A return to Paros
Today we hopped on our local ferry for a day trip to Paros, big brother to our small island of Antiparos. After a swift seven minute sea crossing, we got a bus to Parikia – the main port on the island of Paros, where we landed from Sifnos and from where will depart to Syros in a few days time – and from there another bus to the Naoussa a resort on the north west of the islamnd (and yes, each bus journey was 2 two euros!) It was a pretty harbour-side resort, probably best characterised and known for a couple of squares by the sea full of taverna tables that fill up for dinning on the evening.
In the heat of the day time sun, it was not surprising that the tables lay empty during our visit, but clearly dinning is a big part of the Greek holiday experience in Naoussa. We wandered white washed streets, enjoyed a drink by the sea, and a lunch by the habour, and enjoyed the sights and colours of the town.
We then returned to Parikia, spending eventually finding a pretty street to amble along, but in reality it was not as pretty as, and more expensive than, Naoussa. Unless you fly into the island (possible from Athens) you will pass through Parikia, but I’d leave it at that – pass through it on to better places. As we awaited our bus down to the smaller port of Pounda (where we catch the local ferry across to Antiparos) we witnessed another couple of huge ferries arrive in the port, disgorging one set of tourists, and taking another boat load away. I know I’ve written a lot about ferries on this trip – I am in awe of them, some of them are just so, so big.
And on our return to more sleepy Antiparos, and after a gyros to keep us going, we walked over to the other side of the island (a ten minute walk) to watch the sunset across the Aegean sea. Magical.
