Where to stay in Paros and things to do - Part 1

Paros in one of the Cyclades Islands in Greece and is a popular destination for summer holidays not for the Athenians only (who are preferring Paros for their vacation), but for thousands of tourists as well coming from every part of the world. Paros is a typical Cycladic style island, with traditional buildings, narrow streets and great history. The two most popular villages are Parikia (the capital of the island) and Naoussa, the "quaint cycladic fishing village" as is known better. Parikia is the main port and commercial centre of Paros island and is connected with other islands and Athens (port of Piraeus) by ferries and catamarans. The town is built according to the traditional Cycladic architecture, with two-storey whitewashed houses, with colored doors and rnwindows and small balconies. Here are enough Byzantine churches to visit, such as Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Our Lady of the Hundred Gates), and museums like the Archaeological Museum of Paros with various findings (such as pottery, vases, sculptures, etc.) dating from the Neolithic and Roman period. In this article, we will talk about Naoussa and things to do there. Once you have arrived in your hotel in Naoussa and after a refreshing shower, get ready to explore the village and its beauties. The first thing you have to do is to visit the centre of the village, which is the port. Don't wait to see a port as usual... It's a tiny fishing harbor, very picturesque, with traditional Greek fishing boats (kaiki) and surrounded by fish restaurants, tavernas, bars and cafe. Try to get there by 8:30 pm when it's not so crowded, because later at night, you should have to wait oline to walk the narrow promenade around the harbor. You will be surprised by the huge number of octapus which are drying in front of the restaurants and "ouzeri" of Naoussa. Saying "ouzeri", it's a traditional Greek taverna, serving fish "mezedes" and the famous Greek aperitif named ouzo. For the adults, I suggest you to taste this aperitif. It goes perfect with octapus on charcoal (dressed with vinegar), with sardines (sardeles), with squids, with Greek feta cheese and olives (elies), tzantziki, or better a Greek salad (horiatiki) with tomato, cucumber, onion, aregano, feta cheese and caper, as well as whatever other local delicasies these "ouzeries" have to offer. You will be surprised from the tastes and for sure you will feel attained in the clouds after the second-third small glass of ouzo! rnSuggested ouzeries in Naoussa: the "Barbarossa" and the "Psarotaverna - Ouzeri ton Naftikon". After that, you will need a place to go for entertainment, and Naoussa has to offer a lot. There are several bars like "Sofrano" and "Kavarnis" (with 60's, 70's and 80's music), "Agosta" and "Cafe Del Mar" (with 90's) and why not to try "Ranta" or "Nestos-Club" (with Greek music). It's already after midnight, but the nightlife in Naoussa of Paros never stops... If you are a "night owl" you will not get disappointed. There are several night clubs and bars staying open till the early morning. Whenever you decide, go back to your Paros hotel and get a deep sleep, as next day there are a lot of places to visit. In Naoussa there are enough very well organized hotel units offering great accommodation in Paros hotels, apartments, studios or even luxury suites. The high-class hotels are built on the beachfront providing amazing sea views. If you like to stay for your holidays in a boutique hotel with swimming pool and sea view, then the Paliomylos Hotel in Paros (Naoussa) is the ideal choice. It features deluxe rooms in studios and suites (for 2 to 4 pax) and an outdoor swimming pool with bar and sundeck lounge. It is located in a quite location, 5 minutes walk from Naoussa centre and 30 meters form Piperi beach. To be continued (with part 2) on things to do during the morning, noon and afternoon in Naoussa, Paros.