The Insider’s Guide to Paros
Image courtesy of Blueviu
Paros is the perfect balance between ancient and new, between an authentic, rough-around-the-edges Cycladic island and a sexy destination bustling with nightlife, shopping and attractions. It still trails Saint Tropez and Mykonos in buzz and “jet-set” sensibility (thank God?) but you will eat really well, sun yourself on some pristine beaches, absorb some stunning and diverse architecture style and still be able to wear a pretty dress to some fun bars and restaurants in the evening.
I was lucky enough to visit Paros on holiday with my husband last summer. When we spend time on the Greek Islands, we are more interested in tavernas over international chains, discovering secluded beaches over bustling beach clubs and visiting natural wonders over shops teeming with the brands we can find easily in our home city. With all that in mind we sought out advice from a friend of a friend who has been holidaying on Paros since her childhood and now splits her time between New York City and Madrid. This guide is for the woman who highly relates to that descriptor.
Know before you go:
Paros is a mosaic of villages, each with its own charming aspect. There are very few taxis on the island, so a car would be ideal in order to explore its different corners at your own pace.
To island hop or stay put?
It depends on how much time you have. I hate feeling rushed or feeling like I’m spending my holiday packing and unpacking, eyes glued to timetables and my watch. So if you have less than a week I would recommend staying put and really exploring Paros itself. If you do get the itch to see more islands, Antiparos and Naxos are closest to Paros. Santorini and Mykonos are also available by ferry, though they will make multiple stops. Do note that if you decide to visit other islands by ferry you are at the mercy of ferry schedules that don’t always run as reliably as a Swiss tram. We were delayed for hours returning to Paros from Naxos island and missed our sunset plans. Naxos had some insane beaches and I don’t regret our day trip there but the ferry trip discouraged us from also going to Antiparos while on this holiday. We chose to stay put and move with ease. If you must hop, Antiparos is the easiest of all the islands to get to of the four and won’t disrupt your holiday too much.
Image courtesy of Rasmus Andersen @rasand
Lefkes
Image courtesy of The Common Wanderer
When to go
I’m partial to mid to late June travel. The water is warm enough and the restaurants are pleasantly busy but not as crowded as late July and August.
Some Unique things to see or do
Charter a boat for the day for lunch and a guided tour and see the Blue Lagoon in between Paros and Antiparos.
Discover Parian wine with a private tour of local vineyards. Sample wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Monemvasia and Mandilaria, accompanied by Greek delicacies.
Yria Ceramic Studio is located in the mountains of Kostos, right next to Lefkes. Take in some unique views while you browse ceramics which can be shipped to you any where in the world.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Parocks Luxury Hotel and Spa. It had only been open for two seasons when we stayed there and I don’t think they had worked out all of their kinks yet, particularly with their concierge service. It’s located in Ambelas near some impressive villas and a private beach, is gorgeously designed and the staff is very kind. Worth noting: every room has it’s own private pool or jacuzzi.
In Naoussa, Cosme is another option that intrigues me. In Parikia, Parilio and Yria Luxury Hotel and Spa look promising and SeeSoo was fully booked when I inquired. If going with a group, our friends were very happy with a villa they booked through Loyal Villas Luxury which has gorgeous homes throughout the island.
Image courtesy of Parocks Luxury Hotel and Spa
Image courtesy of @discovergreece
The Villages of Paros
Parikia
Parikia is a bustling port town and the capital of Paros. There are shops, restaurants, all the big service businesses like banks, laundries etc. as well as a number of historical attractions. Worth visiting is the 13th century Venetian castle. The Church of 100 doors or Panagia Ekatontapiliani, is walking distance to all the shops and restaurants and houses the Byzantine Museum. If the “sights” don’t spark any interest, it’s well enough to walk around, eat and shop.
Eat & Drink
Alexandros is a bar inside an old windmill thats great for sunset drinks and great views.
Distrato is a cute cafe in the old town that has natural shade by the trees in the street. They also do a good breakfast.
Arodo is a restaurant and beach club. You should call ahead to reserve beach chairs in the morning and then stay for lunch, or go in the late afternoon and stay for dinner.
For authentic gyros try Giannoulis.
Mario by the Sea often makes everyone’s recommendation list. I thought the food was only okay but it’s located on the port which is worth strolling.
Naoussa
Naoussa is probably the best place to stay if you want to be near a lot of attractions without having to move around too much. It’s a beautiful port town located on a huge bay that has kept its authenticity and charm with whitewashed and flowered houses, tiny churches and narrow stone paved streets. It boasts many bars, restaurants, shops and some nightlife.
