Car Hire in Paros

About Paros

Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. It is part of the Cyclades archipelago and lies west of Naxos. The municipal area of Paros includes numerous uninhabited offshore islets. The capital of the island is Parikia and it is located in the northwestern part of the island. The highest peak of Paros is Profítis Ilías with a height of 771 meters. In the past, Paros was mainly known for its white marble, which was exported from the island and was the main source of income for the inhabitants of Paros. Today, there are some abandoned marble quarries and mines on the island, but the main source of income for the inhabitants of Paros has become tourism, as Paros is a very attractive destination for travellers from all over the world.

An important fact about tourism in Paros is that the island is a very important archaeological site. The marble that was quarried here was not only important for buildings all over Greece, but also for the development of art, as many famous artists used white marble for their statues.

In addition to tourism, Paros is also known for its agriculture, which is still an important part of the local economy. The main export products from here are grains, grapes, figs, olives, and tobacco.

So what's so special about Paros? In 2018, it was voted the best island in Europe. It is away from mass tourism, so you will not find crowded beaches and roads here. It has fantastic beaches, fantastic historical, cultural, and religious sites that you can visit. It offers exceptional nature, traditional charming architecture, crystal clear sea and of course delicious cuisine. What else do you need if you are looking for a perfect holiday destination? Maybe just a car rental here in Paros, and you'll have everything you need to explore this beautiful place and create fantastic memories. Buckle up and drive safely!

Basic info and car hire on Paros

• Location: Cyclades, Greece
• Population: 13,715
• Official language: Greek
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Paros has a Mediterranean climate 
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads on Paros Island are in good condition.
• Car hire on Paros: The most common pick-up point for vehicles on Paros Island is at Paros airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire on Paros Island!

 Driving on Paros

Driving a car on the island of Paros should be a relaxing experience. There are not many cars on the island, so the roads are not very crowded. The main road on Paros is built around the island, so as you drive you will always see the sea on one side and the houses or countryside on the other.

Keep in mind that there are also some dirt roads on the island where you need to slow down your speed and be extra careful, as there might be some holes on these roads that can damage your car. There are also a lot of motorcycles on the road, especially in the summer, so you should be extra careful here as well.

The fines for breaking the laws and regulations are strict and expensive. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign will cost you 700 euros. Not wearing a seatbelt in a car is punishable by 350 euros. Talking on a mobile phone without a hands-free device is punishable by 100 euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of between 200 and 1200 euros and a probable driving license suspension of between 10 days and six months, depending on how much the breathalyzer test reveals.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Greece is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, and some rental companies for people over 75 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply to those under 25 with many rental companies.
• International Driving Permit:  Visitors need a valid driving license to drive a car in Greece legally. Drivers of motorcycles up to 125cc must be at least 18 years old, while drivers of mopeds (up to 50cc) must be at least 16 years old. Driving licenses issued in E.U. and EEA countries are accepted. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can legally drive in Greece and 174 other countries and present your valid driver's license. Only two organizations issue IDPs: Automobile Association of America (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you can order it online if there is no office near you.
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company if your policy does not cover you when driving in Greece). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangle (mandatory in every vehicle), headlight deflectors (for cars from UK. Depending on the vehicle, you may either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually), fire extinguisher (mandatory in every car), first aid kit (mandatory in every car), warning triangles, spare wheels are required, and hands-free devices with hearing aids if you are talking on the phone while driving. 
• Children in the car:  A suitable child seat must be fitted for children under three years of age. Local authorities approve child restraint systems that comply with the ECE R44/03 standard. A suitable child seat should also be used for children between 3 and 11 years of age smaller than 1.35 meters. Adult seat belts are already approved for children over 12 years of age and over 1.35 meters tall. If you wish to fit a rear-facing child seat, you may do so because the front passenger airbag is deactivated.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: In poor daytime visibility, use low beam headlights. The use of high beams in cities is strictly prohibited.  
• General speed limits: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum speed on the motorway is 120 km per hour. On rural roads, you may drive 110 km/68 mi per hour. In residential areas, the speed limit is 50 km/31 mi per hour.
• Parking suggestions: Parking is prohibited in Greece: Within 5 meters (m) of intersections, within 15m of railway crossings, within 15m of bus and tram stops, within 3m of a fire hydrant, within 5m of a stop sign, or traffic light. In some streets, signs indicate which side of the road to park on. Parking fees vary from city to city, with meters usually operating between 30 minutes and two hours. In Athens, particular parking areas are reserved for tourists. E.U. disability cards should be recognised in Greece. However, to be on the safe side, you should apply for a card from the Institute for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Athens or from local prefects in other provinces.

