Wondering what the cheapest Greek island is to visit during your vacation in Greece? Well, look no further! I have crunch the numbers and determined that the underrated Greek island Paros wins the race to be the most affordable island in Greece for any Greece vacation.
As a stunning Cycladic island nestled in the Aegean Sea, this cheap Greek island is only a 2 hour ferry ride from the popular cities of Santorini and Mykonos. Paros, Greece is adored by the local Greeks; boasting pristine beaches, hip nightlife, and picturesque white washed towns.
Paros, as one of the best cheap Greek islands, truly balances the best aspects of Greece with affordability, earning the high honor of being the cheapest Greek island to visit on a Greece vacation. So, stick around! We are going to break down every cost on how to get to, what to do, and where to stay in Paros.
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Getting to the Cheapest Greek Island
While Paros is home to its very own airport, the most affordable way to get to the cheapest Greek island is via ferry. There are plenty of ferry services running throughout Greece, island hopping between the top Greek destinations.
Athens to Paros Ferry
Duration: 3 – 4 hours Price: $60 -$120
The most budget-friendly way to get to the cheapest Greek island is by sea. Ferries leave regularly from Rafina and the Pireaus cruise port. Most ferries are fairly comfortable and offer scenic views of the ocean as you head over to Paros.
The best way to get to Pireaus (home to most of the Athens to Paros ferry services) is heading on the Athens Metro. The drive takes around 30 minutes, so if you are using a rental car, don’t worry, you will not have to drive far.
If you prefer to leave from Rafina, the drive takes about 45 minutes. While many Athens to Paros ferry services leave out of Pireaus, you may want to consider leaving from Rafina if you are coming from the airport, as it is significantly closer.
Most of the Athens to Paros ferry services will allow you to bring your car onboard with an additional fee. Just make sure to double check with your Greece car rental agency to see if this is permitted.
Mykonos to Paros Ferry
Duration: 1 hour or less Price: $60 – $100
The only way to get from Mykonos to Paros is by ferry. Mykonos to Paros ferry services run through the day, seven days a week.
Therefore, it is fairly simple to reach the cheapest Greek island. If you are planning on visiting during the high season for your Greece vacation, make sure to book your Mykonos to Paros ferry well in advance.
If you are planning to use your car during your stay on Paros, there are a select few Mykonos to Paros ferry companies that will allow you to bring your car for an additional fee. Again, make sure to double check with your rental car company before you do so.
Mykonos is home to two ports; New Port and Old Port. Most Mykonos to Paros ferry services leave from New Port, which can be reached through a private transfer, water taxi, or a public bus from Mykonos Town Center.
Santorini to Paros Ferry
Duration: 2 – 5.5 hours Price: $50 – $90
If you are looking to head over to the cheapest Greek island from Santorini, you are in luck! Thankfully, the Greek islands of Santorini and Paros and well-connected over sea, especially during the busier summer months.
The most popular port for Santorini to Paros in the Athinios Port. These Greece island hopping ferry services typically run from early in the morning until mid-afternoon, with the latest ferry leaving Santorini’s shore around 3:30 pm.
The length of your boat ride will depend significantly on which Greece ferry service you choose and the amount of stops your boat makes. The Blue Star ferry service usually take around 3 and a half hours, and offers a more sturdy, stable transport to the cheapest Greek island.
If you prefer to arrive in Paros even quicker, make sure to book a ride on a smaller high-speed catamaran which can make the journey from Santorini to Paros is around 2 hours.
Where to Stay in Paros
The most affordable towns to stay in while explore the cheapest Greek island, Paros, are Parikia and Naoussa. They both offer a perfect mix of walkability, nightlife, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. If you prefer a laidback experience, book your stay either in Chrissi Akti or Antiparos.
Other options include Livadia – the perfect Greece vacation spot to discover the natural wonders like Paros part and Kolymbithres Beach. For a more authentic experience, the towns of Aliki, Drios, and Piso Livadi all offer a genuine Greek experience with their fishing village charm, delicious food, and relaxing beaches.
