Description: Sun, beach and salt water breezes. White-washed structures dotted with brightly colored doors, window frames & blooming florals. If this matches your vision for the perfect long weekend destination, the island of Paros will check all of your boxes.
Destinations:
Day 1 - Naousa
Day 2 - Naousa (part II)
Day 3 - Lefkes Village
Where to stay: Many nice options in Naousa, but we loved Hotel Senia for their location, views and pool.
When to go: All year round. We visited in late June.
THE ITINERARY:
THE DETAILS:
DAY 1
Naousa
Waking up in Paros, you’ll require a breakfast, fit for your beautiful surroundings. Ragoussis Bakery has a sizable collection of artful pastries & perfectly milky coffees.
Once fed, start off on your walking tour of the charming town of Naousa. First stop is the edge of town at the 13th c Venetian Castle ruins.
If the walk has worked you up to an appetite, settle in for a seaside snack at Mediterraneo — a great spot for seafood and people-watching along the port.
Post-lunch, walk just 15 minutes to your next stop — Moraitis Winery. The family-owned establishment has been producing local blends since 1910. Tastings start at ~€15 and even include snacks to compliment the wine. It's a must-visit if you love wine, and a true gem in Naousa.
Wine(d) down after your tasting on Piperi Beach, an unpretentious local spot, with soft sand and clear shallow water, perfect for wadding.
Top off your evening with an incredible meal at Yemeni. Sophisticated plates are flavorful and made with the best of local ingredients.
DAY 2
Naousa (part II)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before prepping for beach day.
What better way to reach the beach than by boat? Pack your beach gear (towels, sunscreen, book, etc.), and ride the water taxi to Kolimpithres Beach, a rocky crescent just north of Naousa. Chairs and an umbrella will cost some euro (~€20), but are worth it, if you’re planning to post up for the day. The bar nearby sells drinks to beach patrons.
When it's time to eat, leave those towels, but bring yourself (and valuables) to lunch at Ταβέρνα Κολυμπήθρες. With tzatsiki, hummus, and a sizable menu of light and delish mediterrean fare, this cafe is the perfect pause from the heat.
When you've had your fill of beach time, hike to the Mycenaean Acropolis to see ruins that date back to the 13th century BCE, when the Mycenaeans (bronze-aged ancestors) were thriving all around the Mediterranean. The amazing views of the coastline are a major plus.
Either walk or water taxi back to Nauosa (they will pick you up where they left you off), in time for happy hour cocktails at Sommaripa Consolato Paros. Try to snag the small balcony on the top floor balcony, which overlooks the marina.
Wrap up your day with another outstanding meal at Safran Restaurant — order the watermelon salad if you are there in watermelon season, it's divine.
DAY 3
Island roadtrip + Lefkes
Paros is a relatively small island — for first time visitors, we recommend you rent a car (or a scooter!) for the day, to explore more of the island.
Spend your morning beach hopping your way down the east coast of the island. For a(n almost) spa-like experience, be sure to stop at Kalogeros Beach, best known for it's soft cliffs, which can be turned into a clay and slathered all over the body.
On your next stop, head inland to the town of Lefkes. Street parking is generally available, but there is a free public parking lot here. Lefkes was the first capital of Paros (before Parikia), and was thought to be founded in the 15th century (fast-forward a couple centuries from the Mycenaen ruins you saw yesterday). It is inland and mountainous - lying far from the coastline in order to avoid pirate raids that were common in medieval times. Spend some time exploring the winding streets of sleepy Lefkes, mainly to enjoy the architecture, little shops and the views. The majestic Parekklḗsio church is worth a visit.
To eat, Agnadio has an amazing menu of authentic greek dishes (Moussaka was unbelievably delish) with a lovely view.
Continue on your road trip down to the south-eastern coast of Paros. Your final stop is at the Golden Garden Cocktail Bar, a popular spot for sunset watching.
Once returning the car back in Naousa, celebrate your last night at Taverna Glafkos, which serves dinner and drinks right on the beach. Soak up your last few moments of this dreamy island.
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