A Digital Nomad Guide to Paros, Greece

Greece Visa for Paros

Greece is one of the participating Schengen countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within Paros and other Greek Islands as a single country. A Schengen Visa is issued by the authorities who are interested in traveling to and within the Schengen Area.

The entry requirements for Greece differ from country to country, so, it is advised that before you leave, check with your government and the nearest Greek embassy or consulate to know about the travel requirements. 

You need your passport valid for at least 3 months after the return date and your passport must have at least two blank pages.

Citizens of the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia do not need a visa or permit to travel to Paros for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. If you are traveling to Greece from other countries you need a visa by checking your nearest Greek embassy. 

Keep in mind that if you have citizenship in one of the European Union’s 28 member states, you have the right to live in Greece without getting a visa or residence permit.

Applying for a residence permit will take some time and you will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first.

The visa will allow you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days and that way you can live in the country for the duration of the application process.

Culture and Food in Paros

Greece is a food heaven and Paros island too! You can eat cheap and so well.  Get ready to eat lots of bread, it is crucial to life here as rice is in Asia. You can eat it with your coffee and marmalade during day time for your breakfast or you can dip it in eggplant salad or to thick & creamy tzatziki or to Greek salad with olive oil or you can use it to soak up any sauce from a homemade Briam which is the Greek version of ratatouille or soak up to saganaki shrimps, a dish prepared in a small frying pan. Bakeries are all over the island, full of fresh bread and many treats.

While traveling, tasting local cuisine is always something delightful, exciting and tasteful.

Find authentic cuisine in seafood restaurants and taverns serving delicious selection of local delicacies. 

Best place to eat is in Parikia and Naousa where you can find traditional seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, Gouna the roasted mackerel, kakavia a amazing soup made of fish and vegetables, karavalous boiled snails with garlic sauce , dishes with squid and calamari.

Also try vegetarian options as petimezinia a pumpkin pie, mizithra a tasteful white cheese, kolokithokeftedes fried zucchini balls, dolmadakia little wraps with vine leaves, Greek salad with feta cheese and virgin olive oil, revithia ston fourno baked chickpeas . Not to forget the famous Moussaka and Souvlaki in all kinds of versions with pita or not with chicken or gyros or kebab etc.

A great pairing to fresh fish or small dishes is Souma the local raki of single distillation of grapes. Is not to miss out! The distillers open in autumn to make souma for family and friends.

Try Manolis Moraitis wine, a local wine brand which is quite aromatic. The winery of the Moraitis family is on the beach of Naousa.

As you walk the alleys across the charming small shops, the best dessert is loukoumades , heavenly fried donuts, served warm , drizzled with honey , walnuts and toasted sesame and cinnamon on top. You can choose to add toppings like ice cream or Nutella.

Paros is alive all day and night, people sit for hours to drink a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or ouzo or souma with a meze, small side plates like appetizers, and always with friends or family.

Greek people eat, drink, talk, laugh, argue, and they enjoy their time together. 

Dinners with Parian friends are endless. In Greek culture food is so much more than sustenance, it’s about culture, comfort, family and life itself.

The stranger would be seated at the head of the table, which is the place of honour, offered the first plate with the best portion and eat as if they are in their own home, encouraging them not to be shy.

The Greek concept of hospitality is called filoxenia, an expression of an authentic relationship between guest, stranger based on generosity, courtesy, and friendship.

Paros Nightlife

Paros is the third island of Cyclades that has become famous for its exciting nightlife with drinking and dancing venues. You can start your evening walking with a light cocktail or fresh juice at the bars of Parikia ,right on the beautiful waterfront. You can find atmospheric bars on the street along the coast which turns into a pedestrian zone during summer or even bars built at the edge of the rock. On your way to the top of the village, you can make a stop at one of the classic bars and clubs to enjoy some loud music. The beautiful capital of Paros is surrounded by plenty of bars and legendary clubs, which play loud music and offer all kinds of drinks and cocktails. 

Even more exciting is the party scene of Naousa with a great selection of bars and clubs for all tastes. Small bars are countless and very busy, staying open until the early hours during summer time. In the rest of the island, the night scene is less noisy. 

The harbour of Naousa and the magical streets of Parikia are packed with people especially in July and August. 

