What clothes to pack for vacation in Paros

The Greek islands are visited by millions of people each and every summer. There are literally hundreds of them and as such, it is only natural that some will be more popular than others. The small island known as Paros is one of the most visited islands in the Aegean Sea and Europe in general. What makes this island stand out is the fact that it is full of scenic villages with white-washed houses and quaint little ports and Marinas while also boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Since Paros is so popular, finding information about it can be quite easy: just Google “Paros” and you will definitely find thousands of results, mostly related to the sights and beaches that can be found there. There is however one question that won’t be answered so easily: what should you pack with you for your trip to Paros? Well, let’s find out!

Prepare for hot summer days

The first thing that you should know about Paros and most of the islands in the Aegean Sea, is the fact that the weather there during the summer months is almost always sunny and hot. If you are not accustomed to warm weather – if for example you come from Northern Europe – then you might the heat, which often hovers around 40 degrees Celsius during July and August, to be quite unbearable. It goes without saying that you should pack clothes that will keep you cool. Shorts and short sleeved T-shirts is the clothing of choice for men, while women should also pack shorts and t-shirts as well as tan-tops and sundresses. Also, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! You don’t want to get a nasty sunburn during your vacation.

The nights can be cool

One thing that the islands in the Aegean Sea all have in common is the wind. Things can get very windy there, especially during the summer months. In fact, the Greeks have a special name for the winds that affect the island in the Aegean, they call them Meltemia. The Meltemia cool down the atmosphere somewhat and they make the heat more bearable and less noticeable. If it gets windy during the night, the temperature might drop significantly, so it’s a good idea to have a hoodie or something similar with you in order to not catch a cold during a particularly cool night.

Wear comfortable shoes

Most of the island on the island of Paros are built using traditional architecture techniques in order to preserve the atmosphere of the island. This means that the streets are mostly cobbled. Combine that with the heat, and people wearing leather shoes, hiking boots and high-tops, will probably have a bad time there. When it comes to shoes, a pair of sneakers or espandrillas is definitely the right choice. It goes without saying that women should avoid packing high-heels and stilettos with them since the paved streets can be quite slippery and accidents are not uncommon.

What to avoid when going around the island

You can wear pretty much anything while walking around Paros. However, if you intend to visit a church or monastery, you should be dresses in a “respectful” manner. Men should avoid wearing shorts, but cargo pants are acceptable. Women can’t enter unless they are wearing a skirt, however most churches and monasteries visited by tourists will provide skirts that ladies can wear over their clothes.