Offering a worthy alternative to tourist-crowded Mykonos, the lesser-known Greek island of Paros is one of the Cyclades' most fascinating. Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, next to the island of Naxos, Paros boasts secluded beaches, authentic villages, buzzing nightlife and ancient Byzantine ruins that will captivate history buffs. Read on for the definitive guide to this notable destination.
Where to stay:
Andronis Minova
The island's newest hotel, Andronis Minois, promises laid-back luxury in a tranquil area of ​​Parasporos on the east coast of Paros. A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels, the 44-room hotel excels in every hospitality aspect, from the minimalist chic design of its guest suites to its open-air restaurant, Olbo, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alexander Tsiotinis, its charming oceanfront location along the Mediterranean Sea, and its central lido, perfect for a lounge.
Cosmetics, Luxury Collection Resort, Paros
Located in a tranquil bay along the pear-shaped island's bustling port town of Naoussa, Cosme Luxury Collection Resort is arguably Paros' most fashionable accommodation. Encompassing bold Cycladic architecture and an air of refined serenity, the carefully selected suites exude an effortlessly stylish atmosphere, plus a super-cool half-moon pool overlooks the resort's private beach.
Places to eat and drink:
Sigi Iktios
Perfectly located in the heart of Naoussa's fishing port, Sigi Ikthios serves up a variety of delicious light and flavoursome dishes, including perfectly grilled octopus, farm-fresh Greek salads, fried feta cubes wrapped in phyllo, and piping hot orzo pasta with shrimp fresh off the boat. The restaurant is also the perfect place for a night out in Naoussa.
Taberna Mouradzi
Set along the azure waters of Paroikia Bay, Taverna Mouradzi is one of Paros's enchanting eateries that will immerse you in the essence of Greece. It serves a mix of traditional home-style dishes and light, airy cuisine, such as spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), portokalopita (orange cake), fried calamari, and charred sea bass. What's more, the restaurant is designed to give you a front-row seat to Paros' traditional sunsets.
Mr. E Restaurant
The indoor and outdoor restaurant at the luxury Hotel Parilio, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Thanos Festkos, is the perfect place to start your day. From hearty home-cooked meals to vegan and ultra-healthy options, the restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a local twist in a simple setting.
Visit:
Stroll around the old port of Naoussa
Naoussa, an old fishing port on the north coast of Paros, is arguably the island's most charming village, brimming with shops, restaurants and nightlife. Shoppers will find plenty of opportunities for retail therapy at Angel's Paros, Birdies and Salt Water – the perfect place to curate your European summer capsule wardrobe. For souvenirs, stop by TANTANHC, where you'll find beautifully crafted ceramics, paintings and more.
Explore the different beaches of Paros
Paros is home to an array of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, and the ideal way to soak up the Mediterranean sun and sand is to reserve a lounge chair at one of the many beach clubs. Among them are Zazara Beach Bar & Restaurant, nestled in a tranquil cove of Parasporos, and Monastiri Paros Beach Club, which offers sunbeds along Monastiri Beach, once the most famous stretch of coast at the northern tip of the island.
Visit Lefkes and hike the ancient Byzantine road
The historic farming town of Lefkes, which served as the capital of Paros in the Middle Ages, is an authentic town surrounded by mountains and well worth a visit. Walk the 1,000-year-old Byzantine road, a 3.7-mile trail that starts in Lefkes and runs east to the village of Prodromos, offering panoramic views of Paros and the Aegean Sea along the way.
Credit: Brittney Eshelman
Parikia, the main port and current capital of Paros
Parikia is the main town and arrival point for ferries from Athens and the neighboring Cyclades islands. It is a typical Greek village with narrow pedestrian streets lined with typical whitewashed houses. It is home to Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of the 100 Gates, also known as Panagia Katapoliani). Legend has it that the 100th gate opened when Istanbul became Greek in 1453.
Ferry to Antiparos
The 10-minute ferry trip from Paros to Antiparos is well worth it. Paros' rugged sister island is a gem with secret beaches such as Tholos Beach, Fanari Beach and Faneromeni Beach, and ancient stalagmite formations. Antiparos is home to one of the oldest caves, the Antiparos Cave, dating back 45 million years, and an ancient inscription records that the great lyric poet of antiquity, Archilochus of Palius, visited the site.
