilities at Paros Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry company and travel agency offices around the port and the windmill |
| Bus station | KTEL terminal right next to the ferry quay |
| Food and drink | Cafés, bakeries and tavernas along the Parikia waterfront |
| Money | ATMs near the port and in the town centre |
| Car hire | Many offices on the waterfront, with delivery to the ferry |
| Waiting | Little shade on the quay, so wait in a café nearby |
Tips for Using Paros Port
- Arrive about 1 hour early in July and August. Parikia gets very busy, with several ferries arriving and leaving close together.
- Buy bus tickets before you board. Advance tickets are cheaper than paying on the bus, where only cards are accepted.
- Check the name of your ferry. Several boats can be at the quay at once, heading in different directions.
- Book taxis and hire cars ahead in summer. Queues form quickly when a big ferry comes in.
- Use Pounta for Antiparos with a car. The passenger boats from Parikia do not carry vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paros Port
Where is Paros port?
The main Paros port is in Parikia, the capital, on the west coast of the island. The ferry quay is right next to the town centre and the windmill that marks the harbour.
Which port do ferries use on Paros?
All the main ferries to Athens and the other islands use Parikia port. The small car ferry to Antiparos leaves from Pounta, and Naoussa is mainly a fishing and excursion harbour.
How do I get from Paros port to Naoussa?
KTEL buses run from the terminal next to the port to Naoussa, with advance tickets from 1.80 euros. A taxi costs about 18 to 23 euros.
Is there a bus station at Paros port?
Yes. The main KTEL Paros terminal is right next to the ferry port in Parikia, with buses to Naoussa, Lefkes, the east coast, Golden Beach, Aliki, Pounta and the airport.
How much is the bus on Paros?
Tickets bought in advance start at 1.80 euros and rise with distance. Paying on the bus costs 2.80 to 4 euros and is card only. A full day ticket costs 10 euros.
How do I get from Paros to Antiparos?
Take a passenger boat from Parikia port, which takes about 30 minutes from roughly Easter to October, or the car ferry from Pounta, which crosses in under 10 minutes all year.
How far is Paros port from the airport?
Paros Airport is about 10 km south of Parikia port. A taxi costs about 15 to 25 euros, and a few buses a day link the airport with Parikia.
How long is the ferry from Paros to Naxos?
High speed ferries take about 25 to 30 minutes and conventional ferries about 45 to 50 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Paros to Santorini?
The fastest high speed ferries take about 1 hour 30 minutes, while conventional ferries can take up to about 4 hours 25 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Paros to Athens?
High speed ferries to Piraeus take about 2 hours 45 minutes and conventional ferries 4 to 5 hours. Ferries to Rafina take from about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Can I hire a car at Paros port?
Yes. There are many car and scooter hire offices around the Parikia waterfront, and most will deliver to the ferry if you book ahead.
How early should I arrive at Paros port?
Arrive about 1 hour before your ferry in July and August, as Parikia is one of the busiest ports in the Cyclades. Outside the peak season, 30 to 45 minutes is usually enough.
Final Thoughts
Paros port puts you right in the middle of Parikia and right in the middle of the Cyclades. With buses leaving from beside the quay, boats to Antiparos a short hop away and ferries to almost every island, it is one of the best bases for island hopping in Greece. Arrive early in summer, buy your bus ticket in advance and keep an eye on which ferry is which at the busy quay. Before you travel, check our guide to the Paros weather, and if you are flying, see our Paros Airport guide.
