Is Paros Expensive To Visit? Paros Travel Budget (2024)

Are you planning a trip to the Greek islands and wondering is Paros expensive to visit?

You came to the right place!

I went island hopping in the Cyclades recently, and Paros was one of my favorite Greek islands I visited.

The low cost of traveling in Paros was definitely one of the reasons I decided to spend so much time in Paros in the first place. However, it was the island’s beauty that captured my heart!

Whether you’re planning island hopping in Greece on a budget or you plan to spend your summer holidays in Paros, you need to know how much to budget for the trip.

If you’re ready to plan your Paros travel budget, let’s jump right in!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

Is Paros expensive?

The short answer is no, Paros is not expensive to visit. The long answer is it depends.

What does it depend on?

How much it cost to visit Paros will depend on many factors, as Paros is an island that caters to every budget.

If you want to stay in a luxurious 5-star villa with a private plunge pool overlooking the sea, you can have that in Paros.

At the same time, if you want to stay in a backpacker hostel, there is that option as well!

Finally, some towns in Paros are more expensive than others.

For example, Naoussa is well-known for its upscale bars and fine dining restaurants, so expect things to be pricer than in the port town of Parikia.

As with everything else in the world, Paros prices increased in recent years. Paros is not the cheapest Greek island to visit, but it should definitely be on your Cyclades itinerary.

Paros Budget Breakdown

If you want an idea of an average daily budget for Paros, this is Paros prices you should expect to spend per person:

Accommodation: 30-80€ in high season (15-40€ in shoulder season)
Getting around by bus: 0-10€
Food and eating out: 15-25€
Drinks: 0-15€
Activities: 0-30€

TOTAL: 50-150€ per day in high season

The difference between 50 and 150€ per day might seem high, but budgets are so personal, so I wanted to give you an overview within the “budget travel” niche.

When compared to the average cost of backpacking Europe, Paros is right in the middle.

Just to be clear this is a solo female travel blog for women traveling on a budget with occasional splurges.

This budget works for friend groups and couples too! However, the price breakdown would probably be different for families.

Let’s look into each element of your Paros budget.

Accommodation Prices in Paros

The price of accommodation in Paros depends tremendously on when you visit and if you are sharing accommodation or traveling solo.

Hot summer months are the best time to visit Paros to enjoy this lively island and its incredible beaches.

But if you go to Paros in the high season, July and August, the prices will be the highest. Accommodation prices are slightly lower in June and literally half the price in September and May.

The price also depends on where you stay. Accommodation in Naoussa tends to be more expensive than in Parikia and other villages.

Depending on how much time in Paros you have, accommodation can be a significant expense.

Hostels in Paros

Paros currently has only one backpacker hostel. It is Backpackers Paros, located in Parikia.

In the low season, you can find beds for less than 20€ per night, while in the high season, it is around 30€ per night – if you are lucky to even get a bed!

Budget Accommodation in Paros

Basic hotel rooms and studios in Paros range from 30€ per night in the shoulder season (May and September) to 80€ per night in the high season (July and August).

If you’re thinking about staying in Naoussa or Parikia, the latter has significantly more budget-friendly options.

Also, if you’re spending the summer in Paros, you should book your accommodation well in advance before all the best places are fully booked.

Paros Luxury hotels

There are really no rules when it comes to luxury accommodation in Paros. Boutique and 5-star hotels start at 200€ per night in high season, up to 1000€ per night if you go for a whole villa.

I’m going to assume you don’t plan on spending 500€ per night for accommodation, otherwise, you wouldn’t be asking if is Paros expensive to visit.

🏠Browse all accommodations in Paros here!

Cost of Eating Out in Paros

Generally, Paros restaurants are slightly cheaper than restaurants prices in Santorini or Mykonos.

However, you can still find fine dining seafood restaurants in Naoussa where one dish is 40€.

If you want to grab a quick dish like mushroom gyros or falafel wrap, those cost about 5€ in places like Allas Souvlaki (my favorite spot) in Naoussa.

A sit-down vegan dish in an average restaurant in Parikia, like Distrato Bistrot, is about 10-13€.

Seafront restaurants are a bit more expensive, so even for a vegan dish, expect to pay an average of 15-18€.

I don’t eat seafood, but from what I’ve seen, it might be good to inquire about the price beforehand. Especially if they don’t have fixed prices and charge by kg.

Is Nightlife Expensive in Paros?

Those coming to enjoy Paros nightlife are probably wondering if partying on Paros is expensive.

The answer simply depends on what you compare it with.

If you’re coming from the USA or the UK, where one cocktail can cost more than 20€, drinks and nightlife in Paros are cheap.

Otherwise, it is not as cheap as Albania or Montenegro, if you compare it to other cheaper coastal European countries.

On average, expect to pay 10€-15€ per cocktail in a nicer bar in Naoussa. In other towns, the price tends to be a couple of euros cheaper, but don’t expect 5€ cocktails.

Cocktails in Paros beach bars are also around 10€, and the cheapest drink to go for is usually beer.

Supermarket Prices in Paros

The best way to stay on budget in Paros is to stay in accommodation with a kitchen. That way you can cook some of your meals, at least breakfast.

Generally, groceries in Paros are more expensive than in mainland Greece. When compared to supermarkets in Athens, supermarkets in Paros are 10 to 20% more expensive.

That being said, the prices are average European prices.

However, I was surprised that fresh fruits and veggies were not cheap at all.

In case you also have this idea of abundant island produce, Paros is not that kind of island. Fruits and veggies are not really grown on the island, so everything has to be transported.

Prices in smaller markets are generally higher than in supermarkets, and most grocery stores around Paros are small markets.

Getting Around Paros

You don’t need a car in Paros if you’re on a budget. It is totally possible to get everywhere by local bus.

