The 5 Best Paros Tours You Don’t Want to Miss
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a sun-seeker, these top Paros tours are the perfect Greek islands day.
It’s no secret that I love the Greek Islands. Like ALL of them. That’s especially true when it comes to the dazzling Cyclades Islands group that includes Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos, Koufonisia, and many more island gems.
Within the Cyclades, the popular island of Paros and its sister island Antiparos are two of my all-time favorites. There’s so much to see and do. From beautiful beaches to the chic fishing village of Naoussa, there’s plenty to love about Paros.
Read More: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love with Paros, Greece
So why book a tour when you visit Paros?
Booking a tour with an experienced local guide is a great way to explore all of the most beautiful parts of the island. It’s also the perfect way to ensure you don’t miss anything awesome on your visit!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle). All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
If you’re looking for the best Paros tours to truly experience this stunning Greek island, you’ve come to the right place. From learning to cook mouth-watering Parian cuisine to an idyllic boat tour that is the perfect day at sea, Paros has several excellent tours and day trips.
As a lover of all things Paros Island, I’m here to guide you through the top Paros tour experiences.
But first, you may be wondering…
Do I need to book a tour when I visit Paros?
Need? No. Like most Greek islands, Paros can easily be explored on your own. It’s not difficult to get around the island, especially if you have your own wheels. But, with that said, there’s something to be said for guided tours especially when it comes to cultural tours, historical sights, and local cuisine.
Guided tours do come with some advantages, like direct access to some of Paros’s most secluded gems. Plus, a knowledgeable guide can breathe life into the unique sights and sounds of the island.
Whether it’s a day-long cruise on the shimmering Aegean Sea or a private tour through marble quarries, these experiences will ensure that you experience all the best Paros has to offer.
Exploring Paros with a Rental Car
Renting a car on the island of Paros gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You’ll discover hidden beaches and quaint villages that are not always included on the top guided tours of Paros.
A self-guided tour also allows you to linger at spots that capture your interest without feeling rushed. Stop whenever you like for an impromptu dip in crystal-clear waters or a photo opportunity on a secluded beach.
Of course, with this freedom comes the responsibility of navigation and route planning. It also comes with the challenge of locating parking spaces in popular areas, which can be tougher during the peak summer season.
If you do choose to rent a car and explore Paros on your own, my favorite site for booking car rentals in Greece is DiscoverCars.com.
Discover Cars
My favorite rental car booking site to use all over the world. No hidden costs, free cancellation, and 24/7 customer support.
But if you’d rather take advantage of local knowledge and let someone else do the driving (just for peace of mind), here are my recommendations for the best Paros tours to book for every interest.
The Top 5 Best Paros Tours & Excursions
This is my very own list of the island’s most coveted tour experiences. These tours have been handpicked, not just for their popularity but also for their ability to provide a unique glimpse into the heart of what makes Paros so special.
So let’s get started!
1. Antiparos & Despotiko full day cruise from Paros
⏳Duration: 7 hours
✅What’s Included: Lunch, boat ticket, all taxes and fees
🚫What’s Not Included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, guide
If those gorgeous crystal clear waters surrounding Paros have you dying to get on a boat, this is the best Paros boat trip for you. This full-day excursion on a traditional fishing boat departs from the main port in Parikia and visits some of the most beautiful remote beaches around Paros and Antiparos that are only accessible by boat.
Aboard the sailing vessel “Meraki” you’ll enjoy scenic stops for swimming and snorkeling at Agios Spyridonas Beach, Faneromeni Beach, Agios Nikolaos, the Cave of Antiparos, and Panteronisi. You’ll also get to explore the coast of the uninhabited island of Despotiko.
You’ll also love the terrific Parian lunch on board that includes wine and soft drinks. They also provide fresh fruit and snacks throughout the day. It’s everything you need for a perfect day on the Aegean’s crystal water.
Bonus: Paros has so many terrific daily cruises to nearby islands it was hard to choose just one for this list! Here are three more of the best boat tours on Paros:
Note: Like Greek ferries, Paros boat tours are always dependent on weather conditions.
