Paros was the Greek Island we visited that was a little bit of an unknown. We didn’t know too much about it other than it was close to the other Greek Islands we were staying on – Santorini and Mykonos. I loved Paros! It is more laid back and relaxed than the other two islands and the beaches are … dare I say it – more beautiful!
Parikia
The ferry drops you off at the town of Parikia, which has an iconic solitary windmill that greets you as you arrive. We loved roaming around the pretty streets and alleys of Parikia. The shopping was good, and the cute alleys would rival those in Mykonos. We stumbled across a Frankish Castle built in 1260AD right in the middle of town!
After all of our shopping, we were feeling rather parched and in need of a refuel. We discovered a lovely restaurant at the end of this alley pictured above. The grape bunches hanging above seemed to invite us in. What a beautiful lunch spot, delicious fresh food with stunning views.
Lefkes
We spent a day exploring the island a little. Jumping on a local bus, we heading to the hilltop village of Lefkes. With bright Bougainvillea hanging from white-washed walls and Cycladic paving throughout, this village was postcard perfect.
From Lefkes, we jumped back on the bus and made our way to the other side of the island for a swim and beachside lunch. The water was turquoise blue with large white marble deposits below. The marble of Paros is one of the world’s finest varieties. In ancient times the local craftsmen provided the marble to the rest of the ancient world. It was used in the Acropolis, the temple of Apollo in Delphi and the statue of Venus de Milo! We spent several hours there by the water, with the cats ….. so many cats! I have very fond memories of that afternoon, swimming and eating….a glass of wine, more swimming, talking, relaxing and just immersing ourselves in the culture.
Naoussa
I think the prettiest part of Paros, and probably the most touristy part, is Naoussa – the fishing port. Lots of shopping here and restaurants ….. it’s no wonder, the seafood is straight off the trawlers to the chefs! Alfresco dining, with waves lapping a few metres away, watching the sunset…. pretty unforgettable.
Our last morning was spent back in Parikia, discovering a church that dates back to the 4th century, with ancient frescos and so much history. This Greek Orthodox church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, nicknamed the church of 100 doors, houses the glittering Madonna, a Byzantine icon covered in silver.
A little more money was spent on a little more shopping, because why not?!? Alas, sadly, it was time to leave. So back on the ferries we hopped, which I should mention were all very good, but our favourite was Bluestar ferries. We have since travelled with Seajets, which were quite comfortable as well, but the disembarkation process was pretty chaotic. I can’t remember Bluestar being as crazy but that may just be the time of the year we were travelling. I can now say I know what it feels like to be herded!
