Ferry from Mykonos (New Port) to Paros (Parikia).

Ferries from Mykonos to Paros operate from March to November, on 6 to 7 days a week. Journey: 35m to 2h 30m.

This is the classic move from party island to all-rounder. Mykonos gives you the beach clubs, the windmills and the late nights of Little Venice; Paros, about 24 nautical miles to the south-west, is calmer and more varied, with the fishing harbour of Naoussa, the marble lanes of Lefkes and long sandy bays like Golden Beach. Many travellers spend two or three nights on Mykonos, then slow down on Paros.

Both ends are straightforward. You leave from the new port at Tourlos, just north of Mykonos Town, and arrive in Parikia, the capital of Paros, where the ferry quay opens directly onto the town. From Parikia you can walk to your hotel, take a bus to Naoussa, or pick up a rental car within minutes of stepping ashore.

Before you book, remember that this route is seasonal and dominated by high-speed boats. Summer fares on the fast catamarans are much higher than on the slower conventional ferries, so if you are not in a hurry, the Fast Ferries or Golden Star Superferry sailings can save you money. In July and August the midmorning boats fill up, so book a few days ahead, and if you are carrying on to Naxos, Ios or Antiparos, check those connections at the same time so the whole chain lines up.

The channel between Mykonos and Paros is exposed to the meltemi, the strong north wind of July and August. It can make the high-speed catamarans bumpy and slower, and on the windiest days the port authority may keep smaller craft in harbour. Conventional ferries usually keep running. A cancelled crossing is rebooked or refunded by the company that runs it, and with several operators on this route there is often another boat the same day. Keep some slack in your plans when strong winds are forecast, especially if you have a flight to catch.