📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️

🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊

🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)

South Coast (November to April) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 

There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 

East Coast (May-October) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 

Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃

🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 

🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)

🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 

🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 

🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 

🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 

🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰

🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃

Some of these include

🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park

🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘

🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.

🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘

🐾It felt more natural 🍃

🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 

🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫

 🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 

TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️

🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 

🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 

🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 

☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Adventure around a 9-5

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Beach Holidays, Europe · October 17, 2021

The best things to do in Paros, Greece

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Located in the middle of the 220 Cyclades islands in Greece, is the gorgeous island of Paros. Paros is most famous for its golden sand beaches and traditional whitewashed Greek villages.

If want to avoid the more popular destinations of Santorini and Mykonos but still want to surround yourself with stunning Greek architecture, swim at beautiful beaches, enjoy delicious Greek food, and enjoy a buzzing nightlife then Paros is the place to come.

Want to know all about the best things to do in Paros? Well, look no further. I have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Paros, and some of the best places to visit to ensure that you have a memorable trip to this beautiful island.

Lefkes, Paros

The best time to visit Paros

If you are planning on doing some of the best things to do in Paros you’re going to want to have the best weather. The best time to visit is during the warmer months between May-October, when temperatures are on average around 28 degrees celsius.

How to get to Paros

There are two main ways of getting to Paros, by ferry or plane.

Ferry

You can catch a direct ferry to Paros directly from Athens, as well as multiple other islands such as Milos, Naxos, Santorini and Mykonos. There are multiple ferry companies operating throughout Greece, so I would highly recommend using the website Ferry Scanner, to plan out your journey.

Example journeys and prices 

JourneyDuration +/-Price 〜
Athens to Paros 4.15 hours €36
Milos to Paros1.5 hours €60
Mykonos to Paros1.20 hours€38
Santorini to Paros3 hours €28

Plane

You can catch a 40-minute flight to Paros from Athens airport with prices starting at €50 for one way. The plane that is used to transport passengers over to Paros is extremely small, so this is probably not the best option for you if you don’t enjoy flying.

Naoussa, Paros

How to explore Paros

Car Rental 

In order to do some of the best things to do in Paros, I would highly recommend hiring a car. Car hire on Paros is extremely cheap and you can grab a rental for as little as €40 a day. The roads on Paros are fairly old so be mindful of potholes and ditches.

Alternative Travel 

If you are unable to rent a car or an ATV, then thankfully there is a bus service that takes you to most of the best things to do in Paros. Click here to discover more about the bus routes. 

There are also one or two taxi services on the island, but if they are booked out then you can be waiting a while. Click here to find out more.

Where to Stay in Paros

There are so many gorgeous little towns and villages to stay in, it can be hard to choose but I have narrowed down the best spots for you below:  

  • Parikia – This is the capital of Paros, and where the ferry terminal is. If you want somewhere that is full of atmosphere and lots of restaurants to choose from, then Parikia is the place to stay.
  • Naoussa – Naoussa is a cute, vibrant fishing village with lots going on. If you want a traditional greek village with a modern, cosmopolitan twist, then Naoussa is for you. I stayed here myself, and can’t recommend the place enough.
  • Lefkes – Lefkes is a charming village, set back from the coast in the mountains. This is the best place to come if you want to surround yourself with traditional greek architecture
  • Chrissi Akti – Chrissi Akti is home to one of the best beaches in Paros and is a great place to stay for those wanting to try their hand at watersports such as windsurfing
  • Drios – Another stunning little fishing village and the place to stay if you want to escape the hustle and bustle from the rest of the island. A great place for couples who want to get away from it all.
Lefkes, Paros

What to Budget for Paros

  • Accommodation – €150-€250 per night 
  • Food €10-€20 per main meal 
  • Alcohol – Beer/Wine/Cocktails – €5/€7€10
  • Tours and Activities €80-€100
  • Car Rental €40-€80 per day

Best places to eat in Paros

There is lots of delicious food and drink in Paros. Some of the best bars and restaurants are:

Some of my favourite restaurants were: 

  • Deck – Naoussa 
  • Barbarossa – Naoussa 
  • Taverna Glafkos – Naoussa 
  • Coure Rosso – Parikia 
  • Linardo – Naoussa 
  • Les Amis – Naoussa 
  • BeBop – Parikia 
  • Golden Garden Bar – Golden Beach

The best things to do in Paros

Enjoy the calm waters and Kolympethres and Monastiri Beaches

Number one on the list of the best things to do in Paros is to visit the stunning beaches of  Kolympethres and Monastiri. The sand is golden, and the water is clear and calming. You can drive to both beaches or catch a water taxi from Naoussa port for less than €10. 

Whilst these beaches are both gorgeous make sure to watch out for the small jellyfish that can sometimes line the shore.

Paros Island, Greece

Monastery of St. John’s of Deti

Located right next to Monastiri beach is the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti. This is one of the best places in Paros to visit a traditional church with a blue-domed roof.

Spend the day relaxing at Parosporos beach

Parosporos is a large beach with shimmering waters located south of Parikia. It is a great place to come to chill out for the day drinking cocktails at one of the two lively beach bars located here. 

The beach is located close to a campsite meaning that it can get quite busy during the high season, so best to come here early to grab yourself a sunbed.

Porosparos Beach, Paros

Visit the beautiful traditional Greek villages  

When you think of Greece what instantly comes to mind? I’m going to guess stunning white buildings with blue roofs, colourful doors and an abundance of pink flowers, was I right?  Well, Paros is full of traditional villages with all of the above. The best villages to visit are:

  • Naoussa – The best place to come for views, bars and restaurants.
  • Marpissa – A quiet but quirky village. Come here to see the famous pink house (pictured below).
  • Lefkes – A slightly larger and more popular village than Marpissa, located in the mountains but equally as beautiful. Come here to try some delicious food in the local tavernas.

This is one of the best things to do in Paros

Marpissa, Paros

Take the ferry to Antiparos for the day

Antiparos, is Paros’ cooler, younger sister. Come here to visit one of the best beaches on the island, Soros beach. Soros also happens to be home to one of the most popular beach clubs on the island with a vibrant beach scene. If you want something a little more chilled then I would suggest heading to Beach House. 

You can catch the ferry from Paros to Antiparos from Pounda port and the journey is approximately 7 minutes. Click here to view the timetable.

Try windsurfing at Golden Beach

One of the best things to do in Paros is head to one of the top-rated, blue-flag beaches. Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti Beach). Golden Beach is located on the east of the island and is a popular windsurfing spot, amongst other watersports like surfing and kayaking. If water sports are not your style, I would still recommend coming to this beach. Not only is it beautiful but there is an abundance of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy during your time at this beach.

Watch the sunset in Parikia

One of the best things to do in Paros is watch the sunset from the island capital of Parikia. Either grab a seat at one of the waterside restaurants on the main road for front row seats or head slightly further up to Alexandros Cafe where you can watch the sunset from a traditional Greek windmill that has been converted into this beautiful little cafe.

Parikia, Paros

Drink cocktails and Punda Beach Club

If you want a vibrant atmosphere, a stunning beach, good music and delicious cocktails then make sure to check out Punda beach club. This place has a bit of a party reputation, so if that’s not for you, I would skip this out and go straight to Parosporos beach (mentioned above).

Enjoy Wine Tasting at Moraitis Winery

Moraitis Winery is a great place to spend the afternoon if you have had enough of lying on the beach. Come here to explore the vineyards and enjoy tasting some local Greek wines.

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
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