Paros in Greece is among the most popular islands in the Cyclades that are postcard-worthy and heavenly substantial, to say the least. Some of the oldest European civilizations have been embraced in this part of the world, bridging culture and history and bringing food, music and architecture with it. Paros has dozens of crystalline beaches awarded the blue flag under the Blue Flags of Europe Program, providing visitors with options for swimming and water sports activities. Although the locals consider the mainland peninsula the 'real Greece', Paros still has pockets of places around the island almost untouched by tourism and is easily reached if you go island hopping from Athens.

Paros is considered to be among the most typical islands of the Cyclades and is famous for its traditional architecture, lovely beaches and nightlife. Parikia, Lefkes and Naoussa are the three primary villages not to be overlooked, where the most popular shops and activities are heavenly concentrated. Embodying the Aegean archipelago, these three villages are foolproof examples of Cycladic architecture, serenaded with whitewashed buildings, paved streets and blue-domed churches.

Parikia, although rather small, is the capital of Paros. Expect to find sheer beauty in the impressive neoclassical mansions, helter-skelter streets leading to private homes, and the golden sand beaches of Martselo, Krios and Livadia. A beautifully preserved 13th-century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the centre of the village, giving visitors an amazing view of Parikia and the sea. You must take your time out to see the 6th-century church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani and the Parikía Byzantine Museum housed on the church's ground floor. Its exhibits include icons, wood-carved walls of icons and religious paintings and religious relics gathered from around the island.

You can find locally sourced products on display at Paros Antiques by Patricia on Marinopoulos Street for shopping antiques. Think traditional ornaments, revamped furnishings, embroidered pillowcases and the like from owner Yvonne's selection. She is proudly happy to explain the history of such objects as she has a rotating collection she handpicks items that she loves from around the island. If you are a sucker for ceramics, Yria Studios has been handcrafting ceramic production on the island for over twenty-five years. Here you will find utilitarian earthenware pottery not normally found on the Greek islands. Ada Kamara is a beautiful boutique by Greek designer Ada Kamara that sells her kaftans, silk dresses and endless summer wear.

If you plan to visit other areas of the island, we recommend the beaches on the southeastern side, such as Golden Beach and New Golden Beach. These are particularly popular for windsurfing but also have pockets of small spaces reserved for sunbathers. Additionally, if you want to venture out a bit further, we recommend you hop on a ferry and visit Antiparos for an attractive day trip. It is all about heavenly food, crystalline-water beaches and the relaxing atmosphere.

If you are looking for an authentic island feel with close proximity to some of the finest beaches in Paros, Minois Village Hotel Suites & Spa is the ultimate epitome of a real escape.

Spot dozens of white churches on just about every street in the old towns

Fisherman at Naoussa shore as he untied his fishnets all the morning

Postcards

Postcards from Kraków

Postcards from Menorca

Postcards from Dubrovnik

Postcards from Marrakech

Postcards from Paros