+30 697 170 0176
Menu
+30 697 170 0176

Day Trips

Day Trips From Paros: Island Hopping And Easy Adventures

Paros is one of the best bases in the Cyclades if you want to see more than one island without living out of your suitcase. Ferries are close, boat days are easy, and you can still be back in your own bed every night.

This guide focuses on day trips from Paros that actually work in real life. In practice, the smartest options are:

  • unforgettable local boat days around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko

  • bigger RIB adventures to islands like Koufonisia or Polyegos when weather and budget say yes

  • longer DIY ferry hops to places like Naxos, Santorini or Mykonos when you do not mind a very full day

Whether you are here for a long weekend or a full week, these ideas connect naturally with our guides to boat tours in Paros, experiences in Paros, best beaches in Paros and Paros villages, so you can shape your time on the island the way you like it.

Best Day Trips From Paros At A Glance

If you only pick a few, start here.

Top “local” choices

  • Local boat days around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko
    Classic Blue Lagoon, caves, coves, cliff jumps and beach stops, on everything from traditional wooden boats to catamarans and RIBs. These are the number one day trip we recommend.

  • Private RIB adventures on the Paros – Antiparos side
    Fast, flexible and custom. Perfect if you want to control the route, timing and music, sometimes skip the crowds and find tiny coves.

  • Island tours by car or van on Paros
    Full day loop with villages, viewpoints and beach stops for people who want to see a lot without driving.

Further afield

  • RIB trips to Koufonisia, Polyegos or Kimolos on the right weather day. Swimming in ridiculous water colour, then back to calm Paros in the evening.

  • Long RIB or motor yacht days to islands like Santorini, Delos and Mykonos, Sifnos or Milos for guests who want one big “wow” day and understand it will be long.

DIY ferry day trips

  • Antiparos by ferry from Pounda, the easiest extra island.

  • Naxos by ferry for a taste of the biggest Cycladic island.

  • Santorini, Mykonos and Delos with regular ferries or organised day tours in peak season if you really want the famous postcards.

Locally speaking, we are happy to help with the very long days, but we quietly try to pull people toward the closer, more relaxed trips, because those usually give better memories and a calmer rhythm, and they are also where we can do the most for you.

Signature GoParos Day Trips On The Water

These are the trips we want GoParos to be known for.

Local RIB Boat Days: Paros – Antiparos – Despotiko

If there is one day trip to lock in, this is it.

A typical RIB day around Paros and Antiparos can include:

  • Blue Lagoon and sometimes Green Lagoon between small islands

  • Sea coves and caves on the Antiparos side

  • Cliff jumping spots for the brave, gentle ladders for everyone else

  • A beach stop on Antiparos and often a beautiful bay on Despotiko

  • Snorkel time in clear water away from the crowds

Why RIBs work so well:

  • They are fast and stable, so you get more swim stops in one day.

  • You can tune the route with the skipper based on wind and what you like.

  • Small group, private music, no fixed timetable. The day feels like your boat.

Sometimes we will run these RIB days ourselves, given we are captains also, but when time and conditions allow. Most of the time, we work with other trusted local skippers.

If your budget stretches to just one special day, a private RIB on the Paros – Antiparos – Despotiko route is often the smartest use of it.

Shared Boat Days: Wooden Boats, Catamarans And Sailing

Not everyone needs a private RIB. Shared trips also make great day excursions.

Most shared boat tours in Paros follow some version of:

  • Paros departure from Parikia, Naoussa, Piso Livadi or Aliki

  • Blue Lagoon for the classic turquoise swim

  • Caves and cliffs on Antiparos, with optional jumps

  • A long swim and lunch stop near Despotiko or a quiet bay

  • One or two extra swims on the way back

Typical boat types:

  • Traditional wooden boats for a social, classic Greek feeling with food cooked on board.

  • Catamarans for space, comfort and families who want shade and stability.

  • Smaller sailing boats for people who like to feel the wind and keep numbers low.

If you are not sure where to start, one shared full day cruise on this loop is a perfect first day trip from Paros.

Big RIB Adventures: Koufonisia, Polyegos And Friends

On the very best weather days, some RIBs and fast boats can take you further:

  • Koufonisia and the Small Cyclades for caves, natural pools and tiny bays.

  • Polyegos and Kimolos near Milos, often mentioned as some of the clearest water in Greece.

  • Custom long runs towards Santorini, Delos and Mykonos or Sifnos, always weather dependent.

These trips are:

  • Longer, usually a full day from early morning to late afternoon.

  • More fuel heavy and therefore more expensive.

  • The kind of day where you come back sun tired and smiling and sleep very well.

Good to know: we are happy to arrange these, but we will always be honest about the forecast. If the sea is not right, a local Paros – Antiparos day is usually a better choice than forcing a long open water crossing.

