Everyone who knows me knows I’m more than a little bit in love with Greece. From buzzy Athens to chilled out Sifnos, I’m yet to find a Greek spot I don’t dream of returning to. Which is especially true of Paros. Slap bang in the middle of the Cyclades, it’s one of Greece’s better-known (although no less charming) islands, home to picturesque fishing villages, beautiful boutique hotels and – happily for me – a delicious dining scene.
When I first visited Paros a couple of years ago I stayed in Naousa, the island’s lively fishing village, where evenings were spent hopping from beachside tavernas to bustling rooftop bars. This time, I was headed to the quieter, west coast to check into one of the island’s most exciting new openings: Luura – a breathtakingly chic bolthole perched above the bay of Agia.
A quick stalk of their website did half my packing for me. The aesthetic is all sun-bleached stone, warm earthy tones and natural textures, so my colour palette was an easy decision. Then there’s the infinity pool disappearing into the Aegean, which meant plenty of swimwear and comfy cover ups for days spent poolside.
One of the things I love about Paros is how a laidback pool day can turn into an evening sipping cocktails at a beach bar or lingering over dinner in a harbour-side taverna quicker than you can say ‘tzatziki’. Packing outfits that would take me from day to night (while staying cool and comfortable) was key. With all that in mind, here’s everything I packed in my carry-on for three nights in Paros, from breezy beach essentials to easy evening outfits.
