The under-the-radar Greek Island that’s poised to top 2026’s travel wishlist
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Prepare to fall for enchanting Paros, where Santikos Collection’s latest opening is set to make waves next summer
December 2025/…When it comes to postcard-pretty Greek Islands, Paros ticks all the boxes – white-washed cubist villages, blue-domed churches, waterfront seafood tavernas and countless golden-sand coves. All that’s missing are the crowds, who flock instead to nearby Santorini and Mykonos – Paros’s glitzier cousins. They’re missing a trick: Paros is the underrated gem of the Cyclades. And with a clutch of chic new hotels emerging on the island, including the latest stylish bolthole from Santikos Collection, there’s never been a better time to visit.
Due to open its doors end June 2026, the 26-room property, Méros, will sit in a prime position in Naousa, offering mesmerising sea views. Part of the family-run Santikos Collection, the hotel will debut with fully refurbished interiors and outdoor areas (including pool).
Set against the luminous backdrop of Paros, the island’s newest hideaway reimagines Cycladic design with a quietly confident modern lens. The property leans into the language of the Aegean, whitewashed contours, hand-cut stone, generous arcs of light, yet resists the expected clichés. Instead, it favours a palette of chalky neutrals and sun-warmed textures. There’s a sense of studied restraint: minimalism softened by natural materials, sculptural details that never overpower and an overall aesthetic that invites the eye to rest.
What emerges is a hotel shaped by mood - interiors drift into open-air lounges; shadows move slowly across lime-plastered walls; and the boundary between indoors and outdoors becomes almost irrelevant. Rather than imposing itself on its surroundings, the property sits effortlessly within them.
Famed for its snow-white marble since ancient times (Parian marble was used to create masterpieces such as the iconic Venus de Milo statue), the island of Paros is now better known for its laidback charm and pristine beaches, with the breezy bays of the south-east coast drawing kite and windsurfers. The buzzy port town of Parikia, dominated by a traditional white windmill, has long been a popular stopover for island-hoppers, with ferries pausing here en route to other Greek Islands. In-the-know visitors, however, head to Naousa, a ridiculously picturesque fishing village that’s considered to be one of the prettiest spots in the Cyclades. Slender cobbled alleys burst with clouds of bougainvillea, while the harbour brims with traditional fishing boats (there’s still a sizeable working fleet here). Browse the chi-chi boutiques lining the whitewashed lanes, then pick your way down to the waterfront, a hub of lively al fresco bars and restaurants. There’s a thriving foodie scene here, from Ragoussis, the island’s iconic family-run bakery, to Sigi Ikthios with its stellar seafood and dreamy setting.
Paros itself is ideally sized for exploring, with all the island’s sights within easy reach by car. There are dreamy beaches galore, with windsurfers flocking to spots such as Golden Beach and Santa Maria for consistent winds and sparkling waves. Then there’s Kolymbithres with its lunar-like rock formations, Faragas with its icing-sugar soft sands washed by translucent seas and Monastiri, known for its emerald waters and sophisticated scene. Head inland and you’ll find a different side to the island, with perfectly preserved medieval villages dotted among the pine-cloaked hills. Magical Lefkes is well worth a visit, with its brilliant white Cycladic architecture punctuated by blue doors, paintbox-bright flowerpots and timeless squares filled with coffee-drinking residents. Then there are the tiny, fortified villages of Prodromos and Marpissa, blissfully quiet even during high season. A short ferry ride (just seven minutes) from Paros takes you to its sleepier sibling, Antiparos. Beloved by camera-shy celebrities such as Tom Hanks and Matthew McConaughey, it makes a fun daytrip. For a touch of Hollywood glamour head to Monastiri Beach Club, where expert mixologists will deliver cocktails to your sun lounger.
Nightly rates will range from €220 to €400 per night on a B&B basis.
With direct flights and ferries connecting Paros with Athens, getting to the island is simple. For further information please visit www.santikoscollection.com
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