Rinse the octopus under cold water and make sure it’s fully cleaned before starting.
Place it in a pot with the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt, and let it simmer gently until the flesh softens, usually about 45–60 minutes.
Pierce the thickest part with a knife; if it slides in easily, it’s ready.
Let the octopus rest for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle without tearing.
Slice the tentacles apart, keeping the pieces fairly large so they grill evenly.
Toss the pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, pepper, and a pinch of salt until coated.
Place the tentacles on a hot grill and cook them for a few minutes on each side until lightly charred.
Move them to a plate, squeeze lemon over the top, and finish with parsley.