For a deep dive into boat types, routes and how to choose, you will have a separate boat tours in Paros guide. Here, think of them mainly as the core day trips from Paros by sea.

Day Trips That Stay On Paros

Not every “day trip” has to change island.

Private Island Tours By Car Or Van

For guests who want to see a lot without driving, we often suggest private island tours in Paros:

A full day usually:

  • Circles much of the island with viewpoints over bays and villages

  • Combines inland stops like Lefkes, Marpissa or Prodromos with seaside breaks

  • Gives you time for a proper taverna lunch, a few short walks and one or two swims

You can choose between:

  • Culture focused routes with churches, history and village life

  • Beach heavy itineraries that slip in some of the best beaches in Paros

  • Mixed days that give a little of everything

These tours feel like day trips from Paros, even though you never leave the island, and they are perfect when wind makes boat days less attractive.

Antiparos And Beaches DIY Day

Another “stay local” favourite is a simple DIY combo:

  • Morning swim on the south or east coast of Paros

  • Lunch in Drios, Piso Livadi, Lefkes or Aliki

  • Afternoon hop across to Antiparos from Pounda for a village stroll, ice cream and one more swim

  • Evening back in Paros for dinner in Naoussa or Parikia

Short, flexible, and easy to adapt to the wind.

DIY Ferry Day Trips From Paros

If you like planning your own days, ferries open more options. 

Antiparos By Ferry

The lowest stress day trip.

  • Bus or drive to Pounda on Paros

  • Short car ferry across to Antiparos, about five to ten minutes

  • Walk straight into the village and decide: beach, cave, coffee or all three

Perfect for:

  • Families

  • People who dislike long boat rides

  • Anyone who wants a second island without any drama

Naxos Day Trip From Paros

Naxos is the big neighbour.

DIY version:

  • Morning ferry from Paros

  • Walk around Naxos Town, visit the Portara, shop and grab a long lunch

  • Optional quick swim on the town beach

  • Afternoon or early evening ferry back

Works best if:

  • You have at least a week in Paros

  • You are happy with one full sightseeing day off island

Santorini Day Trip From Paros

Possible, but not gentle.

You can:

  • Join organised day tours in peak season that handle ferries and buses up to Oia and Fira

  • Or plan it yourself if times fit

It is:

  • Very early and very late

  • Crowded in season

  • Impressive if you have never seen the caldera

Honest local view: if you only have three or four nights, Santorini is better saved for a separate trip. If you have a full week or more and really want the view, one Santorini day trip can make sense.

Delos And Mykonos

Some combinations are possible in season:

  • Morning arrival to Mykonos

  • Short boat across to Delos for the archaeological site

  • Back to Mykonos Town for food and a wander

  • Evening return to Paros

Good for:

  • History lovers who want Delos

  • People curious about Mykonos but not enough to stay there

Other Islands And Small Cyclades

With the right ferry or organised cruise you can also touch:

  • Small Cyclades such as Schinoussa or Iraklia

  • Sifnos or Milos on specific connections

In practice, these are best handled as organised day cruises or treated as separate trips if you really want to explore properly.

How To Choose The Right Day Trip From Paros

By travel style

  • Adventure lovers
    Look at private RIB boat days, long RIB runs to Koufonisia or Polyegos, and full island tours with hikes or short walks built in.

  • Families
    Focus on shared wooden boats or catamarans on the Paros – Antiparos loop, simple Antiparos ferry days and calm island tours by van. Leave the very long Santorini or Mykonos days for when the kids are older.

  • Couples
    One private RIB or small sailing boat day, one sunset cruise, and a soft Antiparos or inland villages day is usually the sweet spot.

  • Slow travellers
    Mix one boat day, one Antiparos day, and one private island tour with plenty of time in villages, food experiences and quiet beaches.

By season

  • May and June
    Green hills, cooler sea, great for island tours by car or van, hiking and calmer boat days.

  • July and August
    Stronger meltemi, warm water. Best for boat tours in Paros, wind sports, RIB adventures and busy village evenings. You need to book popular day trips early.

  • September and early October
    Warm sea, fewer people, golden light. Great balance for both boat days and inland trips.

  • Late October onward
    Quieter, cooler sea. Better for cultural day trips, inland villages and custom adventures, with only some boat options left.

Wind, Weather And Practical Tips For Day Trips

How the meltemi affects day trips

  • Strong north wind in July and August is normal.

  • Local boat days often shift to the south and east sides of Paros and Antiparos where it is more protected.

  • Long open water RIB days to far islands may be moved or cancelled for safety.

  • If your sea day does not happen, it is a good time for experiences in Paros like cooking classes, pottery, marble workshops, wellness or village walks.

Booking and timing

  • For July and August, book RIBs, catamarans, popular shared cruises and long day tours at least a few days in advance.

  • Shoulder months are more flexible, but anything that is a “must” for you should still be reserved early.

