Paros, like any other Greek island, has fallen victim to a stereotype that's common in the region. Over the years, it's become easy to think that destinations like this one are only good for a handful of things. It' either you go sightseeing and marvel at Paros' whitewashed towns or you have a sunny day at the beach. Many seem to think that these are all of what to expect on the island. But they're wrong! You'd be surprised at how much you can do even for just a day in Paros. Here are a few neat ideas!
Hop From One Island to Another
Did you know that even before you
get to Paros, you can already do one of the best ways to spend time here? That's island hopping! If you're coming from another Greek island and you're on your way to Paros, why not explore the other surrounding lands first. Some of them are so close to Paros that the destination itself is widely considered as one of the gateways to get to them. There's Antiparos, Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, and more. If you're lucky, you might even score a place in Paros that actually has views of these islands as well!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
On the northwestern tip of the island, there's Paros Park, the largest nature park on the island. A good 800 acres make up this territory, offering you a myriad of activities to fill up a day or two. Of course, there's going to the beach which is always a great way to spend your time on a Greek Island. Among the
finest beaches in Paros, Paros Park's own Kolymbithres Beach is actually the most popular. From there you can also go hiking, marveling at the mountainous regions of Paros. The sights you'll see at the top would be utterly unforgettable.
Source: Flickr.com/ Marco Verch
Go Windsurfing
The Greek islands were never really known for sports. Even though the country once hosted the Olympics, that was still in Athens, the capital city located on the mainland. But among these islands, only water-related activities like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving have become popular here. One that does stand out, however, is Paros. On this island, there's a fun sport that's become a popular staple here: windsurfing! Along the coasts of Paros, windy shorelines make for great arenas for riding the wind, so much so that there have even been some competitions held here. Are you ready to fly as high as you can in Paros?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Butterflies Valley
Who knew that, apart from the stunning coasts and whitewashed towns, butterflies would be worth seeing in Paros? Located near the island's capital city of Parikia, the famous Butterflies Valley serves as a natural oasis for insect-lovers and curious travelers alike. The beautiful nature trail is home to the Tiger Moth butterfly, a vividly-hued orange, brown, and white beauty that you won't find anywhere else nearby. It's this species that's abundant in the 'valley,' fluttering about as they land from one plant to another. If you're lucky, you might even get to capture one with your camera phone!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Spend Time in Naoussa
Among the popular and
central towns of Paros, Naoussa is one of, if not the most tourist-friendly of them all. It's a lively village unlike any other, known for its Instagram-worthy port, a treasure trove of great places to eat, and the nightlife hub of the island. During the day, you can stroll around and bask in its rural Greek glory, complete with vibrant bougainvillea plants that pop out, narrow alleyways perfect for a romantic rendezvous, and a rustic appeal that only a Cyclades island can have. Then, by nightfall, you can party and live your best life in the many lively taverns in the town.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Eat Seafood in A Fishing Village
Speaking of Naoussa, it's already been mentioned that the town has a ton of foodie hotspots worth checking out, right? Well, except that most of those places serve some of the best seafood on the island. In fact, if you want to hold a seafood-filled mukbang of
local dishes and traditional delicacies, Paros is your best bet. Even beyond Naoussa, you'll find several restaurants that serve excellent seafood. Think roasted mackerel that was smoked to perfection. Or tender squid served either in a sumptuous stew or a flavorful pasta. And don't forget the fried calamari with the perfect tartar sauce to match!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visit a Vineyard
And what's the best way to down all that seafood? A nice glass of wine, of course! Fortunately, Paros is also well-known for its wine as well! In fact, the island has its own fair share of vineyards with visiting. There's the
Moraitis Winery in Naoussa, for instance, which is a lot humbler than what you might expect. But while the scale of the vineyard isn't all that big, the quality of their wines more than make up for it. The Katikia vineyard, on the other hand, is just as scenic as the famous ones in Italy. You'll thank your lucky stars you decided to spend your day going on a wine tour of Paros!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Paros island is anything but a boring destination! Once you've gone here, you'll soon realize that there's actually more to this Greek island than the typical but beautiful beaches and whitewashed towns. Even for just a day, you'll stay busy from dawn to dusk!
Now, the best way to end your day in Paros is to retreat to your
luxury home on the island. Feels like heaven, doesn't it?