Entertainment never stops and it covers all tastes! Quiet bars with a view of the Aegean Sea and soft music, busy bars with loud music and big clubs with loud music. Paros has become a very active island in recent years and has plenty of early night or late night entertainment options which attracts tourists from all over the world.

Open air bars in any style such as café bars, lounge bars or live music can be found with reasonable prices for drinks and cocktails. Music ranges from classical, jazz, blues to mainstream, rock to traditional Greek.

If you want to enjoy an alternative type of entertainment and you want to avoid the crowds during high season, you can go out for a drink in Marpissa, Piso Livadi, and Drios. In Piso Livadi, you will also find the well-known beach bar in Punda Beach for day and evening parties.

Another alternative is to take the morning boat from Paros to Mykonos, which is one of the most famous nightlife islands and spend a night there.

You can also take the morning boat from Paros to Santorini and enjoy the amazing sunsets with plenty of nightlife opportunities with great views.

The combination of those 3 Greek islands, is an ideal mix for a relaxing and vibrant weekend.

The island of Paros was made so fashionable and developed its tourism because of the natural beauties. The local community has taken care and well organised its infrastructure by exploiting the high cost of the expensive neighbouring islands.

It has 2 aspects, the touristic side in Parikia or Naousa with their popular and crowded beaches and beach bars and the other side featuring the local colour of the tranquil and peaceful villages.

Due to coronavirus changes might have occurred but almost all places got outdoor seating and drinking service. 

Things to do in Paros

Don’t miss Antiparos island, a much more relaxed island vibes than Paros. The ferry departs from Pounda beach and it takes from 7 to 30 minutes’ ride, always depending on weather conditions.

When it’s very windy, there are regular boats departing from Paroikia.

The heart of this small island is at the main harbour with whitewashed streets , shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

At the heart of the town, there is the Venetian Castle of Antiparos, a castle made to protect the residents from pirates. There is also an impressive cave near Agios Giorgos with stalactites and stalagmites.

All whitewashed churches and chapels are open and on their name day they celebrate. Just right in front of the harbour there is one called Agia Marina. On July 15th to 17th there is a 3 days festival, with violins by locals , showing the hospitality and the culture of the island , concerning activities  with yacht racing, triathlon swimming , race in the streets and dancing.

On June 25th to 25th, Agios Ioannis Prodromos is celebrated, where you see the burning celebration of May 1st wreaths at the port. Panagia Faneromeni 

is on 7th to 8th of September and is located in the enchanting cape, Petalida, where access is made either by fishing boat or by road. 

Agios Ioannis Spiliotis on 7th and 8th of May, is an organized feast in the courtyard area of ​​the Antiparos Cave. A particularly colourful feast with treats and local delicacies.

The winery tour and wine tasting should be on your list too.  Paros produces lovely wines such as red, white, and rose. There are many wineries around the island, but Moraitis Winery in Naoussa is very popular. Try with a snack and feel a part of the production as you will be shown this procedure.

Taste, feel and experience the local culture.

In Paros there are fun activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, various water sports from canoeing, kayaking ,jet skiing, scuba diving, typical bananas , turbo rides to snorkelling and wakeboard sessions by professional instructors.

Golden Beach, further down from Piso Livadi , is the most active beach and is well known for its water sports.  You can rent surfboards, wakeboards, stand up paddle boards or kayaks and go off on your adventure. The rental shops are right on the beach.

In Pounda sports centres, you can do water skiing , snorkelling, board sports and water games.

In Santa Maria beach, one of the finest beaches, there is a fully equipped campsite with diving centre , surfing etc.

Kolympithres bay is the ideal spot for beginners regarding water ski, as it is protected from strong wings.

The Windsurfing World Championships were held for many years at the Golden Beach, a world-famous number one destination for Kite-Surfing.

This island is circled by amazing beaches for all tastes. Easy to find many quiet, sandy beaches with sapphire water, or breezy beaches perfect for windsurfing, crystal clear water or even with healing mud for a natural spa.

Popular beaches are Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, Piperi, Krios, Agios Fokas, Ambelas, Livadia, and Monastiri which are located towards the northern half of Paros. Some popular ones in the southern half include Parasporos, Pounda, Golden Beach, Aliki, Logaras, Delfini, Messada, and Platia Ammos. 

• Kolymbithres

   Just a short boat or car ride from Naoussa with crystal clear waters. You do not want to miss this one!

