Paros, Greece

• More about your oliver guide: Courtney Leary
• Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, Solo, Beach
• Activity level: easy
• Ideal length of trip: 3 days --

to & from

Fly or ferry from Athens or ferry from another island.

We ferried from Santorini and it was actually very enjoyable except for the chaotic boarding. Highly recommend VIP seating.

We used Irene at Dorca’s Travel to book all of our ferries and transfers and I recommend her for this. It is complicated to figure out the travel between islands and she did a great job making sure we were taken care of. We had no issues with any of our travel. (She will also book lodging and activities but I would know what you want before booking through her. She is Greek and based in Greece and it is tricky for her to determine standards and taste level.)

If you are on Paros for more than a couple of days, it is really great to have a car to explore the island. We rented a car through Karent which was delivered and picked up from our hotel.

Where to Stay

Paros is not known for luxury hotels,  lodging seems to have a much simpler casual vibe which is part of the appeal. Whatever you do, stay on the north/ northwest side of the island to avoid the winds– unless you windsurf!

We stayed at Summer Senses Luxury Resort and would not recommend it due to it’s location in the windiest part of the island and far from Naoussa (a beautiful seaside town with great shops and restaurants that we frequented.) It does have many nice amenities  and is well staffed so an ok option with a car, if the weather cooperates.

Other options:

• Parillo- probably the best option/nicest for hotel but does not have a sea view
• Cosme– brand new, close to Nauossa
• Simple hotels like Parian Village Beach Hotel or Omilos Beachfront House — neither of which I know anything about but they caught our eye while we were there.
• Private Villa

Where to Eat and Drink

Greeks eat on the later side, we usually made 8:30pm reservations and found this to be a good time. Be prepared for lot’s of amazing seafood!

• Siparos
• Kima– ask for a table on the water.
• Barbarossa
• Anna & Giorgos Restaurant – feels like a locals spot, very casual

Coffee is a big deal to the Greeks and we loved their iced versions– Freddo Espresso and Freddo Cappuccino. Must try!

What to Do

• Shop the cute town of Naoussa– get lost in the white maze, stop for coffee, gelato and shop some more!
• Rent and ATV and explore the island or go to Antiparos on the ferry with your ATV and explore for the day.
• Beach clubs- are very casual and low key here with prices to match– but you still need reservations. We ended up loving the very laid back vibe and lack of wind at Tango Mar– chairs are 5 euro and not very solid but easy to move around to arrange for sun or shade as you like. Cabana Beach Club in the same area was also nice. Beach Project, Golden Beach and the Cliff were also recommended.
• If weather permits, rent a boat or arrange for a sail and explore!

inside scoop

Paros can be very windy! They say the winds usually hit the end of July and early August but we were there mid July and had some crazy windy days that prohibited us from our boating excursions. June and September are the months to go!

What to Pack

Paros is casual (and anything goes). Sandals, swimsuits and beach cover ups– all of which you can buy plenty of in Naoussa. Sundresses for dinner. Bring a light jacket in case of winds.