  • Always arrive at ports and meeting points 15 to 30 minutes early, especially in peak season.

What to bring

  • Swimwear, towel and a light change of clothes

  • Hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen

  • Water bottle, small snacks and any medicine you need

  • Light jacket for breezy evening returns

  • Small dry bag or phone pouch if you are near water all day

You do not need a suitcase. One small backpack is enough for almost every day trip from Paros.

Sample Itineraries With Day Trips From Paros

Three night stay

  • Day 1: Arrival, easy beach and village evening

  • Day 2: Full Paros – Antiparos – Despotiko boat day

  • Day 3: Antiparos ferry day or private island tour on Paros

Five to seven night stay

  • One full local boat day, shared or private

  • One Antiparos day or Naxos DIY day

  • One soft “day trip that stays on Paros” with villages and beaches by car or van

  • Remaining days for beaches, experiences in Paros and relaxed evenings in Naoussa, Parikia, Drios, Piso Livadi or Aliki

You can then plug these into your things to do in Paros, best beaches and villages plans.

Day Trips From Paros: FAQs

Can I visit Santorini as a day trip from Paros?

Yes, in high season there are organised tours and ferry combinations that make this possible. It is a very long, busy day, so it is best if you have at least a week in Paros and really want that caldera view. For shorter trips, local boat days and Antiparos usually give a better balance.

Antiparos by ferry from Pounda is the easiest. The crossing is short, the schedule is frequent, and you can mix beach time, village walks and food with almost no planning.

A full day loop around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko is the top choice. You see Blue Lagoon, caves, coves and some of the clearest water near the island in one go.

In July and August, yes, especially for RIBs, catamarans, long RIB adventures and Santorini or Mykonos tours. In May, June, September and October you have more flexibility, but it still pays to reserve anything that is important to you.

Yes. Many boat tours include transfers from central points, ferries to Antiparos are simple, and buses connect main villages and Pounda. For very early departures or late returns, taxi and private transfers in Paros are ideal.

Often yes, especially local boat days that can move to the protected side. Far RIB runs may be shifted or cancelled. On the windiest days it is smarter to stay on land and switch to experiences in Paros such as cooking classes, workshops or wellness.

For most families the best options are shared boat tours around Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko, simple Antiparos ferry days, and gentle island tours by van with short walks and plenty of swim stops. Very long RIB crossings and Santorini or Mykonos day trips are better when kids are older and used to longer travel days. Calm bays, shallow beaches and shorter boat legs usually make everyone happier.

If you want to use ferries and organised tours often, Parikia and Naoussa are the simplest bases, because many departures start or connect through there. Piso Livadi and Aliki are also good if you focus on local boat days from the east and south coasts. With private transfers in Paros you can stay in quieter villages like Drios, Golden Beach or Aliki and still reach ports and meeting points easily.

Yes, as long as you choose the right style of trip and tell us your needs in advance. Private island tours by car or van, Antiparos ferry days and calmer shared boat tours with easy ladders are usually good options. Long walks in the heat, steep village lanes and boats with difficult boarding can be avoided or replaced with gentler alternatives. A short chat about energy levels helps us point you to the right experiences.

Prices vary a lot depending on the style of day trip. Shared boat tours are usually the most economical per person, private RIBs and custom island tours sit in the middle, and long-distance RIB or motor yacht trips to far islands are the premium option. DIY ferry days can be cheaper overall, but you need to add tickets, food and local transport. If you tell us your rough budget, we can suggest the best value day trips from Paros for your range.

Yes, very easily. Most day trips from Paros return by late afternoon or early evening, which leaves plenty of time for a shower and a village night in Naoussa or Parikia. A nice rhythm is boat or island hopping by day, then one of the main villages for dinner, drinks and a walk. For late nights, pre booked transfers or taxis in Paros keep things simple so you do not have to worry about parking or driving back tired.

Many people with light seasickness still enjoy shorter, more sheltered trips. Choose larger, more stable boats such as catamarans or traditional boats on local routes rather than long open water RIB crossings, pick calmer weather days, and stay on deck where you can see the horizon. Motion sickness tablets, light food and avoiding heavy alcohol also help. If you know you are very sensitive, Antiparos by ferry or land-based island tours are usually better choices than long sea days.

What To Do Next:

Once you have an idea of which day trips from Paros feel right for you:

  • Check boat tours in Paros to choose between RIB, catamaran, wooden boat or sailing days.

  • Use experiences in Paros to fill non travel days with cooking, wine, outdoor activities, arts and wellness.

  • Plan relaxed beach time using best beaches in Paros, matching coasts to wind and mood.

  • Read the Paros villages guide to decide which villages you want to see by day and which by night.

  • Choose your base with where to stay in Paros, so ports and pick up points are easy to reach.

  • If you prefer not to drive, line up taxi and private transfers in Paros for early boats, late returns and simple evenings out.