Is Paros the new Mykonos?

Paros is swiftly becoming a celebrity bolthole, taking over from its neighbour Mykonos as the summer destination of choice for sophisticates. Swanky hotels and international bastions of gastronomy have migrated to Paros. But despite its new-found attention, Paros seems to have retained its authenticity, and kept true to its character and customs. Long-term resident Elena Panayides explains why Paros’ appeal is timeless.

How would you describe the vibe or mood of your island?

Ethereal and ever-changing, as slow or as fast as you’d like it to be.

Describe your perfect day in Paros.

A leisurely breakfast of Parian wholewheat bread with sesame, local farm fresh eggs, and a cold cafe latte with almond milk at Pandora’s Box villa, followed by a beach day at Krios secluded beach, which has the divine, gourmet seafood restaurant Arodo hovering above the crystal-clear sea. A sunset stroll in Naoussa, meandering through the whitewashed alleyways that hide a multitude of boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Dinner at the always brilliant Marios tavern for entertaining owner Marios Tsachpinis’ elegant and creative twist on traditional seafood dishes, followed by a nightcap at...

Best spot for a sunset cocktail?

Sommaripa Consolato - it’s hard to say and remember the name but easy to remember the artisanal cocktails and fun you’ll have there.

Your favourite beach or swimming spot? I love the tranquility of Lolantonis and Ayia

role of Maria Callas in an Athenian theatrical production. Paros is like Monica in that she’s stunning, curvaceous, vivacious, multi-faceted, mysterious, a little older and definitely a lot wiser.

1. Where to shop (clothes, home décor, design)

At the newly opened ‘Casa di Alma’ named after her rescue dog Alma, run by the effervescent Rania Choueiri, a celebrated fashion designer from Lebanon for unique and sexy clothing, homeware, hats, scarves, jewellery designs and a whole lot more in a bright and colourful shop next to Ekatontapiliani church in Paroikia old town.

2. A fun fact only insiders are privy to...

Lageri beach for the bold, brave and nudist.

3. A local specialty you absolutely have to try:

Irene beaches, with its swaying palm trees and sandy coves. For more of a vibe and a scene there’s Mikri Santa Maria and Ambelas. Finally, for those Instagram worthy moments, Kolymbithres with its otherworldly granite rock formations, created millions of years ago, is a must.

Where should we go for an always fabulous dining experience?

For a one-of-a-kind, truly authentic mageireuta meals there’s nothing that compares to Charoula’s tavern in Marpissa. Her family serve the always busy tables under the shade of an oak tree, and the exact dining scene is captured in a colourful wall-painting from many years ago. The must-have dishes are: marathopita with honey, meatballs, fava, pastitsio, horta and the ‘village’ lamb sausage.

Tell us one absolutely unmissable experience for first-time visitors …

Taking a leisurely morning hike along the magnificent, thousand year-old Byzantine Road, trod on by pirates and priests, that starts in the gorgeous village of Lefkes and takes you to the small, fortified Cycladic settlement of Prodromos. Parts of the route are covered in the same Parian marble that the Venus de Milo was carved from.

If your island was a celebrity or other famous person, who would it be?

Great question! Monica Bellucci who has expressed her love for Paros by visiting the island a multitude of times as prepares for the

There are several: The revithada – baked chickpeas in a clay pot and lamb chops at Anna and Giorgos Taverna and the chocolate cake – sokolatina at Nikitas bakery, both in Marpissa. The Rodi tou Nisiou rose wine and the Parian all-star cheeses: krasotyri, gruyere and kefalotyri.

4. For zen moments and sweaty workouts

Ohm shanti yourself to bliss at Yoga Shala Paros and Tao’s yoga and meditation centre. For the equestrian highs head to the Paros Horse Riding Center – Thanasis Farm on the Naousa-Ambelas Road and if deep blue is more you, the Paros Diving Center on Golden Beach offers all levels of scubadiving as well as snorkeling, windsurfing, SUP, wakeboarding and waterskiing.

5. For insta envy, go to:

Kolymbithres beach for the lunar landscape Leukes for the oh so traditional Greek island village Aliki for the tiny fishing boats scattered in the water next to you as you dine on the catch of the day Parilio for minimalist, holistic design envy and gourmet dining

Getting there:

When travelling with your own car the best option is certainly the high-speed ferry from Piraeus, which takes approximately 3.5hrs. If renting a car on Paros, then I’d definitely recommend the daily 30min flights on Aegean or Sky Express from Athens International Airport.