Forget Mykonos, skip Santorini—Paros is the island everyone actually wants to be on this summer. Think whitewashed villages without the crowds, beach clubs with just the right amount of buzz, and sunsets that don’t need a filter. It’s laid-back, effortlessly chic, and oozing that “I’m on the right island” energy. Whether you’re here to tan, dance, or just float through the Aegean in style—Paros is the move.
This week, KHAMSA explores the Greek island Paros with Tara Atalla (@taraatalla on Instagram) an international actress most known for her role as ‘Nadeen’ in the award-winning Netflix show “Al Rawabi School for Girls” season 2. Tara trained as an actress at one of the most prestigious drama schools in London ‘Rose Bruford College’ and a top art institute in New York City ‘The New School’. From a young age, Tara knew she had a passion for the arts as she learned to play the violin at three years old. She then got involved in musical theatre, dancing, singing, and acting in lead roles in major school and local productions in Dubai. As well as an extensive background in theatre, Tara also stars in several professional short films, one of which is the award-winning ‘Counting Fingers’. She now continues to pursue her love for acting, as she grows her craft and aims to create work that touches hearts and opens minds. Outside of the arts, Tara has a passion for travelling and loves to learn about different cultures and explore new places.
Top must-visit food spots?
Anna & Giorgos (Location: Marpissa) (@anna_georgerestaurant)
A traditional family-run tavern, with delicious home-cooked meals. You’ll get the best authentic Greek dinner here.
Barbarossa (Location: Naousa) (@barbarossa_paros) – Dinner and dance! This place is known for its immaculate vibes, as you get up on your chairs and dance in between meals. With great music all night and always a Arabi song making its appearance too.
Markakis (Location: Piso Livadi) (@markakisrestaurantdrios)
This restaurant is located in a little seaside village called Piso Livadi. The fresh fish and slow-cooked lamb are my personal favorites here. It’s a great place for dinner, and a stroll around the village afterwards.
Golden Beach Restaurant (Location: Golden Beach Hotel) (@goldenbeachhotelparos)
“This restaurant is a great spot if you’re looking to spend the day at the beach. You can tan, swim, then eat some amazing Greek food. The Tzatzkiki is yum.”
Paros is a second home to me and holds a very special place in my heart. Every year that I go there, I’m blessed by something big. I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel deep joy being there, and so in turn, I think I subconsciously manifest the things I truly want… and they happen!
Must-visit cultural spots?
You’ll find lots of small Greek Orthodox churches around the island. These are beautiful sacred places to visit.
St Antonios Monastery
“I actually found this church by accident. My friends and I were curious about what was at the top of the huge mountain and when we drove up we found this sweet church and a spectacular view.”
Best places for sundowners/roof-top places?
One of the most special things about Paros is its breathtaking sunsets. No matter where you are on the island you can always catch it, and I honestly can’t say there’s one spot better than the other. Here are some of my favorites though!
Bebop x Joomla (Location: Parikia) (@bebop_x_joomla)
“Rooftop restaurant with great sushi, and cocktails.”
Siparos (@siparos)
“An elegant spot overlooking the shore with a doc you can walk on and take some pictures too. The food here is also mouthwatering good. A MUST visit.”
Statheros (Location: Naousa) (@statheros_restaurant) – A hidden Greek restaurant literally on the beach. Get the full island experience having dinner as the sun sets while listening to the waves come and go.
Fotis (Location: Naousa) (@fotisalldaybar) – A cute bar with some great bites overlooking the sea. A perfect place for a pre-dinner drink to sit and watch the sunset. They have some really fun cocktails here!
Best places for shopping?
There are lots of beautiful boutiques on the island with some unique pieces of clothes and jewelry. The main shopping area is located in Naousa with lots and lots to choose from.
Golden Beach Boutique (Location: Golden Beach) – A gorgeous boutique with beachwear and a variety of specialaccessories.
Naousa – You have a big mix of traditional Greek shops and modern boutiques. You can find almost anything there. Everything is so beautiful, you could spend all your money :)
Parikia
“There are lots of really cute shops for trinkets and house decor here.”
Best boutique hotels to stay in?
Parilio Hotel (@pariliohotel)
Cove Paros (@coveparos)
Cosme Luxury Hotel Paros (@cosmeparos)
Best Beaches?
Cabana (@cabanaparos) – “Best DJ and vibes for a beach lounge during the day. If you stay till after sunset it turns into a party.”
Monastiri (@monastiri.paros)
“Extra soft sand, and award-winning chef at the restaurant there.”
Santa Maria (@santamariaparos_) – “Good music and a shop where you can buy ice cream.”
Molos – “Great beach for windsurfing or relaxing.”
Kolymbithres
“You have to climb the giant rocks and lay on them instead of the sand.”
What should you avoid?
1. Heels: Ladies do NOT bring heels with you. Most of the floor on the island is made of cobblestone, making it an impossible mission. You won’t find anyone wearing them anyway.
2. Jeans/trousers: if you’re going in summer, it is hot on the island. Every year I pack a pair of jeans with me, and every year I never even touch them.
3. Forgetting your deck of cards! One of my favorite things to do during a day at the beach is playing cards with my friends.
Must-pack items?
1. Swimsuit: you practically live in your swimsuit on the island, and with so many beautiful beaches, you’ll want to be ready to dive in at any given moment.
2. SPF: The sun is HOT and the UV is strong, gotta stay protected!
3. My beach Birkenstocks: I can leave them in the sun all day and they’re never hot.
4. Sunglasses: no explanation needed.
5. A good book/Kindle: to read while tanning or laying in the sun.
6. Lip gloss: + sunkissed cheeks = perfect Island makeup.
7. A towel: for all your beach adventures.
Any tips and tricks to tackle the city?
I have lots of cherished memories on that island. I have had many of my friends gather from all over the world there. Maybe that’s part of why I love it so much. It’s the people who make it extra special.
1. Go on a boat trip: A boat trip is an amazing way to see the island. Captain Ben’s boat is a fun way to go island hopping – with music, fresh barbecue, and a slide on board!
2. Driving: if you or your friends drive, you should definitely rent a car. It makes getting around the island a lot easier. It’s a small island so taxis are sometimes limited, and not as easy to find.
3. Book in advance: if you plan on visiting the island during the summer (peak season), you should book as many places as you can in advance as spots get filled up quickly.
4. Make friends: it’s a small island so most of the people who work on it know each other and come back every year. Some of the nicest people I’ve met have been the Greeks who work at the beaches/restaurants. They help give you the inside guide to the best spots on the island and are great to drink Ouzo with too.
5. Try the donuts! You’ll find locals selling donuts at the beaches, and they’re so good.
