Paros Island is part of the Cyclades complex in the Aegean Sea, standing out for its long blonde sandy beaches, the local cuisine and the strong winds, which invite surfers from all over the world. The islandcites the heart of the Cycladic Islands, with serene landscapes, fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches and monasteries.
The island was for decades a popular destination for Greek families and surfers, offering amazing natural beauty, a bohemian chic atmosphere and safety for children and teenagers. This season, the island has gained a lot of attention and is on the top of the list for most high-end guests from all over the world. The island is a turning page, appealing to a more diverse international and often demanding audience. The 5 main reasons, beyond the obvious new airport that started operations in 2016, are:
1. Increased popularity
Increased popularity results in a substantial rejuvenation of the accommodation offering which is appealing from middle to a higher end audience. Over the last two years, we noted major new constructions of luxury villas, boutique hotels and sea resorts. Almost all of them follow the Cycladic aesthetics and architecture, such as the white cubic volumes and local stones in harmony with the local landscape, while upgrading the amenities and the level of comfort, privacy and luxury.
2. Food
From fine dining to family style Greek restaurants, the island has a variety tempting to all tastes. In most restaurants you can find elevated menus with fish and seafood ingredients as the main elements, with fish delivered directly from the fishing boats in the harbor of Naoussa. For those looking for a break from seafood there is a selection of modern taverns serving the all time classic souvlaki and Gyros, while there are some new spots for vegetarians with menus following the traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
3. Home to surfers and kite surfers from all over the world
The beach of Pounda has been included in the Professional Kite board Riders Association and offers one of the best schools and clubs for kite surfing in the Mediterranean. A sandy beach with no obstacles and a shallow side is the ideal set for those looking the joy of an extreme sport in safety and amazing surroundings. With services to meet the needs from beginners to professional athletes, the natural weather conditions and wind status offer at least 3 to 4 months of thrills with the sports.
4. Discover secret trekking paths
The old paths that used until the previous century to connect the villages are now well documented trekking paths that provide adventurers a magnificent tour into the untouched island’s landscape, along with monuments and site not accessible by car.A few clubs now exist with professional guides to offer nature lovers and families a walking guide of the islands and its inner beauty. Some of the most popular routes are from Lefkes village to Marpissa and from Koukounaries to Naoussa.
5. The island offers historical and cultural sites
Guests can discover the main village called Parikia, which is the island’s capital and visit the famous church of Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s most important Byzantine monuments impressively preserved. Other popular sites are the Venetian Castle and the Archeological Museum with its exhibits from the ancient history of Paros and Antiparos.
Maria Nikolakaki is Managing Partner at Beyond Spaces Villas.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Maria Nikolakaki is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Beyond Spaces Villas. Beyond Spaces Villas is one of the leading luxury villa specialist in Greece, going beyond finding the perfect Greek Island luxury villa and design a sophisticated and branded villa experience seeped in luxury, exclusivity and bespoke service from start to finish. Prior to her involvement in the luxury hospitality Industry, she spend 20 years in the capital markets in various senior executive positions based in various countries. She has lived in London, New York and Moscow and has travelled extensively to almost 35 countries with a travel attitude of finding the non guides guides.
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7 Comments
Those trekking paths sound like fun Maria! I could get lost on these for hours, wandering around in the scrub. Each reason rocks though. I recall watching kite surfers for hours at a time from the beaches in Bali. Something peaceful and calming about it, right?
I must say I haven’t been on a Greek island yet, but this one sounds great, even more intriguing than Mykonos! (Not mentioning Santorini.. I’m somehow not so into going there). So thanks for the tip, noting Paros down on my never-ending list of places to visit! :)
Sounds like this Island has had quite a boost over recent times. It’s good that a little more popularity and investment can generate more competition and positive changes. The greater emphasis on luxury sounds good, I think tourists are increasingly expecting and hoping for more these days. Perfect choice for water sports there by the sound of it too while still appealing to those who want to just relax or learn something with the history and culture, or do some hiking. We went to Andros a few years back and enjoy the trails there so I’m tempted by Paros one day.
We have been to Paros four times last time went to Paros for ten nights and went to Nearby Santorini and Mykonos for two nights each and don’t forget Antiparos especially the Beach House. Naoussa and Kolymbitheres beach on Paros are wonderful.
