My Happy Place

Like many young people I was fascinated by the ancient world, and in particular the Golden Age of ancient Greece. My childhood home, like many Greek-American ones, was filled with books on the homeland and I spent many hours pouring through them. For anyone who has studied or taken a liking to ancient sculpture, one can’t help but notice that many of the finest pieces are made of Parian marble: Venus de Milo, Hermes of Praxiteles, Nike of Samothrace– the list goes on. So, at the very first opportunity I had to visit Greece as an adult I went to Paros. I had to see first-hand what had attracted the best of the ancient world to choose the island as their own. And it has been my happy place since that first visit in 1984.  

In 2014, after 30 summers of visiting as a guest, I finally bought a home on the island. And so now I can call myself a Parian.

The beauty of the island is wrapped up in its simple pleasures: heavenly beaches, charming villages, friendly and talented locals, delicious food and wine, and respect for the natural environment.  

Below are my personal lists of recommendations for the island. Enjoy.

Places to Stay in Paros:

I am partial to the north side of the island, and the area around the fishing village of Naousa.  It can get windy during August, when the Meltemi winds arrive, so bring a light jacket and scarf.  

High-end

• The Cove 
• Cosme

Mid-range

• Kanales
• Paliomylos
• Parian Lithos

• Adonis Hotel and Apartments:

Επικοινωνία

Beaches In Paros

I like to drive around the island and pull off at small coves to go swimming. Little Santa Maria Beach (north side of the island) is a favorite if you are looking for a chic, laid-back, beach vibe. To Dixty, right there at the beach, is a good choice for an après beach lunch.

Laggeri Beach (north side of the island) can be a bit if a challenge to get to, but it is worth the effort.  Note: far end of the beach is more nudist and gay.  

Restaurants In Naousa

Gourmet – $$$

• Sigi Ikthios: old harbor
• Yemeni: near the old harbor

Medium – $$

• Tsachpinis Ouzeri: Great solid taverna in a perfect location. Panagiotis and Nektarios, the owners, are charming. An island favorite.  

Budget – $

• Palia Agora / Ouzeri: Quite possibly some of the best food in the Cyclades.  You cannot make a reservation, so get there early to secure a table.  

Restaurants near Naousa

Santa Maria (10 minute taxi ride)

• SiParos: One of the best on the island. Lunch and dinner.  

Ampelas (15 minute taxi ride)

Ampelas is a nice place to spend the day at the beach and finish with a late lunch or early dinner. A perfect time to sip on some mastiha. 

• Blue Oyster: A must visit, excellent food in a terrific setting.
• Christiana: Excellent taverna, day and night, but slow service
• To Thalami: Excellent taverna, daytime only, as their nighttime lighting is horrendous.

Other Parts of Paros

Lefkes, Paros

Lefkes is one of the most beautiful, laid-back villages on the island. It’s the former capitol of Paros. High-up in the mountains, it’s a perfect place to escape to. 

• Klarino’s – For the best lamb chops.  Also, good solid appetizers. 

Piso Livadi

I love this little laid back harbor town. Markakis is a great choice for food, but most of the small tavernas on the harbor are good. I like to visit in the afternoon, take a swim and some sun right there in town, and then sit down for a drink and meal.  

Paroikia

• Hotel: Argonauta
• Restarants: Marios – Absolutely delicious.  Expensive but worth it.  
• Souvlaki: Mr. Stavros
• Cafeteria: Chaniotis – Some of the best home-cooked food on the island.  
• Shopping: Yria Pottery – Beautifully curated store with a lovely selection of hand painted ceramics, textiles, marble objects, and jewelry.  

Pounta Beach

Go here for kite surfing. It is located on the channel between Paros and Antiparos:

https://paroskite-procenter.com

Aliki

• Thalassamou: Culinary delights, right on the beach. Worth the trip.  

Car Rentals in Paros

If you are into exploring, you will want to rent a car to get around the island:  

• Sardis Rentals: Katerina and Costas can meet you in the main port town of Paroikia, or at the airport.

Boat Booking in Paros

For day trips around the island. 

Michalis Zeppos:

All day private cruise

Tours of Paros