New hotels are putting the Greek island of Paros on the map, finds Alice Barnes-Brown
Click here to download and save as a PDF
1. Kalogeros beach
Kalogeros beach on the island’s less-visited eastern coast is framed by a cluster of grey, green and red rock, where plentiful pockets of clay can be used for a full-body face mask.
Visitors can scoop up a clump, mix it with water, then spread it all over the body: simply let it dry in the Greek sun before scrubbing it off with salty, exfoliating seawater to get the softest skin imaginable.
2. Church of 100 Gates
The Panagia Ekatontapiliani (‘church of 100 gates’, though really, it has only 99) is just steps from Paros’s main port. The fourth-century building is one of the earliest Christian churches built.
The crypt is one of the most ancient parts, but more modern additions – including coloured glass windows, golden chandeliers and a fascinating museum – make it an educational diversion into the island’s past.
3. Byzantine Road
The island’s oldest walking route connects the phenomenally gorgeous Lefkes with the petite Prodromos. The thousand-year-old paved marble pathway runs for roughly two miles, taking about an hour to complete.
Fuel up with an iced Greek coffee and slice of portokalopita (orange cake) in Lefkes’ Café Marigo before setting out. Clients will find a glorious path over mountain ridges and through terraced terrain with awe-inspiring Aegean views as they totter slowly down to Prodromos.
4. Explore Naoussa
Fishermen’s houses that teeter at the waves’ edge, rattan chairs set out on quaysides and labyrinthine streets packed with bougie boutiques selling sought-after souvenirs: it’s easy to see why Naoussa is being hailed the ‘new Mykonos’.
Sipping smoothies in quiet cafes and watching the fishermen haul in their catch will fill the daytime hours, while the bars and clubs get going at midnight – and don’t close until dawn.
5. Stay at the Andronis Minois
White like the most dazzling Paros marble, Andronis Minois – set to open next month – will be the island’s latest new hotel opening and the first foray here for Greek hotelier Andronis.
The boutique outpost features 44 Mediterranean-inspired suites (some with private pools) and overlooks peaceful Parasporos beach. For a change from the yellow sands, swap two legs for four and explore the island’s interior on one of the hotel’s horse riding tours.
andronis.com
Book it
Elegant Resorts sells a seven-night stay at the Andronis Minois Paros from £2,930 per person, based on two sharing a Terra Suite Sea View. The price includes breakfast, flights departing on 11 June, transfers and UK lounge passes.
elegantresorts.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Aerial-motion, Kite_rin, Georgios Tsichlis, Maria Kosa
Read more
3 affordable destinations for wonderful weddings
What’s new in Greece and Cyprus for 2024?
Walking the Greek islands with Exodus
