A long layover in Paros is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Paros National Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of PAS:
- Can you legally enter Greece? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Public Bus and Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Paros from PAS
You have two main options for getting from Paros National Airport into town:
- Public Bus and Taxi: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
What to Budget for Your Paros Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Paros might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$11 USD
- A meal: ~$22 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$43 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Storing Your Luggage at Paros National Airport
Luggage storage options at PAS can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Paros for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Exploring Paros on a Layover
If you head into Paros, here are two things worth checking out:
Explore Parikia Old Town is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at PAS, check out Relax at Paros Airport Cafe or Browse Paros Airport Mini-Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: Levantis Restaurant and Cactus Paros are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Paros.
- At the airport: Paros Airport Snack Bar and Paros Airport Coffee & Bites will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at PAS.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PAS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Paros itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Greece that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Paros count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave PAS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.