We rented a car for our entire stay on Paros as our hotel was not right in town as it was in Naxos. While we only went to one beach the whole time in Naxos, in Paros we made it to half a dozen and saw half a dozen more! We were really impressed on this island with the sheer number and beauty of the beaches, all easily accessible with short drives.
The landscape on Paros was much flatter, smaller (1/2 the size) and sun parched than Naxos. There were a lot of private villas all over the island and we found this island to be more expensive and upscale than Naxos (though that could have just been the places we ended up).
Our first day, we checked out Kolympethres Beach known for its rock formations. We got a late start due to a delayed rental car drop off so the sun beds were taken, but we found a shady spot under a tree to set up shop for an hour or so before finding lunch at the neighboring beach cafe. Despite zero waves and crystal clear water, Maeve was still reluctant so I eased her into the water by sitting with her on my lap with our legs in the water for a while until she got more comfortable. She ended up loving being in that water, especially when we would do the "washing machine" and dunk and spin her and Jude all around.
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Super tranquil lunch setting, sort of made up for the incredibly slow service and melting down children.
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After lunch, we made the drive all the way around the island while the kids slept. Beautiful beaches everywhere and some serious back roads. We got very excited to spend the next few days exploring! I even spotted some playgrounds!
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| Post nap afternoon routine on Paros. Parenting realities! |
The Croatian bar tender at the hotel was really sweet and recommended some child friendly places that she enjoyed taking her daughter to when she was younger. One was a beach with a very good Asian/Mediterranean fusion restaurant, Magaya, just 10 minutes south of the hotel.
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| Neighboring beach also looked really lovely |
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| Parking sign: It's all Greek to me! |
The idea was to keep the kids playing on the beach until the food arrived at the table, but they wanted to be at the table with me so that backfired. Pete and I scarfed down our grilled octopus, thai shrimp salad and sea bass while the kids shared yet another meal of pasta!
The sunset and ambiance was really pretty though!
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| Pete imitating Maeve's "Noooo!" |
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| All packed up, shutting down another beach! |
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| Full moon rising behind the harbor |
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