What to do
The island of Paros, rising out in the heart of the center of the Cyclades, with its unrivalled natural landscapes and its golden beaches offers a unique holiday destination in Greece. Stay in one of our amazing Bright Blue Villas and start dreaming of a fascinating, memorable vacation: the young crowds will love the water sports, the beach bars and the night clubs, families with children will adore the safe, sandy beaches with kids’ activities and the romantic couples will get excited with the relaxing enchanting atmosphere.
The Parian traditional villages located in fertile plains, particularly Naoussa, Parikia and Lefkes, are perfect samples of Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed cubic houses, paved streets and bright blue-domed churches.
In Paroikia, the impressive church of Ekatontapyliani, is considered the oldest and most important Byzantine monument of Greece – this church is believed to have been built according to orders of Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great.
Have an early dinner in Naoussa, to capture the sunset’s best colors; once a fishing village in the north, it now has a chic island atmosphere with fabulous restaurants and bars on its waterfront. Stroll around the narrow streets and discover shops selling trendy Greek clothes, modern Greek jewelry, beachwear and handcrafted sandals that are now sold in several stores and boutiques abroad. If you love nature, Paros has a hiking trail network of approximately 35 km. Try the route from Kolimpithres to Faros!
Optional Experiences
Activities in Paros
Activities
Beachlife
Paros beaches are famous for the turquoise waters and their golden sand. The beaches on the south eastern side, such as Golden Beach and New Golden Beach, are particularly popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing and have consistently been the venue for the Windsurfing World Championship.
Best Beaches for Families:
Faraggas Beach / Golden Beach / Santa Maria Beach / Kolibithres Beach / Marcello Beach
Best Beaches for Watersports:
Golden Beach / Monastiri Beach / Pounda Beach
Hidden Gems / Less crowded:
Glyfa Beach / Lolantonis Beach / Agia Irini / Laggeri Beach / Molos Kalogeros / Piso Aliki
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
The Wind and Kite surfing centers in Paros are world famous and highly recommended both for adults and children: we can help you organize either a private or a group lesson with highly experienced professionals that will teach you to master the waves and the sails!
Visit the kite center in Pounda where the kite surfers cross the straight between Paros and Antiparos ; when it is windy enough, you can look up and the sky is full of their sails that look like butterflies !
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Discover the underwater world of the Aegean Sea in a relaxing way! Let us organize for you guided dives and snorkeling in small groups with high professional standards through the well-trained centers for the special PADI diving courses for children (8-15 years old).
Not far from Alyki, between Paros and Antiparos the islet of Panteronissi invite snorkeling fans to swim in crystal clear waters and explore the turquoise depths of this uninhabited island.
Activities
Happy Children!
Apart from windsurfing, scuba-diving and snorkeling courses that will fascinate our younger guests, a wide range of other sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and horse riding will keep them happy and busy! For the mountain bike fanatics, discover Paros through your wheels on a guided or a self-guided family tour!
Visit the Beach of Monastiri on the northern side of the island, where, even on windy days, young guests can waterski or have fun on a jet ski!
Alkioni Wildlife Park
Alkioni is a non- profit Wildlife Care and Protection Association, aiming to treat wounded, weak or sick Wild Animals, which are hospitalized in association’s premises. Several animals are received each year and the whole operation of the park is based on voluntary work.
Butterfly Nature Reserve
A butterfly valley or “Petaloudes” in Greek, is located 7 km west of Paroikia. An idyllic landscape where the months of June to September, swarms of butterflies settle on this oasis. A great option discovering nature and keeping our young guests inspired to explore.
Activities
Culture and Art
Arts
Our dedicated concierge team will be happy to arrange for you a painting, a drawing, a marble or a printmaking class in a tailored program that suits your personal approach and expressions.
Culture
Throughout the year, locals and tourists alike celebrate the island’s festivals. Historical or traditional they are authentic celebrations of the island’s everyday life. Don’t miss the opportunity to join in and celebrate, while creating some unique memories.
We highly urge you to visit Márpissa, founded in the 15th century, a must visit traditional village with a distinctive medieval character, with Byzantine churches, 17th century houses and quaint windmills. In this picturesque village a three day festival is taking place every August called “Routes in Marpissa”. Don’t miss it!
Activities
Visit Antiparos
Last but not least, don’t miss a day trip to Antiparos a smaller island opposite of Paros, just a ferry ride away; its cobbled stone paved streets, the whitewashed alleys, the houses decorated with thriving pink and purple bougainvilleas attract each year a distinguished international crowd from Hollywood stars to fashion designers and royals.