Paros Hotels
The best prices found across the internet for Paros hotels in through booking.com. This website cross-checks all other sites for the most up-to-date and cheapest prices for you to enjoy your Greece vacation in the cheapest Greek island.
Parikia Paros Hotels
As the capital of Paros, most Paros ferries will end up docking in this city. This bustling city is home to the cheapest Greek island’s most important historic landmark – Panagia Ekatontapiliana. Other reasons to stay in Parikia is to hitting up some of the island’s favorite bars and casual tavernas along the beautiful seaside. Some of the best beaches near the Parikia Paros hotels include Lavadia Beach and Parasporos, located on opposite sides of town from each other.
1. Apollon Boutique Hotel (from $50 a night) As the highest rated of the budget Parikia Paros hotels, you will definitely want to consider Apollon Boutique Hotel for your Greece vacation. This luxurious, 3-star hotel is located in the center of Parikia and offers a complimentary buffet breakfast with free WiFi.
2. Stratos Apartments & Studios (from $35 a night) If you are looking for the classic white-washed buildings with blue features (what Greece is known for!), look no further! The Stratos accommodation offers a beautiful place to stay in Parikia, Paros, at a fraction of the price. Their apartments and studios are conveniently located a few steps from the beach.
3. Stella Hotel (from $45 a night) This hotel features beautifully traditional rooms, a garden, and a sitting room with a decent-size TV for every guest. That, paired with its magnificent location just feet from the sandy beach, is all the reason to book your stay at Stella Hotel on the cheapest Greek island.
Naoussa Paros Hotels
If you are looking to stay in a more modern area of Paros during your Greece vacation, Naoussa is the coastal town for you. This village is nestled in a natural bay found on the north end of the cheapest Greek island, featuring a 12th-century Venetian castle partially sunken in the Old Port. You will be delighted to find plenty of delicious seafood restaurants with beautiful views during your stay. Other highlights include remarkable nightlife, colorful bougainvillea, and trendy hotels.
1. Katerina Mare (from $65 a night) This hotel is the top rated for the budget hotels in Naoussa, and therefore, should be at the top of your list! Katerina Mare offers a prime location, nestled right before Piperi Beach. Plus, this hotel is only a mere 650 feet from Naoussa’s main square. These luxurious studios and apartments truly offer a sleek and contemporary Cycladic design.
2. Madaky Hotel (from $40 a night) As a more affordable accommodation option in Naoussa on the cheapest Greek island, Madaky Hotel is located in the center of the village. You will receive complimentary WiFi during your stay in a beautiful, bring room with a private bathroom. Some of the rooms offer air conditioning with the others opening up to a picturesque balcony.
3. Hotel Mary (from $35 a night) This option is the most affordable spot in Naoussa without sacrificing safety and comfort. Located 1.8 miles from Monastiri Beach, Hotel Mary offers amazing accommodations with an onsite restaurant, a bar, and free private parking. You will also enjoy continental and a la carte breakfast options during your stay on the cheapest Greek island.
Other notable hotels in Paros
1. Anixis Studios (from $45 a night) This beautiful hotel is located in the less crowded town of Alyki on the cheapest island in Greece. Anixis Studios is a mere 1,150 feet from the beach, surrounded by a lush garden with bougainvilleas, olive trees, and geraniums. This is a great option if you are heading into Paros airport, as Anixis is less that two miles away.
2. Hotel Fisilanis (from $50 a night) This next hotel is perfect for beach lovers. Hotel Fisilanis sits right on the Logaras beach in the town of Logaras, offering a picturesque seaside restaurant. The Fisilanis rooms are airy and bright, offering spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. The more-trafficked Pounda Beach is around 2,000 feet away from Hotel Fisilanis.
3. Golden Sand Paros (from $35 a night) If you are planning to stay in the village of Chrissi Akti, this hotel boasts a 9.7/10 review at a very affordable price. This accommodation is fully air conditioned and offers guests entertainment through a flat-screen TV. Some of the beautiful Greek rooms feature a private terrace and/or balcony. Each unit also offers a private bathroom and a kitchenette featuring a fridge.
