Will be spending 4 nights in Paros or Antiparos the first week of June 2026 on our 34th anniversary. Looking for a nice ($200 to $300 per night) quiet hotel/resort on or near a sandy beach. Probably do not want to stay in town but walking to a town would be great. Not sure if Paros or Antiparos is better? Any recommendations. Will be arriving by ferry from Santorini and leaving by ferry for Athens. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I was in Greece 42 years ago (on a youth eurrail pass), this is my first time back and no longer have to be on a tight budget so looking for something special. Thanks.
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Philadelphia, PA, USA
3616 posts
Having visited both islands, I now greatly favor Antiparos -- and have the best of both worlds, because iits so easy to hop a tiny ferry for 10-15 minutes and sightsee the highlights of Paros. Here's a cute photo=sequence of someone who did just that, In June -- https://agreekoddity.com/monday-24th-june-2013-a-day-trip-to-paros/
One of the challenges in PAROS is being convenient, and also on a GOOD beach ... and in Antiparos, no problem... from anywhere in the little port village, several good beaches. Right on the edge is this one -- https://antiparos.com/explore/psaraliki-beach/ -- NO tavernas or bars... just some nice sunbeds.... at least it was that way a few years back in Late May-early June. just uphill about 100 yards is this lovely place -- family owned, terrace views of the sea. http://www.thalasea.gr/ Not a FAwncy hotel w staff, but great hospitality ... A VERY experienced contributor to many Greece forums, who's been to 30+ islands in 30+ years, is an Antiparos devotee, and great fan of the Thalasea owners. Few units, but since you're farsighted, you have a chance. Only drawback; it's not as expensive as your quote!
I'd been to a dozen islands (and 4x to Paros) by the time that guy talked me into Antiparos, and after I went, I apologized to him for taking so long. Another top contributor (& a Canadian pal) "Stanbr" & his bride showed up unexpectedly and he too was charmed by its low-key vibe in June (In July-Aug it gets VERY busy-busy). He's a photo-ace, so I just borrow his pix http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632126687570/
You will hear from many Paros fans, particularly of Naoussa ... a former-fishing-village-turned-boutiqueVille -- but it's all shops & high-end diningi now. Plenty of upscale hotels & "resorts" w pools, but you need to drive, or take boats, for most beaches. When I've visited Paros, I've stayed on edge of port town of Parikia, which has charming Agora (winding Maze-lanes) and some great ancient highlights ... but the adjoining beach is not much. There are nice small-pebble beaches on eastern side of island, but, it may involve driving or busses to visit in-town restaurants and ruins. See those on daytrips... then return to lovely Antiparos.
the Antiparos "town square/circle" is tuckedd away in center of port village, and is a low-rise "Kastro" (castle) dating from medieval tmes, when all island strongholds were inland due to pirates ... it's now apartments! Flowery lanes lead out of town tp a stunning NW-facing "Sunset Bay" It had no houses, mystifying me, until locals explained that in late summer thru fall - the winds are SO fierce one can't live there. I enjoyed walking that way on a day when locals were out "refreshing" the flagstone pathway by white-painting the grout-lines. Several had time to chat ...thats the joy of late May-early June, Greeks are happy about good weather, and not yet besieged with tourist throngs.
PS: After Santorini, you'll appreciate the serenity of Antiparos. NO Cruise ships.