Paros Travel Guide: The Sustainable Greek Island You’ll Love
Paros is a total catch. Of the 4 Greek islands we visited during our trip to Greece in October, Paros is the clear standout when it comes to sustainability. This coastal community is putting in the work to become the first plastic free island in the Mediterranean, combining the efforts of government, local businesses, and travelers to create a wave of change. In this Paros Travel Guide, we’ll share our best sustainable travel tips to help you fall in love with this Greek island and be part of their plastic-free movement.
Support sustainable travel in Greece by visiting the island committed to a plastic-free future.
Now more than ever, it’s important that we, as travelers, adopt sustainable practices to create a tourism industry that supports local communities and the environment. By choosing to travel to a destination like Paros, you’re supporting the island’s efforts to create a cleaner future for everyone. Plus, you’ll be visiting a place that’s better equipped to receive you and minimize your environmental impact. Never forget that the choices you make as a traveler – like choosing which Greek island(s) to explore – can have a big impact. Now let’s get into this Paros travel guide.
Marpissa, Paros
Daily breakfast included at 18 Grapes
Paros FAQs
What is Paros Greece best known for?
Paros, Greece is the total package for visitors looking for a true vacation in Greece. The island is less busy than others like Santorini and Mykonos, and it feels authentic. Paros boasts an impressive array of shops, nightlife and delicious restaurants in the popular town of Naousa. What’s more, it offers stunning architecture, with beautiful churches. Enjoy the vibrant contrast of white homes and blue water that is classic Greece.
Is it worth going to Paros, Greece?
Paros has a lot to offer, from vibrant nightlife to an array of unique restaurants. The island is a great fit for a variety of travelers, whether you’re looking for a honeymoon destination, a family vacation, or a girls trip. Plus, Paros offers activities like wind sports and diving for the adventurous traveler.
Is Paros a cheap island?
Paros is more affordable than some of the most touristy islands like Santorini and Mykonos. If you want to save money on your trip to Paros, book accommodation with a kitchen in the town of Naousa. We stayed at White Cliff Naousa and it was perfect! These apartments are walking distance to everything you need, so you don’t have to rent a car.
We also saved money by cooking a few meals in each day, in the kitchen of our apartment. The outdoor dining area overlooks the beautiful town, so we were able to enjoy the atmosphere of Paros even while eating at home.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Paros?
The ferry ride from Athens to Paros is 4 hours long. Thankfully, these ferries are very large and comfortable. Our ferry included a cafe, tables, and wifi, so we were able to spend this time working.
How many days in Paros is enough?
If you’re planning a vacation or looking to explore multiple Greek islands during your trip, we recommend spending 3-5 days in Paros. This will give you enough time to explore Naousa, the beaches, and the various villages across the island.
But honestly, Paros feels like the perfect island to go steady with. If you have the time, this Greek island is an amazing choice for digital nomads or young travelers looking to slow travel and get to know a place. We easily could have stayed in Paros for a few weeks to a month.
Paros, Greece
Paros, Greece
The Plastic Problem on the Greek Islands
Take a moment to think about an island. Picture the local community of 15,000 residents on the island of Santorini, welcoming 2 million visitors into their home every year. This popular vacation destination is a fixed piece of land in the middle of the ocean. It’s not easy to transport goods, like food and drinkable water, on or off.
For this reason, drinkable water must be brought onto the island in plastic bottles. Imagine the amount of plastic bottles of water required to provide for 2 million tourists a year. Then ask yourself, on an island, where does all that plastic go? It’s difficult to imagine that much plastic, which means it’s crushing for these islands to handle the weight of it all.
During our time in Greece, we explored 4 different Greek islands and used far more plastic than we usually do as travelers. This is because most of the Greek islands don’t have drinkable tap water – so it’s plastic bottles or nothing for both travelers and locals alike.
What Makes Paros Different?
Paros was the last island we visited, and we had heard about its plastic free initiatives. As girls who love sustainability and travel, we were eager to check out this island. During our time on Paros, we were able to see what solutions the island’s community has come up with to the problem of single use plastic waste. In short, a partnership with Common Seas to create Clean Blue Paros has helped this island pioneer plastic free initiatives. Locals, businesses, and travelers alike are working together to eliminate plastic usage on the island.
