10 Reasons to Visit Paros

Paros: Embracing the Heart of Aegean Bliss

Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Paros island stands as a testament to the allure of the Cyclades archipelago. With its captivating landscapes, vibrant villages, and a rich tapestry of history and culture, Paros beckons wanderers seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience. Here are compelling reasons why this island deserves a coveted spot on your travel itinerary.

1. Captivating Landscapes:

Paros, with its enchanting landscapes, presents a visual feast for nature lovers. Golden beaches with crystal-clear waters, rolling hills dotted with olive groves, and quaint villages with whitewashed buildings against a backdrop of azure skies create a mesmerizing tapestry that captivates the soul.

2. Whitewashed Charm of Parikia:

The island’s capital, Parikia, is a picturesque blend of tradition and modernity. Its narrow cobblestone streets, adorned with bougainvillea, wind through charming boutiques, vibrant tavernas, and historic landmarks like the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, offering an authentic Greek island experience.

3. Vibrant Naoussa:

Naoussa, nestled around a charming fishing harbor, is a vibrant gem of Paros. The lively waterfront, lined with colorful boats and seafood tavernas, transforms into a bustling hub as the sun sets. The town’s narrow alleys lead to hidden gems, creating an atmosphere that beckons exploration.

4. Exquisite Beaches:

Paros boasts some of the most exquisite beaches in the Aegean. From the famous Golden Beach for windsurfing enthusiasts to the tranquil Kolymbithres with its sculpted granite rocks, each beach offers a unique setting for relaxation, water sports, or simply soaking in the Mediterranean sun.

5. Rich History and Culture:

Steeped in history, Paros unveils its cultural treasures to those eager to explore. The Archaeological Museum of Paros showcases artifacts spanning millennia, while the traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa offer a glimpse into the island’s authentic charm and cultural heritage.

6. Warm Hospitality:

The people of Paros welcome visitors with genuine warmth and hospitality. Whether in a family-run taverna, a local market, or a cozy boutique, the island’s residents embrace guests as if they were long-lost friends, creating an atmosphere of friendliness that lingers in memory.

7. Culinary Delights:

Paros invites food enthusiasts on a culinary journey through the flavors of the Aegean. Freshly caught seafood, locally produced cheeses, and the island’s famous wine create a dining experience that is as diverse as it is delicious. Dining against the backdrop of a Parian sunset adds a touch of magic to every meal.

8. Quaint Villages and Hidden Treasures:

Venture beyond the well-trodden paths, and Paros reveals its hidden treasures. Explore the labyrinthine streets of Marpissa, discover traditional windmills in Prodromos, or hike through the scenic trails of Lefkes — each village is a charming enclave waiting to be uncovered.

9. Sailing Paradise:

For those with a penchant for maritime adventures, Paros offers a sailing paradise. The island’s strategic location in the Cyclades archipelago makes it an ideal hub for island hopping, discovering secluded coves, and experiencing the freedom of the open sea.

10. Timeless Aegean Sunsets:

As the day transforms into evening, Paros graces its visitors with timeless Aegean sunsets. Whether viewed from a seaside taverna, a hilltop vantage point, or the deck of a sailing boat, the hues of pink, orange, and gold paint the sky in a breathtaking spectacle that epitomizes the island’s romantic allure.

In every corner and facet, Paros unveils reasons to love it — a destination where natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality converge to create an experience that lingers in the heart long after departure.

 

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7 Reasons to Love Crete

There are infinite reasons to visit this paradise, but we’ll start with these!

Mediterranean Climate
Due to its privileged geographical position in the Mediterranean, Crete is characterized by mild climate, with rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The sunshine lasts almost the whole year while warm weather is enjoyed for nine months of the year from April to November and winter are just December to March. The hottest months are July and August but generally because of the sea breeze and the effect of the etesian winds, the summer is relatively cool and makes your stay at the island really pleasant!

 

Crystal Clear Water
Located between the southern side of Aegean Sea and the northern side of Libyan Sea, with a coastline of 1,046 m, Crete offers an amazing variety of beautiful beaches. Whether you’re into watersports, skinny dipping or good old-fashioned sunbathing, the island almost certainly has a stretch of sand to suit your tastes.

