Forget Santorini. For a truly Greek holiday, check into a private villa on Paros
A short flight from Athens, the island – which has great wine and beautiful beaches – is fortunately still off the tourist radar
What is it? Set in 2.5 hectares of rolling olive groves, Villa Jasmine is a privately owned property that lords it over a beach on Paros’ less trammelled southern coast.
Where is Paros? A short flight from Athens, the island was once known as “the poor man’s Mykonos” because its central location amid the Greek Cyclades ensured nearly everyone, from ancient philosophers to modern backpackers, stopped over to refuel or change craft en route to their actual destination. As other islands grew more famous, this one, with pristine beaches, an age-old wine industry and characteristic, stone-paved villages, stayed locked in the past and relatively undeveloped. Although it has now been “discovered”, Paros remains less touristy than the likes of Santorini.
Tell me more about Villa Jasmine.A symphony of classic Greek white, with various outdoor courtyards and spaces, the property has five en-suite bedrooms, one of which is set on the second level, with panoramic windows that open on to the sea.
Like a portal to the Aegean, a pool beckons at the back while a courtyard to the front is a venue looking for a party. The commercial-style kitchen will delight gourmands, who may want to cook themselves, but, if I were you, I’d request Stella: a restaurant owner who delights villa guests with local dishes and teaches them a recipe or two, serves island wine and offers temptation in the form of Paros’ best produce.