On arriving in Paros we got on the bus to Naoussa, as the bus terminus is right next to the ferry terminal. We asked to be dropped off at the Peperi Beach, which the bus driver kindly did ...and then we had no clue where to go. Luckily a friendly bookshop owner phoned Athina, our very friendly and helpful landlady, who came to collect us in her car. How nice - as it was quite a walk up the hill to the guesthouse. Lovely environment, with beautiful views and flowers around the house. Peperi Beach and Naoussa town were only 5 - 10 minutes walk from the guesthouse - through lovely little alleys and up and down lots of stairs! Beautiful environment !
Naoussa old town and harbour is really quaint - just the way Greek island towns are depicts on the postcards. We literally got lost in the alleys every day and enjoyed different views all the time. This area has also been very gentrified and is filled with tourists. As a result the authenticity has disappeared a bit and the prices have increased substantially - especially on the Rand exchange rate. €10 for a cocktail is just hefty ! Luckily we found the most beautiful Come Back Bar, which served the most amazing cocktails in their Happy Hour. It would have been the most perfect setting, had the wind just abated !
Unfortunately our time in the Aegean has been marred by the Meltemi winds - from the time we have arrived the winds have been blowing strongly. On Paros it felt like we were in Langebaan - with the landscape and the wind. The water also becomes much cooler with the wind ...not great when you are expecting balmy Mediteranean waters !
The nice beaches in the vicinity of Naoussa (which are slightly protected from the wind) can only be reached by water-taxi or car - so we hired a car, as this was about the same cost as the water-taxi for 4 of us. When in Rome and all that - so beach brolleys and loungers it was for us as well. Not a bad idea at all - could get used to this luxury ! On our first day of exploring, we came across a beautiful rocky cove - like a big swimming pool hewn out of the rocks with clean water rushing through. Must have been one of my best swims yet ! Floating in the water I had one of those "pinch me" moments ...wow, is this really me in this wonderful spot !
Paros was great - although spoilt for us a little by the no -stop wind, which prevented us from enjoying some of the great beaches and also the balcony of our accommodation. However - without a bit of a breeze it would have been really hot. Ricki and Dylan managed to look a lot healthier with their new-found tans and Clint and I managed to deepen our spanish tans - although we are starting to resemble people who have fallen asleep on a sunbed !!!
We all left Paros on the same day - the kids leaving for their 3 days of non-stop party to The party-island of Ios and Clint and I heading for the more sedate Oia on the island of Santorini.