The DL: An island that has a little bit of everything. It became our favorite island of the 5+ we visited in our Cyclades adventure. Beautiful water, 30 minute flight from Athens, hiking, beach clubs, and a town on the water. We stayed here for a week and I really felt like we could have lived there for awhile we slid right into a routine. From grocery shopping to picking up to go food and taking it to our villa, to going out a night, beach by day, you can make your trip here whatever it needs to be. A more recently popular island thanks to the celebs who have visited over the years. They say Paros is Mykonos 20 years ago – great food, beaches, and vibes – just half the price. Visit in September where it’s off peak season but warm enough to go to the beach and the town is still very crowded.
If you really want to eat somewhere even in the off season this was one of the islands that a reservation was more important than others. Even a 9:30 Sunday night we couldn’t get into 5+ places we tried.
Things to know about Paros:
- It’s only a 30-40 minute flight from Athens
- There is a good mix of town/nightlife and beautiful beaches
- Antiparos – home to celebs like Madonna and Tom Hanks was one of our favorite day trips (7 minute ferry)
- Stay nearby Naoussa this is the best mix of all the island to me
- September is the best month to visit – not as crowded but all is still open and great weather
- Home to world-famous kitesurfing and windsurfing sites
- Marble used to be the main source of income for the island you can visit the left over quarries or see mini sculptures that fill the shops in town to honor this
- If you plan to tip 10% is expected
- Drink bottled water here
How to get here:
Ferry or flight are the two options. We took the ferry from Naxos and it was quick and easy. We then got a rental car as you will need to explore the island.
Where to stay:
Highly recommend acron villas, I really have no other suggestions because this was an amazing stay and location. We wanted space, a view but close to the town and this checked all the boxes. We got a 2 bedroom with a private pool (pictured), full kitchen, and deck overlooking the ocean. Its about 10 minutes from town and set up on a hill so you will want a car if staying here.The town of Naousa gets lively at night almost like a local Mykonos town.
What to do:
- Check out the beaches:
- Kolimbithres has super clear water and a mini beach, there is a small beach club, grab a glass of wine and lunch at Anemos Taverna right by the beach.
- Monastiri beach – a hidden gem, beach club and super boho chic restaurant. Sad is very muddy like but the water is super clear and we propped up on the rocks and tanned and then got a cocktail. They also have an outdoor movie theater. Heads up, this is can be a topless beach.
- Santa Maria (especially for surfers)
- Paralia Piso Livadi – small local beach, come here for the oceanside local food, check out Soiree Cafe Restaurant
- Other beaches – Ampelas, Glifades, Molos, Punda, Hrysi Akti, Faragas Beach, Martselo Beach, and Aliki Beach
- Take a day trip to Antiparos (blog coming soon)
- Eat, shop and explore. *We stayed and spent 90% of our time in Naousa
What to do in Lefkes Village
- One hundred doors temple
- Parikia visit the capital nearby
- Wander the dreamy streets
- Eat at a local spot
What to do in Naousa (fishing village on the water)
- Bohemian Luxury Hotel if staying in the town with no car or Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel
- Acron villas if you have car and want space but near Naousa
- Lots of shopping, explore and wander down all the streets
- Have drinks in the famous old port area
- Catch live music in the streets
- Our favorite town in Paros and highly recommend staying, eating, and going out in this area
We explored via car one day and ran across Drios and Piso Lavida – fishing villages and grabbed lunch by the water at the cutest most affordable family run spots
Where to eat in Paros
Breakfast:
- Almond Paros: Great spot for avocado toast and a smoothie.
- Sousouro – smoothie, vegetarian spot
- Ragoussis Bakery
- Konstanza Cafe – more American breakfast
Lunch:
- Allas Souvlaki – super authentic weird hours so double check
- Souvlakia KARGAS – also super authentic gyros options
Dinner:
*if you really want to go somewhere get a resy places fill up quickly
- Les Amis – get a resy, Italian
- Siparos
- Taverna Glafkos waterside dining so go before it gets dark
- Comeback café – view at sunset
- Barbossa
- Soso: daily handwritten menu, great wine a food parings you’ll need a reservation.
- Yemeni:Unique Greek food, you’ll need a reservation here.
Cocktails/Nightlife
- Itria bar
- Come back – for waterside drinks
- Methystra – late night with a view drinks
- Barbarossa
- Fotas all day bar
- Sante Cocktail Bar
Desserts:
- Nonna creama
- Loukomodes shop – donuts
- Ragoussis Bakery – so many good options
Photo spots of Paros:
- Port of Nousa
- Linardo – pink shop in naousa and what you see all over pinterest. Right around that area is great photo opps
- Any of the beaches and beach clubs
- Wander the streets of the city towns they are so beautiful
Check out my full map of Paros here.
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