Port information & tips for Paros
Paros is considered the radiant heart of the Cyclades and enchants cruisers with its authentic Greek way of life. The island impresses with its picturesque flair of snow-white houses, blue domed roofs, and winding alleys that begin right at the shore. Among the most significant sights are the impressive Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, the Venetian Frankish Castle, and the charming old town of Parikia with its exclusive boutiques. Since larger ships usually lie at anchor in the bay, guests reach the port of Parikia comfortably by tender boat. The landing stage is located directly in the city center, so travelers can explore the historical backdrop and nearby beaches on foot within a few minutes thanks to the ideal location.
Paros, an enchanting Cycladic island in Greece, is easily accessible for cruise guests from the DACH region via a combination of flight and ferry or domestic flight. The island's main port is located in Parikia, the island's capital, where both ferries and tender boats from larger cruise ships dock. Large cruise ships usually anchor off the coast, and guests are comfortably brought directly into the town by tender boats.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Athens International Airport (ATH), as there are no direct long-haul flights to Paros. From the airports in Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin, you can reach Athens with various airlines such as Aegean Airlines or Lufthansa. From Athens Airport, there are regular domestic flights to Paros National Airport (PAS), which is located about 7.5 to 11 kilometers southwest of Parikia and has a flight time of around 45 minutes. From Paros Airport, you can reach the port of Parikia comfortably by taxi in about 10-12 minutes or by public bus in around 20-33 minutes.
Ferry
The ferry is a popular and scenic option to reach Paros, especially from the port of Piraeus in Athens. This route is served by several ferry companies such as Blue Star Ferries and Seajets. High-speed ferries take only about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes for the crossing from Piraeus to Paros, while conventional ferries take an average of 3 hours 53 minutes up to 5-6 hours. There are daily connections, with numerous services during the high season. The ferry port in Parikia is centrally located, and the town center is within walking distance.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the combined travel with international flights followed by domestic flights or ferry connections, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is recommended for a relaxed embarkation. This allows you to buffer any potential travel delays and start your cruise well-rested. Numerous hotels in Parikia, many of them near the port, are ideal for an overnight stay. Alternatively, you can also choose a hotel in Athens near the airport or the port of Piraeus if your onward flight or ferry starts early the next morning.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