What to Do in Paros
Paros Attractions and Activities
1. Full Day Boat Trip ($48)
A great way to spend one day of your Greece vacation in the cheapest Greek island is through getting on the water. This almost 8 hour boating trip will bring your through the surrounding turquoise sea to discover the picturesque islands of Koufonisia. You will get to spend your time soaking up the sun, strolling through the streets of Pano Koufonisi, and visiting the uninhabited island of Kato Koufonisi.
2. Tour the Ancient Marble Quarries ($98)
One of the must-see spots on the cheapest Greek island of Paros is the marble quarries. On this tour you will learn about the rich history of this island and the world-famous white marble originating out of Paros. In fact, some of the most well-known statues Nike of Samothrace and Venus Medici were made out of this Parian marble. This tour is only 2 and half hours, but will give a great overview of the island’s history, leaving you time to explore other areas of Paros the rest of the day.
3. Walking Tour of Lefkes ($110 for tour, free otherwise)
Whether or not you book this walking tour, you will want to visit the topical Cycladic village of Lefkes. Spend a few lovely hours strolling around this picturesque village offering plenty of intertwining roads and alleys for you to discover. Make sure to stop in at one of the local eateries to enjoy some delicious meals and homemade ice cream.
4. Old Port of Naoussa ($110 for tour, free otherwise)
The Old Port of Naoussa is a great spot to explore a idyllic traditional Cycladic town on the beautiful Paros island, the cheapest Greek island. During you time exploring on your Greece vacation, try out some of the authentic tasty dishes from the Cyclades restaurants. The parts of Old Port you should definitely check out are the ancient ruins and the small Venetian Castle.
5. Paros Park
The last must-see attraction in Paros, the cheapest Greek island, is the Paros Park. This protected seaside area is free to explore, offering an intertwining network of walking trails, massive rock formations, hidden coves, beaches, and caves. If you time everything right, you may even get the chance to experience some of Paros top-rated concerts and plays with Paros park’s amphitheater.
Paros Beaches
1. Kolymbithres Beach
Kolymbithres Beach is by far the top beach to see of the Paros beaches. Since you are trying to see the cheapest Greek island, I am guessing you are looking for free activities to enjoy during your stay. Well, this beach is just that! Featuring smooth rocks and clear waters, Kolymbithres is not your typical beach. Once you are done exploring on your Greece vacation, make sure to head on into the nearby local bars.
2. Lageri Beach
If you are looking for a more sandy beach while on the cheapest Greek island, Lageri is for you! Make sure to arrive right before the sun sets to witness some of the most picturesque views in all of Greece. While this beach is far more sandy than Kolymbithres, you will still find some larger rocks, so make sure to wear proper shoes during your Greece vacation.
3. Golden Beach
While you may think of golden sand when you hear the name ‘Golden Beach’, the sand at this beautiful beach is actually soft white. Golden Beach is easily accessible by the local bus system, with a short walk from the bus stop. If you are planning on spending the day at Golden Beach in Paros, make sure to scope out the areas of loungers found along the shore.
4. Santa Maria Beach
While Santa Maria Beach is beautiful, the thing that sets it apart from other Paros beaches is the beachside bar. Frequently referred to as the best bar in Paros, Santa Maria Beach Bar. Here you can truly relax on your Greece vacation to the cheapest Greek island with the best music, crystal blue waters, and white powder sand. Make sure to check out the Santa Maria calendar to see if any parties, concerts, or events are scheduled during your time on Paros island.
5. Turkish Beach
If you are looking for a more secluded and private beach, head over to Turkish Beach (also referred to as Tourkou Ammos). This lovely spot on the cheapest Greek island is a no-frill beach that is about 10-minutes away from nearby Monastiri. Here you will find a impressive stretch of golden sand and a great view of the bay. If you are looking to swim during your Greece vacation, make sure to add Turkish Beach to your list!
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