Eat & Drink
Fotis Art Bar is situated right on the sea. It oozes charm and is wonderful for coffee, breakfast and sunset cocktails.
Sigi Ikthios serves great fish and authentic Greek food in the center of the the port. You can observe the party going on around you in neighboring restaurants without actually being in it.
Siparos Seaside Restaurant is beautiful, has a wonderful ambience and gorgeous sunset views.
Yemini Tavern serves delicious food and was quite hard to book when we were in town.
Soso Restaurant is a gourmet restaurant known for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients, fine wines and panoramic views of the harbor.
To Paradosiako is worth dropping into for their famous ‘loukoumades’ aka Greek donuts covered in honey in cinnamon.
Tsachpinis is wonderful for traditional Greek mezedes.
Barbarossa which is situated on the port, offers a loud party vibe during dinner.
Parīlio Hotel
Naoussa main square. Image courtesy of Taryn Weitzman
Aliki
Aliki is yet another beautiful little fishing village with a small port and traditional tavernas. I spent one of my our favorite afternoons at their small beach cove near Piso Aliki Beach.
Eat & Drink
To Mouragio restaurant on the port is a must for fresh seafood and dreamy views of the fishing boats on clear waters.
Thalassanmou is a dreamy taverna frequented by the villa owners on Voutakos and other neighboring towns. Ask for one of the tables on the beach right at the water’s edge.
Souvlatzidiko is the go-to for an authentic Gyro.
Manoli’s is another good lunch option to to try some Greek mezedes. Insider tip: get the octopus, meatballs, and boiled greens.
Sagini is a more modern restaurant which is great for dinner. They have lots of sashimi and nice seafood pastas. Insider tip: ask for the sea urchin pasta off the menu. if it’s not available, the crab is a great alternative.
Image courtest of Taryn Weitzman
Lefkes
Lefkes is a charming mountain medieval village with typical Greek Architecture in a combination of Venetian and Cycladic styles. It’s worth visiting even if only to take in the village. Feeling sporty? You can do the famous 3.1 mile Byzantine trail hike from Lefkes down to Prodromos, another adorable small fishing village on the coast. The Agia Triada Monastery is located on a gorgeous bougainvillea filled square. For shopping you’ll find some small boutiques and pottery and jewelry makers. At night Lefkes is mostly left to the locals.
Drios
Small, pretty fishing village on a hill. It’s a great place to discover authentic tavernas on the beach and take a quick post lunch dip.
Marpissa
It’s one of the four main villages on Paros Island. It’s slightly bigger with all the typical architecture that comes to mind when you think of the Cycladic islands. It’s known for the four large windmills in the main square and the monastery of Agios Antonios on Kefalos Hill which hosts one of the best views of the sea and surrounding islands in Paros.
Pounta
Pounta is a small coastal village on the west coast of Paros that’s notable for gorgeous beaches, world famous kite and wind surfing and the ferry to Antiparos (10minute trip).
Image courtesy of Cosme Hotel
Beaches and Beach Clubs
Voutakos
This was our favorite beach. The water is unreal. It was not commercial at all and is used mostly by locals who own villas nearby. You have to bring your own food, towels and things but it is quite unique. Don’t be shocked if you spot an occasional nudist or two though I didn’t see any when we were there, just a few families instead.
Kolymbithres
Is located across the bay from Naoussa and accessible by ferry from Naoussa or by car, with parking spots located along a few sandy tracks. It’s a very popular spot that’s known for its very unique looking rock formations which are essentially time and weather worn granite boulders. The water is shallow and the food and few beds are run by the neighboring taverna. Kolymbithres gets packed in the high season. Next door at the top of the hill is Anemos Taverna which would make a nice lunch break. Another food options is Taverna Kolymbithres.
Santa Maria Beach
Picture crystal clear waters, lots of beds and lots of people. This is one of the most popular beaches on the island and the one lots of people consider the best.
Cosme
The Beach club of the Cosme Hotel is complete, polished and beautiful.
Farangas Beach and Beach Club
A lovely option located on the southern tip of the island. It has good amenities such as beds, towels and food. The vibe was chill. We just showed up and were able to get beds but you should call ahead if you want to be certain.
Paros is a dream. Do try to make it there before they succumb to the increasing pressure to expand their airport and it becomes completely vulgarized.