By Marine ISAIA 
By Marine ISAIA
- What is there to see on the island of Paros?
- Parikia
- Naoussa
- Sailing in the Cyclades from Paros
- Antiparos
- Ios
- Santorini
- Naxos
- What is the best time to go to Paros?
- How do I get to the island of Paros?
The island of Paros is located in Greece, in the heart of the Cyclades. Its geographical position makes it the ideal starting point for a cruise to Paros to discover this superb archipelago. Before boarding, take the time to visit the island of Paros: fine sandy beaches, lively nightlife, incredible water sports spots and small villages in the garrigue... There's something for everyone!
The crew: Florent, a friend of Denis and Arianne and Iris, Denis' daughters. (Photo by Denis G.)
What is there to see on the island of Paros?
"We rented a car, which enabled us to visit the island. We did the tour in a day, it's not very big!" Denis Goutaland, a Filovent customer, told me. He stayed on the island of Paros for 2 days before setting off on his cruise in Greece. The two main towns to see are Parikia and Naoussa, the island's seaside resorts.
Sunset in Paros. (Photo by Denis G.)
Parikia
"The capital of Paros, Parikia, is very pleasant with a beautiful museum and a sheltered bay with a view of Antiparos," Denis tells me. The town of 3,000 inhabitants was built around the port, on the west coast of Paros, and reflects Greek traditions. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town between the small white houses with flowers and the many churches. Don't forget to visit the most famous, the church of Panaghia Ekatontapiliani. A little further on the top of the hill, Parikia Castle is also a must-see during your visit to the city.
Parikia Bay. (Photo by Denis G.)
Small restaurant on the water in Parikia. (Photo by Denis G.)
Naoussa
10 km north of Parikia, Naoussa is a small, typical fishing village with the sailing trim of a postcard, located in a bay of the same name. "In Naoussa there is a large Orthodox church called Agios Nikolaos Mostratos, to which a small Byzantine museum is attached. "Naoussa also has the remains of a 14th and 15th-century Venetian fortress," Denis, who had lunch in Naoussa, told me. "It's really a place to visit," he insisted. Naoussa is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches with turquoise water, where you can bask in the sun during your cruise to Paros.
Naoussa, seen from the sea. (Photo Denis G.)
Sailing in the Cyclades from Paros
During your cruise to Paros, you can set sail for the Cyclades archipelago, made up of 250 islands, only 24 of which are inhabited. "It's great to use Paros as a base because you're already in the heart of the Cyclades, and that gives you time to see more than if you started from Athens… Even if 1 week is too short! To do the Cyclades, I recommend leaving for 2 weeks," Denis tells me. Among the most famous islands, you will find Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos or even Antiparos…
Arianne in the cobbled and flower-filled streets of Naxos. (Photo by Denis G.)
Antiparos
Begin your cruise to Paros by stopping off at Antiparos, to the west of the island of Paros. "The strait between Paros and Antiparos is charming but very shallow, so you have to be very vigilant" Denis warns me. Although Antiparos is one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades, it will surprise you! This charming Cycladic village is home to superb beaches with turquoise water and a hinterland that invites exploration… There is no doubt that Antiparos will undoubtedly charm you!
Rivage is from Antiparos. (Photo by Denis G.)
Ios
Continue your cruise from Paros southwards until you reach Ios. This small island to the north of Santorini is renowned for its festive atmosphere and attracts many young people every year. But this island has two faces! Don't miss its wild coves and spectacular landscapes, all in a peaceful atmosphere that reigns throughout the day.
Denis' daughter enjoying the sun at the front of the sailboat. (Photo by Denis G.)
Santorini
Known throughout the world, Santorini attracts millions of tourists every year. "It is a volcano that exploded 3,000 years ago. The crater was flooded with water and the volcano inside is still active. You can sail into the caldera, whose walls reach 300 to 400 meters, but it is impossible for anchored boats to enter. "Everywhere around Santorini, the anchorage is very uncomfortable and unpredictable," Denis explains. "If you want to visit this extraordinary place, take the ferry to Ios. In October it's difficult to do it in one day because there are few boats," he advises. Of volcanic origin, Santorini is hauled in by pretty black sand beaches, such as the beaches of Perissa and Kamari. Get a little higher and climb up to the village of Oia, the most famous in Santorini! You'll stroll through very typical cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and blue domed churches. From Oia, you will have a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea.
The caldera of Santorini. (Photo by Denis G.)
Anchorage on the east coast of Thira in Santorini. (Photo by Denis G.)
Naxos
Adjustment of course and speed to the north! Continue your cruise to Paros in the direction of Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades. "It's a charming town, with a beautiful harbor, a medieval castle, narrow streets with little shops… it's a must-see!" Denis tells me. In Naxos, you absolutely must visit Portara. This imposing marble doorway is the symbol of the island and is located a few pitches from the port on the islet of Palatia. This island is full of small mountain villages, there are about forty of them. So you will have plenty to keep you busy during your stopover! For those who like to relax, there are also some very beautiful beaches waiting for you in Naxos.
Arianne opposite the old town of Naxos. (Photo by Denis G.)
Naxos. (Photo by Denis G.)
What is the best time to go on a cruise to Paros?
Paros enjoys the Mediterranean climate of the Cyclades, characterized by hot, dry summers. During the summer period, temperatures rise to 30°C and the sea water is around 23°C, perfect for cooling off! To avoid the tourist crowds in July and August, Filovent recommends that you leave from the island of Paros from Easter until June.
Arianne at the helm. (Photo by Denis G.)
You can also leave later, like Denis, as the months of September and October are still very pleasant. "It's nice to go in October because there aren't many people and the water is still a very pleasant temperature, around 24°C. We had no problem swimming!it will be slightly cooler than in summer, with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 28°C, which will allow you to fully enjoy your stopovers without suffering from the summer heat.
How do I get to the island of Paros?
As you can imagine, there are no direct flights to the island of Paros from any European country. The fastest and easiest way to reach the island is by plane, but you will have to make a stopover in Athens. You can then take a small plane (approximately 75 passengers) that will take you to the island of Paros in 25 minutes. You will enjoy a sublime view as you fly over some of the Cyclades islands: Kea, Kythnos, Serifos and Antiparos. However, if you go out of season, there will be fewer flights. "In October, there are few connections between Athens and Paros (every 3 days), so I arrived 2 days before the start of my cruise" Denis informed me.
The chapel in the port of Naxos. (Photo by Denis G.)
You can also take the ferry from Athens. This option is admittedly a little longer but it will cost you less. The crossing takes 4 hours for the price of 40 euros. You can also take an express ferry, a "highspeed" which makes the connection in 2 hours 45 minutes for 10 euros more.
One last option is available to you. You can also take the ferry from the island of Mykonos. The crossing is much shorter, about 45 minutes, and you will pay around 30 USD.
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