Paros is right up there as one of our favourite Greek island destinations for many reasons, not least because of its idyllic location at the heart of the beautiful Cyclades group of Greek islands …but Paros definitely ticks lots of other boxes too! While not as glitzy (or expensive) as Mykonos, there is still a great choice of restaurants, bars and boutiques and, for those looking for traditional, charming and exceptionally photogenic villages with white washed houses and narrow stone streets, look no further than the picturesque village and fishing port of Naoussa, and the tiny authentic inland village of Lefkes.
The main town of Parikia, with its trademark windmill, where you will get your first impression of Paros if you are arriving by ferry or hydrofoil, is a lively town with good choice of restaurants and bars. It is also home to the 4th Century Panagia Ekatontapyliani (the Church of 100 Doors), one of the most impressive Byzantine churches in the Greek islands, as well as the Paros Archaeological Museum. Regarding beaches, the island offers a good variety, from quiet hidden coves around Alyki on the south coast, to busier beaches such as Golden Beach and Santa Maria, where sports like surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, kayaking and canoeing, kiteboarding, waterskiing, jetskiing, and scuba diving are all available.
Another huge plus about visiting Paros is the adjacent small island of Antiparos, a very picturesque and tranquil island located just off Paros. It can be reached in 30 minutes by ferry from Parikia, or just 8 minutes by car ferry from Pounta in the south of Paros. This latter service runs every half hour from dawn to after midnight, enabling visitors to dine out in Paros and return to Antiparos for the night, or vice versa. The main town on Antiparos is situated at the northeastern tip of the island, opposite Pounta, with the Venetian castle of Antiparos at its historical centre. The charming streets here are lined with shops, and offer a good choice of cafes and restaurants. Moreover, Antiparos has some beautiful sandy beaches, which include Psaraliki, Soros, Kampos, Glyfa, Apantima, Agios Spyridonas and Monastiria – with Vathis Volos beach, on the southern side of the island, offering a great spot from where to enjoy the sunset.
We have put together a list of tried and tested dining options on Paros and Antiparos which we highly recommend!
Soso, Naoussa
This gem is located in a quiet cobblestone alley in the charming port of Naoussa, and offers high-quality Greek fusion dishes, using ingredients from all over the world. During the summer the tables are placed outside in the alley under the vines, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Tel. +30 697 487 8281
Glafkos, Naoussa
A traditional restaurant with a great menu, which guests can enjoy in the restaurant or outdoors. The restaurant benefits from its location next to the sea, just behind the picturesque harbour, and there are also stunning sunset views.
Tel. +30 2284 052100
Sousouro, Naoussa
Situated down one of the charming, narrow streets of Naoussa, Sousouro focuses on healthy food and drinks, right from delicious breakfasts and smoothies, through to fresh fruit evening cocktails.
Tel. +30 2284 053113
Franca Scala, Parikia
Franca Scala Restaurant is a manor house dating from 1890 and situated in the centre of Parikia`s old Market Street. Renovated beautifully throughout, it also offers a terrace, perfect for romantic dinner, or a private dining area for larger groups.
Tel. +30 22840 24407
Levantis, Parikia
Levantis Garden Restaurant is a long-established restaurant, just a short walk away from the port and the windmill. Offering dinner only, the dining experience is enhanced by a courtyard garden, shaded by a two hundred year old grape vine, abundant with green leaves and clusters of purple grapes in the summer months.
Tel. +30 22840 23613
Siparos, Santa Maria Beach
Siparos restaurant also benefits from a beautiful Cycladic courtyard, and a stunning seaside location at Santa Maria beach. Offering a variety of fresh Greek and Mediterranean dishes guests can also enjoy beautiful sunset views.
Tel. +30 2284 052785
Yiorgi’s, Antiparos
Yiorgi’s is a delightful and popular taverna serving traditional Greek dishes for lunch and dinner. Situated in the pedestrianized main street with tables on both sides of the walkway, you can watch the world go by from either of the outdoor seating areas.
Tel. + 00 30 22840 61362.
