Paros
The island, as we know it
Years on this island before Villa Orian existed left us with a short list of places we still return to. Most have become friends. These are them.
Where to eat
Restaurants
Naoussa
Vageliss
A family taverna, home-made and unpretentious. No reservations — go early or late, and wait it out.
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Piso Livadi, harbour
Halaris Seaside Taverna
A real local character runs this one, right on the small port. Local dishes, always fresh. Reservations advised.
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Antiparos, south coast
Captain Pipinos
Father fishes, son runs the place. A nine-minute ferry and a coastal drive to get there — the baby squid is worth it. Call ahead.
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Naoussa marina
Cafe Karino
Our pick for coffee on the island. Modern Greek food, a first-floor bar over the marina, fishermen working on their boats below.
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Naoussa, old town
Paradosiako
A small bakery for loukoumades — Greek doughnuts with chocolate. Get the box of eight.
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Naoussa
Cannelait Pâtisserie
Excellent coffee, fresh pastries, some of the best gelato on the island. Pastries in the morning, gelato on the way back.
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Sun & sea
Beaches
North, family favourite
Monastiri Beach
A sheltered bay kids love. Sunbeds, a beach restaurant, water sports. Best reached by boat from Naoussa marina — fifteen minutes by car.
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East coast, active
Golden Beach
Windsurfing, kayaks, wakeboarding, beach volleyball. Good restaurants and room for children to run. One of the livelier beaches.
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North, sculptural
Kolymbithres
Granite rock formations and water clear enough to see straight through. A good place to spend a day doing nothing at all.
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Villages & history
3 minutes from Villa Orian
Kostos Village
A church, a village square, old men playing backgammon, cicadas in the background. Total tranquillity, right below the villa.
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Kostos village square
Greek Coffee at Kostos Square
Wooden chairs by the church, locals at backgammon. Greece as it was before anyone discovered it — and it is on your doorstep.
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Parikia, history
Panagia Ekatondapiliani
One of the finest Byzantine monuments in Greece. The archaeological museum beside it is small, but genuinely worth the visit.
View on mapExperiences
Things to do
Sea, day trip
Day Trip by Boat — Captain Yanis
The clearest water you will swim in. Ask to stop at the beach only reachable by boat. Kids love it.
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Parikia bay
Nautic School Café
A café on the sand watching sailboats work the bay. Best at sunset. Paros Sailing Center runs lessons from here too.
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Island-wide, sport
Aegean Tennis Centre
Several courts and rental gear — one of the better sports facilities on Paros.
View on mapRetail therapy
Shopping
Naoussa, homeware
Pragmata
Curated homeware, books, linen — the kind of shop where you leave with something you did not know you needed.
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Parikia, toys
Felix Toys
The best toy shop on the island — wooden toys, puzzles, something to bring home for the kids.
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Island-wide, car hire
Auto Union
Our recommended car rental on Paros — reliable cars, honest pricing. Worth it for exploring freely.
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