Paros Without A Car: Where To Stay & What To Do (2024)
Are you wondering is it a good idea to visit Paros without a car? You have come to the right place!
I spent several days on Paros and explored the island without renting a car!
The public transport on the island is so good that I didn’t even feel like I was missing out because I didn’t have a car.
As long as you pick a good place as a base, it is easy to get around Paros by bus.
From beach hopping to sightseeing and hiking, there are also so many things to do in Paros you don’t need a car for!
Let’s dive in!
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Do You Need A Car In Paros?
No, you don’t need a car in Paros.
I visited Paros without renting a car, and I had no issue getting around the island.
Paros is a popular tourist destination with narrow local roads and the local officials are aware the island would be stuck if every tourist had to get a car.
Also, renting a car in high season can make your Paros travel budget explode!
That’s why Paros has a fantastic public transport system with frequent and affordable buses connecting virtually every tourist destination.
I visited during the shoulder season, so the bus lines were less frequent, and it was still possible to effortlessly move around.
Generally, Paros is a small island so getting around is easier than if you visited a larger island like Corfu without a car.
🚗 Check rental car rates in Paros!
Where To Stay In Paros Without A Car
Paros is a relatively small island, but it is not that small that it is walkable.
When deciding where to stay in Paros, you’ll want to choose a place depending on your itinerary.
Overall, Parikia or Naoussa are the best places to stay in Paros without a car.
If you’re coming to Paros for beaches, you can also stay in one of the beach villages as they are quite lively in the summer.
I stayed in both Parikia and Naoussa, and it was a good way to cut down on travel time.
Parikia
Parikia is the main town in Paros, and the best place to stay in Paros without a car if you want to explore the island by public transport.
Parikia is the bus hub of Paros, all buses depart from Parikia, and many boat tours too!
Also, as the biggest town on the island, Parikia is always lively, with plenty of things to do.
I also loved that there were many pedestrian-only streets to stroll and admire the Cycladic architecture.
Best Place To Stay In Parikia
Top Pick: KOKOON
KOKOON has boutique hotel vibes right in the center of Parikia. It is beautifully decorated, with a secluded private terrace to enjoy on hot summer nights. It is the best mid-range option in Parikia.
Budget Option: Paros Backpackers
Parikia is also the best place to stay for backpackers, as it is home to the only hostel on the island. So, if you’re traveling solo and want to meet other travelers, the best place to stay is Paros Backpackers.
Naoussa
I also stayed in Naoussa, and honestly, the only reason it is my second choice is because it is slightly more expensive than Parikia.
Naoussa is situated about 10 km from Parikia, and it is the most picturesque village in Paros.
This former fishing village is also known for its waterfront cocktail bars and lively Paros nightlife.
If you’re visiting in the low season, or you don’t mind paying a bit more for accommodation in Naoussa, it is a fantastic place to stay in Paros.
Another downside is that Parikia is the bus hub of the island, so you’ll have to first get to Parikia and then take a bus to your final destination.
Best Place To Stay In Naoussa
TOP Pick: Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel
There is no shortage of beautiful accommodations in Naoussa, but the Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice located in the heart of Naoussa city center.
Beautifully decorated rooms in this hotel will make you feel like you’re living your island life fantasy.
Best Budget Option: Madaky Hotel
I stayed in the Madaky Hotel and loved my stay here!
This family-run hotel is located right next to Naoussa’s pedestrian zone, so it is quiet at night while still super close to walking home after a night out.
Aliki
If you want to be close to the beaches, but still on a frequent bus route, Aliki is a great alternative to Naoussa and Parikia.
Aliki is a small seafront village in the south of the island. It gets quite lively in the summer, with many restaurants and affordable accommodation.
Best Place To Stay In Aliki
Anixis Studios is situated a couple of minutes from Aliki Beach. It is perfect for those who want to stay in a traditional Cycladic whitewashed house and spend the days on the beach.
