Getting Here
Most international airlines fly direct to Athens, from where you have a choice. (A number of charter airlines and tour companies also have flights in high-season to nearby Mykonos and Santorini.)
Ferries to Paros leave regularly from the port of Piraeus, up to a dozen or so a day in high-season, also from Rafina, and increasingly from the new port of Lavrio.
Most travellers use Piraeus, easily reached by airport bus, the metro, or taxi. You can buy your tickets either in advance online, at the airport, or at one of the many travel agencies at Piraeus – Piraeus used to be a bit of a dump but whilst you probably still wouldn’t choose to spend too much time there, it has had a bit of a spring-clean and is a far more pleasant place to wait for a ferry than it used to be – keep an eye on your luggage though.
There are basically two types of ferry, “normal” operated by companies such as Blue Star, which take about four to four and a half hours, and the high speed catamarans which cut an hour or more off that time. If you’re not too worried about time and want to sit on deck and savour the atmosphere you can save a few euros by taking the ordinary ferry – they also run when it’s too windy for the high-speed alternatives.
You can find ferry schedules here.
When you arrive at the port in Parikia, you’ll see lots of people carrying boards offering accommodation, tempting you with so-called ‘special price’ – the only thing special about it is that it is as much as they think you can afford – one look and most of them can tell ! With the advent of internet booking though, things are calming down a little and the authorities are clamping down on the kamakis at the port – it’s a shame really as it is all part of the fun.
One word of warning, the islands are by nature subject to varying degrees of wind and the ferries are occasionally stopped if the weather is too windy. This applies more often to the high-speed ferries, so in order not to miss your flight home check the weather forecasts ahead of time. Many people of course pray for high winds so they are temporarily marooned and can’t get back to school, work etc.!
Alternatively, there is a regular though infrequent air service operated by Olympic Airlines, up to three planes a day in high-season, although the twin engined thirty-or-so seater planes get booked very quickly so reserve well in advance. The trip takes only about half an hour. Upon arrival you can take either taxi or bus to your final destination.
Getting Around
Getting out and about on Paros couldn’t be easier. There are regular cheap and punctual bus services between all he main towns and villages. Timetables change regularly during high-season so pick up a copy at the bus station in either Naoussa or Parikia. Buses stop anywhere to allow passengers on or off.
You can rent scooters, motorbikes, or cars at numerous places. You’ll need a valid driving licence and remember to check your insurance cover – you’ll likely to be held responsible for any damage you inadvertently do to your car or bike. Check that the vehicle is in good order and make sure that you have an emergency number to call should you break down or need assistance – this service should be included in the rental price – check.
The main road around Paros and the road across the centre through Lefkes are quite good but the smaller roads often rapidly turn into little more than boulder strewn dusty tracks. Be careful and don’t take a car that is clearly only designed for decent roads off-road. It will be expensive!
Always wear a helmet (at least whilst riding a bike!), the police carry out regular fund-raising checks!
If you must hitch-hike be careful, wave rather than “thumb” a lift and if you’re a woman on your own, forget it, it’s not that it’s in itself dangerous, but accepting a lift may be ‘misinterpreted’.
