Paros, Greece
In August 2015, I returned to the beautiful island of Paros after 8 years.
Where did 8 years go? But despite my world having changed, Paros has miraculously been caught in a wonderfully picturesque time-warp (with the exception of Wifi being everywhere!). If you have the time, daily life in Paros will absorb you into the folds of its charasmatic charm. I met ladies who had been on the island for 13 - 30+ years, and their hilarious stories of mischief in winter and tales of hard work throughout summer entertained me for hours. Truth be told, aside from Skiathos, I have always found locals on Paros to be the friendliest & most approachable. Take Georgios who - with his wife - runs Meltemi Cafe in Parikia - a die hard windsurfer, he now spends his evenings playing Tennis & is organising the Youth Tennis Championships to he hosted in Paros. Full of smiles & with the best Frappacino's in town, you must spend time getting to know this wonderful gentleman. Visiting Paros in August was not my wisest decision - I prefer to visit with less crowds - but it's definately better than not going at all. Quintessential port towns overflow with fresh seafood, candlelight and delicious Parian wine every evening, shops close for siesta (and on sundays), and your days can be action packed or filled with relaxation.
Needless to say, it is 100% the friendly locals who never cease to make Paros one of the most memorable islands.
Main Town / Port: Parikia
BEST TIME OF YEAR: June & September (Just out of high season - better deals, less crowds & perfect climate)
RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF DAYS TO STAY:
4-5 nights is perfect!
HOW TO GET THERE: Multiple ferries daily in high season from both Pireaus (Athens) & Rafina. You can also reach from other Cyclades islands. I highly recommend pre-booking ferries if travelling in August.
NEARBY ACTIVITIES (LESS THAN 1 HR TRAVEL):
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Antiparos - the smaller island takes approximately 40 minutes to reach from Parikia (bus or car + ferry from Pounta)
TOP 3 TIPS FOR PAROS
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Rent a Scooter or Quad for a day (or three), but make sure you BOOK IN ADVANCE! Especially if travelling in August. Otherwise you are likely to miss out. Taxis are few & far between, and this way you can stop at the best beaches around the island easily.
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Hike to Lefkes for sunset. Its a stunner.
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WHAT TO DO:
Top Beaches:
Parasporos - a 20minute walk from Parikia, is organised & clean. Plenty of cafes nearby for lunch if you're making a day of it too!
Monastiri - sandy and sheltered from the wind.
Pounta - its a beach club. Loud party music, bars & a swimming pool.
Farangas - small, quiet, turquoise clear waters.
Best Day Trips:
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Captain Ben's Lazy Day - a boat trip that leaves daily from both Paros & Antiparos. A family run adventure, that will be one of the highlights of your trip. For E45, you get a guided tour through the islands' caves, options to snorkel, stop and a glitteringly sandy beach, and it includes a Greek BBQ & Booze! *Reservations Required*
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Anit-paros: Visit the caves, enjoy the tavernas. Just being there is really enough.
Adventure Sports:
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Between Paros & Antiparos you will find a hub for water sports. Try Kitesurfing & Windsurfing - one of the best places in Greece.
Idyllic Towns:
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The Port town of Naoussa is picturesque and bustles in the evenings. But seriously. Its stunningly, quintessentially, greek. The seafood is fresh, the ouzo cold and the sunsets divine. he restaurants buzz til late in the evening. Only a 20min bus trip from Parikia, and in summer the last bus back is at midnight.
Best Photography: Naoussa. End of story!
Best local experience:
Fun Festivals:
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Aleiki Fish Festival (August):
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15th and 17th of July, don't miss the festivities for St. Marina. (Antiparos)
WHAT & WHERE TO EAT / DRINK:
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Siroco's Rooms & Apartments
Mid-range: Argonauta Hotel
Expensive: Yria Resort
Luxury: Astir of Paros
THE ONE THING NOT TO MISS:
FUN FACT: Tom Hanks & Madonna both own holiday homes on Antiparos!
BASIC PRICE GUIDE (as of AUG 2015)
Traditional Meal for Two: E25.00
Glass / Carafe (500ml) local table wine: E3.50/E5.00
Local Beer (restaurant): E4.00 for 500ml draught
Local Beer (supermarket): E0.90 for 330ml can
Ouzo (glass, restaurant): E3.50
Cocktail: E7.00
Local Bus Ticket (one way): E1.40-2.40
Scooter rental (high season): E25.00/day
Ferry (Pireaus to Paros, High Season): E37.00 one way, Basic deck seating.