Greece is an immensely popular holiday location and it’s easy to see why – delicious food, jaw dropping beaches with crystal clear water and a rich cultural history to explore. However, not everyone wants to join masses of other tourists on their holidays, and being on one of Greece’s more popular islands means you may have to battle with other people to see what you want to see.
That’s why it’s so important to look into the lesser-travelled islands, which often have just as much to offer but with a far lower price tag, and far fewer people. Places like Santorini and Mykonos are famous – but the island of Paros is just as beautiful and has just as much to offer.
It has incredible scenic hikes for people who want a more active holiday, but for those who just want to chill, Paros also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
One of its most famous is Kolympethres Beach, known for its unusual rock formations. These smooth granite boulders have been worn down by erosion over centuries and frame the warm Mediterranean sea, providing the perfect sunbathing spot.
Little fish dart through the sea, and it’s easy to while away the hours dipping in and out of the ocean.
Paros also has no shortage of quintessentially Grecian streets – think white washed buildings with bright blue details and trailing pink bouganvillea. The streets of Paros are also packed with bars, cafes and boutique shops that will leave you wishing you had packed a bigger suitcase.
Paros is accessible by ferry from many of the other Greek islands, and once you’re on the island, you can hire a car, moped or even an ATV to zip around and enjoy as much of this hidden paradise as possible.
You can also fly direct from London to Paros, and the drive from the airport takes approximately 34 minutes.