Getting from Mykonos to Paros is quick and easy by ferry, a crossing of around 35 minutes to 1.5 hours from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos to Parikia, the capital of Paros, run by SeaJets, Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries. This guide covers the times, the prices, the ports, the operators, booking and why to visit.
Paros is a popular and rewarding island hop from the Mykonos travel guide, easily combined with Naxos. The sections below cover the journey in full.
How long does the Mykonos to Paros ferry take?
The Mykonos to Paros ferry takes around 35 to 50 minutes on the high-speed boats and up to about 1 hour 30 minutes on the conventional ferries. The islands are 24 nautical miles apart, so it is a short, easy crossing, making Paros a quick and convenient hop from Mykonos.
The crossing from Mykonos to Paros is short and simple, another of the easy island hops in the central Cyclades. The two islands lie about 24 nautical miles apart, roughly 44 kilometres, and the fast high-speed catamarans cover the distance in around 35 to 50 minutes in most cases, while the slower conventional car ferries take up to about 1 hour 30 minutes. Some services that stop at Naxos or other islands along the way take a little longer. This brevity makes Paros very easy to reach from Mykonos, whether as a day trip or as the next stop on an island-hopping route, with minimal time spent travelling. The short, frequent crossing is a big reason the two islands are so often combined, and Paros also connects on to Naxos and Santorini, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos to Naxos and day trips. Several companies run the route.
Which ferries run from Mykonos to Paros?
The Mykonos to Paros route is served by SeaJets, Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries, with both high-speed catamarans and conventional car ferries. They run from April to November, with up to 10 daily connections in the high season, so there is good choice and frequency through the summer.
A good selection of ferry operators serves the popular Mykonos to Paros route, ensuring frequent sailings in summer. The main companies are SeaJets, Fast Ferries and Golden Star Ferries, running a mix of fast high-speed catamarans, which make the quickest crossings of around 35 to 50 minutes, and conventional car ferries, which take a little longer but cost less and carry vehicles. The ferries operate from around April to November, covering the main tourist season, with up to 10 daily connections during the high season of summer, so you can usually find a departure to suit your plans, while frequency drops in the shoulder and off-season months. The earliest boats from Mykonos generally leave mid-morning, around 9.40am, and the last in the evening, sometimes as late as around 9.20pm, giving good flexibility. With several operators and frequent summer sailings, the route is reliable, set out alongside the guide to the ports. The fares are reasonable.
How much does the Mykonos to Paros ferry cost?
The Mykonos to Paros ferry costs from around 36 euros for a standard one-way ticket, with prices varying by operator, boat speed and season. The conventional ferries are generally cheaper than the fast catamarans, and prices rise in peak summer, so booking ahead helps secure a better fare.
The fare for the short hop to Paros is moderate and good value. A standard one-way ticket typically starts from around 36 euros, with the exact price depending on the operator, the speed of the boat and the time of year. As on most Cyclades routes, the conventional car ferries are generally cheaper than the faster high-speed catamarans, so if you are happy with a slightly longer crossing you can save money, while the fast boats cost more for the time saved. Prices climb in the peak of July and August and for the quickest services, so booking your tickets in advance helps secure both a place and a better fare. Because the crossing is short, there are no cabins on this route, just airline-style seating, lounges and open decks to enjoy the sea views. Comparing operators and classes when booking lets you balance speed and cost, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. The ports are easy to use.
Which ports do the ferries use?
Ferries to Paros leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, about 2 km north of Mykonos Town, not the Old Port. They arrive at Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros, right by the town. Arrive at Mykonos New Port about 45 minutes before departure in summer, as it gets crowded.
Knowing the correct ports keeps travel day stress-free. Departures from Mykonos leave from the New Port at Tourlos, the modern port about 2 kilometres north of Mykonos Town where the big ferries and cruise ships dock, rather than the small Old Port beside the town, so be sure to head to the right place. The port can get busy in the high season, so it is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to allow for the crowds and boarding. On arrival, the ferries dock at Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros, conveniently right beside the town, so you step off the boat practically in the heart of Parikia, close to its waterfront, old town, windmill and the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliani church. This makes arriving on Paros immediate and easy, with no long transfer needed. Planning the right port and arrival time keeps the journey smooth, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos to Santorini. A few tips help the trip.
What tips help for the Mykonos to Paros ferry?
