Paros is a central Cycladic island celebrated for balancing traditional Greek charm with a burgeoning cosmopolitan, luxury atmosphere that has earned it comparisons to Mykonos in recent years. It is known for its exquisite Parian marble, vibrant nightlife, and diverse golden-sand beaches. I am happy we went there before it became the new Mykonos.
Paros
Lefkes
We fell in love with Lefkes, Paros’s former capital during the Middle Ages, strategically built inland to protect residents from pirate raids. Today, this tranquil mountain village offers a deeply traditional experience, with whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and access to the well-known Byzantine Road hiking trail.
Across the Greek islands, bougainvillea is used both for beauty and practicality. The plant thrives in dry, sunny conditions, making it well suited to the island climate. Its dense growth provides shade along walls, courtyards, and narrow lanes, helping cool homes during hot summers. Visually, the bright pinks, purples, and whites create contrast against whitewashed buildings and stone paths, giving villages a recognizable look. Over time, bougainvillea has become part of everyday island architecture, shaping how places are built, walked through, and remembered in Greece.
