Escape to Paros, 3 Days

Paros is one of Greece’s most popular islands. Just a few hours away by ferry from Athens’ port of Piraeus, it is easy to get to and perfect even for a quick escape. Its beautiful beaches and vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife have turned it into a magnet for holiday-makers. But if you’re looking to go beyond the well-trodden alleys of Parikia and Naoussa, the two main towns, and the more crowded organized beaches, Paros is still full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In the summer the picturesque Christos Square in Marpissa is filled with the sounds of the toumbaki (drum) and tsambouna (bagpipe). Locals dance the traditional balos as onlookers clap to the beat. In the village of Lefkes, kids toss wooden balls as they play an ancient Greek game similar to bowls and which survives in only very few places. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Naoussa: The Venetian port of Naousa is a major attraction for visitors to Paros. The port, along with the adjacent Aghios Dimitrios beach, represents the heart of the island’s nightlife. 

Kolybythres: Kolybithres is one of the most renowned beaches in Paros. 

Lefkes village: The quaint village of Lefkes is perfect for a stroll. 

Chrysi Akti: Meaning “golden beach,” offers plenty of beach volley and windsurfing activities. The bigger the waves and stronger the winds, the happier the people here are. 

The Byzantine Lefkes –Prodromos trail: paved with marble paving stones most of the way, takes an hour to walk. It starts from the verdant village of Lefkes and crosses slopes with cultivated terraces and a small Byzantine bridge. The final destination is the beautiful village of Prodromos with its impressive maze-like alleys.

Day 1: ARRIVAL PAROS

Arrival in Paros airport or Paros port where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this fascinating island, stroll down the picturesque streets of the town and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dinning in one of the local taverns or drinking your first ouzo at one of the beach bars. 

Overnight in Paros.

Day 2: PAROS

Breakfast in the hotel. Wake up to a luscious breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your first full Greek day at leisure. Discover the unique sights and sounds of these exotic islands. Lie down on the white sand beaches and get relaxed by the sound of the Mediterranean Sea or participate in one of the numerous sights, and explore the nearby villages of Marpissa, Prodromos and Lefkes (own expense). The curiosity of Marpissa and Prodromos is, that they were built as fortified settlements and all houses were interconnected by an internal door, so there would be an escape route in a case of a pirate attack. Close to Marpissa there is modern dairy Parion, where the local Greek family makes yogurt, fresh myzithra and xyinomyzithra cheese, cheese 3 matured in olive oil (ladotyri) and piquant kefalotyri cheese, all produced from local cow’s milk using traditional methods. Lefkes is also worthy to be seen, settled up in the mountains offers fascinating views over the island and its charming alleys, typical old Greek houses and traditional tavernas, cafés and shops make this village a very scenic and pleasant place. 

Overnight in Paros.

Day 3: DEPARTURE PAROS

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Airport or port of Paros

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.