Axinos Restaurant in Naousa
Harbor in Naousa
Why Sustainable Travel?
Greece ranks among the top 10 most visited countries in Europe, and much of this tourism is concentrated on its islands. The island of Santorini alone sees upwards of 2 million visitors each year, though the year round population is just 15,000.
What traditional tourism fails to account for, is the fact that islands are delicate ecosystems with limited resources. Overcrowding the Greek islands with tourists can have negative effects on the natural environment and local communities that exist here. That’s why our Paros travel guide focuses on sustainable travel. Together, we can find ways to minimize our negative impact and support the local economies of the places we visit.
Leftkes, Paros
Leftkes, Paros
Here are a few ways you can Travel Sustainably in Greece:
- Commit to supporting local businesses wherever you go
- Travel in the shoulder/offseason
- Travel slower, stay longer in one place
- Choose eco tours when sailing or diving (and don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen)
- Find restaurants that serve locally sourced produce
- Choose to visit the islands like Paros that have sustainability initiatives
- Put your money toward causes that advance ecotourism & sustainability
- Bring your reusable bags, utensils and water bottles everywhere you go (though water on the greek islands is a big issue that we will discuss below)
When to Visit Paros
If you want to focus on sustainable travel, plan your visit to Paros during the shoulder season. We traveled to Paros mid October, and it was starting to get just a bit sleepy. For this reason, we would recommend visiting the island from mid September to the beginning of October.
The weather will be beautiful but the crowds will be fewer. Plus, traveling during the shoulder season allows you to boost the local economy of the island during the less busy times, and keeps the island from getting overcrowded. May and early June would also be a great time to visit Paros, before the summer crowds.
Kolymbithres Beach
Kolymbithres Beach
Where To Stay in Paros
When we search for sustainable travel destinations, we love to stay in a walkable town or city. This way, we can save money and cut carbon emissions by walking instead of driving a rental car. Paros has the perfect walkable town, full of restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and plenty of places to stay.
Naousa is a waterfront fishing village and the second biggest town in Paros. Parikia, the port town, is the first. Here you’ll find everything you need, including beaches within walking distance.
White Cliff Naousa
We found the perfect accommodation in Naousa if you want to be walking distance to everything. White Cliff Naousa consists of cozy one, two or three bedroom apartments ideal for a family, a group of friends or couples. These apartments are situated at the end of the street overlooking the village beyond. You’ll experience the most beautiful sunrises over the white village during your stay here.
White Cliffs Villa in Naousa
Private Pool at the White Cliffs Villa in Naousa
What makes Paros Sustainable?
Paros has set a goal of becoming the first island in the Mediterranean to eliminate single-use plastics. The island has partnered with Common Seas to create the Clean Blue Paros initiative. This organization combines government, business, community groups and individuals to “create a cultural shift in how the island uses and disposes of plastic,” (Common Seas).
What Can Tourists Do?
One of the best parts of the work that Common Seas & Clean Blue Paros are doing is that there are multiple ways for tourists to get involved and be part of the change! Clean Blue Paros has created a certification to highlight local businesses putting in the work to reduce their plastic waste.
Over 100 businesses are currently “Clean Blue Businesses,” meaning they’ve calculated their carbon footprint and committed to eliminating plastic takeaway bags, and reducing plastic cups, bottles and takeaway containers.
Support Clean Blue Paros Businesses
When you travel to Paros, choosing to support these businesses shows your support for their efforts. Plus, it helps reduce your plastic footprint during your time on the island.
Common Seas also encouraged tourists to drink the tap water in Paros and use reusable products like water bottles and utensils. Paros was the only Greek island we visited where we were told that the tap water is safe to drink. What’s more, this island includes refillable water stations in different locations. You can refill your water bottles here instead of purchasing a plastic one from the store.
