Paros

We made landfall on Paros at Aliki. It's a large, fairly nondescript bay on the South side. It has good holding but not really any facilities. The tiny quay is choked up with local boats and the surroundings are full of permanent moorings. It made a good enough overnight stop ready to go on to the main port (Parikia) and then Naoussa bay.
We had a lovely calm Spinnaker run up to Parikia. We moored stern to on the outside wall of the harbour as all the lazy lines inside were taken (including one selfish devil who had taken two leaving a gap in the middle). It was OK for a shopping trip but we were expecting big winds at midnight so L did shopping and then we sailed most of the way to Naoussa.

We initially anchored in the hooked-around bay at the North West tip with several other boats. It was so shallow that we bumped our keel. The holding was OK but not great. Suddenly at about 3.00, everyone disappeared. We enjoyed our isolation at first but then began to wonder if they knew something we didn't. Re-checking, we decided the South West bay was a much better bet and sure-enough, there they all were and some other boats besides. It's a large bay with plenty of room and a strong mud bottom about 8-10M deep. Perfect!
At midnight the promised wind arrived and climbed up to 8 gusting 9! Seriously nasty. The anchor held though except for one tremendous gust when we moved 30 Meters. Fortunately, the gust went and we dug in again. It made us get the Fortress anchor ready to chuck in as a second anchor if it happened again. The blow lasted 48 hours and we just hunkered down.

Next day, we needed supplies so considered anchoring closer to the town but ended up deciding to go for a bit of luxury and went on the quay. We were so glad we did! Its a little gem - nicely built and maintained, good lazy lines and everything is free including water, electricity and mooring.
The town is charming with a small river with an actual clean running water and Geese. It has lots of alley ways, tavernas galore and an Italian ice cream shop to die for - and you will when you see the prices. The pretty little Venetian harbour is full of local boats and surrounded by tavernas, a church and is complete with a fort. Above the town is a large church with a beautiful peaceful cemetery beside it. There are plenty of supplies including an AB supermarket. L was in heaven!
The petrol station is out of the port, turn right and walk about 1Km along the road.

We were sorry to leave, but we needed to get down to Santorini to meet Anne and Tony.