Paros is an island in the Greek Cyclades island group, which sits in the Aegean Sea off the southwest coast of mainland Greece. Paros, like other islands in the group, combines modern and antiquated elements to make for a truly remarkable experience. The best way to take in all that the island has to offer is by renting a quad and driving through the backroads.
The island of Paros truly offers the best of both worlds. You can drive around through traditional Cycladic architecture and quaint rural villages, and then experience the vivid nightlife before returning to your luxurious resort. There’s something for every kind of traveller in Paros, and the best way to get around is on a hired ATV.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a quad in Paros. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter or a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to drive a quad/ATV in Paros
- The price of renting a quad/ATV
- Where to rent a quad/ATV in Paros
- Whether you need an international driving permit in Greece
- The best things to do in Paros with your rented quad/ATV
Is It Safe to Drive in Paros, Greece?
The bus system around Paros is very cheap, safe, and easy to navigate, so if you feel uncomfortable driving yourself in Paros, Greece, there’s no need to rent a car or a motorcycle. However, renting a motorcycle will give you the opportunity to explore Paros at your own pace and not have to wait for public transportation.
In general, driving on the island is very easy and safe. The roads are well paved and there is very little traffic. The roads of Paros are gently hill and easy to navigate. Drivers in Paros are far more relaxed than in mainland Greece, so you won’t have to worry about being run off the road by aggressive drivers.
That being said, you should be extra cautious when driving in Naousa and Parikia, as these are where the greatest concentrations of nightclubs are, and present the highest risk of encountering a drunk driver.
What Does It Cost to Hire an ATV in Paros?
Hiring an ATV in Paros is typically very affordable. For a 50cc or 80cc ATV, you can expect to pay around €30 per day. If you want a more powerful ATV, you can rent a 400cc ATV for around €40 per day.
Many rental shops offer reduced rates for long-term rentals, so if you plan on riding a quad for an extended period of time in Paros, inquire with your shop about weekly or monthly rates.
You should also make sure that helmet rental and insurance are included in the stated rental price before signing any paperwork.
Where Can You Rent a Quad in Paros?
If you plan on flying into New Paros Airport, there is a rental service that operates right out of the main terminal, so you can rent your ATV and drive directly to your accommodation.
If you’d rather arrive at your accommodation before hiring an ATV, you can find plenty of rental shops in the town of Parikia on the west side of the island. There is also a large concentration of rental shops in the town of Naousa on the northern coast of the island. Outside of these two areas, quad rental is pretty scarce and hard to find on the island, so Parikia and Naousa are your best bet for finding a quad rental.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Greece?
According to Greek law, all foreigners who are staying in the country for less than six months must have a valid driver’s license from their home country and an international driving permit to operate a motor vehicle, including an ATV. If you do not have an international driving license, you will probably not be able to rent a quad or any other kind of motor vehicle.
If you want to get an international driving permit, you can apply here. There is a $20 application fee, and it typically takes about two weeks for your permit to come in the mail. Once you have your permit, it’s valid for a full year.
When Is the Best Time to Rent an ATV in Paros?
There really isn’t a bad time to hire an ATV in Paros. The Mediterranean climate is typically very warm and sunny during the summer months; however, there will be more traffic during these months because it’s peak tourism season.
The winter months are still fairly warm in Paros, but there is a lot more rain during this time of the year. The roads are far less crowded in the winter months, though, because there are less tourists on the island.
Things to Do in Paros by Quad
Now that you know all of the essential information for renting a quad in Paros, Greece, here are some things to do with your rented set of wheels:
Parikia
Start your ATV journey in Parikia, the Paros’s capital city. You can check out the Frankish Castle, a Venetian fortress from the 13th century that is incredibly well preserved and offers fantastic views of the island. In the area around the fortress you’ll find cobblestone streets, boutique markets, and traditional houses painted in blue and white.
Only a short drive to the east of the Frankish Castle is the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, an old Byzantine church built by Constantine the Great. The name of the church translates to “the church with 100 doors”. According to the legend, there are currently 99 doors in the church, and the 100th will open only when the church of Hagia Sofia in Constantinople is once again Orthodox.
Aliki
If you drive about 20 minutes south of Parikia, you’ll end up in the lovely fishing village of Aliki. Although the village is very small, there are an abundance of taverns of cafes, making Aliki the perfect place to take your family or significant other for lunch.
Aliki is also home to one of the best beaches in Paros, Piso Aliki Beach. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, the Folklore Art Museum of Cycladic Civilization isn’t too far away.
Lefkes
Once you’re done in Aliki, take a 30 minute drive back up north to Lefkes. The mountain village offers some of the best views of the Aegean Sea on the entire island of Paros. You can walk along the cobblestones of Ramnos, the village’s main thoroughfare, and stop into one of the many taverns, stores, or restaurants.
Lefkes is also home to the House of Literature, an institution meant to provide ideal working conditions for writers and translators from all over the world. If you happen to have an EU passport and work as a writer, you can stay there for free!
Explore Paros by ATV
Whether you plan on staying in Paros for a long time or just a few days, the best way to get the most out of your time there is to hire an ATV and explore as much of the island as you can. Paros is full of hidden beaches, small villages, and incredible views. Hop on your quad and go find them!
Do you still have questions about quad rentals in Paros? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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