Like a Local in Paros

Midweek to the Amalfi Coast We stayed away from the touristy port city of Paros in Aliki. This was the ideal setting for isolated beaches on the outskirts of the small town/village. In fact, the only people we saw were working in the grocer and restaurant, but the goats are very friendly!!!

Quick Tips:

Eat at the restaurant in town. Seating is literally on the water's edge, and there are tables on a thin peninsula jutting out into the sea. It feels like you're sitting right on top of the water.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking!!! A taxi from the port is quick and inexpensive. We arrived late at night, and the taxi driver called our hotel to let them know we were on our way and stayed with us until he got a hold of the owner.

They offer very comfortable, spacious rooms with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and breakfast. The hotel has the essence of traditional Greek architecture, white with blue trim, and very quaint. It is on the outskirts of the village, but it is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel to the secluded beach on the opposite side of town. It is family owned, clean, and very friendly, with great rates (30€/night for double occupancy).

We ate here every night!! The gyros are delicious and the taziki is just garlic-y enough. The restaurant is on the second floor of the building, but try the outdoor seating. It's across the street (which is more like a paved path), under a canopy with wind flaps that open up to let in fresh air or close to keep out the rain. It's a nice break from the sun, but if you don't mind the rays, be sure to sit outside the canopy on the water's edge. There is a small strip jutting out into the sea with just enough room for a table, chairs and a waiter to pass by. The service is attentative and English is understood. The gyros are authentic, taste great, and won't break your budget.

After a misunderstanding with the ferry agent and a midnight check-in, we were very much in need of some beach relaxation. We wandered around the edge of the island looking for the perfect beach spot. We found it just past a goat field, where about 15 goats were frolicking in their pen. Two hours later, I was on the verge of a nap when something blocked the sun. I opened my eyes and found myself face to face with a large goat who bleated louder than I screamed!! I sat up to find the small herd of goats prancing along the rock wall and over the sand. That was the closest they came to us, and we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon sunning ourselves amid the friendly hoofers.

We arrived in Paros around 11pm after a ferry mix-up at the port in Athens. After a cab ride to the other side of the island, all we wanted to do was sleep. We drove up to our hotel in pitch-black darkness (street lights were nonexistent thanks to the moon!!). We walked up to what appeared to be the deserted front desk, which turned out to be actually deserted.

After a few minutes of brainstorming, we walked over to the neighbor’s house and knocked on the door. He was very friendly, especially considering the hour, and called the owner of our hotel at home. We sat and drank lemonade on the porch while we waited to be let into the hotel. It was a very positive experience that could easily have been disastrous!!