Greece permits stays of up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes. Ensure that you have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. Your passport should have 6 months of remaining validity.

All coronavirus travel requirements and restrictions have been lifted. 

Source: travel.gov.gr

The Paros National Airport is located in the southwestern region of the island, and though it currently only offers domestic flights, increased funding will expand the airport to serve international destinations by 2023. Taxis are available at the airport and a nearby bus station provides transportation to Parikia (the local city of Paros).

Central bus stops are located across Paros in cities like Parikia and Naoussa, and the city-wide bus system costs less than $3 per trip. Taxi and car rental services are also available on the Greek island.

Paros is a very safe travel destination, but just like other Greek islands, motor accidents pose the greatest risk to visitors and locals alike. Use your best judgement and your road sense when traveling across the island, but rest assured that Paros is home to a safe and welcoming population.

Greece is one of the sunniest places in the world with an average of 300 sunny days a year. Warm weather lingers throughout the first half of fall (September-November), making it is one of the best times to travel to Greece on a budget to avoid peak travel season while still enjoying the sunny beaches and coastlines. Winter in Greece (November-March) is mostly mild in the south, though northern regions are cold during the winter months, even receiving snow in some areas.

The spring (March-May) is warm with more frequent rainfall early in the season. Prices are typically low for spring travelers, and beaches are far less crowded, though the ocean stays chilly until early summer.  The summer (June-August) is hot and dry, featuring the highest temperatures, best travel schedules, and biggest crowds. June is the best time to catch great deals on a cheaper vacation while still enjoying the warmth and excitement of summer in Greece.

The official language of Greece is Greek, which is spoken by 99% of the population along with other languages like Albanian, Macedonian, and Turkish. The most common foreign languages learned by Greeks are English, German, French, and Italian. Although most popular destinations in Greece are catered to international tourists with language barriers, here are some Greek words/phrases to help you get by:

Hello: Γειά σου (YAH-soo)

Please/You’re welcome: Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE)

Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)

My name is… : Με λένε (may LEH-neh)…

Yes: Ναί (neh); No: όχι (OH-hee)

Excuse me/Sorry: Συγνώμη (See-GHNO-mee)

Do you speak English?: Μιλάτε αγγλικά (Mee-LAH-teh ag-li-KAH)?

Greeks are known to be warm and hospitable, and most etiquette is common sense. Here are a few important tips before your trip:

1. Shake Hands. When meeting an individual or group for the first time, shake hands with everyone present–men, women and children–at a business or social meeting. Shake hands again when leaving.
2. Be conscious of gestures. The “O.K.” sign is a rude gesture; “thumbs up” means O.K. Tilt the head backward once to indicate “no,” and nod the head slightly forward to gesture “yes.” It is best to verbally agree or disagree to avoid confusion.
3. Dress appropriately. Some churches- especially monasteries, require covered shoulders, so be sure to bring a shawl or scarf when visiting religious sites.

Greece is part of the European Union and uses the Euro (€). You can use your credit and debit cards in all ATM machines in Greece, but be sure to keep cash on you, especially when traveling to remote islands.

Feel free to tip if you like the service. Though tipping isn’t a widely practiced norm as it is in North America, rewarding good service will be appreciated, but tips aren’t required.

In Greece, the power plugs and sockets are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You cannot use your electronics in Greece without a voltage converter because the voltage is higher than the US standard of 120 V. Your converter should look like this:

Opt for bottled water when visiting Paros, as the tap water is not potable, though it is safe to use when showering or brushing your teeth.

Free wifi is offered in cafes, restaurants, and hotels all across Paros. Greece has a higher average connection speed than other European countries like Italy and Albania, but it lacks in comparison to countries like France and Sweden. Lack of stable wifi isn’t a problem for most travelers in big cities and small islands like Paros throughout Greece.

There are currently no exclusively gay bars or nightclubs in Paros, though Greece is considered one of the most liberal countries in Southeast Europe, and its LGBTQ+ rights have evolved significantly over the past decade. Same-sex unions were legalized in 2015, and Greek public opinion is widely accepting and inclusive. Many establishments on islands like Paros cater to the LGBTQ+ community, and anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ travelers.

Paros is an island port offering lots of eco-tourism options for eager Greek travelers. The island offers eco-farms, yoga, nature tours, and many other sustainable activities. Above all, head out for a hike or a swim to enjoy the nature of the memorable family destination in beautiful Greece.