Useful information

Food & Drink:  Where mentioned, a picnic lunch/ light snack/ refreshment will be offered en route, usually towards the end of the hike. Our special “Taste of Paros” picnic comprises salad with fresh local vegetables (organic when possible), local cheese and delicacies, a cooked vegetarian dish based on a traditional recipe and local house wine, whereas our “aperitivo” light lunch/supper includes local cheese, olives, plum tomatoes, a local delicacy (i.e. stuffed vine leaves) and local house wine. If your tour does includes only refreshments, please carry some light light snack (i.e. cereal bars or fruit/dry fruit and nuts).
Especially for hiking or Bike & Hike tours, a good breakfast prior to the tour is recommended.
Water sources are also scarce on Paros: with the exception of Drive & Walk tours, participants are also advised to carry at least a liter of water per person, more on hot summer days.

 

Transportation ♦ Active Tours : In an effort to minimize our carbon footprint, Paros Hikes walking tours are designed in coordination with municipal bus services from the Parikia Bus Terminal (next to the port), with easily accessible activity start points. Bus or other transportation tickets are not included in the tour cost, unless explicitly stated. Bike & Hike tours are circular, however shortened routes (with bike drop-off) are available at extra cost.
Hotel pickup/drop off can always be arranged by private transfer/taxi at extra charge depending on tour start and hotel location. Many of our tours are circular or end at locations offering bus connections and catering facilities (check route descriptions).

Transportation ♦ Drive & Walk Tours : Hotel pick-up/drop-off is included in tour price in our minivan, provided your accommodation location is within 1.5km from main village centers. Extra charges apply for transfer to/from remote accommodation locations.
 

Experience & Preparation : No hiking or mountaineering experience is required in most walks/hikes, however participants should be in good physical shape and have no hindering medical condition; they should also carry any medication they have been prescribed. Good running shoes are an absolute minimum, whereas trail running or walking shoes/boots are recommended. Participants should pack an extra pair of socks and a T-shirt, as well as bathing suit and towel on coastal walks. Hats, sunglasses & suntan lotion are always necessary (well, not on moonlight walks!). Windbreakers or light jackets are advisable in spring and autumn or in evening/moonlight walks. Hiking poles can be provided free of charge upon previous request.

 

Mixed-Group Size & Ages : Usually 6-7 persons and up to 12 p. – Participants over 10 y.o.a. (only for mixed groups – does not apply in private or family tours)

 

Safety : Although we strive to offer guests good outdoor fun and ‘soft’ adventure, Paros Hikes walking, hiking & cycling tours are designed and executed with the safety principle squarely in mind. Participants are given individual attention and help in difficult passages (if necessary) by experienced guides who are well-acquainted with the trails and the island terrain and are fully First Aid- and CPR-certified. During any given tour, an associate is always on standby for any medical or other emergency. On Paros in particular, 99% of our hiking/walking routes are covered by mobile phone network and are never farther than 0.5 km away from local or main road network.