Paros Guide: Fried Feta, Boat Days, Naousa Nights & an Antiparos Escape

Getting there

The ferry from Sifnos to Paros takes only about an hour. It can be a little rocky if the wind is strong, but it’s quick and manageable. When you arrive at the port in Paros, brace for a bit of chaos: taxis are scarce, the area is crowded, and ferries come and go constantly. We had arranged a transfer to the hotel, which was worth it for the convenience.

Renting a car or ATV is also highly recommended for getting around the island—it gives you the freedom to reach beaches, towns, and ferries without depending on bus schedules. Some of our group used the bus, which is much cheaper, but it’s less flexible.

Before leaving the port, make two essential stops.

• Ragoussis Bakery is a must. Their spanakopita, piping hot from the oven, was the best we had on the trip, and the freddo espresso was excellent.

• Just nearby, you’ll find Aromatopoleion Perfumery, a family-run spot where Johanna (“nonna”) helps customers choose from hundreds of handmade scents crafted by her chemist husband. The quality is outstanding and the prices are almost shockingly low.

Accommodation

We stayed at Mr. & Mrs. White, a boutique hotel that worked well for our group of four adults. The duplex room had two floors and two bathrooms, which made sharing easy. It wasn’t luxurious, but the staff was welcoming and helpful.

For something a little more upscale, I’ve also had clients stay at Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel, right in Naousa, and Cove Paros, on the edge of Agioi Anargyroi Beach. Both received glowing feedback for style, comfort, and service.

If you can, choose accommodation within walking distance of Naousa, the island’s main town, so you can stroll to dinner and nightlife instead of worrying about transport.

Day 1

We picked up ATVs through the hotel and drove about twenty minutes to Monastiri Beach Bar and Restaurant. The water here was crystal-clear and perfect for swimming, and the overall vibe was easygoing. It’s smart to reserve loungers in advance. The food at the beach bar was nothing to write home about, but for the atmosphere and swim, it was well worth a visit.

That evening, we walked into Naousa. The town buzzes with bars, restaurants, and shops. While many spots lean touristy, there are still authentic gems tucked in. Our best find was ΨΗΣΤΑΡΙΑ ΤΑ ΚΡΗΤΙΚΑΚΙΑ, a grill recommended by a local that’s open year-round. The food was simple, delicious, and authentic, a welcome contrast to the glossy harborfront restaurants.

We also noticed that the best local tavernas often had fewer Google reviews, while touristy places racked up hundreds—worth keeping in mind when choosing where to eat.

The next morning we rode ATVs to Aliki, a small fishing village on the southern coast.

This was the departure point for our boat trip with a family-run company offering a half-day cruise around Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko, which you can book through me. The boat carried about thirty passengers—not a private experience, but fantastic value. The family was warm and the swim stops were magical: hidden coves of dazzling turquoise water, calm and perfect for swimming. Compared with the rowdy Captain Ben’s party boat, this was much more relaxed.

Drios

After the cruise, we drove to Drios, one of the island’s most authentic villages. We stopped for a late lunch at Taverna Julia, which turned out to be a trip highlight. The owner catches the fish himself, the calamari was outstanding, and everything was fresh and simply prepared. It was one of those perfect local meals that sticks with you.

We also heard wonderful things about Anna & Giorgos, another family-run taverna in town, though we didn’t make it there.

Later in the afternoon, we headed to Fargas Beach, considered one of the best on Paros. You can rent loungers at the beach club or just sit on the free public stretch. Either way, the sand and water were beautiful.

Lefkes

On the way back, we detoured through Lefkes, a hillside village with winding stone streets and a striking church. The drive in and out is dark and hilly at night, but during the day it’s one of the prettiest villages on the island.

Back near Naousa, we grabbed a small dinner at Klarinos, which was fine but not memorable, and ended the evening with homemade ice cream at Sweet Smelling Kitchen. The shop has a cozy, local vibe, unique flavors, and lots of cats roaming around—a charming touch.

Antiparos

On our third day, we hopped on the short ferry to Antiparos, which is inexpensive, runs often, and even allows vehicles onboard—so we drove our ATVs across.

Antiparos has a slower, less-crowded feel than Paros. We strolled the town, stopping at pottery shops and boutiques, with Oyster standing out as a favorite.

For lunch, we rode to Captain Pipinos Seafood Taverna, a casual seaside place that served one of the best meals of our trip. The table was filled with dakos salad, calamari, fried feta with honey and sesame, tzatziki, freshly grilled fish, and local wine. The food, the setting, and the view of the sea made it unforgettable.

In the afternoon, we explored beaches. Beach House Antiparos is the more relaxed option, while Soros Beach Club is glitzier with a better stretch of sand, especially on windy days. We chose Soros and found loungers very reasonably priced for a half-day. Even the public beach, which we used for a short swim, was stunning.

Naousa Napkin Party

That evening we ferried back to Naousa for dinner at Axinos, where the seafood pasta was excellent.

After 10 pm, the restaurant transformed into the lively Napkin Party, where everyone waves napkins to music and the atmosphere shifts into full celebration. It was a fun, social night that carried us into nearby bars.

Another Naousa restaurant we heard great things about was Barbarossa, right on the harbor. Of course, the evening ended with a late-night gyro—essential after all the wine and dancing.

By our final day, the wind had picked up, so we opted for a quieter pace at the hotel pool.

In the afternoon, we wandered Naousa in daylight, browsing shops and meeting locals. Our favorite was Tantanhc, a small shop run by a friendly owner who even gave us a postcard of his cat.

For lunch, we went to Comfuzio, a no-frills taverna beloved by locals. Portions were huge, prices were low (gyros for around four euros), and the food was hearty and delicious. The spicy cheese spread, grilled meats, and tzatziki were all excellent. We even spotted our ATV rental guys eating there, which felt like the best endorsement.

We didn’t make it, but Yemeni Wine Restaurant also came highly recommended for a more refined meal.