Paros: The Greek Island Hotspot—Where To Eat, Stay, And Play

10.04.2024 - 12:41 / forbes.com / Jeff Bezos / Tom Hanks

Easily reached by ferry from its famous island neighbors and a quick 40-minute flight from Athens, the Greek island of Paros has been a relatively secret retreat for those in the know. But in the last few years, fashionistas and the rich and famous started visiting its lovely beaches and bougainvillea-covered fishing villages, and the island quickly became the chilled-out alternative to Mykonos and Santorini.

For years, Paros has attracted some of the most famous under-the-radar visitors. Having just finished writing Breakfast at Tiffany's, Truman Capote spent four months with his companion Jack Dunphy during the summer of 1958 on Paros. His visiting friend, photographer Cecil Beaton, wrote, 'We have lived in a timeless haze of repetition. Life is nothing but sleep, swim, eat and read. One day merges soothingly into another without incident. Each day is a pattern.'

I have lived in Paros for several years now and was immediately attracted to the area of Naoussa; its weekends are lively and crowded in the village, and other times, it is tranquil and relaxed. A remarkable spirit fills the air on Paros; the locales are gentle and friendly while a bit shy. It often takes a simple ‘Kaliméra’ greeting to make them smile and engage in conversation.

Every part of Paros feels different, from the bustling port of Parikía to the vibrant fishing village of Naoussa, where many of the best restaurants and hotels are located. Weekends are packed with visitors, but strangely, it never feels overwhelming or claustrophobic; it feels more like the beating heart of a vibrant center you want to be a part of.

You will find winding, narrow white alleys, unique shops and boutiques selling local products, delicious restaurants serving international and local cuisine, a fun nightlife filled with bars and clubs, and, of course, cats everywhere lounging and posing for photos.

With a slew of luxury hotels that have recently opened, the barefoot luxury vibe, easy way of life, and friendly locales have put this island on the map as the ultimate new destination. Add on an afternoon on the hidden gem celebrity island of Antiparos (only a 10-minute ferry ride from Pounta Port on Paros) for lunch and shopping, and you might rub shoulders with its long-time resident actor Tom Hanks or spot billionaire Jeff Bezos on his superyacht.

It is ideal to take a private boat trip to visit Antiparos and the historic ruins of Despotiko Island, including the sanctuary of Apollo. Along the way, you will experience many amazing spots for snorkeling and swimming, including my favorite, the Blue Lagoon. Explore Paros with a rental car or ATV to visit its many churches, including Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a beautiful 1,700-year-old Byzantine church, or