Dreaming of Greece: Paros — A Place to Simply Be

It’s been a few years since we wandered the sun-drenched alleys of Paros, but some memories don’t fade — they simply settle in like favorite old stories, waiting to be retold.

Every island in Greece has its own vibe, and Paros was no different. The key thing for me — and of course, everyone is different — is that I don’t feel the need to see everything. And that’s exactly what Paros offered me and my family: permission to slow down.

We needed downtime. Wandering the stone-paved streets of Naoussa, lined with shops, restaurants, and bakeries, was its own kind of therapy. Sitting back with an iced frappe or a cappuccino freddo (yes, iced — Italy, I’m still looking at you) while savoring legendary loukoumades customized with every topping imaginable — it was pure heaven. (Although honestly? For me, it's always the classic honey and cinnamon that brings me right back to my childhood.)

One of my favorite parts was chatting with the locals and store owners, many of whom lit up when they heard me speak Greek. They were always excited to meet someone from abroad who shared their language and culture — even if there was a little disappointment when my son, a bit too shy about his less-than-perfect Greek, didn’t always answer back. (Teenagers!) 

🏡 Where We Stayed: Naoussa Charm

We stayed in Naoussa, near the marina and main town — and it was perfect! The town had its own magic: bougainvillea trees cascading over whitewashed buildings, Mediterranean-blue doors and windows peeking out like a painting come to life. We wandered little side streets, getting gloriously lost, and found some of the best hidden food spots tucked into corners you'd miss if you didn't stray from the main paths.

(That said, the restaurants by the marina with spectacular water views were pretty great too — just a tip: make reservations early; they fill up fast!) 

🌊 Beach Time: Floating Through a Storybook

If you’re craving beach time, you can grab a ferry to several nearby beaches like Kolymbithres, Monastiri, or Santa Maria. We chose Kolymbithres, famous for its unusual, smooth rock formations overlooking the crystal-clear waters. Floating in that impossibly blue sea, we just... let everything go.

It felt like stepping into a storybook. Unreal. The world around you fades away until it's just you, the sun, and the sea.

📸 Photo Gallery: A Glimpse of Paros

Some moments are better seen than described. Click here for a glimpse into the beauty, colors, and quiet magic that made us fall in love with Paros.

🍽️ Family, Friends, and Late-Night Aperitifs

Because it’s a small world — and Greece loves its surprises — we ran into my goddaughter and her family (who live in New York) while in Paros. Naturally, that meant an impromptu dinner party!

And speaking of surprises...During one of our dinners, my Goddaughter’s mom spotted an actress from a Greek TV show she loves — casually sipping wine at the restaurant she owned on the island. Excited by the chance to meet her favorite star, she announced (very determinedly) that she was going to ask for a photo. We tried to talk her out of it — pleading, bribing, possibly even considering hiding her phone — but to no avail. When Greek enthusiasm meets celebrity fandom...resistance is futile. 😂

With full bellies, a few laughs over our unexpected celebrity moment, and that unmistakable Greek night energy in the air, the evening rolled on. The younger generation rallied afterward for a night out at the clubs in Naoussa, while us Gen-X parents opted for late-night aperitifs and laughter under the stars. (Okay, the younger crew outlasted us... but honestly? It's their turn now.)

And that’s the magic of Greece: the sunsets are planned. The best moments never are.

✨ No Rush, No Regrets

We could have packed more into our time in Paros — maybe even hopped over to Antiparos for the day (where, fun fact, Tom Hanks has a home!). But honestly, Paros was the perfect place to simply chill and recharge. And sometimes, that's the adventure you need most.

💬 I'd Love to Hear From You!

Have you ever stumbled onto a place that made you slow down and just be? Drop your favorite travel memory — or where you're dreaming of going next — in the comments below! 🌸🌊