• Golden Beach

   Blue flag beach ideal for water sports due the strong winds on that side of the island.

• Pounda Beach

   Daily beach parties can be found , an ideal spot for young and adults looking to have fun.

• Monastiraki Beach

  A small secluded beach that can be reached by boat or car from Naoussa by climbing over the hill to reach the beach behind the old church. The waters are cleaner than the crowded beach in front of the restaurant.

• Santa Maria

   An organized sandy beach close to Naoussa. Ideal for families or water sports.

Other nice beaches include: Logaras, New Golden Beach, Farangas and Ambelas.

Grab a car, bring some snacks, water and start the exploration!

Horseback riding is very recommended during sunrise.

An experience you will always remember. Wake up early and catch the sunrise and ride the horses by the sea side. Horses are well trained. 

There are several yoga and meditation centres on the island, offering you relaxation during your stay.

Meditation classes are daily as well as Buddhism and Pilates classes.

Yoga courses are usually on open air terraces with plenty of sea wind and a lot of space to enjoy.

The Church of a Hundred Doors (Panagia Ekatopiliani named in Greek) is the most historically important and best-preserved Christian Church of the Cyclades. Unique, impressive, imposing and containing several distinct and beautiful chapels inside. It takes its name from its plethora of doors, of which 99 can actually be seen, while the hundredth remains a mystery.

What is left of the Venetian Castle of Naoussa or Kasteli can be found at the end of the sea wall at the northern end of the harbour. The Castle, part of which has collapsed into the blue waters of the Aegean, is an interesting work.

In the village of Marathi you can visit the quarries from which Parian Marble, regarded as the finest of all, was sourced and from which some of the greatest sculptures and buildings in the Ancient world were made.

Go hiking as there are a variety of hikes and walks all over the island, taking you through ravines, past deserted windmills, to freshwater springs and even along the old Byzantine road. All you need is a map, stamina, motivation and a sense of adventure.

Easter is a memorable experience not to miss! The spiritual atmosphere during the holy week is a great scenery with streets full of candles, fireworks, celebrations and the representations of the passions of Christ which are unique memories. On Easter Sunday, the whole island celebrates with lots of food and much Parian wine.

Best Time to Visit Paros

The climate in Paros is Mediterranean and summer is usually very hot and very dry while the winter is rather rainy with mild temperatures such as 15 C degrees. 

Weather is hot and windy during summer time and sometimes really windy which is very important to know!

The Greek name is meltemi which is the strong, dry north wind of the Aegean Sea. This is during high season, when the island is open for tourism. May is a windless month.

The island has amazing weather from May to September. Water temperature is still cold and fresh for a few people but the air temperature is perfect to be out all day and night.

Windsurfers and sailors love these weather conditions, as it is a windsurfer’s paradise and a sunbather’s nuisance. 

From the middle of April, the day temperature is around 20 C degrees, mostly sunny and sometimes cloudy. This month is ideally for walks, hiking, cycling and relaxing days with good wine and delicious delicacies.

Summer is the ideal period for your holidays. In June, the water temperature is perfect but sometimes a bit colder in the early mornings. The air temperature can be between 22 to 25 C degrees and sometimes more. After sunset, it can become fresher and more pleasant. The months of July and August are the absolute high summer, with high temperatures as well as overpriced accommodation.

September is an amazing month and still suitable to swim. In October the season ends slowly but the weather is still good.

Paros for Families

People are very friendly with children and Paros is the quintessential recreation area for children! 

Unfortunately, not English speaking schools are available and families can bring their children for the lifestyle and the local culture.

There are many people living on the island and can assist with day care.

Many games and sports can be found on the beaches of the island, as well as many other activities, especially during summer time.

Special sports events are held, like cycling and children can participate in a cycling tour of Parikia. Children can also take swimming, sailing, tennis, horseback riding and diving lessons, at a reasonable price.

Tennis lessons are offered in a well-organized environment, ensuring children exercise, socialize and learn healthy habits in mini groups of up to 10 kids between the ages of 4 and 6 under the supervision of an instructor.

For youngsters, the Yacht Club of Paros offers sailing lessons too. All classes have a small number of children and instructors select the appropriate sailing vessel for each student by getting to know the boat and learning the basic safety standards.

