Villa Paria is located in the small village of Xyfara, just three kilometres from the vibrant town of Naousa and en route to the charming area of Santa Maria. Paros National Airport, situated twenty kilometres away, offers regular flights to and from Athens. For those arriving by ferry or island hopping, the nearest port is ten kilometres from the villa.
Xyfara boasts its own beach, ideal for a quiet swim or sunbathing.
Essential provisions can be found in local shops, while traditional tavernas serve authentic home-cooked dishes and ouzo. Just a short drive away, Naousa is a picturesque fishing village that retains its authentic Cycladic character. Wander through its maze of cobbled streets, explore tiny churches, visit the thirteenth-century icons of the Byzantine Museum, and admire the Venetian castle. Enjoy fresh seafood at a seafront taverna, especially the local sun-dried mackerel and experience the lively nightlife, where music and dancing continue until dawn.
Further afield, explore popular beaches such as Kolymbithres with its unique rock formations, the sheltered bays of Faraggas and Monastiri, and the cosmopolitan stretches of Santa Maria and Golden Beach. For a cultural excursion, visit Parikia, the island’s historic capital. Highlights include the fourth-century Byzantine church Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Frankish castle with sweeping views, and the Archaeological Museum. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with blue and white houses, browse artisan shops, and relax with a glass of wine at sunset.
Paros also offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, including thirty-eight hiking trails, cycling tours, and water sports such as kitesurfing in Pounda, windsurfing at Golden Beach, and wakeboarding in Naousa. Vineyard tours and tastings provide a flavour of the island’s produce, while day trips to nearby Antiparos promise tranquil beaches and a slower pace of life.
The Region
The third largest island in the Cyclades, Paros is rapidly becoming the ‘place to be’ for its charming villages, rich history, gorgeous beaches and incredible natural beauty.
Ferries from Athens, Santorini and Mykonos arrive into the island’s historic capital, Parikia, a vibrant town with hidden gems waiting to be discovered as you get lost within the warren of winding lanes. Soak up the authentic local ambience, dine out in fine restaurants and finish the day with a glass of island wine overlooking the Aegean as the sun sets. If flying to the island from Athens, the airport is in the south-west between Aliki and Parikia.
Heading north-east, be enchanted by Naoussa, a delightful fishing village with picture-perfect scenery across its bougainvillea-clad alleys with white-washed houses, Orthodox churches, little boutiques and taverna tables perched by the harbourside. Naoussa has also gained quite a reputation for its chic yet relaxed bar scene for those seeking a little island nightlife during their stay.
Visit some of the island’s beautiful beaches across this part of the coastline from Monastiri with its beach clubs and shallow waters to Kolymbithres and its impressive rock formations. The most adventurous will no doubt discover yet more sandy bays and hidden shores whilst watersport enthusiasts should venture to Pounda for kite-surfing (as well as ferries to Antiparos).
To experience the true character of the island, pass olive groves, citrus trees and pine forests to reach the traditional Greek village of Lefkes. There’s almost a timeless ambience across the village’s flower-filled lanes and it’s the most enchanting place to watch local life go by. Hike along the Byzantine trail for the more magnificent scenery.
Indeed, the island is a paradise for keen walkers, especially accompanied by spring’s wild flowers or autumnal colours across the hills. There is a network of around 35km of hiking trails as well as opportunities for horse-riding, cycling and other nature excursions – the Valley of the Butterflies is wonderful.
Meanwhile, an array of summer boat excursions will whisk you away for Aegean adventures, sunset cruises, fishing trips or island hopping with Antiparos, Naxos and even Mykonos all within easy reach by sea.
