Paros has been one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades for years, and it is not difficult to see why. Great sandy beaches, excellent accommodation and much of interest to see and do is a potent holiday combination. The travel arrangements are also relatively civilized as there are fast connections with the mainland and Santorini.
Paros covers the full range of what a Greek island can be, which is both its appeal and the reason it needs a little planning. Just outside cosmopolitan Parikia, the main town and port, the coast turns quiet and beach-based within a few minutes’ drive. Parikia itself wears two hats. The modern, busy, harbour front lined with shops, cafes and tavernas contrasts sharply with the old town where peaceful, narrow, cobbled streets lead to beautiful Byzantine and Venetian churches, monasteries and the island’s archaeological museum. After dark, top notch restaurants in beautiful garden settings vie for business with typical, Greek tavernas whilst a handful of low-key bars and clubs attract the younger element.
With one of the most stunning harbour enclaves in Greece, Naoussa may seem one-dimensional. Not a bit of it, although you may be drawn back to this area again and again, especially to one of the excellent fish tavernas when the light begins to fade. The town’s colourful principle thoroughfare acts as the main artery to a myriad of narrow, whitewashed streets where getting lost is solved by stopping at a cosy bar for a few minutes or more. By day, the lures of a sandy beach or exploring the island by car are both attractive possibilities.
Logaras & Piso Livadi are situated in adjacent bays on the southeast coast of the island, there is little to disturb the heady cocktail of sandy beaches and simple tavernas in an area that has changed remarkably little in decades. Choose to stay put and take up residency will result in extreme chill-out. Local bus transport or car hire are the only means of escape.
Finally, the small fishing village of Ambelas is the quietest of the four places worth basing yourself on the island. Naoussa is just 3 kilometres away and is linked by taxi. However, there is no real need to venture away from the village unless the handful of tavernas, mini-market and 3 decent beaches cramp ones style.
Paros can be combined with Amorgos, Antiparos, Astypalea, Athens, Crete, Donoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissia, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, Schinoussa & Tinos.
Choosing a base on Paros island
Paros island works from four places and they are not interchangeable. Parikia is the port and the practical choice, with the ferries, the old town and the archaeological museum. Naoussa is the pretty one, a harbour enclave of fish tavernas that fills after dark. Piso Livadi and Logaras on the south-east coast are the quiet pair. Ambelas is quieter still.
Naoussa and Parikia, side by side
Paros Naoussa is the evening and Parikia is the logistics. Naoussa’s colourful main thoroughfare feeds a warren of whitewashed lanes where getting lost is the point, and its harbour is among the finest in the Cyclades. Parikia wears two hats: a busy modern waterfront on one side, and on the other a quiet old town of cobbled streets, Byzantine and Venetian churches and monasteries. Staying in Naoussa and catching boats from Parikia is a common compromise on Paros island.
Paros beaches, and getting to them
The Paros beaches are spread around the whole coast rather than concentrated on one side, which is why a car or the bus matters here. The south-east bays at Logaras and Piso Livadi are sandy and simple. Ambelas has three decent beaches of its own within walking distance of its tavernas. The Paros beaches on the north coast around Paros Naoussa are the windier pair, which is why the island is a serious watersports destination, with two PADI dive centres and the full range of surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Things to do
Scuba diving is possible at 2 PADI certified centres. Other water sports include surfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Yachts from 30 to 131 feet are available for charter either by the hour or by the day.