You simply cannot go to Paros without checking out the world-renowned beaches. Even if you are a mountain girl at heart. I don’t love being in a bathing suit, or sweating, or getting sand on me, or baking in the sun. Sounds terrible right?! But I do love nature and I am awed by a stunning view. I got both today! I also got the sweating, sand………but I digress.
We chose Kolimbithres beach because based on my research it is one of the most unique beaches in the Greek islands due to it’s location within the Cyclades and on Paros. It is located in Plastira Bay and although it is called one beach it is really a series of “hidden” beaches sandwiched between enormous rocks that have been sculpted into otherworldly shapes by the wind and waves over centuries.
You can rent a sunchair and umbrella – recommended because the sun gets SO hot – and every once in a while glance up to see these unique rocks on either side of you and jutting out into the ocean with the backdrop of Naousa in the distance. And don’t forget the sailboats and yachts docked in the bay for your viewing pleasure. Although not a beach girl, I was in the shade next to the man I love surrounded by beauty. There is something about a beach…just the sounds of it. The soft lap of the waves, slow wandering of folks into the surf, the sound of a multitude of languages being spoken all around you. It was lovely and highly recommended – even from this mountain girl.
We were fully crispy and HOT even under the umbrella so decided to just drive around in the Little Spark for a bit. We wandered around a bit and eventually made our way to Parikia which is the capital and main port of Paros. This is the other city that most tourists choose to stay in. I avoided it, however, due to Naousa being termed a “sleepy fishing village”. That quote is so wrong! In a good way!
I will say more about Parikia when we spend some more time there. We had a nice stroll and FINALLY some loukoumades. Although Pralina Paros served them differently. Loukoumades are the Greek version of donuts. Those of you who know me know that donuts are very near and dear to my heart! But these are small bite-sided donuts. Call them donut-holes if you will.
They are traditionally deep fried in oil but these were “baked” without oil and served smothered with choices of toppings – from dark chocolate to the Bueno praline. We didn’t even hesitate! And as the photo will show below, phenomenal!
After being turned away two nights ago we finally had a reservation at To Takimi. As said, this restaurant had been recommended by many and without reservations you were turned away. I was really looking forward to it! And it did not disappoint.
To Takimi is a traditional Greek restaurant that sits right in the middle of the Naousa hype. The menu is full of Cycladic and Parian dishes and John and I wanted to get out of our comfort zone. I started with Souma – my new favorite drink? – and asked the sweet waitress what her favorite items on the menu were. Well her face just lit up! And, probably needless to say, we tried almost all of them.
Grandmas cod roe dip with bread to start, baked chickpeas and sun dried mackerel for John and calamari for me. But this wasn’t your American bar-food calamari. This was not fried but was baked in a sauce of tomatoes, raisins and grapes. It was incredible! The best meal here in Greece yet. Just goes to show you that you really should ask the sweet waitress about her favorites and then order them!
The meal finished with a small shot of a drink they make in house. White wine with orange and spices. Yum, yum!
To top of the night, here’s a picture for you…walking back to the apartment on the way out of the town. There’s a scooter – nothing new there – scooters are everywhere. But this time it’s passengers included a chihuahua. Not being held; not being leashed – just hanging out on it’s own seat right below the handlebars. THIS I have not seen before in my long life. That little puppy needed to make the blog! See below…
