We wanted an island-style holiday in the Mediterranean, and the Greek Isles seemed to be the best choice. So Paros it was! Perhaps I will one day visit Paris, so I hope to write a blog about my trip there, hopefully soon.
Planning this itinerary with our best friends was really easy, although it was long-distance planning, with us living in the middle east and our friends in Cape Town. I planned all the legs, except for the final leg which Philip and Cheryl got to plan, which was Santorini (more about this amazing place and the other islands another time).
Getting There: Taking the Ferry or Taking a flight from Athens
Being our first experience island hopping, we decided to take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus Port) using the Blue Star ferries to Paros. Business seats were great in the airconditioned lounge with the journey lasting around 5 hours.
Do check that you know which ferry you will be boarding as there are quite a few leaving around the same time. Start queuing up with everyone, as the ferry departs rather quickly once loaded.
Arrival in Paros
Arriving at the port in Parikia, disembarking was swift, and we were soon on our way to our hotel which took, literally 3 minutes in the taxi to our hotel.
Where to Stay in Paros
A warm Greek welcome awaited us in the beautifully decorated, traditional Cycladic style Hotel Cyclades. We had a comfortably furnished room with a balcony from which we could sit in the warm evenings, observing the tourists wandering down to the waterside.
Exploring the island
We found a small bicycle rental just diagonally opposite the hotel, and spent a day cycling in the vicinity of Parikia, in the foothills and around the magnificent bay, stopping at a Krios Beach to cool off in the sea and then back to Lavadia beach for a cocktail on the beach.
Beaching on Lavadia Beach
If you enjoy lounging on the beach with a cocktail, then this is the perfect beach. Many hours were spent here, catching a Mediterranean tan while sipping cocktails and dipping in the warm Aegean Sea.
Daytrip to Nouassa
Local buses run regularly across island so we took the bus from the bus stop just a few steps from Cyclades Hotel. Nouassa has a real ‘villagey’ feel and has its own charming atmosphere. The tiny port was quite busy and by chance we discovered a ferry boat leaving for Kolympthres.
Love, love, love Kolympthres, what an unexpected discovery. 20 minutes across the bay from Naoussa port, we moored alongside a small jetty. The captain told us about the beautiful hidden beaches in the area, and he was right! To our surprise we found a tiny beach, packed with people on loungers, children playing in the sand, but at the same time peacefully busy. Ice cold drinks were served along with souvlaki (Greek kebabs)by the local beach café – it was bliss.
Glorious Greek food
Katarina Taverna, which was on our doorstep, was our local afternoon/evening destination. What is a visit to Greece without Moussaka, a traditional Greek salad, lamb chops.
And what is a visit to a Greek island without a romantic dinner on the beach at the water’s edge. Grilled fish, salad and crusty bread, served with a carafe of local white wine from Moraitis Winery on Paros.
Visit Moraitis Winery
Super close to the Contaratos Beach Hotel, you’ll find Moraitis Winery. This very friendly winery has a lovely atmosphere. You can tour the cellars before doing a tasting — you can choose between tasting six or nine wines and snacks are also available. Arrange a tasting but definitely let them know you're coming.
Go Shopping in Naoussa
One of the best things to do in Paros island is go shopping. The shopping in Naoussa is fantastic and upscale and interesting. Note most shops are open in the morning and evening —they are closed in the afternoon, as most people have a siesta during the warm afternoons.
Island Hop from Parikia to Antiparos
When I was reading upon things do in Paros, I had read that celebrities like to visit Antiparos during summer due to it being a less popular island. Apparently Hugh Jackman also made an appearance in the early summer.
Take the bus from Parikia to the Antiparos ferry. The Antiparos ferry takes about 8minutes to cross the water and runs every 15 minutes during the day (but I believe this changes depending on the time of year).
What to Bring with You to Paros
I have three main recommendations:
- A hat
- A Turkish towel. These are super lightweight and easy to carry around the island with you.
- A waterproof phone case on a lanyard.
Finally to sum it up:
Best things to do in Paros
- Have lunch at the water's edge
- Relax on the loungers on Lavadia Beach
- Rent a bicyle and explore the island
- Eat delicious Greek food
- Take a local ferry to a nearby island
- Wine-tasting at the local winery
I hope my blog post has been helpful and given you a good idea of what to expect in Paros, Greece. Next time I visit Paros it will include a visit to the wineries, a boat trip, more exploration around the island and last but not least, a stay on Antiparos.
