I cannot say enough about how nice Thalia is and how comfortable we were staying in her home. It was unusally hot (even the locals said) the first two days in Paros. Thankfully, the AC was working very well. It was nice to be able to cool off and sleep in comfort. The kitchen was stocked with coffee, tea, spices to cook with, snacks, water and anything you would need to cook. We did not do any cooking since we were enjoying the cuisine all around us. Maria even bought a full lengh mirror for us since we asked if she had one.
The rooftop was great and gave a beautiful view. Nice to have a glass of wine and relax.
The property is very close to the port. Upon arrival we texted Thailia and she responded asking us to meet her at the National Bank in the town square. From the square her place was maybe three short blocks if that. It is a bit tricky when you first arrive but by that evening we figured out how to get around. By the end of our four day stay we were pros! Thalia checked in with us often which was very sweet of her.
Keep in mind that if you are traveling with suitcases you need to have the extra time to wheel them across the cobblestone, and the cobblestone is everywhere. You will need to carry your bags up eleven stairs up into the house also. I was traveling with my 30 year old daughter so it was easy for her to assist me. If you are older that is something to make sure you arrange ahead of time with Thalia.
There are many little shops in Paros, please hear me, the prices on Paros are sometimes HALF of what they are on Santorini! Buy in Paros and save a bundle!
Take advantage of the port and take a trip over to Antiparos, it is an adorable little town with great shops and restaurants. Watch the ferry schedule carefully as we missed our ferry we wanted and had to sit there and wait an extra 1.5 hours. They don't run every twenty minutes like they say they do and think nothing of changing the schedule. You can also take a boat ride to either of the two popular beaches. We opted to go to a private beach called "On the Rocks" and had a blast there. Very nice, clean little beach with umbrellas and loungers. Beachside bar and a full restaurant also.
If you are looking for two good restaurants in Parika near Thalia's place make sure you go to Big Noses for breakfast (Corn pancakes w/avacado and Eggs) or night time cocktails/snacks (sometimes there is entertainment in the town square in the evening). Ask for Maria, she is awesome and we just loved her! Tell her the two blondes from Chicago sent you!
For a wonderful dinner go to Daphne's, we had two amazing dinners there. Make sure you have the seafood cocktail for an appetizer! Daphne is there cooking or waiting tables and she is a delight. Since her restaurant is not right on the water I don't think many know it is there, trust me, you will be happy you seeked out this restaurant, they have amazing food and very reasonable prices. If you want to eat on the water we enjoyed a dinner at Mira's. They had delicious sea bass and tuna tartare.
All and all we had an amazing stay and its because we had a clean and nice place to stay at Thalia's. Her beds were wonderful to sleep on and the sheets and blankets soft and comforting. We will be back!