PAROS ISLAND
GREECE
Located midway between it’s more popular cousins Santorini and Mykonos, Paros is an unspoilt beauty; offering island life without the crowds.
HOW TO GET THERE
Paros is amongst the Cyclades region in the Aegean Sea (West of Naxos Island) and is easily accessible via a short 30 minute flight from Athens Airport or three-hour ferry from Pireaus Port, Athens. (We recommend booking ferries via Paleologos). Both transportation methods are relatively uncomplicated and well worth the effort. Just look at this welcome!
The iconic windmill at Parikia Port in Paros.
WHERE TO STAY
The Island’s capital Parikia as well as the smaller, quieter fishing village Naoussa are popular with visitors. Both will provide access to amenities; supermarkets, restaurants, transport etc – particularly important with babies and small children!
We opted for an apartment via Airbnb in the heart of Naoussa which became the perfect little base to explore the island! We often use private accommodation; mainly for the additional space with three children and the washing/cooking facilities. Just be prepared to sacrifice the hotel cleaning service and buffet breakfast though!
WHAT TO DO
Meander!
Every cobblestone laneway in the Port of Naoussa is filled with boutique shopping, traditional Greek restaurants (SOSO Restaurant and Tsachpinis Restaurant are a must) and modest cafes.
SOSO Restaurant
Dinner at Tsachpinis Restaurant
Your children will love watching the ducks and geese in the port area as well as the local fisherman unloading fresh hauls of Octopi each day!
Hit the beach!
Take a water taxi (or car) to one of the many beautiful beaches around the island – beware there are many! These were our favourites with children for calm waters, soft sand and plenty to do.
Water taxis in Naoussa
Mikri Santa Maria Beach
Also known as Little Santa Maria Beach, Mikri is the smaller of the two Santa Maria Beaches and only 10 minutes from Naoussa. Mikri is quieter, less crowded and with calmer water than the main surfing beach nearby. Enjoy sun beds for rent, food and beverage service, hire paddleboats – just don’t expect too much sand space for frisbee throwing and the like.
Kolymbithres Beach
Again only 10 minutes drive or water taxi from Naoussa, Kolymbithres is a family gem! Surrounded by huge granite blocks, your children will love exploring the formations and little enclaves along the waterline.
TOP TIP: Enjoy a long lunch (with incredible water views) at one of the many tavernas (behind the beach) while the local buskers serenade you by piano accordion.
Monastiri Beach
Our personal favourite if you have toddlers, Monastiri ticks all the family-friendly boxes! Sparkling shallow water for at least 100 metres, water sports galore, volleyball, sun beds for rent, plenty of sand space and a taverna for an easy lunch if you arrive ill prepared. Approximately 15 minutes by car from Naoussa.
TOP TIP: Remember to arrive early to beat the crowds and secure some sun beds!
Ampelas Beach
A short 10 minute drive from Naoussa will bring you to Ampelas, a small, quiet seaside village. The beach area is more isolated making it ideal for windy days.
TOP TIP: Hire a sun bed and umbrella from Aspro Seaside Restaurant so you can soak up the DJ’s soulful beats while you enjoy lounge service all day long! Alternatively, bring your own umbrella, but make sure you have lunch at Aspro – the food is lovely and the view – outstanding!
Lunch view from Aspro Seaside Restaurant
Visit Aqua Paros Waterpark
Close to Kolymbithres Beach, Aqua Paros Waterpark is open from early July to early September and boasts incredible views looking back to Naoussa Village. Your children will love the 13 water slides with their own pool and you’ll love that they’re all operated with Aegean sea water which is replenished every couple of hours. Nice !
Images courtesy of Aqua Paros Waterpark
Island hop till you drop!
If your Paros stay is longer than a week, a day trip, excursion or even a few days is highly recommended on nearby islands such as Antiparos, Naxos, Santorini or Mykonos. Paros is cleverly located in the centre of the Cycladic Islands meaning many other wonders are within arms reach – well ferry reach anyway!
NEED HELP WITH YOUR GREEK ITINERARY?
We highly recommend contacting the lovely Katerina from Kids Love Greece!
Tell us, have you been to Paros? What were your highlights? We’d love to add your favourites to our list!
Until next time, safe travels.