2. 3-Hour Paros Marble Workshop (Create Your Own Souvenir)
⏳Duration: 3 hours
✅What’s Included: Material, marble stones, all tools, and safety equipment (goggles and gloves)
🚫What’s Not Included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, masks for dust protection, earplugs for noise
If you love arts and crafts – or learning new skills when you travel – this one’s for you!
In ancient Greece, Paros was famed for its marble quarries. Known as Parian marble, it was one of the world’s finest varieties and brought wealth to the island through trading.
Marble from Paros was used by the ancient Greeks in the construction of some of the most famous temples of the ancient world like the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Apollo.
This 3-hour small group activity at a marble workshop in Kampos (near the airport) is a fun and unique experience for the whole family. No experience with power tools is required for this one, the instructor will teach you everything you need to know to shape your piece of Parian marble into something beautiful.
And the best part? You get to take home your finished marble product for a truly unique souvenir!
3. Paros Half Day Cooking Class
⏳Duration: 4 hours
✅What’s Included: Lunch, cooking demonstration, pick up/drop off, and all fees
🚫What’s Not Included: Tips, personal expenses, and extra consumption
Foodies unite! Here’s your chance to tie on an apron and dive into the authentic flavors of Parian cuisine at a local cooking school. In this hands-on half-day cooking class, learn to craft traditional Greek dishes using fresh seafood and other local ingredients.
When the cooking is done, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch accompanied by local Greek wines. This small-group culinary experience is the perfect choice for foodies hoping to recreate Parian cuisine at home.
4. Full-Day Bus Tour Paros & Antiparos Island
⏳Duration: 8 hours
✅What’s Included: Air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide, and roundtrip Antiparos ferry tickets
🚫What’s Not Included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off (can be arranged for a fee) and gratuities
If you don’t mind a good old-fashioned group tour on a bus, this one is an inexpensive way to see some of the island’s top sights in one whole day.
The full-day tour begins with a walking tour of the main town of Parikia. From there, the bus takes you to the second stop, the small port of Punda for the 10-minute ferry to Antiparos. On Antiparos, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore, shop, swim, and grab lunch.
Then, the tour returns to the main island of Paros. The next stop is a visit to the hilltop village of Lefkes. And finally, a stop at the fishing village of Naoussa to watch the local fishermen bringing in the day’s catch on their colorful fishing boats. While in Naoussa, don’t miss a stroll around the ancient ruins of the Venetian castle (a top Paros archeological site).
What I like about this Paros bus tour versus the other popular island bus tour is that this one gives you more time to explore charming Antiparos. But both tours visit the same places, so if you’re considering a full-day bus tour, check the itineraries for both to see which one appeals to you more.
5. Half-Day Private Tour of Paros Island (up to 8 passengers)
⏳Duration: 5 hours
✅What’s Included: Private transportation and an English-speaking guide
🚫What’s Not Included: Gratuities & admission tickets for any sites you decide to visit
You may find that neither of the above group bus tours spend enough time in the places you most want to see (trust me, you’ll want more time in Naoussa!).
So sometimes only a private tour will do. And this half-day private tour is the best way to see all the best of Paros in 5 fun-filled hours. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this tour is an even better value since it can accommodate up to 8 people.
The tour is fully customizable and can include any or all of the stops on the full-day bus tour above. But on your schedule and with a dedicated tour guide. Plus you can add in stops at some of the island’s pristine beaches.
An expert guide leads the way, ready to share insights and make the most of your day. When you have a private car and guide, you can cover a lot in just 5 hours!
Wrapping up the Best Paros Tours
So whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun day out on the sparkling Aegean Sea, these are the best Paros tours to experience everything this incredible Greek island has to offer.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece this summer, here are my picks for The 7 Best Greek Islands to Visit This Summer
Also, my fully updated Greek Islands guide is essential reading for foolproof island hopping!
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And when you finish exploring Paros and Antiparos, don’t miss these Greek Island gems nearby:
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