There are around 6000 individual islands that make up the Greek archipelago, with roughly 200 livable. So, when planning a trip to Greece, how to decide which island or islands to visit? In our case, the trip would involve two weeks, with a few days designated for Athens. So, we decided to pick two islands. They had to be accessible from Athens and needed to be convenient enough to get from one to the other. We also wanted a relaxing trip away from the party crowds. So, we went with Paros as the first island, and since I share a name with Milos, we went with that as the second island.
Upon arriving in the Port of Paros there was a mad dash of people existing the ferry. The locals, of course, knew how to get a cab or walk or go to the pickup area where cars were waiting. For the visitors, like us, there was a bit of confusion as we went to find the taxi stand and attempted to get into some sort of disorganized line, watching taxies pull up, a dash of people to the taxi, then the rest wait for the next one.
A guy came up to us and asked us, in broken English, where we were going. We explained we were going to the east side of the island where our Airbnb was located. He mumbled something in response before walking away. Not knowing if he wanted us to follow, we continued jockeying for a taxi. The next one pulled up, and we began to get in and asked the driver the rate to our destination, as some guy started yelling at us that we cut in line.
“What line?” I replied, “the people in front of us got into the last taxi, so that means we are next.”
“There is a line here,” he pointed to a group of people under an awning with a taxi stand sign.
Choosing to ignore him, I told the driver where we wanted to go, and he said no, waving us off. I’m guessing he didn’t want to drive the 30 minutes to the other side of the island. At this point the first guy came back and motions us to follow him, which I’m sure made the angry English traveler who felt we cut in line happy.
We followed the guy to a black minivan that was loading with people and luggage. As we followed him to the van, and they loaded our luggage, I was trying to get a clear answer out of him as to the cost of this trip for the two of us. As someone who has traveled a bit, in situations like this it is key to negotiate the price in advance. After, some back and forth, we agreed on 40 euros. We got into the van with a little over half a dozen other warn travelers ready to check into their places of stay and relax in the warm island weather. The driver then worked his way around the island, dropping off passengers at various stops along the way. On the east side of the island is an area called Golden Beach, near where we were staying.
After some confusion on the driver’s part at getting to our specific Airbnb, due to the language barrier, and that it didn’t have an actual address, we drove up a steep narrow road to find a cozy stone cottage with views of the glittering sea below.
After unloading our bags, I handed him two twenties and a five for a tip.
With his thick Greek accent, holding the money, he said, “no, fifty.”
“No,” I replied, “the other guy said forty.”
“No, fifty.”
Not wanting to argue about it, I gave him the extra five.
Arriving, we were greeted by a lovely woman to show us around. She kindly offered to drive us to the store so we could buy groceries for our stay. A short distance from our cottage was a large white house, which belonged to her. She explained it was where she spent most of her time. Her other home was in Athens. Looking at the view, the cool breeze coming off the ocean, and the general feeling of calm that came with being there, I can see why. Between her house and our cottage was a pool that she explained was for our exclusive use while staying there.
She then showed us the cottage described as, “45 sq.m stone house, by the pool, within 5.000 sq.m plot of land, where the main family house also exists. 1 bedroom, 1 living room with mezzanine, kitchenette, 1 bathroom, parking. 30 sq.m veranda, superb view to Golden Beach.” A very accurate description.
Waiting inside was a bottle of wine and snacks to welcome us. After taking her up on her offer to run us to the store, where we stocked up on food for our stay, we had a stack of wine and cheese while enjoying the view and the scent of the fresh ocean breeze.
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