The Paros Water Park located near Naousa, open during high season, covers an area of approximately 2 hectares with a private beach, pool, 13 water slides, a river and many other activities for hours of fun, suitable for a variety of ages.

You have access to the bar, self-service restaurant, sunbeds, umbrellas, lockers, changing rooms, medical centre and many more.

The island has amazing food, beaches, easy to walk villages, safe and comfortable to let your kids roam around by themselves.

Every restaurant having high chairs and people will always talk to your kids. They will offer something to keep them busy and they even offer to keep your stroller when there isn’t space between the tables.

Living in Paros

Paros Transportation

Paros has a great public bus system that can take you to most beaches and towns on the island.  The KTEL buses serve visitors and permanent residents with a variety of routes and vehicles. All villages are linked both to each other and the two large towns of the island all year round.

This is convenient for all budgets, as the bus ride is up to 2,20 euro always depending on the route. You can find the bus timetable with all the routes at www.ktelparou.gr

You can also rent a car or a scooter, an easy way to explore the whole island. 

For renting a car or a scooter you need a driving license or your passport. It’s common to be asked to provide a credit card for the car rental as a guarantee. 

For long term rental , you can ask for a better price. 

Due to many tourists during high season, it is recommended to pay attention while driving a motorbike.

There are many transfer companies or private taxi drivers that can take you everywhere very easy. There is no better way to explore this beautiful island . You can choose to hail a taxi from the street , walk to the taxi rank or call one of the local radio taxi companies. 

Should you wish to be independent and privately explore the island , a car rental is commonly found. 

Boat transportation is also easy to find , there are daily boat rides from the port of Naousa to nearby beaches for a very low cost. 

There are sea buses that carry out routes from Parikia to the beaches of Marchello, Krios, Kolympithres, Monastiri, Langeri and Santa Maria. 

Another way to explore is by quad usually called ATV or buggy transportation. For a quad you need an international driver’s license. 

Both are more expensive and fancy but you can rent them for a few days or even for one day so you can have the opportunity of having the experience. 

You can spend a long time in Paros without really needing a car as the bus schedule can cover all major towns and also boat transportation works from both Parikia and Naousa town.

Getting to Paros is by domestic and quick flights as there are no international airports but a small airport. Flight is under an hour , about 40 minutes, from Athens the capital of Greece and Thessaloniki the second biggest city. 

However there are few international charter flights nowadays during the peak season . 

You could also travel to Paros by sea ferries . Many ferries leave daily from Piraeus main port and Rafina, another smaller port. Almost all ferries are comfortable and big and you can book online in advance . 

They make a round trip of the Cyclades and stop at many of the islands , it takes about 4 hours to reach Paros and you can enjoy the scenic views of the Aegean Sea and feel the air by the sea. 

Fitness and Health

There are several gyms that can help you plan your fitness schedule. You can find personal training as well as an effective work out.

Easy to find Hotels with gyms and beautiful views of the sea offering a peaceful sanctuary, with excellent leisure facilities and free internet access. Few have a tennis court and outdoor CrossFit gym to burn some extra energy.

However, Paros offers spectacular hikes, a great form of exercise and work out, during day time surrounded by fantastic landscapes.

There are several hike tours, such as Bike and Hike combining casual cycling with walking, easy hiking, with swimming break & a picnic. Bicycles are provided for a morning or sunset activity.

Beaches are perfect too and you can combine walking or jogging with a refreshing swim afterwards by the sounds of the waves.

It’s a great destination for wind surfing and numerous water sports.

Many to be found at Golden Beach, New Golden Beach and Santa Maria.

There are also many healing, health giving courses and treatments available such as Yoga, Pilates, Shiatsu, various massage therapies and silent or guided meditation classes.

Aqua Motion is a relaxing therapeutic exercise based in water. Not only a relaxing experience for your body but also for your mind. There are sessions in private pools or in the sea suitable for everybody of all ages. 

Our health is affected by many factors and Paros island has all the characteristics of a healthy environment and offers many services for body and mind health.

Paros People

Paros is generally a safe island and the total population today is about 12,000 people.

Hospitable people, born near the sea, the earth, the salt, who know how to cope with the difficulties of life and appreciate every modernism that respects the land and their values. They invest in tourist development, while holding their history, traditions and culture in the highest esteem. The older generations offered and created. The younger ones worked, maintained, studied and returned to support their island with their knowledge and experience.

