Paros Backpackers: Visit Paros On A Budget In 2025

Can You Visit Paros On A Budget?

Yes, it is possible to visit Paros on a budget!

While the Cyclades are among the most expensive islands in Greece, Paros stands out as an affordable holiday destination.

If you’re traveling on a budget, consider visiting Paros during the shoulder season and staying in more budget-friendly areas.

For instance, Parikia offers more affordable accommodation options than Naoussa.

Many activities in Paros are completely free, public transportation is both affordable and reliable, and cooking your own meals can help you save on food costs!

Best Time To Visit Paros

The best time to visit Paros is in the summer months, June to September. 

I visited in September when accommodation prices were half of what they are during the peak summer months, yet the weather was still fantastic!

Of course, there are some disadvantages to visiting European islands in summer -the island will be the busiest and the most expensive in July and August. 

But if you want to meet other backpackers and make friends, summer is the best time to go. It is also the best time to enjoy the beaches and bars.

Despite mild winter temperatures, Paros should not be part of your winter backpacking itinerary, as most places on the island close for the season.

How to get to Paros?

When you see where is Paros located, you’ll understand that the most common way to get to Paros is by ferry.

You can reach Paros by one of many daily ferries from Athens or the other Cyclades.

It might seem overwhelming to navigate the ferry system in Greece. That is why I use Ferryhopper for booking all of my ferry tickets. 

With Ferryhopper, I compare the schedules and prices of all the companies and choose the one that works best for me.

I used it to plan out my entire Cyclades itinerary!

Ferry ticket prices in Greece don’t fluctuate like plane tickets. That means you will pay the same, regardless of when you book your ticket.

However, ferry tickets can sell out, so you should book a couple of days in advance.

Once you book your ticket on Ferryhopper, you will receive an email with a code or a boarding pass.

You might have to check in online to get a boarding pass. In that case, you will receive easy-to-follow instructions with your ticket. 

Paros port to the city center

Paros Port is conveniently located in the heart of Parikia, making it easy to start your adventure right after disembarking the ferry if you’re staying in the city.

For those staying elsewhere on the island, a local bus stop is just a few hundred meters from the port, offering connections to all the major towns via the Parikia bus station

You buy bus tickets in the small kiosk at the bus station, or you can pay as you enter the bus if there’s no kiosk at the bus stop.

Does Paros have an airport?

Yes, Paros has an airport.

However, it only serves domestic flights. If you want to fly into Paros, you need to take a flight from Athens or Thessalonique. 

During the summer months, there are multiple daily flights to Paros, so you can plan to transfer in one of the two Greek airports. Make sure you have enough time between the flights.

Paros airport to the city

Paros Airport is located around 10km from Parikia and the main port.

You can take a local bus from the airport to the city. Bus departures are synced with plane arrivals and you can buy a ticket as you enter the bus.

If you like to plan in advance, check the bus schedule here. 

Once in Parikia, you can take a bus to other towns on the island. 

Getting Around Paros On A Budget

The best way to get around Paros if you’re backpacking Greece is by walking and public transport – the local bus between the towns.

All towns on Paros are relatively small, walkable, and well-connected by public transport.

Public transport on Paros

You do not need to rent a car to get around Paros. The island has a reliable and affordable public transport system that connects the whole island. 

A bus ticket in one direction will cost you between 1,80 and 3,50€. The price depends on the distance and whether you buy it on the bus or before boarding. 

You can buy bus tickets on kiosks at departure stations or when boarding the bus. If you want to buy a ticket on a bus, you will need to pay in cash! Check the KTEL website for up-to-date ticket prices here. 

You can reach any destination on the island from Parikia. The daily bus schedule changes depending on the season, so remember to check the current timetable on the KTEL website. 

Renting an e-bike on Paros

Another great way to get around Paros is to rent an electric bike! Emphasis on electric!

Generally, there isn’t a lot of traffic on Paros. Therefore, it is comfortable to bike on the roads. One important thing to remember is that the island is not flat.

There are many hills on the island. With an electric bike, you won’t even notice them. 

I managed to bike the whole northern part of the island, spend a day on a beach, and return to Naoussa. I don’t know what would I do if I had a regular bike. 

Renting a car on Paros

If you want to be completely autonomous and see as much of the island as possible quickly, you can rent a car.

While it is possible to discover the whole island just by using public transport, buses are not nearly as frequent as they should be to make it an effortless way to travel. Note that some bus lines only pass every 2 hours.

