Is Paros Safe in February 2026?

Taxis at Paros port in Parikia frequently charge tourists two to three times the correct fare, especially during ferry arrivals when demand is high. Drivers often claim there is a surcharge for luggage or that night rates apply during daytime hours. The trip from Parikia port to Naoussa village should cost around €25 but tourists are often charged €50 or more.

How to avoid: Check current rates with your hotel before arrival. Insist the driver uses the meter or negotiate the fare in writing before departure. The local bus service KTEL covers most routes at a fraction of the cost.

Waterfront restaurants in Naoussa display attractive fish prices on an outdoor board but charge by-the-kilo without making this clear at ordering. A single grilled sea bream that appears to cost €18 may be billed at €18 per kilo, resulting in a €40–€55 charge. The practice is concentrated at tables facing the water where tourist foot traffic is highest.

How to avoid: Always ask: is this price per portion or per kilo? Request that the fish be weighed in front of you and the price confirmed before cooking. Tavernas on side streets away from the port typically have fixed portion prices.

ATV and quad bike rental operators in Naoussa and Parikia photograph damage secretly before rentals and then claim tourists caused it upon return. The €200–€500 deposit is withheld entirely and inflated repair estimates are presented. Some shops use loosely worded rental agreements to make disputes impossible.

How to avoid: Photograph and video the entire vehicle yourself before accepting the keys. Confirm any existing scratches or dents are noted on the rental form. Pay by credit card and keep all paperwork for potential chargebacks.

Restaurants in Naoussas trendy harbour area add a cover charge — sometimes called a bread and service fee — of €2–€5 per person that is not shown on the menu. In some cases, complimentary-looking bread, olives, and dips placed on the table on arrival are billed at the end regardless of whether the customer requested them.

How to avoid: Ask before sitting down whether there is a cover charge or if the bread on the table is free. Check the menu for a couvert line. If uninvited items appear on your table and you do not want to pay for them, decline them politely immediately.

Room-hawkers at Parikia port meet incoming ferries and offer rooms that look excellent in photographs but turn out to be smaller, further from the centre, or in worse condition. A common variant involves collecting the first nights payment then claiming the booked room is occupied and offering a lesser substitute.

How to avoid: Pre-book accommodation through reputable platforms with confirmed reviews. If approached at the port, get the full address and check it on a map before committing. Never hand over more than one nights cash deposit without seeing the room first.