Paros is one of the Cyclades’ most beloved islands—an idyllic mix of charming villages, whitewashed houses, sun-drenched beaches, and that unmistakable Greek island magic. While it’s not as flashy as Mykonos or as cinematic as Santorini, the island has earned a loyal following among travelers who crave authenticity, beauty, and a slower pace.

But getting to Paros takes a bit of planning—especially if you’re coming from outside of Europe. This guide covers all your travel options, from direct flights and ferry routes to tips for combining the island with other destinations. Whether you’re flying in from the US or hopping over from Athens, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting to Paros from the US

There are no direct flights from the United States to Paros, but getting there is still very doable with just one or two connections. The most common route is to fly into Athens and then take a domestic flight or ferry.

Step 1: Fly to Athens

The easiest way to start your journey is with a transatlantic flight to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos – ATH). From the US, several major cities offer direct or one-stop flights to Athens, including:

• New York (JFK, EWR)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Boston (BOS)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)

During summer (May–October), seasonal direct flights are more common, while in the off-season you’ll likely connect via a European hub like London, Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam.

💡Tip: Plan a 1–2 night stay in Athens on arrival if you’re flying from the US. It’s a great way to recover from jet lag and explore the ancient city before heading to the islands.

From Athens to Paros: Two Main Options

Once you’re in Athens, you can reach Paros either by plane or by ferry. Each has its own pros and cons depending on your priorities—speed, comfort, views, or budget.

1. Flying to Paros from Athens

Paros has a small airport (PAS), located just 10 minutes from Parikia, the island’s main town. Daily flights operate from Athens year-round, and the journey takes about 35–40 minutes.

Airlines flying this route include:

• Sky Express
• Olympic Air (operated by Aegean Airlines)

During high season, there are multiple flights per day. Prices range from €50 to €150 depending on when you book and how much luggage you bring.

Why fly?
It’s the fastest and smoothest way to get to Paros, especially if you’re continuing on from a long-haul international flight. You’ll avoid the port traffic in Athens and can be sipping a cold coffee on the island in less than an hour.

💡Tip: Book early! Flights fill up quickly in summer due to the airport’s limited capacity.

2. Taking the Ferry from Athens to Paros

For many travelers, the ferry is part of the Greek island experience. Departing from the port of Piraeus or Rafina, ferries to Paros are frequent, especially in summer.

Main Ferry Ports in Athens:

• Piraeus Port (most common and accessible from central Athens)
• Rafina Port (closer to the airport, often used for Cyclades-bound ferries)

Ferries take between 3 to 5 hours, depending on whether you choose a high-speed catamaran or a slower conventional ferry.

Popular ferry companies include:

• Blue Star Ferries
• SeaJets
• Fast Ferries

Prices vary between €30 and €70 per person depending on the type of ferry and seating class.

Why take the ferry?
It’s scenic, spacious, and ideal if you prefer a more leisurely journey. On deck, you can watch the Aegean islands roll by while enjoying a breeze and a frappe. Ferries are also great if you’re traveling with luggage, pets, or even a rental car.

💡Tip: Check ferry schedules on sites like Ferryhopper.com and book ahead during peak travel months (June–September).

Reaching Paros from Other Greek Islands

Paros is incredibly well-connected by ferry to other Cycladic islands, making it a popular stop on island-hopping itineraries.

From Mykonos to Paros

This is one of the easiest routes in the Aegean. The ferry from Mykonos takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the vessel. Multiple ferries run daily during the high season, making it a seamless hop between the two.

From Santorini to Paros

Ferries between Santorini and Paros typically take 2 to 3 hours. While the route isn’t as short as Mykonos-Paros, it’s still a great way to connect two very different island experiences—Santorini’s dramatic cliffs and Paros’ laid-back beaches.

From Naxos to Paros

These neighboring islands are just 30–45 minutes apart by ferry and often visited as a pair. If you’re in Naxos and feel like checking out Paros, you can easily do a day trip—or vice versa.

💡Island Hopping Tip: Make Paros your hub. Thanks to its central location and great connections, it’s a perfect base for exploring the Cyclades.

Paros Airport vs. Paros Port: What to Know

• Paros Airport (PAS): Small but efficient. A 10-minute drive to Parikia or 20 minutes to Naoussa.
• Parikia Port: Main ferry terminal. Located right in the heart of the island’s capital with easy access to taxis, buses, and car rentals.

No matter how you arrive, getting around the island is relatively easy with buses, taxis, and rentals. The island isn’t huge, but some of the most charming spots (like Lefkes or hidden beaches) are best reached by car or scooter.

Travel Times and Overview Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular routes:

Route	Mode	Duration	Frequency	Price Range
Athens ➝ Paros (Flight)	Plane	40 minutes	Daily	€50–€150
Athens ➝ Paros (Ferry)	Ferry	3–5 hours	5–10 per day	€30–€70
Mykonos ➝ Paros	Ferry	45–90 min	3–5 per day	€25–€60
Santorini ➝ Paros	Ferry	2–3 hours	2–4 per day	€35–€70
Naxos ➝ Paros	Ferry	30–45 min	Multiple daily	€15–€35

Final Thoughts

Getting to Paros may take a few steps, but it’s more than worth the effort. Whether you opt for a quick flight from Athens or a dreamy ferry ride across the Aegean, the journey becomes part of the experience. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with charming villages, golden beaches, and the kind of warmth that keeps travelers returning year after year.

If you’re coming from the US, plan ahead, build in a little extra time for transitions, and consider staying a night or two in Athens to ease into the rhythm of Greece. However you choose to arrive, Paros is ready to welcome you with open arms.