✦ Paros Food Guide with a Rental Car (English Version)

Introduction

Paros is an island that enchants not only with its landscapes but also with its flavors. Its cuisine remains deeply rooted in tradition, with recipes passed down through generations, prepared in homes and tavernas alike.

At its heart, Parian gastronomy is about simplicity: local ingredients, seasonal cooking, and dishes that reflect the island’s natural cycle. From chickpeas slow-baked overnight to suma distilled every November, Paros offers an authentic culinary identity.

With a rental car from Chaniotis Paros Rentals, you have the freedom to explore all these flavors at your own pace.

Local Products & Seasonal Flavors

Paros’ gastronomy follows the Mediterranean diet:

• vegetables and herbs,

• fish and seafood,

• pulses and grains,

• olive oil and wine,

• cheeses,

• goat and poultry as the main meats.

Seasonal specialties

• Spring: fava beans, artichokes, wild asparagus (kalfa).

• Summer: tomatoes, zucchini, figs.

• Autumn: mushrooms, grapes, quinces.

• Winter: chickpeas, pulses, hearty soups.

  

Signature products

• Xynomizithra – light, tangy fresh cheese.

• Ladotyri (PDO) – a strong cheese matured in olive oil.

• Graviera & kefalotyri – hard, aromatic cheeses.

• Thyme honey – fragrant and rich.

• Suma – the local grape-based spirit.

Traditional Dishes of Paros

• Revithada – slow-cooked chickpeas in a clay pot.

• Gouna – sun-dried mackerel grilled on charcoal.

• Mirmizeli – local handmade pasta dried in the sun.

• Salatouri – skate fish salad with lemon and herbs.

• Onion & zucchini fritters – popular mezze dishes.

• Karavoli – snails with vegetables and egg-lemon sauce.

• Patouda – festive dish of goat or rooster stuffed with rice, raisins, and cheese.

• Amygdalota & sugar baklava – almond-based sweets for weddings and festivals.

  

Wineries & Parian Wines

Paros is the second largest wine-producing island in the Cyclades after Santorini.

• Whites are made from Monemvasia,

• Reds from Mandilaria – with PDO designation.

Winery visits often include tastings paired with cheese, olives, and rusks

Festivals & Celebrations

Parian cuisine shines through its festivals:

• 15th August – Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Parikia).

• 6th August – Feast of the Transfiguration (Lefkes & Marpissa).

• Wine Festival in Naoussa (August).

• Fish & Wine Festival in Aliki.

• Chickpea Festival in Lefkes.

  

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  Restaurants & Taverns Worth Visiting

  In Aliki

  • Aliki Restaurant Paros – family-run since 1974, fresh local ingredients.

  • Mouragio Restaurant – seaside ouzeri with fresh fish.

  • To Balcony tou Aki – picturesque setting, seafood specialties.

  • Thalassamou – Mediterranean dishes by the sea.

  • Apoplous Taverna & Ouzeri – casual, friendly seafood and mezze.

   

• In Naoussa & Parikia

  • Tsachpinis (Naoussa) – famous for sun-dried octopus.

  • Marios (Naoussa) – creative seafood with a modern twist.

  • Siparos (Santa Maria) – elegant dining with local ingredients.

  • Koutouki (Parikia) – traditional meze and fish dishes.

  • Ragoussis Bakery (Parikia) – historic bakery with breads and sweets.

    

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  Why a Rental Car is Essential

  Parian flavors are scattered across the island – in villages, seaside tavernas, wineries, and festivals. With a rental car, scooter, buggy, or quad from Chaniotis Paros Rentals, you can create your own culinary journey and discover Paros at its most authentic.

  ➡️ Book now at www.parosrentals.gr and experience Paros with all your senses.