Paros & Naxos

Why go there?

These islands offer a diverse blend of attractions. Paros, with its charming Venetian-influenced towns like Parikia (the capital) and the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, provides vibrant nightlife, traditional architecture, and beautiful beaches. Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is known for its fertile valleys, stunning sandy beaches (like Plaka and Agios Prokopios), and rich history, including the iconic Portara (Apollo's Gate). Both islands are perfect for exploring traditional villages, enjoying water sports, and indulging in local cuisine. They offer abundant opportunities for island hopping within the Cyclades, given their close proximity.

Your Charter may coincide with these events:

Both Paros and Naxos host a variety of cultural and religious events, especially during the summer months:

• Naxos Festival: Held annually from June to September at the Bazeos Tower, promoting local culture through art, literature, exhibitions, theatrical, and musical performances.
• Religious Feasts (Panigiria): Throughout the summer, many villages on both islands celebrate their patron saints with traditional 'panigiria', featuring church services followed by music, dancing, food, and local wine. Notable ones include the Feast of Our Lady (Assumption of Mary) on August 15th, celebrated widely.
• Harvest Festivals (Naxos): Naxos hosts various agricultural festivals, including a Potato Festival (July), Wine Festival (end of summer in Komiaki), Raki Festival (October/November in Moni), Honey Festival (August), and Olive Oil Festival (early year in Damalas).
• Fishermen's Festivals: Naxos hosts Fishermen's Festivals in Apollonas village in early summer, and on the name day of Saint Nikolaos in December in Chora.
• Carnival: Both islands celebrate Carnival before Clean Monday with parades and festivities.
• Tsipouro/Suma Festivals: In autumn (typically November), the distilling of grape skins into local spirits like tsipouro (Naxos) or suma (Paros) is a celebrated event, often accompanied by feasts and music.

How to get there?

Both Paros and Naxos have national airports with regular domestic flights, primarily from Athens International Airport (ATH).

• Paros National Airport (PAS): Located near Parikia, offering flights from Athens and several major European cities in the summer (on Transavia and Volotea).
• Naxos Island National Airport (JNX): Located a short distance from Naxos Town (Chora), also with flights from Athens. Direct low-cost flights from major European cities are very limited or non-existent. Most international travel to Naxos involves a connection through Athens.

Ferries are a very popular and efficient way to reach and travel between the islands. There are frequent connections from Piraeus (Athens) and other Cycladic islands. The ferry journey between Paros and Naxos is short, ranging from 25 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes depending on the type of ferry (high-speed or conventional), with multiple daily sailings. The main ports are Parikia in Paros and Naxos Town (Chora) in Naxos.

Approaching by yacht

Approaching Paros and Naxos by yacht offers breathtaking views of their coastlines and easy access to their main towns and secluded bays.

• Paros: The main port is Parikia, offering a large, sheltered bay. Naoussa in the north also has a picturesque port, though its inner basin can be challenging in strong northerly winds. There are numerous anchorages around Paros and its smaller neighbor Antiparos, offering good holding in sand.
• Naxos: The main port is Naxos Town (Chora), with a modern marina providing shelter from most winds. Entry to the port can be tricky with Meltemi winds. While Naxos has a port and some sheltered bays, good anchorages are less common compared to Paros due to the island's terrain.

Marina facilities

• Parikia Port (Paros):
  • Services: Water, electricity, fuel delivery by tanker. Centrally located with easy access to town amenities, restaurants, and shops.
  • Capacity: Offers berths along the quay, suitable for yachts. Can be busy in peak season.
• Naoussa Port (Paros):
  • Services: Limited facilities, primarily water and some electricity. Friendly harbor master and Port Police.
  • Capacity: Smaller than Parikia, mostly occupied by local boats. The inner basin can be affected by waves in strong NW-N winds.
• Naxos Marina (Naxos):
  • Services: Water, electricity, toilet and shower facilities, and fuel delivery by tanker. Supermarkets and various shops are nearby.
  • Capacity: Offers around 80 berths. Provides good shelter, though strong southerly winds can cause some discomfort. Transiting boats are usually moored at the first dock near the entrance.

What food to expect?

The cuisine of Paros and Naxos is rooted in the traditional Cycladic diet, emphasizing fresh local produce, seafood, and unique dairy products.

• Naxos: Famous for its high-quality cheeses (such as Naxos Graviera, Arseniko, and Xynomyzithra), potatoes (Naxian potato), and fresh meats due to extensive livestock farming. Traditional dishes include roast pork with garlic, various stews, and the festive "patoudo" (stuffed lamb).
• Paros: Known for its diverse seafood, including grilled octopus and sun-dried fish ('gouna'). Local specialties include Revithada (baked chickpeas), Karavoli (snails), and various pies made with seasonal herbs. Paros also produces excellent cheeses, olive oil, and Suma, a local grape spirit. Both islands offer fresh produce, local honey, and excellent wines.

Provisioning advice

Provisioning on both Paros and Naxos is convenient, especially in the main towns of Parikia (Paros) and Naxos Town (Chora), and Naoussa (Paros). You will find well-stocked supermarkets and local shops offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and essential supplies. Prices can be slightly higher during peak season due to tourism. Many supermarkets offer delivery services to the marinas. It is advisable to complete your main provisioning at larger stores before heading to more secluded anchorages.

Language and currency

• Main Language: Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken and understood in all tourist areas, hotels, marinas, and restaurants due to the significant international tourism.
• Widely Accepted Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€), as Greece is a member of the Eurozone.

Visa requirements

As part of Greece and the Schengen Area, both Paros and Naxos adhere to Schengen visa policies.

• US, Canadian, UK Passport Holders: No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. A valid passport is sufficient.
• EU Passport Holders: No visa is required. An official identity card or a valid passport is sufficient, as Greece is an integral part of the EU.
• For stays exceeding 90 days or for purposes other than tourism/business (e.g., work, study), specific visas may be required, and it's advisable to consult the Greek Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence.