Dessert for breakfast? Dessert before dinner? Dessert after dinner? Whatever your order of pleasure (I don’t judge) I’ve got something extra delicious in store for you on Paros Island. 

Greece is a master of their craft, and while modern-day dessert chefs are incorporating pastry types and combinations from all over the world, I know you came here because you want the good old, homemade Yiayia-type Greek traditional desserts that leave you drooling (and reaching for seconds). 

There is nothing quite like the OG (original gangster) delicacies of Greek cuisine, am I right? If you were hoping for the inside scoop on the best croissants, you might just be setting yourself up for disappointment. Although…. I may have the inside scoop on a patisserie born out of French techniques. It is magnifique *kisses lips*. 

There’s almost always a bakery on every corner in Greece (Europeans love their sweet treats) so I understand the confusion when choosing the Crème de la crème to bite your teeth into. However, with these 7 sweet escapes, you’ll be sampling some of the most delectable food in Paros. I’ve vetted the sweetest spots in Paros to satisfy your sugar cravings so you can focus on getting sun-kissed and swept away in the breeze.

Where To Eat In Paros Island

Paros has upped the ante when it comes to Gastronomy on the Island. There are some heavy hitters such as Siparos, Mario Restaurant, and Parostià, that elevate Traditional Greek Cuisine with influences from Asia, and the Middle East, and by using Contemporary techniques.

When it comes to Dessert (especially in the last couple of years) Paros has welcomed some newcomers which span from Contemporary Patisseries to a plethora of modern and experimental Greek Bakeries.

Roam around the Island long enough, and you’ll stumble upon gems you happened to overlook on your auto-pilot quest to the beach (when the sea calls, cue tunnel vision). The towns that will have everything you’re looking for are Naoussa, Parikia (Main Port), and Lefkes. Everything else is a bonus.

7 Of The Best Places In Paros For A Sugar Hit

If you’re anything like I am, you’re curating a list of the best dessert spots before even thinking of eating at the best restaurants in Paros. I like to work my way backward, never to be left disappointed after a hearty meal when the palette demands a sweet fix.

Paros is a melting pot for good food (and even better Greek Sweets). These 7 sweet escapes are nestled all over the island, so wherever (and whatever) your mission is for the day, make sure you’re well caffeinated and on a sugar high!

01. Loukoumades “To Paradosiako” – Naoussa

To Paradosiako is a small “hole in the wall” type of shop slinging out THE BEST Loukoumades in Naoussa. When you’re out getting lost in the cobblestoned labyrinth that is Paros Island, more often than not, the aroma of these freshly fried golden balls of sunshine will linger close by, guiding you back to their sweet embrace.

No day has ended (or started) without digging into a fresh batch of Loukoumades. The Line often speaks for itself, but these are the most sought-after Greek Traditional Desserts on the Island (and Greece). They’re light, fluffy, crispy, juicy *by juicy I mean the oozing of honey when you sink your teeth in* and are dressed in the toppings of your choice. If you only had 1 day in Paros, this must be your first stop!

The Icing On The Cake (Toppings) :

• Honey & Cinnamon (The traditional way)
• The Duo of Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate (Add crushed nuts)
• Plain Chocolate (Add a scoop of ice cream)
• Chocolate & Honey (Seriously though add some crushed nuts or biscuit)

This is some of the best food in Paros, and in Naoussa, to eat (that’s right, I called it food, not dessert). I’ll see you here every day, 9 pm sharp.

02. Nonna Crema – Naoussa

Think about Nonna Crema as the neighbourhood Granny, whipping up the creamiest Italian Gelato for you. Owned and operated by a lovely couple, this Gelateria produces ice cream made fresh on the day and from none other than fresh Parian cow’s milk. It cannot get much better than that. Take a pick from traditional Pistachio, and Stracciatella, or go for the fruity fresh sorbets of Mango and Limoncello.

Nonna Crema is not in the dead centre of Naoussa (which is refreshing), meaning there is plenty of room to linger around and lick your way through the flavours, as you please. I probably wouldn’t stop at 1 scoop (or even 2) I’d go for the triple stack. (But lick fast before the floor gets the first taste… and no it’s not because it’s happened to me before) *Cough*

Let this be your place of late-night indulgence as you cool down from your tour de Paros Island.

03. O Xilofournos – Paros

Do you remember when I mentioned coming to Greece and wanting to eat those, Greek Traditional Desserts that Yiayia (Grandmother in Greek) makes? Well, O Xilofournos is EXACTLY the spot. Homemade, and freshly baked, Greek sweets, bread, and pies. All that the heart desires and the mind dreams of.

Walking into Xilofournos is like walking into a lolly shop, it is a sight for the senses, and there are so many options of sweets to choose from (I was overwhelmed with joy). We’re talking Bougatsa (Greek breakfast pastry), homemade ice cream, Baklava, Kataifi, Greek Biscuits with Jam or Chocolate centres, and more… so much more.

My only wish is that we visited more (but you know what it’s like on holidays).

04. Meli cream – Lefkes

Μέλι cream is my go-to sugar fix in the town of Lefkes. It has an array of homemade Greek traditional desserts that are syrupy and moist. A sweet explosion hits your palette within the first seconds as you bite into these petite (or large) treats. The details are in the name, Meli (Honey in Greek) and cream, a yin and yang of honey-based desserts paired with the creaminess of homemade gelato.

I’m salivating for the Portokalopita (Πορτοκαλόπιτα – Greek Orange Cake) accompanied by a generous scoop of tasteful vanilla bean gelato. It is to die for. Other MUST try Greek sweets are Galaktoboureko (custard-filled phyllo), and Kataifi (Pastry spun to form a web-like/fine strand shell – this is also dairy-free here). The golden sweets from heaven.

Lefkes offers endless opportunities for exploration, from the charming streets to the smallest details. It can be exhausting so why not fuel it with sweet delights from Meli Cream and wash it down with a Greek Frappe or Greek coffee while you’re at it?

05. Keros – Healthy Products

Keros is for the health-focused traveler, who indulges every once in a while but prefers to be fuelled by raw and honest ingredients. Finding Vegan food in Paros or even Lactose-free options can be a real pain, trust me I know. Luckily for you (and me) cultures are adapting their cuisine to cater to those of us who are unfortunately (or willingly) unable to consume the very ingredients that give desserts their scrumptious (and decadent) quality of taste.
*That buttery, flaky texture is divine… (cries)*.

At this health-conscious shop, you’ll find handcrafted wellness treats and a selection of fantastic organic popcorn snacks (and more). They make incredibly smooth nut butter and delicious goodies that are all made exclusively from Parian ingredients or sourced locally in Greece. Everything is made with the purest ingredients and is as raw as possible, making it one of the best places in Paros to find high-quality condiments, sweet treats, and even skincare. It is a trove of wonders and demands your visit (health nut or not).

I don’t know about you, but I love trialing those honest-to-goodness products made with as few ingredients, and the smallest carbon footprint, as possible. Going back to basics with Keros is exciting, you’ll find some of your most trusted and valuable items here… trust me.

06. Tserki – Parikia

Tserki was one of those Greek bakeries we quite literally stumbled across on our conquests around Paros Island. And I am so glad we did. There was a crowd of people hanging about so we were intrigued. This is your more modern, and highly detailed interior, kind of bakery, atypical to the Greek bakeries you may be used to. That doesn’t however mean it is any less bloody delicious than its traditional counterparts. Your eyes are in for a feast, the pastries are carefully curated to take you on a journey so sweet you’ll be coming back for thirds.

Tserki specialises in delectable handmade desserts which focus on fresh and raw ingredients. And better yet, if you’re in need of a last-minute celebration cake, Tserki is your guy (or girl). The possibilities are endless thanks to this indulgent escape that power couple Petros and Violetta created for you.

07. Cannelait – Naoussa

I saved one of (if not) the best places in Paros, to indulge in your guilty pleasures, for last!

Cannelait (/kan.le/) tells a story of how sugar and milk come together to produce delicious and remarkable creations (their potential is limitless). The patisserie is a promising excellence of Greek and French pastry that is made from natural ingredients (free from artificial nasties and organic where possible), homemade cured citrus confits, spice blends, handmade beverages… the list goes on. You can be assured they’re serving you the best food in Paros. *I told you I’d deliver the Crème de la crème*

We walked to Cannelait from our hotel and being on Aussie (Australian) time, were the first ones there. I thought why not start the day with some yummy pastries, am I right? I wanted to have the best breakfast in Naoussa Paros. Like I said, dessert for breakfast or dessert for dinner, whichever the order, let your sugar cravings lead the way.

Cannelait’s interior design is organic and simple, where the dessert takes centre stage. It is the ideal setting for their delicate, though flavour-packed, sweets to do all the talking. We ordered the baked cheesecake (which was godly) and some traditional Greek Tahini Biscuits (bonus points for being vegan). I was munching away at the cookies indulgently for the remainder of our time in Paros, savouring every last sesame-filled bite.

The perfect pairing for your Greek pastries is coffee. Cannelait has undoubtedly some of the best coffee in Paros Island, they’re beans are from Handpickers Microroastery and have some standout single-origin coffee beans (this one is for the specialty coffee lovers out there) *raises my hand.*

Come one, come all, and support the newcomers on the block. You won’t be disappointed (and if you are… which you won’t be… I’ll shout you a coffee for giving it a go).

Reach A Sugar High With The Food In Paros

Have I convinced you that indulging in the delectable treats of Paros Island is a surefire way to satisfy your sugar cravings? You’ll be sampling Greek traditional desserts and local specialties, from some of the best places in Paros.

Paros offers a culinary adventure that will, have your taste buds tingling in delight. If you weren’t a dessert enthusiast before Paros Island, I’m sure you’ll leave as one. It’s time to reach new heights of sugary bliss.

Skip the restaurants and go straight for dessert, I say. Enjoy the sweet escape. I know I will…