What to see on Paros

Paros is an ideal place for a short road trip. The island is beautiful and full of hidden gems. All you need to do is rent a car and explore this amazing place. The island has something to offer for every kind of tourist. There are many sports activities that you can do here. So, if you are one of those travellers who prefer an active holiday, you will not be bored here. For example, there are many water sports that you can do here. Paros is a popular destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

There are also many picturesque villages and towns that you should visit. For example Naoussa, Lefkes or Marpissa. You should also visit the capital of the island, Parikia. In Parikia, you can visit for example the monastery Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Virgin Mary of the Hundred Doors). It is considered the oldest church on the island and also one of the oldest in Greece. Another church worth visiting in Parikia is Agios Konstantinos. This church is located right by the sea and offers a magnificent view of the sea on one side and the city on the other. The most beautiful church in Parikia is undoubtedly Pamegiston Taksiarxon. If you want to take some great photos, you will not regret it.

Parikia is also home to the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Paros. Here you can see the collection of many excavations on the island. The most famous exhibit is the statue of Gorgo. Another museum in Parikia that you should visit is the Byzantine Museum, located in the church of Ekatontapilian. It exhibits icons, various religious relics, and other ecclesiastical items from the post-Byzantine period.

In Parikia, there are some other sites worth seeing, such as the ancient cemetery, the sanctuaries of Asklepios and Apollo Pythios (on the hill above Parikia), the Paros Park...

Beaches worth visiting on the island: Monastiri Park and Beach, Molos Beach, Santa Maria Beach, Marcello Beach, Golden Beach, Kolymbithres...

Drive your rental car beyond Paros

After exploring Paros, you can explore the surroundings of the island. Paros is part of the Cyclades, which means that many places around this island are worth visiting. The Cyclades are a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, southeast of the Greek mainland and a former administrative prefecture of Greece. They are one of the island groups that make up the Aegean archipelago. The name refers to the islands surrounding the sacred island of Delos. The largest island in the Cyclades is Naxos, but the most populous in Syros. The most famous and probably most visited island in this area is, of course, Mykonos. Another popular place nearby is Skiathos. Both of these islands are famous tourist destinations.

Each of the islands of the Cyclades has something to offer you. The most noticeable architecture of the islands are windmills and cube-shaped whitewashed houses. There are some great archaeological sites on each of these islands, as well as some fabulous beaches that you'll enjoy visiting.

But of course, Greece is so much more than just islands. There are so many fantastic places to visit in this country that you will simply enjoy a trip around Greece. The roads are mostly in very good condition, so you will have to think carefully about which parts of the country you want to explore.

Greece or many would say the cradle of western civilization, is the southernmost country in the Balkan Peninsula. This perfectly situated country of over 2000 islands, around 170 of which are inhabited, has access to the whole world via the sea and also has a beautiful inland area full of mountains and volcanic soil, a rich culture, many historical and religious sites, delicious food and genuinely nice people - a place that every person should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are so many different things to see and do here that you are sure to find something for yourself.

If you are planning a holiday to Greece, you should make a good plan. A rental car is the best solution if you want to explore the country to see different places, try different foods and meet different people from different parts of Greece. First, you need to decide if you want to explore the islands or if you are more interested in the interior. For both options, there are plenty of activities you can do and plenty of sights you can visit.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the cities you should visit if you are planning a road trip through Greece. Athens is something very different from Paros, but no less interesting and exciting. Greece is a country that is a mixture of Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and is the legacy of classical Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and almost four centuries of Ottoman rule. All this gives the country a great religious, cultural, architectural, and also political background that contributes to the diversity of the country.

The size of the country is equal to that of Britain and it is divided into six main regions: Central Greece: the Píndos Mountains, North-Eastern Greece: Makedonía and Thráki, Eastern Greece: Thessalía and Attikí, Southern Greece: the Pelopónnisos, Western Greece: Ípeiros and Akarnanía, The Islands of Greece. Each of these regions has something to offer you. It is best to rent a car and explore region by region. You will need time to explore this country well, so it may be best to explore the regions one by one. The roads in Greece are in good condition, the people are friendly, the country is beautiful, the food is delicious and the sights are breathtaking, so all you have to do is buckle up and drive safely.

Where to eat, drink, and party on Paros

Paros is a very popular destination for foodies from all over the world. Paros is also very popular among Greeks, who appreciate this island mainly for its gastronomy. Many vegetables, fruits, and herbs grow here and are used as the main ingredients in every cuisine on the island.

Paros is not a party destination. But that does not mean you can not have great parties here on the island. There are some great clubs and bars where you can have a great party during the tourist season. Especially during the summer, there are great parties on the beaches.

Best restaurant on Paros

Ramnos

Mylos Traditional Grill

Pizza Slice Paros

Kima Seaside Restaurant

Les Amis

Safran