From west to east, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete:

Among the most exotic beaches are Balos, a wonderful place with crystal Caribbean-like water, Elafonissi on the westernmost sport of the island, as well as the sandy beach of Falassarna, all of which are located in Chania. In Rethymno, you will find the 9km long wide sandy beach of Georgioupolis, Plakias beach on the south coast which sits on a beautiful wide bay surrounded by mountains, the hidden tropical paradise of Preveli beach, and more. Do not miss Matala beach in Heraklio region, once known for its cave-dwelling hippy community, which is a very beautiful beach with unusual rock formation and plenty of history and Keratokambos beach, a wild remote beach, where you can escape and find the wind in your hair. If you are a windsurfing lover, Kouremenos beach, in Lassithi, is one of Crete’s top windsurfing spots, long sand-and-pebble beach. Vai Palm beach, a sandy paradise, is one of the most unusual beaches in Europe, home to picturesque and unique palm forest and crystal clear waters.

 

Nature
Apart from the gorgeous beaches, the island offers rocky summits, steep slopes, alpine zones, verdant mountains, dry lands, gurgling rivers, scenic ponds, Mediterranean woods, wetlands, fertile meadows, vineyards and olive groves. It hosts the largest number of gorges in Greece, numerous caves, and natural parks – natural sceneries ready to explore by foot, boat or car.

 

Activities
Crete offers a very wide range of options for experiences that will follow you forever, most of which are related to nature. There are hundreds of villages and other small towns which offer different activities. There are truly individual and unique places – any mood, any pace, any style or setting exists here. There are walks, climbs, drives and rides that take you across stunning plateaux, dramatic mountain and seascapes.

The activities include cycling, trekking  and climbing, off-road explorations, golf, diving, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking and more.

 

History
The Crete history is long and marked by many historical periods. The island has been inhabitted since Neolithic times  but for most people its history begins with the Minoan civilization.The island has many archeological sites of note which include Knossos, Phaistos, and Gortyn, all with significant architectural remains as compelling evidence of Crete’s long and varied history.

 

Culture
Crete has a people noted for and conspicuous in their hospitality and tradition of welcoming visitors. The traditions and culture offered in art, food and crafts play a large part in this picture. It combines European ways with the uniquely local. There is also a long and rich musical tradition with deep roots in antiquity, strongly influenced by the Byzantine music and enriched by the musical culture of the wider eastern Mediterranean.

 

Cretan Cuisine
If you’re a foodie, you will be in heaven in Crete, where ‘locavore’ is not a trend but a way of life. Rural taverns often produce their own meat, cheese, olive oil, raki – strong spirit made from grapes – and wine, and catch their own seafood. Follow a gourmet trail across the landscape and you’ll delight in distinctive herbs and greens gathered from each hillside, cheeses made fresh with unique village- or household-specific recipes, and honey flavored by mountain herbs. The Cretan diet is among the healthiest in the world. Pair your meal with excellent local wine, and cap it off with a fiery shot of raki.

 

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The 10 best beaches in Cyclades islands

Looking for the top destinations for sea, sun and sand in Cyclades islands?

Discover here the best 10 beaches in Cyclades islands:

Soros beach, in Antiparos

Popular beach hotspot!

Popular long sandy beach organized with sunbeds and umbrellas ideal for a group of friends or couples.  A beach bar restaurant is just above the beach for those who wish to spend their day in a chic and cool venue on listening to their favorite music and drinking signature cocktails.  There are also two taverns nearby inviting visitors for delicious local specialities.

Check out our luxury villas in Antiparos here.

 

Kalo Livadi, in Mykonos

Family fun!

One of the longest beaches of Mykonos, Kalo Livadi is a sandy, family –oriented beach, with straw umbrellas and sun-beds. Located between Elia and Kalafatis, Kalo Livadi is well-organized with many umbrellas and sundecks available for your comfort under the hot sun. Around the beach you will also find great tavern options.

Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos here.

 

Tsigrado beach, in Milos

Sandy paradise!

Sandy cove, found on the southern part of the island, is one of the most impressive beaches in Milos. This is a small beach with white soft sand and light blue waters. The sandy bay is surrounded by high rocky cliffs, which form more dramatic scenery.

Check out our luxury villas in Milos here.

 

Red Beach, in Santorini

Red beauty!

At the tail end of the road to Ancient Akrotiri, this beach earned its name from its reddish volcanic sand.  Many sunbeds and umbrellas cover the dark sand and right on the seashore are some nice pebbles. Travelers say the scenery is stunning, so be sure to bring a camera with you. Snorkeling is highly recommended due to the interesting rocks.

Check out our luxury villas in Santorini here.

 

Psarou beach, in Mykonos

Party paradise beach!

Famous throughout the Mediterranean as a favorite escape of VIPs and celebrities, it’s easy to see why. The stunning sandy shore is dotted with umbrellas and beach loungers while the cove hides calm, cool water for swimming.

Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos here.

 

Agios Prokopis, in Naxos

Awarded for its quality waters on both a Greek and international level, Agios Prokopis beach is truly magnificent.  Long beach with light colored  sand and bright turquoise waters, Agios Prokopis is the ideal place for relaxation, swimming and summer sports. The village of Agios Prokopios has many restaurants and local taverns.

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Small Santa Maria, in Paros

For diving lovers!

Crystal beauty!

Small sandy beach, organized with sun beds, umbrellas and a beach bar ideal for cocktails, fruit salads and snacks.  If you are a diving lover this beach is the ideal spot!

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Perivolos, in Santorini

Black beauty!

This beautiful beach of Santorini lies on the southern end of the island. The beach distinguishes for its sparkling azure blue waters and tranquil atmosphere. On the beachfront there are numerous taverns, pubs and restaurants serving fresh fish and local delicacies.

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Livadia, in Antiparos

Privacy please!

Livadia is an unorganized beach on the southern side of the island. It doesn’t get busy at all, so this is the perfect place place to enjoy some privacy. Here you can find calmness and peacefulness in this protected bay and you may enjoy a relaxing swim or sunbathe under the sizzling sun away from the crowds. The beach is also one of the best surf spots in Greece.

Visit our luxury villas in Antiparos here.

 

Agios Sostis, in Mykonos

Freedom!

Taking the road beyond Panormos beach and facing east onto the bay, Agios Sostis is one of the more remote beaches on the island. Agios Sostis beach is an unspoiled area without any kind of amenities, a characteristic that creates to visitors a feeling of total freedom.

Check out our luxury villas in Mykonos here.

 

 

Choose to stay in a Villa or a Hotel?

Top reasons to rent a holiday villa rather than stay in a hotel room

Top reasons to rent a holiday villa rather than stay in a hotel room

  • A luxury villa is more spacious and comfortable. Think about the difference between a tiny hotel room and an actual home with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living and dining areas, as well as outdoor areas including lounging areas, swimming pools, verandas and even private gyms or other facilities. It offers space to share and space to be yourself add up to a relaxing holiday.
  • Luxury, privacy and exclusivity! In your villa, you will swim in your own swimming pool, enjoy existing amenities and comforts, with your loved ones alone! Sleep at any time of day or night without being disturbed by other guests passing your hotel door. Enjoy the freedom to do what you want, whenever, wherever and however you want it!
  • When you have family or friends coming to visit you, it would be great to have them in a villa instead of a hotel. It is much easier for you to spend time together!
  • A luxury villa can even prove to be more value for money for family or group vacations, over multiple hotel suites. It is suitable and practical accommodation choice for families, friends, reunions, small parties, small conferences, destination weddings, and generally for any group of people who want to stay together during their holidays.
  • Apart from the above, a luxury villa comes with a dedicated team of experienced staff, housekeeping service at the time of your convenience or private chef services, to cater to your needs and make your holiday experience truly unforgettable.
  • Luxury villas are family friendly and young children can play safely. Most owners can provide cots, highchairs, safety gates, inflatable toys and more.