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My Trip to Greece: Why Paros Stole My Heart
I recently returned from a trip to Greece, specifically Athens, Paros, and Santorini. While Santorini was the initial destination, I unexpectedly fell in love with Paros! I wanted to share my experiences and tips for anyone planning a trip.
Getting Around
- Traveling to Paros: We flew from Frankfurt to Athens International Airport and then took a ferry from Piraeus Port to Paros. I booked our ferry tickets through Ferryhopper, then went to the Blue Star Ferries website to purchase them directly. The tickets cost €102 for two people in economy class. Prices seemed consistent, regardless of booking in advance. To be safe, book a few weeks ahead, or even 3-4 days before your trip.
- The Ferry Experience: We took an early morning ferry. Arriving an hour early meant we had plenty of space to choose comfortable seats. I initially wanted a spot by the window for the view, but it got incredibly sunny! Lesson learned: Find a comfy sofa or seat to relax or nap on, ideally near a power outlet to charge your phone. The journey took from 7:25 AM to 11:35 AM.
- Island Transportation: We used the local bus system. Bus tickets can be purchased at the central ticket kiosk or directly from the driver on board. The price is the same, around €2-€2.50 per person per ride. Bus schedules are posted at the central bus station near the port or you can check them online.
Where to Stay
Paros has several key areas:
- Parikia: Located on the west side of the island near the port, serving as the main hub.
- Naoussa: Found on the north side, known for its vibrant nightlife and dining.
- Prodromos & Marpissa: Situated on the east side, offering a more traditional village experience.
I chose to stay in Parikia because it was close to the port, making arrivals and departures very convenient. Two nights felt like the perfect amount of time to explore.
Things to Do
Parikia
- Explore the Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of the old town, both during the day and in the evening, for different perspectives.
- Sunset Views: Head to the rocky beach or the church courtyard for stunning sunset views.
Naoussa
- Restaurant & Cafe Scene: This area is packed with stylish restaurants and cafes, perfect for photos. There are many beautifully decorated spots for picture opportunities.
- Barbarossa Restaurant: The famous Barbarossa restaurant is very popular, so booking ahead is essential, especially if you want to experience the napkin-waving party that starts after 11 PM.
- Alternative Dining: Since many popular spots were fully booked, we found a restaurant a bit outside the center of Naoussa with a great view for sunset dinner.
Lefkes Village
- Bougainvillea Spot: This village is known for a photo-worthy house at a three-way intersection adorned with bougainvillea. It's a short walk from the bus stop. Beyond this spot, the village offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
Prodromos Village
- Bus Travel: Buses between villages are less frequent than those to and from the main towns, so plan your visits accordingly and arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early. Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the bus stops may not offer much shade.
- Charming Aesthetics: Prodromos is beautiful, especially when the bougainvillea are in bloom.
- Marpissa: We originally planned to visit Marpissa as well, but we were tired so we took the bus back to our accommodation.
Food
Apart from one dinner at a restaurant, we bought groceries from the supermarket to save money and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables. Our host kindly lent us plates and cutlery, so we could relax and enjoy our meals in our room.
Final Thoughts
- Paros is a beautiful island that isn't overly crowded with tourists. Prices for buses and hotels are reasonable. It is a little more expensive than Athens but still very affordable compared to Santorini.
- The island is full of cats.
- The Greek people are generally friendly and helpful. People readily offered assistance when we looked lost, directing us to bus stops or exchanging coins for bus tickets. When searching for a restroom in Naoussa, a gelato shop owner pointed us in the right direction.
#Greece #Paros #Parikia #Naoussa #Lefkes #Prodromos
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