Food and Dining
Mario by the sea
Mario by the sea (+30 22840 51047)
Our most favorite dinner spot has moved to Paroikia. Mario’s serves fresh fish with a spin. Starters include tuna carpaccio with aromatic oil and smoked salt and grilled octopus with bucovo and caper sauce; even more exciting entrées like seafood pasta with diced asparagus and saffron, or fresh fish baked in a salt crust.
Siparos Seaside Restaurant
Siparos Seaside Restaurant (+30 698 900 6325)
Siparos restaurant, located in Santa Maria, serves the culture and flavor of Paros with a creative, contemporary twist. The chefs have blended authentic Mediterranean tastes from local ingredients to make own-label products and traditional dishes, reimagined for the modern diner.
Halaris Fish Tavern
Halaris Fish Tavern (+30 22840 43257)
Right on the dock of Piso Livadi , Halaris is one of the best tavernas on Paros, specializing in fresh fish and seafood dishes. Try the cod croquettes, shrimp pies and the small fried fish -catch of the day! don’t leave without trying the tomato croquettes! They are peerless. Recommended for families with children as the restaurant sits on pedestrian street right on the waterfront.
Barbarossa
Barbarossa (+3022840 31951)
With a long tradition of serving tasty Greek food since the 60s, this restaurant has become a reputed eatery in the most picturesque village of Naoussa offering an authentic Greek gastronomic experience. Try the specialties such as appetizers of cockles, sea shells and oysters; stuffed ravioli with lobster; salmon in ouzo sauce and shrimp. This place is very famous for its daily party with Greek music.
Thalassamou
Thalassamou (+30 22840 91461)
On the breaking wave on the edge of Alyki village, this hidden gem serves creative Mediterranean dishes by using many local flavors and ingredients. A very good wine list adds more points to this must visit gourmet island spot by Chef Mario and this team. We simply love it.
Blue Oyster
Blue Oyster (+30 22840 52707)
It is a unique oyster bar a few kilometers away from Naoussa. It’s located by the sea and it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy avoiding the busy town. At Blue Oyster Bar you will find a variety of fish, delicious starters, Mediterranean dishes, and fresh oysters.
Stilvi Restaurant
Stilvi Restaurant(+30 694 621 1828)
Around the little streets of Naoussa, there is a small oasis that will impress you. Stilvi Restaurant welcomes you in its atmospheric courtyard and offers special choices for your dinner by a signature Chef. The menu is based on Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist, appealing to all tastes. The special cocktail list turns dining into a real experience.
Sigi Ixthios
Sigi Ixthios (+30 22840 52639)
In the picturesque port of Naoussa, next to the fishing boats and all the island action, Yiannis and his team offer mouthwatering Greek delicacies and fresh fish. Seafood is the main option here, go for the grilled fish but we could not resist on all the appetizers most of them made out of local produce.
Henri G
Henri G (+30 22840 24407)
Established in a unique neoclassical mansion built in 1890 Henri G is the new addition in the center of Paroikia. The chef is presenting an elegant Mediterranean cuisine, with a touch of French inspiration, using locally selected products from Paros.
Mango Restaurant
Mango Restaurant (+30 22840 41462)
In case you need a break from Greek cuisine, Mango Restaurant is a great place to visit and enjoy freshly made pizza and pasta. At Mango restaurant, you won’t find only the classic recipes of Pizza but also signature recipes of pasta and risotto. The best time to visit is for an early dinner as the balcony offers a breathtaking view of Logaras beach.
The Green Project
The Green Project (+30 2284 041388)
A café-restaurant with an open garden yard, famous for its home made marmalades. The Green Project is always willing to serve you with the best drinks, spirits and a variety of dishes from local products. Every day they serve different daily dishes.
Fotis Art Café
Fotis All day Cafe (+30 2284 053000)
A cute café-bar at the little harbor of Aghios Dimitris- Boukadoura in Naoussa, which also hosts art exhibitions.
Nightlife
Naoussa attracts young crowds who love the little bars which are tucked away in the white streets and stay open till the dawn!
You can enjoy your drinks on the waterfront under the starry skies or look for some action in the discos and the dancing spots. Ask our Concierge Team for the best places to dance all night long!
Getting There
By Plane
By Ferry
By Helicopter
Paros is connected with daily flights from Athens by Aegean Airlines. Flight reservations well in advance are highly recommended especially in the summer months. Sky Express also offers flights from Athens during the summer months.
Paros can be easily reached from the two Athens ports (Piraeus and Rafina) especially in the summer when ferry companies add more to their scheduled journeys; Modern high-speed catamarans offering service in many classes are operated by Hellenic Seaways and Sea Jets and are twice as fast if you wish to travel by boat. The trip lasts a little less than 4 hours. You can also reach Paros via other Greek islands if you want to island-hop.
The helicopter ride from Athens to Paros lasts approximately 40 minutes while weather allows and makes the island easily accessible to the most demanding travelers.