How To Get Around Paros Without A Car?
If you don’t rent a car in Paros, you have several options for getting around the island.
Local Paros Bus
The local bus is the most affordable way of getting around Paros without a car.
Parikia is the main town on the island and the bus hub. All bus lines depart from Parikia.
If you’re staying in one of the other Paros villages, you’ll first have to take a bus to Parikia and then a bus to your final destination if they are not on the same bus line.
I enjoyed the buses in Paros! The timetable is online, so you can easily plan your day.
Most drivers speak English, and you can ask for the best station for your destination.
When I took the bus from Parikia to Naoussa, they even asked me which hotel I was staying at and told me which station to get off at!
Paros Day Tours
If you don’t feel like calculating the timetables and you want to visit several tourist attractions on the same day, joining one of the Paros day tours is a great alternative.
Many tours are available, but with this Paros highlights bus tour you’ll get to see the main tourist spots in Paros and Antiparos.
It is a full-day tour, starting with exploring Parikia and then taking a boat to Antiparos. In the afternoon you’ll visit the coastal towns in the south and end with a sunset stroll in Naoussa.
It is also a great idea if you’re coming on a day trip to Paros from Naxos!
🚌 Check out the Paros Highlights Tour here!
Paros Taxi
If you’re too tired to figure out the buses, there are also taxis on Paros!
It wouldn’t be my first choice as it is significantly more expensive than the bus, but it is always good to know that there is that option too!
Paros is an island, so the number of taxis is limited, and prices are higher.
If you don’t want to be surprised by the price, you can order a transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Rent A Bike
Just because you’re not renting a car doesn’t mean you can’t rent a different vehicle!
I wasn’t planning to rent a bike in Paros, but I walked past the bike rental shop and thought why not?
It was a fantastic idea!
I rented a bike in Naoussa and biked all along the northern coast of Paros, visiting Santa Maria Beach on the east coast and Kolymbithres Beach on the east side!
I managed to bike over 30km in one day, with swim stops, because I opted for an electric bike.
Paros is quite hilly, so having an electric bike to push me up the hills was perfect!
One thing to keep in mind is that you should be back to the shop before the sunset.
Public lights are not a thing on most roads outside of the villages, and biking on a pitch-black road wasn’t too comfortable.
Best Things To Do In Paros Without A Car
So, how do you plan your trip to Paros if you don’t get a car?
While you could just chill on the beach for a couple of days, there are also so many fun things to do in Paros!
Depending on how many days you spend in Paros, here are the best activities to add to your itinerary!
1. Stroll The Cobblestone Streets Of Naoussa
Naoussa is the most recognizable village in Paros, and probably how you even learned about this beautiful island.
This former fishing village is characterized by charming cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses and bright pink bougainvillea trees.
Even if you don’t stay in Naoussa, the bus leaves you right in the city center, and you can stroll the streets and admire picturesque corners in no time!
2. Grab A Drink In One Of The Seafront Cocktail Bars
Naoussa gained quite a reputation as an affordable alternative to Mykonos. It is mainly thanks to the seafront cocktail bars in Naoussa.
While these cocktail bars aren’t exactly cheap, you can afford a drink or two even if you’re backpacking Paros on a budget!
The vibes are unique as you get a mix of subtle lounge music, and chatter of people gathered to enjoy warm summer nights.
Naoussa nightlife is so popular that even Naxos locals take a ferry across to the island for a drink!
3. Take A Taxi Boat To Kolymbithres Beach
The unique Kolymbithres Beach is not on a bus route, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit it without a car.
I biked to the beach, but the more common way to reach the beach was to get a taxi boat from Naoussa.
This boat is quite frequent during the summer season and leaves you right on the beach!
4. Take A Bus To Lefkes
You don’t need to miss out on day trips around Paros just because you don’t have a car. Basically, every village on the island is on the bus route!
