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CYCLADES

Paros

ParosMap

Size: 25km x 20km
Martian Risk:
A little

The old town of Paroikia is one of the most captivating in the Cyclades, easily rivalling Mykonos in charm but with far less noise and exhibitionism. Separated from the sea by the steep sides of the Venetian Castro, it has good shops, restaurants, tavernas and some quite lively night-life. Across the capital’s wide bay are sandy beaches reached by caique in a few minutes, but fine beaches abound all round the island, (good windsurfing on the SE corner) and all served by bus.

The tiny harbour of Naoussa in the north is worth a visit, despite its surrounding sprawl containing most of Paros’s modest collection of Martians. West from Naoussa is a sheltered bay on whose far side at Kolimbithres you will find smooth rocks reminiscent of the Costa Smeralda. A little SE of Naoussa on the east coast facing Naxos, lies the hamlet of Ambelas, where you find signs of a slowly-awaking village with a gorgeous view across the straits to Naxos. In enchanting Lefkes, the island’s old capital, you will find no crowds, fascinating architecture and at least one decent restaurant in this often overlooked gem of a village. Right in the south near the water-sporting Golden Beach is Dryos, the perfect choice for a tranquil stay with enough beaches, tavernas and the odd shop to satisfy all but the hyper-active.

A road runs right round the coast of Paros and to circumnavigate it is rewarding – stunning panoramas across to neighbouring islands and plenty of attractive places for taverna stops. On the quite gentle slopes of the mountain which forms the island’s centre you will find Paros’s Valley of the Butterflies. Theoretically these creatures will be on parade from about May to August, unless they get tired of people shaking the branches they perch on to acquire the confetti effect.

Activities

Walking to monasteries on the mountain slopes, panoramas from the mountain tops. A variety of water-sports near Dryos in the SE and at Pounda in the W. Being a major shipping hub, it is easy to visit Naxos, Mykonos & Delos, Ios and Santorini.

Plus points

One of the most easily accessible islands in the Cyclades group. Tremendous charm of its [seaside] capital Paroikia and its former capital Lefkes and the historic area encircling the toy harbour of Naoussa. Many excellent beaches and water-sports.

Minus points

One might hope for less new building round the outskirts of Paroikia and Naoussa. There’s an unseemly traffic jam in Paroikia mid-morning and early evening when the ferries arrive in glorious procession – but you may find the bustle fun and the police trying to regulate it the chance for a quiet giggle.

Getting there

Mykonos is probably the best gateway for Paros. Alternatively you can fly on any day by scheduled flight to Athens and continue to Paros either by "connecting" domestic flight or, due to the increasing number of comfortable fast ferries from Piraeus direct to Paros; it's often quicker than waiting for the plane. 

Paros

Paros: view of Paroikia harbour and bay

Paros

Paros: Paroikia's old town

Paros

Paros: Golden beach - perfect windsurfing

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Paros: windsurfing off Golden beach

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Paros: it's even easier actually on the beach

 

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Paros: in Paroikia old town

 

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Paros: Wind Farm - charge up your nubile phone

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Paros: the micro-harbour at Naoussa

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Boudari, Dryos

 

Another gem, right by the sea. Forty family-run rooms grouped round a large pool. The small private beach is a few yards down a path overlooked by second pool. Airy reception/dining area. Rooms excellently appointed. Small reportedly underequipped gym. Walk along the shore one way to Golden Beach (10 mins) for windsurfing; the other way to Drios harbour (10 mins) for restaurants.


Cat C. Air-con, fridge, safe, sat TV, tel, veranda with SV; restaurant. B&(buffet)B.

Enquire about: flights + accom'n at Hotel Boudari

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Moschoula Studios, Paroikia

Fokianos Studios

Eight studios in a quiet part of Paroikia, near the old town. Most rooms have balconies and there is a vast roof terrace from which you can watch your ferry leaving before actually missing it.
Air-con. TV. S/C 2-4 pers.

 

Moschoula's roof and harbour view

 

Enquire about: flights + accom'n at Moschoula Studios

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Margarita Studios, Ambelas

Rita Studios

A family-run hotel at the picturesque fishing village of Ambelas. In unusually spacious surroundings the hotel has a large pool and is 200 metres from the sea. The refurbished accommodation is of a good standard.
Pool, air-con, TV, hair-drier. S/C. Wheelchairs welcome.

Enquire about: flights + accom'n at Margarita Studios

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Aegean Balcony Villa

Villa Aghios Arseniou

Renovated stone house on a hill-top 5km out of Paroikia. Stunning views over the town to nearby islands, wrap-round terraces, glorious seclusion and indoor plunge-pool on lower ground floor. Available year round; car essential.
S/C (3 bedrms, 3 sh/wcs): 6 pers.

Enquire about: flights + accom'n at Aegean Balcony Villa

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Hotel Galinos, Paroikia

Villa Aghios Arseniou

The Galinos has a free-form pool in flowery grounds behind the L-shaped hotel. The newly refurbished rooms all have a balcony and there’s a bar/breakfast room opening on to the garden and pool. One of the town’s best tavernas is directly opposite and the narrow alleyways start within a hundred metres of the hotel. Adults only.

Enquire about: flights + accom'n at Hotel Galinos

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REVIEWS

Edward and Jacquie travelled to Antiparos via Athens in Sep 2023
Patricia and Ian travelled to Paros in Jun 2023
Louise and Catriona travelled to Naxos and Antiparos in Jul 2023
Sophie and family travelled to Hotel Boudari, Drios, Paros in Jul 2023
Peter and Christine travelled to Paros in Jun 2023
Bernie and Greg travelled to Antiparos in Jul 2022
Jon and Ursula travelled to Antiparos in Aug 2021
Colin and Joan travelled to Paros in Jun 2022
Julie and family travelled to Paros in May 2022
Niki and Caroline travelled to Antiparos in Sep 2022
Andrew and Anna travelled to Paros and Antiparos in Sep 2022
Rob and Keith travelled to Crete Antiparos and Iraklia in Sep 2022
Chris and Kathleen travelled to Antiparos in Jun 2022