Many agencies on the island offer car rental services, and that is why I use this website to compare the prices to make sure I get the best deal.

If you visit off-season, you can shop around, and maybe even try to negotiate a lower price. If you visit in summer, book your car well in advance!

Remember that you need to have an EU driving license or an international driving license to rent a car in Greece!

Where To Stay In Paros

If you are a backpacker or a solo female traveler, and you don’t want to be isolated, the best place to stay in Paros is either Parikia or Naoussa – two of the largest towns on the island.

I spend two nights in both Naoussa and Parikia, and I think it is best to divide your time between the two! 

However, it is perfectly fine if you want to base yourself in one town and visit the other one on a day trip.

They both have their advantages, so it comes down to what kind of vacation are you looking for.

Parikia is home to the only hostel on the island. So, if you are a solo backpacker and want to meet other backpackers, the best place to stay is Paros Backpackers.

How Many Days In Paros You Need

I suggest spending at least 3 full days and 4 nights in Paros. If you have more time and want to relax, you could easily spend a week in Paros. 

In my Paros itinerary, I show you how to best organize your stay on the island, so you make the most of your time here!

Paros is still an underrated island, which makes it perfect for backpackers looking to experience the Cyclades as it is affordable to visit. 

If you have more than 3 days in Paros, you’ll be spoiled with things to do in Paros to pass the time on the island.

Best Vegan Restaurants in Paros

Unfortunately, currently, there aren’t any fully vegan restaurants in Paros. 

Check out the Happy Cow app to stay updated if new restaurants with vegan options open up, as restaurants are adding more and more options every day.

Yet, it was possible to eat vegan, as there are restaurants with vegan options in both Parikia and Naoussa. 

If all else fails, you are in Greece. Therefore, you can always go for a Greek salad without cheese or a fava bean spread!

Best vegan-friendly restaurants in Paros

• Mouragio – this seaside restaurant in Parikia serves an amazing Fava bean spread and a delicious vegan moussaka. Unfortunately, it is not fully vegan. Nonetheless, it is a romantic, seaside traditional Greek restaurant with an outstanding sunset view. 
• Distrato – this restaurant is located in the city centre of Parikia, with wonderful outdoor seating under a huge shady tree. You can have all your meals here, as they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. I loved their vegan tortilla and Beyond meat burger!
• Allas Souvlaki – if you are looking for a quick snack in Naoussa, their 3,5€ vegan gyros are a perfect cheap option. 

Paros Travel Budget

When planning your Paros travel budget you should take into account the prices of accommodation, food, and transportation. The rest is extra and completely personal.

On average, you should budget for backpacking/ on a budget-style trip to Paros is 50€ to 80€ per day.

Accommodation in Paros

Private rooms in budget hotels and family-run accommodations in Paros typically range from €40 to €80 per night.

Prices are lower during the shoulder season but can climb to €100 per night during the peak summer months.

If you travel solo and want to stay in a hostel, the Paros Backpackers hostel is the cheapest option.

Food in Paros

Food can be as expensive as you want it to be. You can choose to go for 3€ gyros or a nice dinner in a seaside restaurant.

Dinner in a seaside restaurant in Parikia will cost 15€ to 20€ per person, so it’s not that bad!

If you choose to prepare your meals and cook in your studio, the cost per meal can be lower.

I had all my breakfast in our accommodation, and a couple of dinners too.

Also, remember that you can’t drink tap water in Paros, and you will have to buy bottled water if your accommodation does not provide drinking water.

Transportation in Paros

Ultimately, your transportation costs will depend on the number of day trips you plan to take.

Bus tickets range from €2 to €4, depending on the distance to your destination.

In total, I spent around €25 on transportation for 4 days in Paros, which included several local bus trips, a ferry to Antiparos, and renting a bike for a day.

Is Paros Safe For Solo Travelers?

Yes, Paros is safe to travel as a solo female traveler and backpacker.

The island is small, and crime rates are low. 

However, you should always keep an eye on your belongings and use your common sense. Be careful in areas that tend to get crowded as there could be pickpocketers. 

If you want to drive in Paros, remember to bring your driver’s license. You need an international driving license if you are not from the EU. Also, it is forbidden to drive scooters without a license in Greece. 

Respect the road rules, and pay attention because the roads are narrow, and sometimes not the best quality. The same goes for cycling!

If you are hiking in Paros, be sure to wear appropriate shoes and bring enough water.