Paros Yacht Charter Guide

The fluorescent blue waters, sublime beaches, and quaint whitewashed houses of Paros await you. This small Greek island offers guests a balance of relaxed days by the water, luxury gastronomic experiences, and picturesque villages to explore and although it is just a short flight from Athens, it feels worlds away from the mainland.
Like its nearby cousins Santorini and Mykonos, Paros attracts visitors from all over the world who wish to soak up the Greek sunshine, but those who sail to Paros (and close by to Antiparos) will encounter a slightly slower pace of life than the hubbub of the more popular Cyclades islands. 
Spend your days dropping anchor in secluded coves, snorkeling with bright fishes and turtles, or sunbathing on the deck with a cocktail in hand. Traditional Greek culture awaits you ashore, and the freedom of a yacht charter allows you to enjoy all the island has to offer before retreating to your private floating oasis. 

Best time to visit: Paros is warm throughout the year. The most popular times to visit are the summer months, but the region is lovely from April to October. 

Key cruising areas: Paros is part of the Cyclades islands that offer beautiful cruising and several islands to explore – the small island of Antiparos is just a 15-minute sail away. You can spend your entire charter enjoying the best of Paros or use it as a starting point to visit nearby islands Mykonos, Santorini, or Naxos. 

Don't miss: The small village of Naoussa is said to have one of the most beautiful ports in Greece. Walk along the habour, take in the beautiful white houses that scatter the hillside, and admire the startlingly clear water. The beauty of the village has attracted several chic restaurants and cocktail bars – ideal for a refreshing evening drink before dinner. 

Best spots for wining and dining: For dinner in Naoussa, try Mario for delectable seafood options right by the waterfront or the Barbarossa restaurant for something slightly more upscale. Siparos Seaside Restaurant serves excellent food but is also a wonderful spot for a post-dinner cocktail. 

Best local dish: The seafood here is fresh and delicious. Grilled octopus is a local favourite – try it with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of olive oil. Another traditional dish is Saganaki, which is fried cheese smothered in honey.

Local culture: There is over 120km of coastline to explore on Paros, so visitors can expect to spend most of their time outside enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Although some areas offer a vibrant nighttime scene, traditional villages such as Lefkes are also worth a visit to take in the slower pace of life.

Best beach: There is an abundance of beaches to choose from on the island. Chryssi Akti (also known as the ‘Golden Beach’) stretches as far as the eye can see and offers excellent conditions for enjoying watersports such as windsurfing. Another stunning option is Kolymbithres beach, which is surrounded by natural granite rocks.

IYC recommends: To explore the captivating history of the island, venture to the capital city of Parikia where you will find Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a monastery built in the 4th-century that is one of the best-preserved Orthodox churches in Greece.