Paros is a great destination with wonderful seasons and with the beauty of each one.
In the heart of winter there are halcyon days, wonderful days with sunshine, low wind and good temperature. It’s almost possible to swim.

Many shops, restaurants, bars, taverns and hotels in several areas are open all year. People are relaxed, comfortable and will welcome you anytime as during summer they never rest. Get to know the winter hospitality from a different perspective of the island and its activities. 

You can still sit on the beach, enjoy your coffee or meal under the dazzling Aegean sun and have a wonderful day! The winter sun will fill you with energy and positivity.

Everything goes smoothly and you will be able to reach the island with ease.

Paros has never been entirely dependent on tourism. Historically, it was known for its fine white marble. Today abandoned marble quarries and mines can be found on the island.

In small societies such as Paros, festivals are an opportunity to have fun and still bind people with tradition. Music, dancing, food, drinks in each village or church are not to miss. All the residents participate in the festivals, bringing souma or wine, pies, chickpea soup and other delicacies. It usually takes place at the square of the village or at the church ‘s courtyard. Traditional music by tsampouna ( gaida), laouto( lute ) and violin , followed by traditional dancing initially by local groups with national costumes and then the locals finish with their own dancing and singing. 

The largest festival of the island is the feast of Panagia on the 15th of August, both a religious and a large folk festival.

The history of Ekatontapiliani church begins in Byzantine legends, as it was likely constructed in the 4th century.
Agia Eleni, mother of Constantine the Great, stopped at Paros on her pilgrimage to the Holy Land to find the Holy Cross, in order to visit a small church. She prayed and vowed to build a large church on that very same site if she found the Holy Cross. She found the Cross and fulfilled her vow. According to a different legend, the temple was built by Constantine the Great at the request of his mother, who wasn’t able to fulfil her vow.

Many artists come to Paros all year around such as painters, sculpture or photographers or poetry readers written by local poets.

In Paros most of the population can speak English except the older generation.

Paros Insurance and Medical Care

State healthcare in Greece is not completely free and you may still have to pay to use some parts of the healthcare system.

It is recommended to have a private health insurance for medical expenses and hospitalization in case is needed.

With private insurance, you have access to private healthcare all over Greece and in Paros.

Paros Health Centre is located in the centre of Parikia (100 meters from the port) and operates 24 hours.

Also, regional public and private clinics throughout the island are operating in the morning.

If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will provide a list of private doctors that they will call to assess your symptoms and conduct a COVID-19 test.

If you have your own accommodation you can find details of English speaking, private doctors.

If you are tested positive, the Greek authorities will ask you to quarantine until advised otherwise. You may be able to remain in your existing accommodation, or be required to transfer into a state hospital or other government-provided accommodation. Costs related to transfer to alternative accommodation and treatment at state healthcare facilities will be covered by the Greek Government. The nature of your accommodation may differ from the specifications of your pre-booked hotel, villa or other place of stay. Depending on local arrangements, travellers in groups may be required to stay in separate accommodation (if a sufficient number of rooms is not available in one venue, your group may be spread across different accommodation locations).

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Paros

Greece is working to bring more digital nomads to its islands.

Thanks to legislation passed in the Greek Parliament last year, digital nomads who come to Greece can take advantage of a 50 per cent tax break for the first seven years. Ostensibly those are Greek taxes we’re talking about, which is something to consider. You should of course check out tax laws in relation to your individual situation. 

Extended stays in Greece can be tricky to arrange if you don’t hold a European passport, due to Schengen regulations. Remote workers with only British or American passports need to be mindful that they can only stay in Schengen countries such as Greece for 90 days in any 180-day period. After 90 days, they have to leave the Schengen zone for another 90 days before they can return. 

Finding a job in Paros as a foreigner with the current unemployment rate, can seem counterintuitive at first but during high season more people want to work in the travel industry.

If you’re coming from an EU-EEA member state, you can basically reside and work in Greece without any restriction.

If you’re not coming from an EU-EEA country, you will need to apply for a residence/work permit. 

Like any country, Greece has its fair share of bureaucracy and navigating it can be daunting for the uninitiated.

Digital nomads and long term travellers can find convenient and several ways to work remotely while they can enjoy the Greek hospitality and the beauties of the Aegean Sea.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.