Paros, Greece
Paros, Greece
Support Local Businesses in Paros
When it comes to supporting local businesses in Paros, the list of Clean Blue Paros businesses is the way to go. This list has almost 100 establishments, including restaurants and hotels. Be sure to use it when you’re planning your Paros travel itinerary! Or, pull it up during your trip when you’re trying to decide where to go for dinner.
Embracing the Clean Blue Paros initiative is conscious consumerism, a choice to support the businesses dedicated to reducing plastic usage. In doing so, you actively contribute to the preservation of the island. These businesses are working to make Paros a more environmentally conscious destination. Choosing to support them not only enhances your travel experience but also aligns with a shared responsibility to protect what make Paros special.
Mediterraneo Restaurant
Mediterraneo was one of our very favorite restaurants on the Clean Blue Paros list. Located directly on the waterfront, this restaurant serves delicious seafood and mediterranean fare. Dining here was one of the best meals we had during our entire trip to Greece.
Afros Sip & Bites
We fell in love with this little cafe in Paros and visited more than once for delicious breakfast. Afros offers a variety of fresh foods, smoothies, bowls, and baked goods. Plus, the cafe has an adorable boho vibe and it can accommodate for all dietary needs. We were able to find gluten free and vegan baked goods here.
What made us love Afros even more was the clear commitment to reducing single use plastics. Meals are served in paper bowls with wooden utensils and recycling is available.
We were shocked to find a complete lack of recycling options on many of the Greek islands we visited. So we were happy to be able to recycle at Afros, and in Paros in general.
Afros Sip & Bites
Afros Sip & Bites
Visit Paros Villages
Paros has multiple unique and beautiful villages worth getting to know during your time on the island. Visiting some of the smaller villages and supporting the local establishments is another great way to keep your money in the local economy of the place you visit.
Thankfully, that’s not hard to do in a place like Paros, because many big chain restaurants or hotels are absent on the island. We explored 3 different villages during our time in Paros, and we’ll share them below:
Lefkes
Lefkes is arguably the most charming village on this list, located up high in the hills of Paros with sweeping views of the island. Explore winding white cobblestone streets that feel authentically Greece, eat at a local cafe for lunch, and visit the beautiful church of Agia Triada.
Marpissa
Marpissa is the coastal town of the three villages listed here, in close proximity to some of Paros’ most popular beaches. Check this town out on your way to Golden Beach, a popular stretch of sand that’s perfect for a relaxing beach day.
Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi is a coastal gem with the cutest fishing village. Seek out a waterfront restaurant that serves locally caught seafood and enjoy a sunset in this quaint and quiet village.
Leftkes, Paros
Piso Livadi, Paros
Embrace the Natural Beauty of the Less Traveled Greek Islands
Paros is actually an increasingly popular spot for windsports, diving, and outdoor activities in general. Spending time in nature / by the ocean is one of the best ways to connect to your environment as a traveler and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
We found the less traveled Greek islands to be full of natural beauty, with crystal clear waters, stunning mountains, and wide open spaces. Popular islands may offer a greater variety of restaurants and hotels, but the crowds often put a damper on the natural beauty of the place.
For sustainable travelers, the more localized experience offered by these less traveled Greek islands, like Paros, is the way to go.
Wrap It Up
If you want to visit the Greek islands and you’re looking for a sustainable and authentic experience, Paros is your perfect match. This unique island offers adventure activities, lively nightlife, and undeniable Greek charm.
What made us fall for Paros is the island’s clear commitment to a cleaner future through its Clean Blue Paros initiative to eliminate single use plastics. While single use plastics are only one part of more widespread environmental threats, addressing this one issue is a great place to start.
In our experience, making small choices in favor of sustainability often has a compounding effect. Maybe it starts with going plastic free, and then it turns into seeking out renewable energy. From there, it’s ocean conservation efforts or a better waste management system.
It can be overwhelming to try to tackle all of these problems at once, for both communities and individuals. We firmly believe in the power of making small choices toward a cleaner future every day. Hopefully this Paros travel guide can help you visit one of Greece’s most unique and sustainable islands!
xoxo,
Baggage girls
