'Underrated' Greek island is 'more affordable' version of Santorini with less crowds

Gazing out towards the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea lies Paros, situated within the Cyclades archipelago approximately 43 nautical miles from Santorini. This Greek isle has increasingly become the go-to destination for travellers seeking the Santorini experience without the eye-watering costs typically attached.

Research conducted by Compare the Market's credit card division reveals that Britons could slash their daily holiday expenses by roughly 33 percent by choosing Paros over Santorini. Their analysis, which factored in average accommodation, meal, and activity costs, discovered that tourists generally fork out about £272 per person daily in Santorini.

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In contrast, they calculated that visitors to Paros spend considerably less, with daily costs averaging £183 per person. Condé Nast Traveller has previously dubbed Paros an "underrated" Greek destination, whilst Expedia Group's Unpack '24 travel trends report revealed that flight enquiries for Paros surged by 193 percent in 2023.

Travellers typically reach Paros via ferry connections from neighbouring Greek destinations such as Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Crete. Throughout the peak summer period, ferry timetables expand to cater for increased tourist demand.

Alternatively, visitors can catch flights from Athens. For British holidaymakers, this involves an initial flight to Athens followed by a connecting journey.

Paros Airport (PAS) operates domestic services from Athens International Airport. The airport is situated approximately 10km from Parikia, in the Kampos region.

Many holidaymakers relish the opportunity to include Paros in their island-hopping itinerary, enabling them to experience multiple Greek islands in a single journey.

While Paros may not be as bustling with tourists as Santorini, it certainly doesn't lack in exquisite hotels or delightful restaurants, reports the Express.

Take the Parilio Hotel, for instance. This holistic and architecturally impressive hotel is nestled in the northwestern corner of the island. In addition to its 33 beautifully designed suites, the hotel boasts a restaurant that offers a sophisticated twist on traditional cuisine.

For those who enjoy interspersing leisurely beach days with scenic strolls, the island features a network of Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages.

Alternatively, active travellers might prefer to visit Santa Maria Beach, one of Paros' most popular locations for surfing.