Ancient Paros City Guide
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Greece

Ancient Paros City Guide

Paros is a Greek island blending ancient history with island life. Its towns, Parikia and Naoussa, have charming Cycladic architecture and good beaches nearby. It's quieter and often cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos, making it popular with families, couples, and remote workers.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Excellent
9

Fresh seafood and Greek classics like souvlaki and moussaka are popular. International food is good in tourist areas. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasing. Late-night food options are common.

Local Dishes:
Fresh seafood, Souvlaki, Moussaka, Greek salad, Local cheeses
International Cuisine:
Italian, Asian, Fusion
Vegan FriendlyVegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Excellent
8

Naoussa and Parikia offer active nightlife with bars and clubs suited to several tastes.

Coffee Culture
Good
7

Good mix of traditional Greek coffee and modern espresso spots, with a growing specialty scene. Coffee breaks are social moments.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up or 5-10% in restaurants is common. Taxis and other services usually expect small tips or rounding up.

Top Attractions
Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Culture
Historic church in Parikia known as the Church of 100 Doors.
Venetian Kastro
Culture
Venetian fortress in Parikia.
Old Port of Naoussa
Culture
Picturesque harbor with cafés and shops.
Byzantine Museum
Culture
Museum showcasing Byzantine art and history.
SIM Cards

SIMs can be bought at mobile stores and kiosks in Parikia and Naoussa. Major providers are Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind (Nova). eSIMs are available. Passport needed for activation.

Available at:
Mobile provider stores in Parikia
Mobile provider stores in Naoussa
Kiosks
Recommended Apps
Ferryhopper(Travel)
Google Maps(Navigation)
E-food or Wolt(Food)
Taxi apps(Transportation)
AccuWeather(Weather)
WhatsApp(Communication)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Good
7

Main tourist areas are clean. Waste collection and recycling infrastructure exist but vary in coverage.

24/7 Services
Good
6

Some pharmacies operate late or on-call. Mini-markets and food options available late especially in high season. Emergency medical care available at Paros Health Center 24/7.

Groceries
AB Vassilopoulos
Sklavenitis
Local mini-markets

Supermarkets like AB Vassilopoulos and Sklavenitis have international products. Fresh markets operate in main towns. Hours are usually 8 AM to 9 PM, with some closed Sundays.

Cashless Payments
Widely accepted

Most places accept cards, but have some cash for small shops or remote areas.

ATMs

ATMs are common in Parikia and Naoussa. Withdrawals may have fees depending on your bank.

Schools
Local only

Primarily local Greek public schools. Limited international options on Paros; most are in Athens.

Available Schools:
Local Greek public schools

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Available
6
Available Spaces:
Selina Paros
Co-living and co-working space with 24/7 access, meeting rooms, and a social vibe.
24/7 Access
Work-Friendly Cafés
Excellent
Cafes in Parikia and Naoussa
Most have Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating.
Alternatives:
Public Library Parikia
Quiet place with Wi-Fi for focused work.
Hotel lobbies
Many hotels provide Wi-Fi and seating to work remotely.
Digital Nomad Community
Good
7

Growing digital nomad scene with meetups, Selina co-working, and active online groups.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Excellent
8

Paros Park and rural areas provide quality green spaces suitable for walking and running.

Running
Good
7

Popular running routes include coastal paths and Paros Park. Roads can be busy; caution advised.

Gyms
Available

Several gyms available, including those at Selina for co-living guests.

Available Gyms:
Olympus Gym (Parikia)
Paros Sports Center (Parikia)
Selina Paros Gym
Tennis
Good
6

Tennis courts are at clubs and hotels. Padel courts exist but are less common. Equipment rental and coaching available.

Padel
Limited
5

Padel courts can be found at some sports centers, though not widespread.

Yoga
Excellent
8

Several yoga studios offer varied styles with English-speaking instructors. Drop-in classes and retreats are common.

Martial Arts
Poor
3

Limited martial arts facilities, mainly boxing or kickboxing at gyms. Traditional dojos are rare.

Skiing
Poor
0

Not available due to the warm climate.

Water Sports
Excellent
8

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing rentals and tours are widely available, mostly in summer.

Surfing
Excellent
8

Windsurfing and kitesurfing spots like Golden Beach and Pounda Bay offer lessons and rentals. Summer is the best season.

Diving
Good
7

Dive sites with excellent visibility and diverse marine life. Certifications and equipment available. Best from May to October.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Good
7

Paros Health Center in Parikia is the main public facility. Private clinics offer faster service. Most have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common with standard hours.

Hospitals:
Paros Health Center
Pharmacies:
Parikia pharmacies
Naoussa pharmacies
Tap Water Safety
Safe to drink

Tap water is generally safe but many prefer bottled water for taste.

Common Scams
Taxi overcharging if fare not agreed or meter used., Inflated menu prices at some tourist restaurants., Pickpocketing during crowded peak season.

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Excellent
8

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés are common. Beaches have shallow waters. Aqua Paros water park offers fun activities for kids.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Excellent
8

Generally accepting, especially in tourist areas, with safe spaces and legal protections. Smaller local events take place.

Pet Friendly
Good
7

Many accommodations and restaurants accept pets. Vet services and pet supplies are available. Dog-friendly beaches and walking areas exist.

Communities
Paros Expats & Friends (Online community)
Digital Nomads Greece (Online community)
Paros Island Greece (Online community)

Quick Facts

Population
5,289
Power Reliability
Excellent
8/10

Power is usually stable, but outages can happen during peak times or storms.

Beach Access
Available

Paros has many beaches with clear water and fine sand. Beaches like Paralia and Santa Maria have calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming.

Mountains
Available

The island's highest point is Prophet Elias at 770 meters. Hiking trails start near villages like Lefkes.

Languages
Greek(100%)
English(75%)
Emergency
112
European Emergency Number
166
Ambulance
100
Police
199
Fire Department

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Low Risk
3
🏔️
Earthquake
Moderate Risk
6

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Extreme heat
July, August
Temperatures often exceed 30°C during midsummer.
Localized flooding
Rarely, during heavy rain
Heavy rainfall can cause short-term flooding in some areas.
Dust from Africa
Spring
Occasional dust affects air quality during some spring days.

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