Book tickets online ahead for summer, go to the correct New Port at Tourlos and arrive about 45 minutes early, and pick a fast catamaran for the shortest crossing. Keep luggage manageable, carry your booking and ID, and take seasickness precautions, as fast ferries can be bumpy in strong meltemi wind.
A few practical tips make the Mykonos to Paros crossing smooth and easy. Book your ferry tickets online in advance, particularly in the busy summer months, to secure your preferred departure and avoid sold-out sailings, and choose a high-speed catamaran for the shortest crossing or a conventional ferry to save money. On the day, head to the correct port, the New Port at Tourlos rather than the Old Port, and arrive about 45 minutes before departure to allow for the summer crowds and boarding. Pack so your luggage is easy to manage, as you may handle it on and off yourself, and keep your booking confirmation and ID to hand. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions, as the fast ferries can be bumpy when the meltemi wind picks up. With these steps, the short hop to Paros is simple and enjoyable, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos weather and getting to Mykonos. Paros is well worth visiting.
Why visit Paros from Mykonos?
Paros is well worth visiting from Mykonos for its charming towns of Parikia and Naoussa, beautiful sandy beaches, traditional Cycladic character and lively but relaxed atmosphere, at lower prices than Mykonos. The short, frequent ferry makes it an easy day trip or a relaxed stop on an island-hopping route.
Paros makes a rewarding addition to a Mykonos trip, offering a similar Cycladic beauty with a more relaxed, affordable feel just a short ferry ride away. The island is known for its two lovely main towns: Parikia, the capital, with its waterfront, windmill and historic church, and the picturesque fishing town of Naoussa, famous for its pretty harbour, whitewashed lanes, excellent restaurants and stylish but laid-back nightlife. Paros also has beautiful sandy beaches such as Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, the latter popular for windsurfing, and a genuine, traditional Cycladic character with charming villages like Lefkes inland. It strikes a happy balance, livelier than quiet Naxos but more relaxed and cheaper than glamorous Mykonos, making it a favourite for many travellers. Whether as a day trip to wander Naoussa and the beaches or as a calmer, good-value stop on an island-hopping route, Paros rewards the easy hop from Mykonos, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos vs Naxos and a Mykonos itinerary. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Can you do Paros as a day trip from Mykonos?
Yes, you can do Paros as a day trip from Mykonos thanks to the short, frequent ferry of around 35 to 50 minutes. Take an early boat, explore Parikia and the pretty town of Naoussa and a beach, and return in the evening, though staying a night or two lets you enjoy Paros more fully.
Paros makes a feasible and enjoyable day trip from Mykonos, helped by the short, frequent ferry, though as with Naxos a longer stay reveals far more. The fast boats cross in around 35 to 50 minutes with up to 10 daily connections in summer, so you can take an early-morning ferry from Mykonos New Port, spend a full day on Paros and return on an evening sailing. With a day, a good plan is to start in Parikia, the capital right by the port, exploring its waterfront, windmill, old town and the historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, then head to the picturesque fishing town of Naoussa with its pretty harbour, whitewashed lanes and excellent restaurants, and fit in time at a lovely beach such as Kolymbithres. A relaxed Greek lunch by the sea rounds out the day. However, Paros has plenty to offer beyond a single day, from its beaches and windsurfing spots to charming inland villages like Lefkes, so staying a night or two lets you enjoy its relaxed, characterful atmosphere and lively but laid-back nightlife more fully. The easy, frequent ferry makes Paros a rewarding stop on a Mykonos trip, whether for a day or longer, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos to Naxos and day trips. The short hop makes island-hopping easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mykonos to Paros ferry take?
The Mykonos to Paros ferry takes around 35 to 50 minutes on the high-speed boats and up to about 1 hour 30 minutes on the conventional ferries. The islands are 24 nautical miles apart, so it is a short, easy crossing, making Paros a quick and convenient hop from Mykonos.
How much does the Mykonos to Paros ferry cost?
The Mykonos to Paros ferry costs from around 36 euros for a standard one-way ticket, with prices varying by operator, boat speed and season. The conventional ferries are generally cheaper than the fast catamarans, and prices rise in peak summer, so booking ahead helps secure a better fare.
Which port does the Paros ferry leave from in Mykonos?
Ferries to Paros leave from Mykonos New Port at Tourlos, about 2 km north of town, not the Old Port. They arrive at Parikia, the capital and main port of Paros, right by the town. Arrive at Mykonos New Port about 45 minutes before departure in summer, as it gets crowded.