Island Idyll

The Greek Villas introduce L-J Andrew to two gems in the Cycladic crown, Paros and Antiparos

What catches your attention first in Paros, is it’s sublime coastline, laced with long sandy stretches, rocky outcrops and charming little coves. Villages and towns range from bustling centres with quaint, whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and a buzzing nightlife, to enchanting traditional villages where time seems to stand still.

With its natural beauty, a wide variety of things to do and excellent local gastronomy; Paros has a little of everything that you would expect from a Greek island – and more. The island gained a reputation in the ’80s as a quieter, more relaxed alternative to cosmopolitan Mykonos. Although now less quiet, it's managed to preserve its identity in a unique way, still offering a pleasingly varied experience for every type of visitor, but with an underlying laid-back feel.

Once the boho alternative to its cosmopolitan neighbour Paros, the tiny island of Antiparos has, over the past few years, become one of the best kept secrets of the rich and famous. And understandably so, with sophisticated bars, chic restaurants and uber-stylish boutiques seamlessly blending in with the established pretty shops and authentic tavernas.

Small, but perfectly formed, low-key, offering the perfect summer-vibe, yet cheerfully lively – this unassuming yet stunning island offers a hip interpretation of the traditional Cycladic style, and a truly lovely holiday experience, with a hint of the exclusive.

The slightly more touristy waterfront and main street give way to a winding maze of whitewashed alleys decorated beautifully by the stunning colours of the bougainvillea. The ambience is easy-going and intimate, the beaches are beautiful and unspoilt, and the shopping surprisingly good for an island of this size.

The island is ideal for those who value their privacy, an authentically Greek experience and beautiful unspoilt surroundings, but don’t want to give up on the comfort, luxury and convenience usually offered by an established destination. The island boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a fascinating cave with stalactites and stalagmites and three nearby uninhabited islets that are perfect for daily excursions.

Founded in 2010 by Vasilis and Anezina Pandi, The Greek Villas is a family-run business that draws on more than thirty years of leadership experience, delivering the ultimate luxury experience for travellers to these beautiful islands.

With a robust portfolio that ranges from charming beach villas to glamorous mansions in Greece’s dreamiest destinations, The Greek Villas pairs the luxury and comfort of a top hotel with the freedom of feeling at home. Each listing has been carefully inspected to make sure it complies with a rigorous list of requirements. From the quality of the linens and the firmness of the mattress, to the wi-fi signal and the sound system – no detail is too trivial.

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