WHERE I WAS: PAROS, GREECE
Not slick like Santorini but more festive than Sikinos, Paros is the sensational and sensible sibling within the family of the Aegean’s Cyclades Islands.
As multi-faceted as its topography, the craggy yet fertile island manages to feel both untouched by development and sophisticated in its offerings.
In one afternoon, I walked Maprissa's winding cobblestone streets past whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea, then devoured an orzo with saffron sauce in Naoussa that would have made a Roman proud, got a kite surfing lesson from an instructor transplanted from Ireland in Pounta and then ordered a stylish ice latte in a Brooklyn-esque coffee house in Lefkes. I loved how Paros always felt both global and local.
[scmBannerSlider-33885]
Regular, non-stop flights from Athens from airlines Olympic Air and SKY Express will get you to Paros in 45 minutes or take the 40-minute ferry from Mykonos, depending on where you are flying from. We rented a private hilltop house for our family, complete with epic views of the sea and a glorious lap pool from wonderful The Sophisticated Traveler.
This agency provided an indispensable on the ground concierge named Darya, who helped us arrange meal reservations, had our rental cars waiting for us in our driveway and even helped with that crucial shopping run so the refrigerator was full of delicious staples (including amazing local honey) when we walked through the door. Darya even helped us send a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a thank you to a friend who hosted us for dinner at her home nearby the night before.
Frankly, we never wanted to leave, but we were always glad when we did tear ourselves away and explore Paros’ many charming towns and secluded beaches.
[scmBannerSlider-33888]Town not to Miss: Lefkes
I zoomed in quickly to this hilltop village following a shopping trip. I didn’t expect to experience a town brimming with enchanting churches from the 15th century, magical blue doors, and mazes of tiny cobblestone streets too narrow, thankfully, to fit any car. So I returned the next day and made time for lunch at Aranto which offered views as delicious as its mango salad.
Beach not to miss: Paros Kalogeros
Within walking distance from Molos on the eastern side of the island, this local beach is bordered by rocks on the north part that consist of clay. Slather yourself with it, let it dry and then jump in the crystal waters. Your velvety skin post swim rivals any spa treatment!
