I’d been dreaming about the Cyclades for years and last August that wish finally came true, except I only had 24 hours to spend there. On our trip to Greece, we were predominantly staying in Crete but made some accommodations to fly to Athens. Hopping on a ferry & arriving in Paros Island, we had exactly 24 hours to spare. And if I’m being completely honest (which you can always expect!), that one day in Paros Island was the best of our entire Greece trip.
Here’s 24 Hours on Paros Island, Greece:
Getting to Paros Island
Ferrying with Blue Star Ferries from the Piraeus Port near Athens, we leave the port around 6 PM. The ride was about 4.5 hours and, while I don’t usually do very well on boats, it was surprisingly pleasant. Upon arrival to the island, the host from our accommodation picked us up from the port and brought us back to the apartment for a quick tour. Since it was dark when we arrived, I was unable to take in the full beauty of this island until the sun rose the next day.
Waking Up to Magical Views
I knew that we’d be on a time crunch while on Paros Island so understandably, I didn’t want to waste much time sleeping. Rising up before the sun, I wake up to a stunning view outside of our French casement windows.
The accommodation we stayed in was situated a little south of Parikia, about a 10-15 minute walk from the port. We stayed in a small studio on the ground floor of the home, blessed with paradise views overlooking the terrace and the bay. The fridge was stocked with fresh juices and fruit from the host’s garden, wine, and Souma.
Breakfast at Aliprantis Bakery
For a morning snack, we stroll down the road to a small gem of a bakery. Aliprantis has plenty of different choices, from fresh buttered croissants to sugared doughnuts.
Beach Time
After a quick breakfast, we head back to our AirBnb to change into some beachwear. While there are many options of beaches in Parikia, our AirBnb was equipped with a private beach. Walking towards the water through the gardens on our property, we find a door that leads to another, opening up to the stunning waters of the Aegean Sea.
Unfortunately, towards the end of the summer the Greek islands can experience some ridiculous winds. Spending a day at the beach is almost impossible without eating a mouthful of sand. The insane wind gusts prevented us from enjoying our time on the beach but it was a blessing in disguise. We begin to search for other ways to spend our one full day.
Exploring Paros Island by ATV
Racking our brains, we suddenly remember walking past a rental place with ATVs sitting out front. Taking a shot of Souma and heading back in towards Parikia, we find that same place and walk in to see if we can rent one for the day. After filling out some paperwork, we pay 45 Euro for a 150cc, spending about 20 Euro in gas for the day. Equipped with a brochure map and our little green machine, we head off to explore Paros Island on the ATV.
If you rent a quad, find a place that isn’t directly near the port as prices tend to be higher here.
Village Hopping Around Paros Island
Beginning in Parikia, we head south along the main road that loops around the entire island of Paros. Along this route, we’re able to experience the most breathtaking views, stopping at almost every beach on the way for a quick dip. Paros Island has 25 beaches in total, and we made it to over half of them by exploring the western, southern, and eastern parts of the island.
Parikia
Acting as the main port of Paros, Parikia is filled to the brim with restaurants, bars and shops, all featuring that Cycladic look. Windmills dominate the village with pristine seaside views of the bay. Cobblestone alleyways wind you through white-washed buildings with blue shutters and doors.
Read More: A Guide to The Pristine Cycladic Paradise of Parikia
Aliki
The first town south of Parikia is a tiny fishing village called Aliki. This area has become more popular for tourism in the past few years due to its peacefulness and local charm. The crystal clear blue waters decorated with fishing boats, bright pink flowers, seaside cafes and homemade Greek cuisines make Aliki good option for a place to stay on Paros Island.
Trypiti & Glyfa
After leaving Aliki, we come to a “T” in the road with arrows pointing to Trypiti to the right and Glyfa to the left. Since I wanted to visit every beach on our map, we first take a right to see Trypiti and then head to Glyfa. While the beaches were predominantly rocky here, it’s the perfect spot for a quick dip before continuing on the journey.
Dryos
The small village of Dryos is next on the ATV excursion. Quiet and still, while still maintaining the Cycladic colors, Dryos is an optimal day spot to spend on Paros Island.
Golden Beach
A small distance northeast of Dryos is one of Paros’s most famous beaches. The Golden Beach has sands that stretch quite a distance and many access points to reach the water. A wide variety of water activities are also available here, like scuba diving, waterskiing, wind surfing and kiteboarding. Umbrellas and chairs are also available to rent with a small beach bar that offers food and refreshments.
Logaras
By the time we stumble upon Logaras, we were hungry for lunch. Parking the ATV near the beach and strolling the boardwalk, multiple restaurants and cafes dot the shoreline. We settle on Fisilanis, a wonderful Greek-cuisine restaurant which doubles as a hotel.
Molos
Nestled in the middle of a bay, Molos is the perfect place to enjoy a day of sun without the craziness of the wind. The bay actually helps create more waves here, providing optimal elements for water activities.
Kalogeros
After visiting Molos Beach and taking a quick dip, we head right at the split towards Kalogeros. The roads on the drive to Kalogeros are very uneven and rocky so I wouldn’t recommend taking a scooter.
Kalogeros is known as Paros’s “natural spa” as it contains mineralized mud rumored to cure illnesses and diseases. Follow the beach to the right towards the edge of the cliff to find an abundance of the mud.
Heading Back to Parikia
Since it was getting a little late in the evening, we drive across the radius of Paros Island to get back to Parikia sooner. I was a tad bit upset with the timing because I wanted to see Naousa to the north. Regardless, we didn’t want to get caught in the dark on the ATV. Unfortunately, my camera died at this point so I was unable to capture the amazing scenery on the drive back. The roads constantly wind at 2000 feet above sea level, passing by ancient marble quarries, dating back to 2500 BC.
Once we reached Parikia, we return our quad and walk back to the AirBnb to freshen up for dinner.
Dinner in Parikia
Wanting to eat somewhere close, we mosey down to Parikia with multiple choices of restaurants line the sea. Settling on a restaurant named Nufaro, we scarf down that traditional Greek food for one of the best meals of our trip.
Sunset & Wine Nightcap
Once our bellies are full, we wander back to our accommodation with a bottle of wine. Heading back down through that door to the private beach entrance, we take full advantage of that bench overlooking the sea.
Like This Post? Pin It!
| This post contains affiliate links which means that, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase one of these products I may receive a small commission. This helps me maintain my blog as a free space to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.
Those photos are amazing! The place looks breathtaking as well, you’ve got some really nice hosts and those views.. oh my! A day is simply not enough to explore everything!
Thank you so much! It’s such a dreamy place and I wish I had more time to explore it but hopefully can go back again someday!
Girl these photos are beautiful đź’• looks like you were in Paradise!!!
Great post!!
https://jessierenea.com/self-love-treat-yoself/
Aw thanks so much girl! Loved Paros so much!
Looks amazing! What air B and B did you stay at?
Here’s the link to it! https://abnb.me/BHh8Lj0GB3