Greece (Part 2) – Paros
Day 1, Aliki, The Welcome of Simplicity
We arrived in Paros after a bumpy ferry ride from Santorini. Let me just say, these boats aren’t for the weak-hearted. The sea was wild, the boat was bouncing, and a lot of people looked pale, including my girlfriend. But once we reached Paros, all of that was quickly forgotten.
Our host picked us up and drove us to our place in Aliki, a quiet coastal village that became the perfect place to unwind. Not long after dropping off our bags, we went out to explore. We ended up at a small seafood restaurant, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. The tables were set right on the sea. I’m talking waves lapping just a few feet away from our feet.
The food was outstanding. Fresh fish, prawns, grilled octopus, all cooked simply and perfectly. As we ate, the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountain line across the harbor. There was no music playing, no rush, just the sound of the sea and the feeling of being exactly where we needed to be.
Day 2, Parikia and Prodromos, Wandering the Island’s Heart
The next day, we headed into Parikia, the island’s capital. We walked slowly through the winding pedestrian streets, weaving between shops selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, accessories, and local goods. At some point, we stopped at a local café and I had one of my favorite Greek coffee moments. Sitting outside, enjoying the bitterness of the coffee made in a briki, sweetened just enough, and watching people pass by.
Parikia was the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress. It just is. And that’s what makes it memorable.
Later that day we drove out to Prodromos, a small whitewashed village with a soft charm. We walked without a plan, turning corners and taking it all in. Eventually, we stumbled on a small restaurant tucked along a gentle slope. We sat outside, ordered some food, and were joined by a few wandering cats who seemed to adopt us for the afternoon. They strolled around our chairs like they owned the place. The whole scene felt like something out of a quiet European film. Simple, slow, a bit funny, and completely unforced.
Day 3, Naousa, A Quiet Kind of Magic
On our last day in Paros, we made our way to Naousa. It was love at first sight. We walked along the harbor and through the narrow white paths, stopping to browse shops filled with accessories, small artworks, and crafts. I remember sitting quietly by the water, just breathing and taking it all in. The sound of the waves, the salty air, the sun, and the soft buzz of people moving through town.
Naousa has this quiet magic. We noticed little details like ceramic birds embedded into the pavement in front of some shops. The kind of thing you’d miss if you weren’t paying attention. That’s what made Paros special for me. Nothing was loud or trying too hard. The charm was in the details, in the pace, in the way everything invites you to slow down and simply be.
Leaving Paros
Our time in Paros came to a close with another seafood dinner by the water in Aliki. It was calm, satisfying, and peaceful. That’s how I’ll remember Paros.
The next morning, we packed our bags and boarded the ferry again, this time heading to Milos. Sun-kissed skin, full bellies, and the rhythm of the islands still echoing inside us.
