Making the Most of Paros: Studying Abroad in Greece
LOCATION
Paros is one of the Cyclades Islands in the central Aegean Sea, close to Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos, which makes it the perfect base for Greek Island hopping. It’s also just a few hours on the ferry (or a 40-minute flight) from Athens and the mainland is easily accessible.
STUDYING ABROAD IN PAROS
When you study abroad in Paros, you’ll attend the Hellenic International Studies in the Arts (or HISA for short). This is located in the island’s capital, Parikia (also called Paros Town or Hora), which some 3,000 people call home. This is the commercial and cultural center of Paros and where the main harbor is located.
You’ll find yourself in a creative learning environment with small groups of students (rather than a traditional lecture format education) and a group of talented teachers and artists at the helm. Immersion into the cultural and artistic legacy of Greece, and specifically the Cycladic Islands, is central to the HISA philosophy. Classes are taught in English and focus on creative subjects; a few examples include painting, creative writing, photography, Theory of Art, Cycladic Art and Culture and Digital Imaging.
You’ll live in student apartments/studios (a single room for semester programs, double room for summer programs).
Like most Greek Islands, Paros changes pretty drastically with the seasons. The busy tourist season stretches from the very end of April through mid-October which is when everything is open. Off-season, many hotels, shops and touristy restaurants will close and the atmosphere is quiet and calmer, temps are cooler and locals are more relaxed. If you study abroad during the summer, you’ll catch the lively months and the hottest part of the year. Semester programs allow you to experience both quiet periods when locals recharge and the days when the streets fill up with visitors from across the globe.
WHAT’S PAROS LIKE?
Picturesque Paros has amazing golden sand beaches and beaches with rock formations and caves, mountains and hills dotted with small churches and monasteries, olive and pine groves, hiking trails, boutique shopping, sparkling white-walled towns, mazes of ancient streets to explore, lively nightlife, seafront tavernas, cafes run by friendly locals, traditional bakeries, historical sites and charming fishing villages all steeped in Greek sunshine.
HOW CAN I SPEND MY FREE TIME?
Paros may be small compared to some other popular study abroad destinations, but it’s rich in history and culture. The great outdoors will keep you busy and the slower pace of island life during the off-season will allow you time to slow down, relax, connect with locals and take it all in.
ISLAND HOPPING. The occasional spotting of a Hollywood star has helped boost the popularity of day trips to Antiparos, a quieter island of “laidback luxury” just one nautical mile (7 minutes by ferry) away. Other popular weekend or day trips are to Naxos (the biggest of the Cyclades and a rivel to Paros), Santorini, Mykanos, and the Small Cyclades - Iraklia, Ano, Kato and Schinoussa. The Greek Seas are home to some 6,000 islands, 227 of which are inhabited, so you have plenty of choice!
BEACHES. With 120kms of coastline, you’ll be spoiled for beach options (several of them blue flagged for their eco creds). Livadia is close to Parikia, but others we recommend seeking out are Laggeri, Glifa, Agia Eirini, Marcello, Faragas, Logaras, Golden Beach, and Kolympethres.
WATER SPORTS. The azure blue waters make a great backdrop for snorkelers and scuba divers. You can dive down to shipwrecks, reefs and sea caves or try your hand at kitesurfing, sailing or windsurfing.
EXPLORE. One of the best ways to enjoy the island is simply walking around and exploring the traditional villages and bigger towns with their maze of streets and white walls overflowing with bougainvillea, letting your curiosity guide you, popping into little boutique shops, enjoying the excellent local hospitality and friendly chats, stopping to sip a Greek coffee and just watching the world go by.
HISTORY. If history fascinates you, you’re in a great place. Paros is famous for its old marble quarries like Marathi Marble, which you can visit. (Greek sculptors used Parian marble in masterpieces like Venus de Milo!) Among other experiences, you can stop by Panagia Ekatondapiliani (“Church of a Hundred Doors”) from the 4th century, the oldest Byzantine church left in the country; explore the Archaeological Museum for the statues of Gorgon, Nike and Artemis; wander around the private quirky Museum of Cycladic Folklore; and check out the Venetian castle in Naoussa’s Old Port.
OPEN-AIR CINEMA. If you study abroad during summer term, catch a movie night on the big screen under the stars at one of the island’s open-air cinemas like Cine Rex in Parikia or Cine Enastron in Monastiri.
STRIKING SUNSETS. Santorini’s not the only Greek island to boast a stunning sunset! Paros definitely competes. In Parikia, you’ll spot a great view from Livadia Beach or head down the coastal road on the west side and stop near the windmill for a different perspective. Elsewhere, Profitis Ilias Church or Agioi Anargyroi Monastery make great choices for beautiful sunsets.
WHAT (AND WHERE) SHOULD I EAT?
Mmm, Greek food–and fresh from the sea too! Whether you’re after the traditional experience of a Greek taverna run by locals or something a bit fancier, Paros won’t disappoint. Note that Greeks tend to eat on a similar schedule to Spain and several other parts of Europe; dinner before 9pm is considered far too early for most!
CAFES. Meltemi Café near the historic center of Parikia is excellent and affordable and one of the best on the island. Symposium Café is also a great option for breakfast, as is Distrato Café Bistrot. For great views and live music, try BeBop. For a more traditional café, stop at Koukoutsi.
FOOD. In Parikia, try Hellas near the port for a cheap but delicious grill restaurant. A bit more expensive, Ela Paros and Dionysos are also recommended and moussaka lovers should make a point to visit Taverna Mira too. In the island’s second town Naoussa, try homemade faves at Statheros Restaurant or seafood at Taverna Glafkos. Others to add to your list are Gialos Restaurant with a farm to table approach in Piso Livadi, Apollon Garden Restaurant in an old mill in Parikia or Chrisoula’s for some Greek home cooking! Vanilla Gelateria has the best gelato!
MUST TRY. Dig into the staples of the Mediterranean diet with olive oil and olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fish as fresh as can be, refreshing Greek salads, eggplant and zucchini, and all of the cheeses like fried Saganaki and Mizithra. Octopus should make your list if you eat seafood, as should Kakavia (fish soup) and Mackerel. Try the local herbs too, like oregano and thyme. Finish with ice cream, gelato or pastries.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
A few other things to keep in mind to make the most of a study abroad experience in Paros…
1. FERRIES. Book ferries in advance and try Ferryscanner to find the best deals before you travel.
2. GRATUITY. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common here.
3. WIND. Keep an eye on the wind forecast when you visit beaches. It can pick up quite a bit on an island. Some beaches are more sheltered from this than others.
4. GETTING AROUND. Public buses are a convenient and budget friendly way to get around the island. They stop at most towns and beaches and cost just under €2.