Paros is the quintessential Greek island. This is, admittedly, a title claimed by all of The Cyclades, but Paros is no Santorini or Mykonos – and for those looking for authenticity and tranquillity, this is the place to come. It may have its fair share of sea view restaurants and small shops overflowing with woven baskets, but Paros is less populated and has much less of a party atmosphere than its neighbours. What it does have is a winning trio of pristine villages, small fishing ports and that palette of blues that only Greece can provide.
Paros is an instantly charming place, and it achieves this without effort or frills. Natural and understated, it gladly dispenses with the superfluous and allows you to bask in the array of architectural treasures within its shores, such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani – "the church of 100 doors" – an elegant all-stone structure that was erected in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 18th following an earthquake. Paros’ rich history is one of its many selling points, with the island already popular 3 millennia BC thanks to its much-coveted white marble.
Today, holidaymakers are concentrated in the tiny capital of Parikia, as well as in the island’s small fishing port, Naoussa. Here, they’ll find the Cycladic postcard they came for, with peacefully bobbing boats and that wonderful white and blue colour scheme; the fish restaurants set up their tables at the water's edge, the taverns enliven the streets and the sandy beaches provide ample opportunity to relax. Travel inland, however, and a completely different, desert-like landscape awaits you. In amongst it all lie extraordinary hotels which take advantage of this idyllic setting.
Here are our favourite hotels on the island of Paros
The establishments listed below are part of the MICHELIN Guide's selection of over 6,000 hotels. Each of them has been chosen by our experts for its style, service and unique personality – and each can be booked via the MICHELIN Guide website and app (iOS/Android).
Acron Villas, Kolympithres
Perched on a hill overlooking Kolympithres Beach, Acron Villas offers sweeping views across the bay to the fishing village of Naoussa, while remaining unobtrusive in the local landscape. The exterior is a mix of rough stone walls and whitewashed structures, typical of The Cyclades. Inside, it's a different story with décor that is both familiar – dominated by white and warm natural materials – and modern, with clean lines and subtle touches of luxury. The design here reveals their mastery of the visual language of contemporary boutique hotels.
Summer Senses Luxury Resort, Punda
Paros' east coast serves as the backdrop to the Summer Senses Luxury Resort, which boasts the idyllic décor typical of The Cyclades. Summer Senses is organised more like a small luxurious village than a standard hotel: a hundred rooms and suites are spread across a handful of low, terrace-lined buildings, which sit along a gentle hill.
Parīlio, Kolympithres
Parīlio isn't just an ultra-luxurious and sophisticated boutique hotel, but also a stunning piece of local architecture. In typical local style, it is a minimalist building of whitewashed stone with a soft, neutral palette that lengthens the landscape. The 33 suites are both modern and classic and, despite their simplicity, are warm and welcoming. Your stay is enhanced by a terrace equipped with deckchairs and, if you opt for the superior category, you can choose between a hot tub and a private swimming pool.
Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros, Naoussa
When planning a stay in a luxury hotel in the Greek islands, you know more or less what to expect: whitewashed walls, simple shapes and an endless view of the Aegean Sea. What makes Cosme so different is its truly high-end offerings. Located in the village of Naoussa on the north coast, it has 40 suites that showcase a tasteful and careful vision of luxury. The styling is modern and unforgettable, yet understated at the same time, so as not to distract from the unbeatable star of the show: that fabulous sea view.
Hero image: Peter Boccia on Unsplash
