Planning our first Greece island-hopping trip was quite the assignment. Unlike other popular European vacation spots like the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, or Balearic Islands, Greece is in a league of its own when it comes to the sheer quantity of beautiful coastal and island destinations. There are, quite literally, dozens (edit: THOUSANDS) of places from which to choose, which rendered a relentless travel planner like me indecisive.
While pictures of pristine white houses and luxe beach clubs in Santorini and Mykonos have littered my feeds for years, something wasn't quite drawing me to those islands. To me (and according to the internet, many others), these places seemed a bit overtouristed, overhyped, and overpriced. Seeking alternative islands with the same or greater natural beauty and classic Greek island aesthetic, I ultimately turned to friends, followers, and good old social media propaganda to build a case for where to go. As a result of all that fabulously informed input, we made the island of Paros our first stop. This turned out to be an excellent decision.
Paros is a stunning island that has all the tourist infrastructure you could want to feel comfortable on vacation, but none of the overly touristy feel (note that we did go the first week of October, when crowds and prices are significantly lower). In particular, I loved the incredible food scene as well as the idyllic villages covered in bougainvillea.
Here are my top five tips for a trip to PAROS:
1: where to stay
Without a doubt, Naoussa is the place to be. This waterfront town on the northern side of the island is home to classy restaurants and shops, charming photo-ops, and a lively atmosphere that makes it the perfect home base. We stayed at Angel's Pillow (pictured), one of a few Angels properties in the area. It is a lovely adults-only boutique hotel, but what really set it apart was the friendly staff. Their helpful tips and guidance made our trip truly effortless.
2: getting around the island
One of the must-do activities when visiting any Greek island is getting out there and exploring it! The best way to do that is by renting a car, ATV, or scooter. We rented a scooter on-the-spot at a place nearby our hotel. The rental cost us 20 euros per day in the off-season, and though this shop didn't require an International Driver's Permit, I suggest bringing one along just in case. We are scooter people, though less experienced drivers may prefer renting an ATV to manage the often-unpaved roads.
3: picture-perfect villages
One of the best things about Paros are the quaint villages that look like they are straight out of a postcard. Visiting in early October meant that we often had entire streets to ourselves to peruse and photograph, something that I imagine would be much more challenging in the high season. Don't miss a day trip to Lefkes, a small hilltop village in the center of the island, and Marpissa, a smaller, quieter town that was my personal favorite.
4: a beach for every taste
Obviously you can’t miss the beach in Greece! There are many organized (with facilities like chair rentals and bathrooms) and unorganized (no facilities) beaches across the island that should suit the needs of any beachgoer. For those that prefer organized beaches, head to Monastiri (pictured), which has a Tulum-style beach club vibe. For something less crowded and more tranquil, check out the tiny unorganized beaches around Megali Glastara. Looking for something in-between? Faragas is a great choice.
5: traditional eats
Foodies should have no problem enjoying the fruits of this tasty island, as some of the best meals we had on our Greece trip were here. For a romantic dinner, book a table overlooking Naoussa's little port at Sigi Ikthios (pictured) and be sure to get their seafood orzo dish if it's on the meny! Another fantastic option for dinner is Yemeni, a taverna set in the town's narrow streets that offers an extensive wine menu. Almond in Paros is a great brunch option, as is Santé cocktail bar for vibey drinks. Finally, on the other side of the island is the waterfront gem To Balcony tou Aki, a great spot to enjoy the sunset with a fresh seafood meal.
You can't always do it all, so one thing we didn’t do but wish we had:
Visit Antiparos. Sadly we hardly had enough time to see Paros, much less visit its neighboring island! I heard amazing about Antiparos and hope to visit it on a future trip.
Have a great trip! Feel free to leave a comment with your own favorites. You can also find these recommendations (and more!) in map format by following me on the Out of Office app.
