Perfection of Paros

By Gary Van Haas

Paros, Greece has a bit of everything going for it.

It’s the kind of place you’d expect from an island in the Cyclades, with whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, white-sand beaches, fishing ports set with tavernas and tables, plus a very lively bar and café scenes.

The landscape here is also very scenic, with its modest 2,530 ft high Ágii Pándes mountain summit, and on the ring road the views out toward the sea over dozens of surrounding islands are stunning, to say the least.

Thanks, New York Times

After the 1950s the island’s fortunes improved slowly but steadily, as an essential stop along the hippie trail between Ibiza and Goa, until a fateful 1981 article in the New York Times called Paros “The Quiet Heart of the Cyclades”

After that “quiet” it no longer was, but somehow Paros managed to safeguard some veracity and local spirit in a way that other islands in the Aegean have lost. 2014 saw the first cruise ships arrive – but the main harbor is too small for them, so they have to anchor in the bay while tenders take passengers ashore.

Most of the Cyclades chain is best to visit in late spring when the countryside is still green and the sea has warmed up to nice swimming temperatures, and if you come in spring or autumn, expect to find better prices for accommodation compared to summer.

Places to Visit in Paros

You’ll find lovely Agii Anargyri Monastery above the main port of Parikia is a peaceful locale with stunning views over the island, while Marpissa and adjacent Prodromos inland villages are the most photogenic and easy for strolling.

The great cave on nearby Antiparos Island is another favorite and has been impressing visitors since ancient times.

Antiparos was really an island for total isolation and relaxation, but the recent years that has changed a little bit as it attracts more tourists every year.

Still, it is a picturesque island located opposite Paros and it is ideal for one day trip. Ferries from Paros to Antiparos depart very frequently from Parikia or from Pounta, in case you want to get a vehicle with you (not entirely necessary for one day trip).

For those into trekking, visit the 19th-century lighthouse on Cape Korakas which is accessed by a new network of walking trails. If you’re into sea sports, get yourself sailing on a windsurfer at Khrysi Akti or Tsardakia Beaches, or try some rigorous kite-surfing at Pounda Beach.

The Port of Parikia

In the port of Parikia, visit the Panayia Ekatondapiliani Church a famous historic Byzantine Church, built back in the 4th century.

The church was known as the Church with 100 doors and is one of the most important preserved churches of Greece. Legend has it that that actually 99 doors have been found, but the 100th door will be discovered only when Constantinople (Istanbul) is Greek again!

Naoussa Port is a little gem that is found on the opposite side of the island from Parikia Harbor. Just grab a taxi or bus from Parikia Port and soon you’ll be there, lost in its quaint little streets and alleys, and in its very beautiful port, you’ll find an ideal setting with several tavernas and cafes for eating, sipping a coffee and drinking of course! Naousa offers great nightlife because of the trendy bars and clubs and many young people hang there every night.

If you are looking for a nice ambiance and hot music then go to the Golden Garden Bar.

This is a hip meeting spot for those who want to chill and enjoy cool music while sipping cocktails in the garden area or around the big bar, which is a great place to meet people and kick back.

Naoussa is also amazing for its beaches, so don’t forget to visit Kolimbithres, Santa Maria, Golden Beach, Monastiri, Faragkas, and many more.

Getting to Paros

You can go to Paros by ferry from Piraeus port (there is a choice between a normal ferry and a fast and more expensive one) or fly at the new international airport. The most common way to get to Paros is to fly to Athens, Santorini or Myconos then continue your trip by ferry.

This takes between approx 4 hours with the slowest boat from Athens up to 40 mins with the fastest boat from Myconos. That’s the time range you need to calculate.

Paros Lodging:

The main towns you will most likely stay in are Parikia, Naoussa, Piso Livadi, and Drios. Lefkes is also a good mountain village and quite affordable.

Saint Andrea Seaside Resort (5-star) Tel. (866) 266-3306. This spectacular hotel is located in Naoussa by the sea and convenient walking distance to both Piperi and Kolymbithres Beaches.

The hotel has pool, Jacuzzi, and spa facilities and is within close proximity of the ancient Mycenaean Acropolis at Koukounaries Beach and Naoussa Port.

Paros Bay Sea Resort Hotel (4-star) Tel. +30 22840 21140. is located near the port and on Delfini Beach, built in the traditional Cycladic architecture, stylishly decorated, combined with all the comfort and services you need only a 20-minute walk from Parikia town.

Nightlife in Paros

Sante Cocktail Bar in Naoussa has a superb relaxing atmosphere and is located outside against a church and shaded by a beautiful tree, serving a great variety of cocktails and is one of the island’s favorites hangouts at night.

St. Ioannis, Naousa 844 01 – Tel. : 2284 051747

Eutòpia Fish Tavern in Naoussa is where it’s at if you are looking for great Greek seafood and other cuisine cooked with an Italian flare, and if you are then try this restaurant!

You’ll enjoy the octopus and cod so much, you’ll come back the next night for more, and on the nearby beach, you’ll feel a nice cool breeze, peaceful, tucked away from the bustling center of town.

Here you’ll find excellent cuisine and friendly service where you’ll soon discover “Eutopia” is the perfect name for this place!

Agios Dimitrios Beach, Naoussa 84401, Greece – Tel. +39 329 208 8767

Gary Van Haas worked for many years as a feature writer for The Athens News, International Herald Tribune, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Time and Newsweek Magazines. His books can be found on his Amazon.com author page.