Day 8: Naxos to Paros, Another New Greek Island

Having purchased my ferry ticket the night before, I woke early for the 9:30 AM departure to Paros. After a light breakfast and packing the last of my things, I checked out and asked the hotel to call a taxi to the ferry port. For just €10, it was worth avoiding the hassle of dragging my case through the sand again. Feeling much better than the previous day, though still a bit weak from two days of limited food, I boarded the ferry and bid a fond farewell to Naxos. Despite my brief visit, I found it to be a lovely island and hope to return for a more extensive exploration.

Arriving on Paros at 10:15, I quickly disembarked and briskly walked around the harbour to my next accommodation, Hotel Livadia, where I’d stay for two nights. I was on a tight schedule, aiming to meet my friends by 11:00 AM to catch the bus to Pounda. Although my room wasn’t ready, the owner kindly gave me the key to store my luggage and get changed.

Just in time, I reached the bus stop, bought my ticket, and boarded the bus with my friends. The 25-minute ride to Pounda was followed by a short ferry trip to Antiparos. The bay at Pounda is picturesque and a hotspot for kite surfers.

Waiting for the Antiparos ferry at Pounta. The bay here is very pretty and popular with kite surfers.

On Antiparos, unsure of the best way to explore, we noticed a bus offering trips to the Antiparos Cave and Soros Beach for €6 each. The cave was thrilling, with its deep descent and numerous steps. It was slightly intimidating but well-lit with handrails throughout.

The cave at Antiparos is worth visiting – it’s huge!

After exploring the cave, we headed to the busy Soros Beach. The beach bar’s prices were steep—€3.50 for a Coke, €5.50 for a beer, and €12 for a cocktail. Despite this, we enjoyed a fun afternoon, swimming in the sea and lounging on the beach. Later, we walked back to the bus stop and returned to the small ferry port.

Hungry from skipping lunch, we ventured into town, where I had my first-ever gyros in Greece. It was delicious, though my hunger likely played a role in its exceptional taste.

After the ferry ride back to Paros and the bus journey to the capital, I returned to my hotel. Following a refreshing shower and brief rest, I took another stroll around the harbour, this time with my camera to capture the scenery. With a late lunch and a still-recovering appetite, I skipped dinner, opting for bottled water from a nearby supermarket, and called it an early night.

Paros Bay at night.