My favorite Greek island of Paros
How to holiday on this quietly sophisticated Cycladic island
As the designated trip planner, I’m often adding a couple of nights to our itineraries in places that are just slightly off the beaten path. Travel can sometimes feel like you’re just checking places off a list, and so I love the adventure of going someplace new without a lot of context and finding our own way.
This is a gamble: Occasionally, these destinations don’t quite live up to what Margot G. on page 7 of a subreddit had me envisioning. Let’s just say we’re not in a hurry to go back to Sesimbra, Portugal. What I thought would be a local gem was more tired than charming. And of all the places one could visit in Mallorca, Cala Sant Vicenc doesn’t need to top your list.
But at times, heading somewhere that hasn’t been written up extensively means that we happen upon a special place before it hits the Instagram influencer circuit.
Paros, Greece was that place in 2017.
While it was by no means a secret, Paros was largely off the American radar at the time: It had yet to grace the “top island” lists of Conde Nast or Travel & Leisure, and we didn’t know anyone else who had been. What we found was a cosmopolitan island with crystalline waters, whitewashed villages, and elevated Greek cuisine—sans the Mykonos markup and the Santorini crowds.
Six years later, we loved getting to return to this Cycladic paradise. Many of you have mentioned you’re off to the islands this summer, so I hope this guide comes just in time.
Yiamas,
Teresa
What’s your favorite Greek island—or one that’s on your list? I’d love to make my way to Sifnos, Patmos, or Folegrandos on our next trip back.
The best meals we’ve had in all of Greece have been, astonishingly, on this 10 x 13 mile island. When in doubt, order the Greek salad, fava bean dip, and grilled whole fish, all of which are on nearly every menu. These staples—made with the freshest of local ingredients—rarely disappoint.
During high season, a 9:30 dinner reservation will sit you down when the tavernas are buzzing. In July and August, I suggest reservations, as popular restaurants book up fully.
Siparos (Naoussa): Siparos is a beautiful, upscale seaside restaurant that would be lovely at sunset. Get the salt-crusted whole fish to share (we had the sea bass that was caught earlier that morning), which they filet for you tableside.
A favorite bite: saffron shrimp at Sigi Ithkios. Sigi Ithkios (Naoussa): You must have at least one dinner in Naoussa’s charming harbor, which comes alive in the evening, as the wooden tables fill up with diners and the wine flows freely. Of the restaurants in the harbor, Sigi Ithkios was our favorite. Get the saffron shrimp and the tomato and caper salad, which was a simple dish bursting with flavor.
Ouzeri Halaris (Piso Livadi): This casual fish tavern was a surprise hit in the little fishing village of Piso Livadi. Grab a table right next to the water and watch the fish below the boats as you eat.
Soso (Naoussa): Tucked in the narrow alleys of Naoussa, Soso has tables and chairs set out on the cobblestone streets on warm summer nights; it’s cozy and romantic. Shrimp pie, saganaki (fried cheese), and lamb shank were delicious. It was our favorite meal on our first trip to Paros but closed when we tried to go in May—I imagine it’ll reopen for the season soon.
Mario by the Sea (Parikia): A Paros institution, Mario’s recently relocated from Naoussa to Parikia, the island’s capital. While we haven’t dined at the new spot, we enjoyed its elevated Greek cuisine when it was in Naoussa, and the newly opened Parikia location—with its sunset views—came highly recommended.
