Villa Leonidas

Villa Leonidas is located in the stunning setting of an exclusive six-villa enclave, on the south coast of Paros, one of the Cycladic islands, in the heart of the Greek Aegean Sea. The villas are built on the slope of an ancient olive grove, with panoramic sea views as far as the eye can see. The villas are near the beautifully named Petaloudes valley, which means Valley of the Butterflies, in the area known as Glisadia. The villa is only four kilometres from the international airport of Paros, and for those who are island hopping, it is just four kilometres from the port of Pounda. The villas are near lots of lovely sandy beaches with calm, easy entry, shallow waters, most notably the nearby secluded Paralia Agia Irini, and Kite Beach. Other recommended slightly further afield beaches include, Kolymbithres for its amazing rock formations, golden sands, and crystal clear waters, Faraggas and Monastiri especially on windy days, as they offer natural shelter, and the popular cosmopolitan Santa Maria, and Golden Beach.

Take time for a day trip to the town of Parikia, the historic capital of the island, on the west coast. Make sure you visit the fourth-century Byzantine Greek Orthodox gem of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and admire the marble screens and original icons. Walk up to the top of the town to see the Frankish castle with thick marble and rock walls, built by the Venetians in the thirteenth century. Here you will find a blue-domed church and sweeping scenic views. Visit the Archeological Museum, charting the cultural history of the island from antiquity to Ottoman times, and noted for its collection of statues. Amble down the cobbles streets, with its charming blue and white houses, and colourful overhanging bougainvillaea. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of souvenir shops selling hand-crafted artefacts, relax in a local ouzo bar, and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants. Hit the beaches, choose from Parikia’s laid-back white sandy beach, go slightly north to busy Lividia, or south to Delfini, set in a small cove. At the end of the day, find your spot and watch the famous sunsets, a glass of wine in hand.

Go further north to the holiday hot spot of Naousa, a picturesque fishing village, that has managed to retain its original rustic charm. Walk the maze of stone streets to discover tiny churches, admire the thirteenth-century icons in the Byzantine Museum, visit the Venetian castle, then find yourself a seafront taverna and dine off freshly caught fish. After dark Naousa is known for its nightlife, here you can dance till dawn. For those who want to get active Paros has thirty-eight hiking trails, nine running ones, and six road bike riding tours, take your pick. Go kitesurfing in Pounda, windsurfing at Golden Beach, and water skiing and wakeboarding at Naousa. Take a tour of one of the island’s many vineyards, sample the results of the harvest, and take home a bottle or two. Venture further afield with a day trip to the sister island of Antiparos, just across the water from the port of Pounda, for a fabulous laid back relaxing day seek out the beautiful beaches of Faneromeni, Agios Georgios, and Sifneikos Gialos

Read more about Paros

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.