The Beach House, Antiparos
Finally, as a visitor to Antiparos, you can’t miss the boutique resort, The Beach House, situated on Apandima Beach. The upmarket beachside restaurant here serves brunch, lunch and dinner. The beach is furnished with sun loungers, so you may well feel like spending all day here!
Tel. 30 2284 064000.
Where to Stay: Paros
Paros Anatoli I, 11 bedrooms, 22 guests
New to The Luxury Travel Book, Paros Anatoli I is a large 11-bedroom villa found in the north-east coast of the idyllic Greek island of Paros. With 180-degree views of the Aegean Sea and across to the island of Naxos, this contemporary-yet-traditional villa has it all with wide open spaces and elegant design.
On the main outside terrace, you’ll find a large 30-metre infinity pool, large terrace areas with comfortable loungers, an outdoor bar, as well as outdoor showers to cool off post-dip, while the expansive outdoor kitchen has a pizza oven and BBQ area, with an al-fresco marble dining table seating 22.
Surrounded by manicured Mediterranean gardens and with shared usage of tennis courts, basketball courts and outdoor gym alongside the nearby villa of Paros Anatoli Villa V, guests will also have direct access to a villa manager, housekeeping and private chef during their stay,
Ageria Bay, 5 bedrooms, 10 guests
This beautiful and luxury Cycladic villa in Paros is situated in a privileged position on a hillside with magnificent views stretching from the olive groves below, right out to the sea and the island of Antiparos in the distance. The sunset views are spectacular. The nearest village at Ageria Bay is just 1 kilometre away, while Faragas Beach is 2 kms, and the capital Parikia, 10 kms.
The architecture of this lovely luxury villa blends in perfectly with the Paros surrounding landscape and the sea views. Designed as two separate villas, they are linked by a long corridor with windows all along, and long couches, ideal for relaxing and reading a book. There are several pergola covered areas for relaxing and dining outdoors, and in the middle of the terrace is a private infinity swimming pool, positioned also to take advantage of the views.
Villa Naoussa, 4 bedrooms, 6 guests
Moments away from the sea, this luxury villa on the island of Paros is the ideal escape.
Sleeping 6 guests across 4 bedrooms, Villa Naoussa is close to the charming town and port of Naoussa in the north of this idyllic Greek island. Centred around the villa’s large swimming pool, outdoor terraces and pretty courtyard, enjoy a slice of paradise at this coastal hideaway. Tastefully decorated in neutral tones, most rooms have French doors or large windows to allow light to flow in, while the cosy fireplace makes this the ideal destination throughout the year.
Villa Lefkes, 4 bedrooms, 8 guests
This recently built charming villa is situated just above Lefkes, one of the most picturesque villages on Paros. The villa benefits from panoramic views over the village and the Aegean and, on a clear day, the islands of Mykonos, Naxos and Ikaria can be seen in the distance. Outdoors there is a swimming pool and a large pool-side pergola, with an old monastery table allowing for alfresco dining for 10 people.
Where to Stay: Antiparos
Villa Maganies I, 7 bedrooms, 14 guests
Sitting high on a rocky outcrop in the east of the island, the stunning seafront villa of Villa Maganies I on Antiparos is just a three-minute walk from lovely pebble beach. Situated in the area of Maganies, this luxury villa is one of a stylish complex of four villas, and shares a tennis court and a basketball court.
A combination of stone and whitewashed sugar cube shape with French doors opening to terraces, this villa offers a large swimming pool, with surrounding terraces to take full advantage of the breathtaking views.
Villa Antiparos, 4 bedrooms, 9 guests
This beautiful newly renovated seafront villa is situated just 3 kms from Antiparos village, and a short walk from the beach. The interior design is simple yet elegant, creating an intimate, relaxed and casual atmosphere.
The outdoors is perfectly designed for summer living, with a swimming pool and a shaded living area. A shaded dining area outside the kitchen can seat many guests, while a stone built arch and a traditional wooden sofa bring traditional elements to the contemporary surroundings.
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