ASA Excursions from Paros Island

To understand a country in greater depth, including its history and its culture, it’s important to head out of the big cities. We plan some excursions to help you do just that (and you’re welcome, of course, to venture off on your own during your breaks and weekends).

If you’re spending a semester abroad on Paros Island, Greece, you’ll have at least two overnight excursions and three day trips included in your program. Summer programs include one overnight excursion and two day trips. 

Excursions planned for each program vary, but past terms have included trips to:

MYKONOS

We’ll walk along the famous beaches of Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands. Heading inland, we’ll explore the archeological museum, an impressive 14th-century church called Panagia Paraportiani - commonly featured on local postcards, and we might even encounter Petros - the beloved pelican who wanders the main town’s alleyways, the old port, and Alefkandra. If you’re familiar with Classical Greek literature, you’ll appreciate that this island was where the battle of Zeus and the Titans took place.

SANTORINI

Santorini is probably the most famous Greek island with its unmistakable white churches and Cyclades-blue domes. We’ll admire its dramatic landscape and the breathtaking views of the Caldera (a volcanic lake). We’ll visit the famous Minoan City, Akrotiri, and the main towns of Fira and Oia, both perched precariously on steeply rising, multi-layered terraces. We’ll also hike the edge of the volcanic rim, take a boat out to the volcano itself, and hold one of our usual classes on the cliffs of Oia as the sun sets.

DELOS

Delos is a small island with a rocky surface that is pretty much one big archaeological site. It’s the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis (which you’ll appreciate if you’re familiar with Greek mythology) and was considered as “the most sacred of all islands” in the 3rd century BC. We’ll explore the ruins in their magical setting that is unmatched for both its historical significance and spiritual serenity.

ANTIPAROS

Just across the bay from Paros, Antiparos is an easy ferry trip that takes only a few minutes, but when you arrive, you’ll feel pulled to another moment in time. Think cobbled narrow pedestrianized streets, traditional Cycladic white houses, and a truly laid-back atmosphere. We’ll see the uninhabited and dramatic islet of Despotiko, the site now of an extensive archaeological dig, and from there, we’ll explore the sea caves and calm hidden lagoons.

NAXOS

Naxos is another one of Greece’s most popular islands. The snippet of Greek mythology here is that it was home to the god Dionysus. We’ll stop to admire the iconic arch at the harbor which marks the gateway into Dionysus’ mystical realm. Then we’ll venture into the mountain villages, hike along isolated trails, and wander through the maze of pedestrianized streets in the castle district of the old town before relaxing over mezes at the port cafe.

Which adventure sounds like the most exciting to you?