Escape to Paros

The narrow alleys of beautiful Parikia (Paros)

We escaped Santorini - - in case it wasn't clear, we really disliked Santorini's main towns of Fira and Oia - - by taking a Blue Star ferry to the island of Paros, about 3 hours away. The Blue Star ferry certainly was faster, newer, larger and cleaner than the Prevelis (although the Prevelis had better, less-expensive, food and drinks).

Blue Star ferry coming into Parikia, Paros

We arrived in Parikia (Paros) just as the sun was setting. The core of the small town is all white and blue, with pedestrian-only alleys (due to their narrowness) going every which way. Easy to get lost (briefly). We saw no other tourists as we first rolled our suitcases through the main "square" (it was more round than square). Lots of locals (mostly men, as usual in Greece) having their coffee frappes. Clearly, we had escaped the overtourism of Santorini. Being early November, many (most?) of Parikia's shops and restaurants had closed down for the Winter. So, obviously, there is tourism here in the Summer.

Fortunately for us, there were still more than enough tavernas and coffee shops open to keep us happy, as well as many locals still giving a buzz to the town. Just no tourists (well, we saw a few).

Parikia's Harbour (Blue Star ferry just docking)

Parikia (Paros)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parikia Town, from Livadia Beach

We did a short/easy half-day trip to the small neighbouring island of Antiparos: taking a 15-minute bus ride then a 10-minute ferry ride. Antiparos was very cute. But it was 80% closed-up for the Winter. Quite deserted except for a few locals. We found one taverna open, who happened to be hosting a large wedding luncheon. We had a wonderful meal, probably benefitting from the extra food prepared for the wedding feast. After lunch, we headed back to Paros.

Coming into Antiparos

Antiparos: very cute and very quiet (in November)

Unfortunately, we were not very happy with our "1-bedroom with kitchenette" accommodation: too small (the bed was in the kitchen!), too dark, and too funky. So, as much as we liked Paros, we decided to move on to Ermoupolis, on Syros Island.

Our ferry to Syros didn't leave until 8pm, so we checked our bags and hung around the town and beach. Going out for drinks at sunset, then to a recommended taverna for dinner - - yes, rough life! - -  before our  short (1.5 hour) ferry trip to Syros.

Drinks (what else: Ouzo!) at sunset in Paros

Sun setting over distant island (Serifos or Kythnos?), taken from Parikia

Next stop, Ermoupolis. Our favourite island "city"!