The island was for decades a popular destination for Greek families and surfers, offering amazing natural beauty, a bohemian chic atmosphere and safety for children and teenagers. This season, the island has gained a lot of attention and is on the top of the list for most high-end guests from all over the world. The island is a turning page, appealing to a more diverse international and often demanding audience. The 5 main reasons, beyond the obvious new airport that started operations in 2016, are:
1. Increased popularity
Increased popularity results in a substantial rejuvenation of the accommodation offering which is appealing from middle to a higher end audience. Over the last two years, we noted major new constructions of luxury villas, boutique hotels and sea resorts. Almost all of them follow the Cycladic aesthetics and architecture, such as the white cubic volumes and local stones in harmony with the local landscape, while upgrading the amenities and the level of comfort, privacy and luxury.
The island was for decades a popular destination for Greek families and surfers, offering amazing natural beauty, a bohemian chic atmosphere and safety for children and teenagers. This season, the island has gained a lot of attention and is on the top of the list for most high-end guests from all over the world. The island is a turning page, appealing to a more diverse international and often demanding audience. The 5 main reasons, beyond the obvious new airport that started operations in 2016, are:
1. Increased popularity
Increased popularity results in a substantial rejuvenation of the accommodation offering which is appealing from middle to a higher end audience. Over the last two years, we noted major new constructions of luxury villas, boutique hotels and sea resorts. Almost all of them follow the Cycladic aesthetics and architecture, such as the white cubic volumes and local stones in harmony with the local landscape, while upgrading the amenities and the level of comfort, privacy and luxury.
2. Food
From fine dining to family style Greek restaurants, the island has a variety tempting to all tastes. In most restaurants you can find elevated menus with fish and seafood ingredients as the main elements, with fish delivered directly from the fishing boats in the harbor of Naoussa. For those looking for a break from seafood there is a selection of modern taverns serving the all time classic souvlaki and Gyros, while there are some new spots for vegetarians with menus following the traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
3. Home to surfers and kite surfers from all over the world
The beach of Pounda has been included in the Professional Kite board Riders Association and offers one of the best schools and clubs for kite surfing in the Mediterranean. A sandy beach with no obstacles and a shallow side is the ideal set for those looking the joy of an extreme sport in safety and amazing surroundings. With services to meet the needs from beginners to professional athletes, the natural weather conditions and wind status offer at least 3 to 4 months of thrills with the sports.
4. Discover secret trekking paths
The old paths that used until the previous century to connect the villages are now well documented trekking paths that provide adventurers a magnificent tour into the untouched island’s landscape, along with monuments and site not accessible by car.A few clubs now exist with professional guides to offer nature lovers and families a walking guide of the islands and its inner beauty. Some of the most popular routes are from Lefkes village to Marpissa and from Koukounaries to Naoussa.
5. The island offers historical and cultural sites
Guests can discover the main village called Parikia, which is the island’s capital and visit the famous church of Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s most important Byzantine monuments impressively preserved. Other popular sites are the Venetian Castle and the Archeological Museum with its exhibits from the ancient history of Paros and Antiparos.
Maria Nikolakaki is Managing Partner at Beyond Spaces Villas.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Those trekking paths sound like fun Maria! I could get lost on these for hours, wandering around in the scrub. Each reason rocks though. I recall watching kite surfers for hours at a time from the beaches in Bali. Something peaceful and calming about it, right?
Ryan
Indeed, Paros offers a variety of landscape, easy to relax and unwind.
Very insightful and a fabulous alternative to other more popular destinations :)
I must say I haven’t been on a Greek island yet, but this one sounds great, even more intriguing than Mykonos! (Not mentioning Santorini.. I’m somehow not so into going there). So thanks for the tip, noting Paros down on my never-ending list of places to visit! :)
Looks like this could be my next kite surfing destination.
Thanks for sharing!
Andy
Sounds like this Island has had quite a boost over recent times. It’s good that a little more popularity and investment can generate more competition and positive changes. The greater emphasis on luxury sounds good, I think tourists are increasingly expecting and hoping for more these days. Perfect choice for water sports there by the sound of it too while still appealing to those who want to just relax or learn something with the history and culture, or do some hiking. We went to Andros a few years back and enjoy the trails there so I’m tempted by Paros one day.
We have been to Paros four times last time went to Paros for ten nights and went to Nearby Santorini and Mykonos for two nights each and don’t forget Antiparos especially the Beach House. Naoussa and Kolymbitheres beach on Paros are wonderful.