The village of Lefkes is kind of Insta-famous for its whitewashed houses with bright pink flower trees.
You don’t need a car to get here, as the public bus from Parikia passes through the village several times a day!
5. Hike Byzantine Trail
Once you’re in Lefkes, it would be a shame to miss out on the oldest hiking trail on the island!
The Byzantine Trail is about 3.5 km long. It starts in Lefkes and ends in Promodos, and if you go in that direction it is entirely downhill.
6. Go On A Day Trip To Antiparos
A day trip from Paros to Antiparos is one of the most popular things to do in Paros!
Antiparos is a smaller island, situated off the west coast of Paros.
It is easy to visit Antiparos from Paros, you’ll first take a bus from Parikia to Pounta, and then a ferry across to the island.
The ferry ride takes about 5 minutes, and you’ll be ready to explore an entirely new island!
You can also take a sailing tour to Antiparos, it is a fun way to discover hidden beaches on the island.
7. Discover the Picturesque Backstreets Of Parikia
Parikia is the main town of Paros and is often overlooked in favor of Naoussa.
However, Parikia is still a very picturesque town, it just has a very hard competition!
Parikia is where the port and the bus station are, so it is generally the best place to stay in Paros without a car.
The city has many lovely corners to explore, including a charming pedestrian area within the city center and a seafront promenade.
8. Take A Taxi Boat Or Hike To Marcelo Beach
I didn’t like the beach in the city center of Parikia, too close to the port for my liking, but Marcelo beach across the cove was absolutely beautiful!
If you don’t have a car, you can hike or take a taxi boat to Marcelo Beach.
Hiking is maybe an extreme word to use, as you’ll just be walking along the coastline, but part of the way is unpaved road, so I call it a hike!
It takes about half an hour to walk to the beach, but you can take a taxi boat in the center of Parikia if the sun is too strong to walk!
9. Go Sailing Around Paros
Sailing the Cyclades is a dream, but you can have the experience without the hefty price tag with one of many Paros sailing day tours!
You can choose from many different sailing routes, depending on what type of trip you’d like.
Sailing the Small Cyclades is one of the most popular routes. This group of islands south of Naxos is quite secluded, and most people only visit on a day trip.
10. Learn To Cook Greek Dishes
I love cooking classes, and I have taken many throughout my travels! It is a fantastic way to learn more about the local culture through food.
I’m vegan, so sometimes I have to miss out on traditional food that is not plant-based. However, this cooking class caters to vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free!
It also includes a transfer from your accommodation to the location, so you don’t have to worry about how to get around Paros.
🥙Check out the Greek cooking class!
11. Rent An Electric Bike
I rented an electric bike in Naoussa on a whim; it was the best decision I could have made!
The roads in Paros are safe to cycle, and most of them were empty when I visited in September.
I assume the roads are much busier in the summer though!
The only thing to keep in mind is that roads on Paros don’t have much public lightning, and once the sun sets the roads are pretty much pitch black.
FAQ:
Yes, if you can drive and have a budget for it, getting a car is the easiest way to get around the island. However, a car is not necessary as you can reach virtually every tourist attraction by public transport.
Most people get around Paros by bus! Local buses are reliable and frequent and go to virtually every tourist destination. Alternatively, you can also rent a car or get a taxi if you’re in a rush.
Yes, it is easy to get around Paros without a car. The island has a reliable and affordable public transport system including local buses to get around the island and boats to reach the most popular beaches from the city center.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it! The complete guide to planning a trip to Paros without a car!
Paros is well worth visiting, and you don’t have to worry about getting around or missing out if you don’t rent a car.
Most tourists don’t rent a car as public transport connects virtually every village on the island.
If you stay in Parikia or Naoussa, you don’t need to worry about getting home at night because these are the most lively towns.
From strolling the cobblestone streets of seafront villages to hiking the ancient Byzantine trail or sailing around Paros, there are so many things to add to your Paros itinerary!
