Dream of Working From an Island? A Digital Nomad's Guide to Paros, Greece
A remote worker sipping on a cocktail and checking their email on the beach might be a bit of a digital nomad cliché, but who WOULDN’T want to be doing that? If you aspire to recreate this scene for yourself, the island of Paros, Greece is the perfect place to do it. The island is part of the Cyclades (hello beautiful Aegean sea!) and is in close proximity to neighboring Naxos and Antiparos. It has all of the charm you would expect from the popular Greek islands but is generally much quieter and less touristy than nearby Santorini or Mykonos. It’s the perfect balance of lively and authentic, and a popular destination amongst digital nomads for good reason.
Getting There
There are two options when it comes to reaching the island, and in my opinion, they are equally pleasant and affordable. Paros does have its own airport (albeit very small!) so your first option is to fly. Athens is the hub from which everywhere in Greece is easily reached, and a flight from Athens International Airport will have you island-bound in about 45-minutes. Aegean Airlines is the largest Greek airline and is a budget-friendly and dependable option when booking flights both domestically and internationally.
Your second option is to take a ferry from one of the main ports in Athens- Piraeus and Rafina. Blue Star Ferries is the largest ferry company in Greece and serves more than 20 destinations. The ferry journey to Paros takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on boat type/weather/etc. There is food on board, and if you want to splurge for a business class ticket you’ll have an extra luxurious ride!
An important note for ferry first-timers: you will leave your big luggage in storage down where the cars are held. Lock it up for peace of mind and collect it before disembarking.
Where to Stay
A great base on the island is Selina Paros, a hotel in Pounda Bay that is perfectly catered to the digital nomad lifestyle. If you aren’t familiar with Selina, it is a well-known hospitality brand with a focus on co-living and co-working. Their hotels are geared towards the new generation of travelers and digital nomads and you can find locations all over the globe.
In addition to being aesthetically gorgeous and right on the water, Selina Paros offers a dedicated working area, a gorgeous pool and bar/restaurant, communal kitchens for cooking, a small gym, 24-hour reception, and daily events like yoga and themed evening activities. The beautiful common spaces are great for connecting with other nomads and travelers, and there is no shortage of pretty places to chill out or work, both inside and outside by the sea.
The property offers a variety of different room types, from standard doubles to family suites, and some have truly wonderful balcony views of the sea. Depending on your room’s location the Wifi might not be the best, but in the common areas and even outside the signal is strong!
Fun fact: the hotel is a 5-minute walk to the Antiparos ferry, which makes for the simplest day trip possible!
What to Do
Village-hopping:
The villages of Paros are postcard worthy and I highly suggest visiting as many as you can! These are a few of my favorites:
Lefkes
Surrounded by mountains, this traditional village with its white-washed homes and cute restaurants is a must-see. It was the first capital of the island and can be explored only by foot. Wandering aimlessly through the narrow streets is a real joy, and if you are into photography you will find a plethora of photo spots.
Marpissa
Another picture-perfect walking village, Marpissa is quaint and full of charm. It’s also full of bougainvillea and cats, which is an added plus in my book. The beautiful thing about visiting this village in September is that it’s super quiet, even in the middle of the day.
Prodromos
A 5-minute drive from Marpissa is Prodromos, a small and peaceful village up on a hill. It was the perfect place to stop for lunch, and if you get the chance, Kallitechniko Kafenio is the spot. It’s gorgeous, the food is tasty, and the owner is delightful.
Naoussa
Probably the most famous village on the island, Naoussa is a real stunner. It’s a fishing village located in the northern part of the island, and it is the perfect destination for shopping and dining. The shopping streets give me Mykonos vibes, and the restaurants that surround the marina are lively and inviting. Words only go so far when trying to describe Naoussa, so I’ll let this photo do the talking!
Beaches
The coast of Paros boasts some incredible beaches. Some have smooth, golden sands, while others are characterized by fascinating rock formations and little alcoves. Some are secluded and quiet, while others are served by bars and beach clubs. There really is something for everyone!
A few favorites include:
Kolymbithres Beach
Santa Maria Beach
Golden Beach
Kitesurfing
Paros is known for being quite windy, and as such, it’s an ideal destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts. Selina Paros is a great base for those interested in picking up the hobby as it’s only a short walk from Paros Kite Beach.
Visit Antiparos
While there is much to keep you occupied on Paros, the short and cheap ferry ride to Antiparos is pretty hard to resist. This small neighboring island is very beautiful, easy to get around, and home to one very unique attraction!
You can rent a car or a quad on the island, but I found it easiest to get a bus ticket. There’s a big red tourist bus right beside where the ferry lets out, and you can purchase a ticket in cash directly from the bus driver, or grab one from a nearby shop like Oliaros Tours. The bus is 8 euros round trip and you can hop on and off at various locations around the island.
I decided to visit the incredible Cave of Antiparos, and the bus left me at 12:10 PM and picked me up an hour later. The cave goes 100 meters deep and requires taking 400 steps. Amazing Stone Age discoveries have been found here, and the stalactites and stalagmites are really incredible. Be sure to check the opening times before you go!
If you’re feeling like a beach day, the bus also stops at various beaches around the island. You might even bump into Tom Hanks who has a house on the island!
Budget:
So what can you expect to spend while staying in Paros? This of course depends on your activities, preferences, and time of year, but here are some helpful points of reference from the month of September:
Stay at Selina: ~€90-200/night depending on room type
Lunch for one at Selina: ~€10-€15
Casual dinner for one in Naoussa: ~€15-€30
Car rental (automatic): ~€60/day
Round-trip ferry to Antiparos: €3
One-Way Business Class ticket to Paros: ~€70
Summary
Paros is the definition of work-life balance. Digital nomads love the sun and sea and an environment that’s energizing and conducive to productivity. The island is easy to explore and visitors are never at a loss for things to do. Idyllic villages, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and mouth-watering food make the island an ideal stop along any digital nomad journey- whether it’s for a week or two months! For more information on Digital Nomad Life in Greece, head over to https://workfromgreece.gr/.