Paros Airport (PAS): What to Know Before You Land

Paros Airport (PAS) is a small island airfield about 7 miles (11 km) south of Parikia, the island's capital and main port, near the village of Aliki. Most flights to the island connect through Athens, which is the main link. From the terminal, a bus, taxi or rental car gets you to town in about 20 minutes.

Where is Paros Airport, and what is it like?

The airport sits near Aliki, south of Parikia, at an elevation of 38 m (125 ft). It opened in 1982. On July 25, 2016, it moved to a new site very close to the old one, with a modern terminal and a single 4,593 ft (1,400 m) runway. The old strip could take little more than small turboprops. The new runway brought in larger aircraft, and between 2016 and 2019 the number of scheduled passengers almost tripled.

The airport is small, with a single passenger terminal. You'll find a police office and car rental desks, and the parking lot holds about 70 cars.

The airport's second name is Pantelaio, after Nicolas Pantelaeos, who donated the original site. Maps may also label it New Paros Airport. For a GPS, enter Paros Airport, 844 00 Paros.

Which airlines fly to Paros, and from where?

Athens International Airport is the main link, with two to five flights a day and a flying time of about 45 minutes. Aegean, its partner Olympic Air, and Sky Express serve the island. Thessaloniki has a seasonal route of about 1 hour 15 minutes. It ends in October and starts again in April.

How do you get from Paros Airport to Parikia?

The bus is a budget friendly way to reach Parikia, and tickets can be bought on board. KTEL buses run daily from the airport to Parikia and the port of Pounta, which connects Paros to Antiparos by ferry. Service is much better in summer. Timetables can change, so check the current one before you fly or call KTEL at +30 22840 21395.

Taxis wait at a designated rank outside the terminal during the airport's working hours. The ride to Parikia takes about 20 minutes without traffic and costs about €20.

If you're driving yourself, take the provincial road toward Pounta. Parikia is about 20 minutes away.

Should you rent a car at Paros Airport?

For most visitors, yes. Paros is very drivable, and most places on the island are under 35 minutes away by car, so your own wheels make it easy to explore. An ATV works if you plan to stay near one area. A car lets you see more of the island.

How do you get from the airport to Naoussa, Antiparos and other areas?

Naoussa is the island's second bus hub. The simplest way there is a taxi or rental car. In summer, buses also connect the airport with Naoussa.

For Antiparos, a small, welcoming island just minutes from Paros, head to Pounta. The port is on the west coast, about 5.3 miles (8.5 km) from Parikia, and it is on the airport bus route. A taxi also gets you there. The car ferry from Pounta takes about 7 minutes. Boats from Parikia take about 30.

Gilfades is about 25 minutes from the airport. A pre-booked taxi or minibus waiting on arrival is a quick option. Shared transport is usually cheaper too.

Can you take a ferry to Paros instead of flying?

Yes. About nine ferries a day sail from Piraeus, the port of Athens, with Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries. All of them dock at Parikia Port. Crossings take from 2 hours 35 minutes with Seajets to 5 hours 35 minutes with Blue Star. Blue Star Ferries and Seajets serve the route, vehicles can travel with them, and Blue Star offers cabins. Ferries also run from Rafina, in 3 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours.

Sailings are abundant in July and August and regular in May, June and September. From October to March, crossings are harder to find. Bad weather can change itineraries in any season.

At Parikia, taxis and rental cars wait at the port. The KTEL bus station is just meters from the ferry terminal, immediately to your right as you walk out.