Would you like to discover Paros in comfort and simplicity? The best option is to rent a car!
Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Paros is a pleasant island in the Cyclades archipelago. Situated between Naxos and Antiparos, Paros will appeal to nature lovers and history buffs alike. From its paradisiacal beaches to its charming hills, from its picturesque villages to its tasty cuisine, you’ll go from surprise to surprise.
Although Paros isn’t much bigger than one of our French metropolises, it’s a good idea to be able to move around without constraints, to make the most of this island’s assets.
Are you ready? All aboard!
Book your car in advance
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To avoid being stranded without a car, or paying the full price for your rental, make sure you book your car well in advance, before you set foot on Paros.
The islands of the Cyclades are very popular with tourists, and if you want to stay there during the summer, you’ll have to be prepared to pay a high price. However, if you plan ahead and take advantage of the offers available on the Internet, you’ll be able to keep your rental budget to a minimum.
If you prefer to wait until you’re on site, that’s perfectly possible. However, be prepared to pay more and have less choice of models, dates and durations.
Choose the right car for Paros
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You won’t need to drive very many kilometers. So, ecological considerations aside, there’s probably no need to rent a diesel car in Paros. Opt for a petrol car.
In terms of vehicle size, don’t forget that the island’s roads are fairly narrow. The same applies to the streets of Paros’ main towns. So, unless you’re traveling with more than four people, look for a reasonably-sized model. In the latter case, you’ll still need to rent a smaller vehicle, or be prepared to leave your car on the outskirts of town centers.
Read the franchise conditions carefully
While the French may have a few things to say about their driving habits, the Greeks aren’t exactly ace drivers either! So don’t take it for granted that you’ll have an accident, and make sure you’re covered by reducing your deductible as much as possible, even if it means paying a little more for your rental. You’ll be glad you did, should you be the cause of an unfortunate fender-bender during your stay in Paros.
Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to wait until you’re there to add a deductible option to your booking, or to reduce your deductible.
Anticipate the number of drivers
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Whether you’re a couple or a group of friends, it’s a good idea to alternate drivers. Be sure to ask about this, as not all rental agencies include the second driver in their basic rates. In all cases, you’ll need to provide all the necessary information about the additional driver.
In Greece, the minimum age for drivers is generally 21. Some agencies require a higher age. In any case, as everywhere else in the world, drivers under 25 are considered young drivers and will pay an additional fee. The license must have been obtained more than a year ago.
Where to rent a car in Paros
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It’s a good idea to rent a car in Paros on arrival and return it on the day of departure.
In high season, Paros has a well-developed bus network. As a result, you can also spend part of your holiday in this way and then rent a car. However, if you rent a car in one place and return it in another, you’ll have to pay a supplement.
The best place to rent a car in Paros is Parikiá. Here you’ll find all the well-known car rental companies: Sixt, Europcar, Budgetcar, Hertz and others. They’re all just a few steps from the pier.
Good to know
– Speed limits are the same as in France, in built-up areas, on expressways and freeways. Outside built-up areas, the speed limit varies between 70 and 90 km/h.
– Beware of scams! Take a good look around the car in Paros before taking the keys. You don’t want to get scratches or dents that were there before!