Getting from Santorini to Paros

Paros sits at the centre of the Cyclades geographically and in every other sense. It is the island that connects the group, the hub through which dozens of ferry routes pass every day in summer, and it manages to be both genuinely popular and genuinely good at the same time. The old town of Naoussa in the north is one of the most beautiful small harbour villages in Greece. The village of Lefkes in the interior is quiet and traditional and easy to miss. The beaches on the west coast are long and sandy. The kitesurfing at Golden Beach is some of the best in the Mediterranean. Paros is bigger and more varied than most first-time visitors expect and rewards a longer stay than most people give it.

Take the ferry

The Santorini to Paros ferry is one of the most heavily used inter-island routes in the Cyclades and one of the best served. Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries all serve the route year-round with up to 8 daily crossings in summer. The fastest Seajets catamaran covers the distance in around 1 hour 30 minutes. Blue Star conventional ferries take around 2.5 to 3 hours but are more stable and considerably more comfortable in rough weather. Book ahead in July and August as this is one of the most popular routes in the Aegean and it fills up fast.

What about flying?

Paros has an airport with domestic connections from Athens, but there are no direct flights from Santorini to Paros. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. The ferry is the obvious and only sensible choice on this route.

Your best option

Take the ferry. It is one of the most effortless island hops in the Cyclades and the crossing is a pleasure. Check Ferryhopper for the day's schedule and pick the departure that works for you.