Sunrise Paros

“Paros Paradise (but not perfect)”

Hotel: The Sunrise apartments we stayed in were simple and clean (maid service every day) but ours was let down by the bathroom having a chipped shower tray and loose drain cover. Worst was the shower with no holder to place the shower head in (applies to all appts) and one of those awful plastic c… more

Hotel: The Sunrise apartments we stayed in were simple and clean (maid service every day) but ours was let down by the bathroom having a chipped shower tray and loose drain cover. Worst was the shower with no holder to place the shower head in (applies to all appts) and one of those awful plastic curtains that just cling to your body. We simply didn't use it and just mopped up the wet floor afterwards. Despite this we actually thought the rooms were pretty good - we had a view over the pool and a nice sunny balcony (helpful to dry clothes and towels etc). There's a safe, fridge, hairdryer, plenty of storage and lovely airconditioning. The beds were very firm also only one pillow but don't be afraid to ask for more if needed! The hotel appears to be used to travellers not staying more than a few days - probably because its one of only a very few in the area with a pool. We did have an issue with some loud Greek Teenagers who had no respect for anyone - dive bombing and summersaulting into the pool splashing everyone nearby and also coming back at 5am shouting and screaming. Very disrespectful. Luckily they were gone in a few days. In terms of location we found it very handy for everything - bus, shops, bars, beaches, restaurants etc. There is a small incline on the last bit but not a problem we thought (and we had an 83 yr old with us). The grounds are lovely with flowers and seating everywhere offering shade and 'quiet' areas. The pool, although small, is a very welcome addition - especially as temperatures were hitting 35ºC. Reasonable amount of sunbeds around the pool but the beanbags looked like they had seen better days and we avoided them! The star of the show is Harry in reception. He can sort out anything for you, from telling noisy Greek kids to 'shut up', getting extra pillows, sorting out a hire car, arranging boat trips, fixing most things and he'll give you a very comprehensive guide to the attractions on the island, marking on the map where to go and what to see. We found this so useful for getting around and called it 'Harry's tour'. The guy deserves a medal. Naoussa (and Paros itself) was much bigger, busier and better than we'd ever imagined despite watching numerous travel videos beforehand. It's predominantly Rich Americans, Canadians, Australians and Greeks (we were told the people of Cyprus love Paros). There are distinct areas of Naoussa; 'Instagram' town - the areas you will always see in the brochures with restaurants and bars right on the waterfront. A feast for the eyes but very busy, noisy and expensive. You will nearly always need to book anything here. Still, you have to do it at least once while you are there! Harbour Front - mostly restaurants disappointingly doing mainly pizzas at over-inflated prices. Harbour area to the left of the bridge - much quieter, better menus, choice of food, service and much, much cheaper. Shopping area - an absolute labyrinth of picturesque narrow winding streets where you can find bars, shops, restaurants, ice-cream parlours and much more. You will get lost on the first few days! For other places on the Island we can recommend getting a car for at least two days which will allow you to go everywhere on the Island easily. Tips: Go on the boat trip around Anti Paros with Captain Mick (Harry will help book it). Don't be tempted to go on foot on the water taxis to Anti Paros as you cannot get around without a car. The boat trip we've suggested goes to about four bays where you can swim from the boat, and the full length of Anti Paros and they feed you breakfast and lunch (delicious). You can get anywhere by bus for between €1.80 - €2.40 but be aware the Greek kids do NOT queue - they are the rudest I've ever come across and will do anything to get on the bus before you! We found a beach umbrella was useful to fend them off. Visit the old capital, Lefkes - very pretty winding streets leading to a nice church with a very welcome place to eat/drink half way down. Parikia is very busy due to ferry port being there but worth a trip for the shops. Aliki is very pretty but Piso Livadi is almost identical but has a better beach. If you have a car do take time to explore all the beaches down the right hand side of the island - they are all beautiful in the own ways. Having a car also allows you to eat outside of Naoussa - we particularly liked Christiana restaurant at Ambelas - a mere five minute drive (don't forget to book though). Overall thoughts: We would definitely book Sunrise again if we ever came back (as long as Harry was still there!). Paros was a big surprise for us for it's size, beauty, easy transport and we didn't let the beggers (they seem to wander into restaurants unchallenged!) or the very rude Greek kids put us off. And Naoussa is by far the best place to stay on Paros. Final tip - if you do not ride a bike or quad bike regularly then don't hire one on holiday. So dangerous - no-one gives two hoots on the roads so why risk your life? Get a car! BTW: The ferry trips are hilarious - like the buses but ten times as bad for pushing and shoving to get on first! Maybe us Brits should learn to be ore aggressive on greek public transport?

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“Cool Little Place”

This is in a great location a short walk from the chic narrow streets of Naoussa with its many restaurants, bars and shops. The accommodation had everything we needed: comfortable room, reliable wifi, good breakfast, plenty of sitting/lounging areas in the sun or shade and a smallish pool, which w… more

This is in a great location a short walk from the chic narrow streets of Naoussa with its many restaurants, bars and shops. The accommodation had everything we needed: comfortable room, reliable wifi, good breakfast, plenty of sitting/lounging areas in the sun or shade and a smallish pool, which was fine for cooling off but of you want a good swim you need to go to the beach. Topped off by friendly service.

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“A nice experience in Paros”

We had a lovely stay at this apartment, it is very basic with fridge & safety deposit box. Not suitable for people with walking difficulties, about a 10 min walk to bars & tavernas, 20 min walk to nearest beach. A big thank to Harry on reception, he was very helpful & full of information.We hired a… more

We had a lovely stay at this apartment, it is very basic with fridge & safety deposit box. Not suitable for people with walking difficulties, about a 10 min walk to bars & tavernas, 20 min walk to nearest beach. A big thank to Harry on reception, he was very helpful & full of information.We hired a car for 1 day which was enough.

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“Last minute gem of a hotel”

Very helpful front desk - Harry. We’re helpful I. Getting us a room at the last minute when all ferries were cancelled. About 10 minute walk into a lovely small town enclosed within walls. Would highly recommend this area. Had to walk to sister hotel for breakfast which was a bit of a trek but we… more

Very helpful front desk - Harry. We’re helpful I. Getting us a room at the last minute when all ferries were cancelled. About 10 minute walk into a lovely small town enclosed within walls. Would highly recommend this area. Had to walk to sister hotel for breakfast which was a bit of a trek but well worth it!

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