When it comes to postcard-pretty Greek Islands, Paros ticks all the boxes – white-washed cubist villages, blue-domed churches, waterfront seafood tavernas and countless golden-sand coves. All that’s missing are the crowds, who flock instead to nearby Santorini and Mykonos – Paros’s glitzier cousins.
They’re missing a trick: Paros is the underrated gem of the Cyclades. And with a clutch of chic new hotels emerging on the island, including the latest stylish bolthole from Santikos Collection, the 30-room property ‘Méros,’ which will sit in a prime position in Naousa, with mesmerizing sea views.
Famed for its snow-white marble since ancient times (Parian marble was used to create masterpieces such as the iconic Venus de Milo statue), the island of Paros is now better known for its laidback charm and pristine beaches, with the breezy bays of the south-east coast drawing kite and windsurfers.
The buzzy port town of Parikia, dominated by a traditional white windmill, has long been a popular stopover for island-hoppers, with ferries pausing there en route to other Greek Islands. In-the-know visitors, however, head to Naousa, a ridiculously picturesque fishing village that’s considered to be one of the prettiest spots in the Cyclades.
Slender cobbled alleys burst with clouds of bougainvillea, while the harbour brims with traditional fishing boats (there’s still a sizeable working fleet here). Chi-chi boutiques line the whitewashed lanes, while the waterfront is a hub of lively al fresco bars and restaurants.
There’s also a thriving foodie scene, from Ragoussis, the island’s iconic family-run bakery, to Sigi Ikthios with its stellar seafood and dreamy setting.
Paros itself is ideally sized for exploring, with all the island’s sights within easy reach by car.
There are dreamy beaches galore, with windsurfers flocking to spots such as Golden Beach and Santa Maria for consistent winds and sparkling waves. Then there’s Kolymbithres with its lunar-like rock formations, Faragas with its icing-sugar soft sands washed by translucent seas and Monastiri, known for its emerald waters and sophisticated scene.
Heading inland, perfectly preserved medieval villages dot the pine-cloaked hills.
Magical Lefkes is well worth a visit, with its brilliant white Cycladic architecture punctuated by blue doors, paintbox-bright flowerpots and timeless squares filled with coffee-drinking residents. Then there are the tiny, fortified villages of Prodromos and Marpissa, blissfully quiet even during high season.
A short ferry ride (just seven minutes) from Paros takes travellers to its sleepier sibling, Antiparos. Beloved by camera-shy celebrities such as Tom Hanks and Matthew McConaughey, it makes a fun daytrip. And for a touch of Hollywood glamour, head to Monastiri Beach Club, where expert mixologists will deliver cocktails to your sun lounger.
With direct flights and ferries connecting Paros with Athens, getting to the island is simple.
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.