‘Underrated’ Greek island is a ‘more affordable’ version of Santorini - with fewer crowds
Holidaymakers could save up to 33 percent each day by swapping Santorini for the stunning island.
Looking out to crystalline views of the Aegean Sea is Paros, part of the Cyclades island group around 43 nautical miles from Santorini. It’s the Greek island of Paros that many people have begun to turn to when they want a hit of Santorini without the often shockingly high price tags associated.
According to a study by the credit card team at Compare the Market, Britons could save around 33 percent a day by on a holiday by swapping Santorini for Paros.
READ MORE Latest travel warnings for Spain, Greece, Italy as Foreign Office shares advice [INSIGHT]
Based on their research, which took into account the average cost of accommodation, dining, and entertainment, they found holidaymakers typically spend around £272 per person each day in Santorini. By comparison, they found the typical daily average spend in Paros was almost £100 lower at £183 per day.
Paros has been previously described by Condé Nast Traveller as an "underrated" Greek island, while Expedia Group found that flight searches to Paros in 2023 increased by 193 percent as part of their Unpack '24 travel trends guide.
Paros is typically accessed by ferry from surrounding Greek islands including Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Crete. During the summer months, the ferry schedule increases to accommodate more tourists.
DON'T MISS
Tourists warned over bottled water ‘scam’ in Greece holiday hotspots this July [WARNING]
Tiny Greek island with crowd-free beaches has a 'taste of real Greece' [INSIGHT]
Foreign Office travel warning as Spain, Italy and Greece hit with 40C heatwave [LATEST]
However, there is also the option to fly from Athens. For Britons, this means you'd need to fly first to Athens before making your onward journey. The Airport of Paros (PAS) receives domestic flights from the International Airport of Athens.
The airport is located around 10km away from Parikia, in the area of Kampos.
Many tourists also enjoy including Paros in an island hopping holiday, allowing them to take in multiple Greek islands in one trip.
Though Paros might not be the same tourist hub as Santorini, it isn't lacking in stunning hotels or lovely restaurants.
Parilio Hotel, for example, is a holistic and architecturally beautiful hotel on the northwestern corner of the island. As well as 33 stunningly designed suites, the hotel is also home to a restaurant serving up a refined take on traditional fare.
If you like to break up lazy days on the beach with lovely long walks, the island is home to a network of Byzantine footpaths linking traditional villages.
Or, sporty folk might want to head to Santa Maria Beach, one of the most popular spots on Paros for surfing.
