Greece - Korina Miller [315]
Pension Rena ( 22840 22220; www.cycladesnet.gr/rena; s/d/tr €35/45/55; ) One of the best choices in town, these immaculate rooms are excellent value, and there’s a friendly welcome. The rooms are in a quiet but handy location just back from the waterfront. Air-con is €5 extra. The owners also have good apartments to rent in Naousa.
Rooms Mike ( 22840 22856; www.roomsmike.com; s/d/tr €35/45/60; ) A long-standing favourite in sight of the ferry quay, you’ll never be short of chat and advice at Mike’s place. There’s a shared kitchen and a roof terrace. Mike also has well-maintained and well-equipped studios (€55) elsewhere in town. Enquire for details. Credit cards are accepted.
Captain Manoli’s Hotel ( 22840 21244; www.paroswelcome.com; s/d/tr €50/60/72; ) Hidden away at the centre of town are these decent rooms that are clean and brightly decorated. Check prices for July and August when there is a minimum-stay requirement.
MIDRANGE
Sofia Pension ( 22840 22085; www.sofiapension-paros.com; s/d/tr €65/75/90; ) Set in a garden full of greenery and flowers lovingly tended, this delightful place has immaculate rooms with individual decor. The owners are charming. Breakfast is available for €8.
Hotel Argonauta ( 22840 21440; www.argonauta.gr; Plateia Mavrogenous; s/d/tr €65/85/95; ) A long-established, family-run hotel with a central location overlooking Plateia Mavrogenous, the Argonauta has a welcoming atmosphere and has been recently refurbished. The furnishings have attractive traditional touches and the rooms are spotless and comfy and have double-glazing.
Angie’s Studios ( 22840 23909/6977; www.angies-studios.gr; Makedonias; d/tr €80/90; Apr-Oct; ) A garden glowing with bougainvillea surrounds these handsome studios. They are in a very quiet area that’s about a level 500m from the ferry dock. The studios are big and extremely well kept and each has its own kitchen. There are generous discounts in the low season.
Eating
Micro Café ( 22840 24674; Agora; snacks €4-5) This great gathering spot for locals and visitors alike is bright and cheerful and lies at the heart of Kastro. It does breakfasts for €4, as well as coffee and snacks, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetarian juices. There are drinks and music into the early hours.
Parasporos Restaurant ( 6947183732; Parasporos Beach; mains €5-10) The owner of Micro Café also runs this restaurant on Parosporos Beach, 2km south of town. The emphasis at both venues is on vegetarian food.
Albatross ( 22840 21848; D Vasiliou; mains €5-15) Albatross is a local favourite not least because of its excellent fish dishes. The fisherman’s salad for €15 is a sure bet, or savour cuttlefish with spinach in an unfussy setting on the waterfront.
Taverna Mira ( 22840 22592; mains €5.80-10.80) One of the best eateries along Parikia’s fairly relentless southern strip of cafes, bars and tavernas, Mira’s is known for its arni lemonato (lamb in lemon sauce) and kleftiko (lamb baked in a clay pot with feta cheese and wine). Vegetarians also have a good choice of combinations.
Idea ( 22840 21038; mains €7-9.50) For a peaceful alternative to the often traffic-logged waterfront, this relaxed cafe-bar is opposite Panagia Ekatondapyliani and shares some of its tranquillity. It does crêpes, omelettes and heftier dishes such as pork cooked in beer and honey with rice. Breakfasts are €5 to €8.
Levantis ( 22840 23613; Kastro; dishes €9-15) A courtyard garden setting enhances dining at this long-established restaurant at the heart of the Kastro area. There is a truly splendid cuisine with imaginative starters such as fennel and pear salad with mixed greens, croutons and Parmesan shavings, while mains include honey-spiced lamb with apples, prunes and almonds. Lovely desserts, such as honey and almond truffles covered in bitter cocoa, round things off with a flourish. Excellent house wine is underpinned with a good choice of Greek vintages.
Happy Green Cows ( 22840 24691;