I didn’t rent a car in Paros, and I found it pretty easy to get around by bus to every place I wanted to visit on my Paros itinerary.

The bus drivers and staff are used to tourists, most of them speak basic English and are willing to help you get around the island.

Fun fact: you can ask the driver to stop wherever you need it, regardless of whether it is an actual bus stop or not.

If you’re getting around Paros by bus, expect to pay 2-3€ per bus ticket. For days you know you’ll be using the bus a lot, consider getting a day pass for unlimited rides.

Some popular Paros beaches, like Kolymbithres with its unique rock formations and Marcelo Beach, are not on the bus route. But don’t worry! There is a boat taxi connecting them to Naoussa and Parikia.

Cost of Renting a Car in Paros

While you don’t need a car in Paros, it certainly makes getting around the island easier if you have it.

Just like accommodation, the cost of renting a car in Paros depends on when you visit.

The prices are the highest in July and August. With a limited supply of cars on the island, you’ll want to book your rental car as far in advance as you can to ensure you’ll be able to get one.

In the low season, you can find a car in Paros for less than 30€ per day, while in the high season, the price is closer to 80€ per day for the cheapest car.

Another thing to consider is the longer you keep the car, the price is cheaper. So, renting a car for one day will be the most expensive.

I use this website to rent cars when traveling. The price is sometimes cheaper than renting directly, and you can see all the rental agencies at the same place to be sure you’re getting the best deal!

If you’re visiting in the low season (May or late September), you might have luck walking into a rental agency and negotiating a lower price than the one advertised online.

However, don’t count on that in the summer months, because prices tend to be even higher than online!

🚗Check rates and availability of rental cars in Paros!

Cost of Paros Day Trips

Unless you want to stay in your accommodation town all the time, you’ll have to budget for the cost of day trips from Paros.

Paros day trips can be as expensive or as cheap as you make them.

If you rent a car, you can easily reach and discover every village on the island for the price of renting a car.

As I already noted, rental car prices change depending on the season and how long you rent the car.

Alternatively, if you’re backpacking Paros on a budget and use public transport to get around, each day trip on the island or a ferry Antiparos will cost you less than 10€.

A one-way bus ticket is on average 2-3€. You can also get a daily ticket for 10€ if you plan to use the bus a lot. Check the prices for specific routes here!

The central bus station is in Parikia and connects the town to virtually every village on the island.

For those who want to add some treat-yourself experiences to their itinerary, going on Paros sailing tours is a fun idea!

Joining a full-day sailing cruise with lunch will definitely affect your budget greatly, as these are well over 100€ per person. However, it is so worth it for a sailing experience, swimming in the crystal clear seas, and snorkeling in hidden caves.

Alternatively, if you’re up for an adventure with your friends, you can rent a small boat for up to 6 people and sail around the island exploring secluded beaches by yourself!

Don’t worry if you have never driven a boat before, it is supposed to be pretty straightforward. You’ll get a quick crash course on driving a boat and you’ll be good to go!

🛥️Spend a day on a sailing cruise to the Small Cyclades or self-drive a boat around Paros!

Cost of Sunbeds on Paros Beaches

I’m not a sunbed kind of person, but people either love them or hate them.

In my opinion, they are way overpriced to the point it makes you wonder is Paros cheap island or not.

Expect to pay anywhere from 10-25€ per sun bed on Paros beaches.

The price depends on how popular the beach is and the time of the year. Prices are the highest in July and August.

On some beaches, you get complimentary use of sunbeds when you order something from the beach bar.

However, this option is usually only available in June or September, before the high season starts.

FAQ: Paros travel budget

Is Paros Island cheap?

Paros Island is cheap compared to its neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos. However, the Cyclades are generally the most expensive island group in Greece, so in the grand scheme of Greek islands, Paros is not the cheapest.

Is food expensive in Paros Greece?

Food in Paros is as expensive as on the other islands. The prices don’t differ much among the islands, and they are slightly more expensive than in Athens.
The same goes for supermarket prices. Since everything on the islands is imported, supermarket prices are slightly higher on the islands than on the mainland.

Is Paros as expensive as Mykonos?

No, Paros is not as expensive as Mykonos. Paros is significantly cheaper than Mykonos in terms of accommodation, drinks, and eating out.
The only area of Paros that could compare to Mykonos is Naoussa, but even Naoussa is quite cheaper than Mykonos for nightlife, dining, and accommodation.

Is Paros cheaper than Santorini?

Yes, Paros is significantly cheaper than Santorini, especially the most expensive Santorini towns – Oia and Thira.
However, some areas of Paros, like Naoussa, are more expensive than cheaper areas of Santorini, like Perissa.

Is Paros or Naxos cheaper?

The prices in Paros and Naxos are quite similar. Some areas of Paros, like Naoussa, are more expensive than Naxos. However, generally, you can expect the same prices on both islands. If you want to enjoy the beaches, they are closer to the main city in Naxos than in Paros, so you can save money on transportation.

Summary: Is Paros Island expensive to visit?

The best thing about Paros is that it can be as expensive as you want to make it. Paros is an island that caters to every budget.

You can stay in a hostel or budget room for less than 20€ per night per person, cook your meals and get around by bus, making it one of the best Greek islands for backpackers.

Luxury is more affordable in Paros than in other Cyclades, making it great value for money.

The price of accommodation, day trips, and rental cars changes drastically depending on when you visit. Other prices are relatively stable throughout the year.

Paros is a perfect place to treat yourself to nicer accommodations, fine dining, and upscale nightlife, without breaking the bank like in Santorini or Mykonos.

Are you planning a trip to Paros? Here are more articles to help you!

Is Paros Expensive To Visit? Paros Travel Budget (2024)

Is Paros expensive?