voted best island in europe 2018 (travel + leisure magazine), paros is known throughout the world for its divine white marble. today, it’s quarries are quiet, but the same bright stone can be seen across this carefree destination, reflecting the warm greek sun throughout the year.
a medium sized island, paros is a pleasingly round shape, formed by a single mountain sloping gently down on all sides towards the sea. just a 3-4 hour ferry trip from athens, or a short 40 minute flight from the city to paros national airport, the island is well connected and centrally located within the aegean, making it the perfect choice for international visitors all year long.
peaceful throughout the winter, paros bursts into life during summer, with countless boutiques, cafes, artisan workshops and traditional shops opening their doors to visitors from the greek mainland and beyond. despite its role as a popular tourist destination, paros has managed to preserve its local spirit in a way some other islands have not. traditional houses are whitewashed with blue doors and window-frames, whilst larger buildings may have beautiful private gardens filled to the brim with fragrant orange trees and vibrant bougainvillea.
the first choice for the smart set is naousa, a typical cycladic settlement filled with cobbled streets and simple, white buildings. the tiny harbour is home to countless traditional tavernas and ouzeries, whilst the sight of fresh octopus hung up to dry on is a regular, ever-day occurrence. gastronomy lovers are spoiled for choice at this culinary hotspot of the aegean, with prestigious names including barbarossa, mario restaurant and le sud serving the freshest seafood all summer long. naousa also boasts a vivid nightlife scene, from elegant city clubs and award-winning bars to traditional kafeneions and laid-back cafes.
palmelia is set within nearly 9,800 sqm (105,486 sq.ft.) of land in the countryside just outside naoussa, occupying a gently elevated position with open views across the surrounding landscape towards the sea. the setting combines a strong sense of privacy with convenient access to the island’s most sought-after destinations, including naoussa’s harbour, beaches and waterfront restaurants, all within a short drive.
the architecture follows a traditional cycladic vocabulary, combining whitewashed volumes with natural stone elements and a material palette that sits comfortably within its surroundings. the residence has been designed as a series of interconnected spaces that engage naturally with the landscape, creating a sense of openness while maintaining shelter and privacy throughout the property.
the principal living areas are generous in scale and characterised by a restrained use of natural materials, including stone, marble and timber. large openings allow daylight to move gradually through the interiors, while the substantial construction helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere during the warmer months. the overall feeling is relaxed and informal, balancing traditional island architecture with the proportions and comfort expected of a contemporary residence.
the kitchen connects directly to the main living areas and adjoining terraces, creating a natural flow between interior and exterior spaces. throughout the house, the emphasis remains on texture, proportion and light, with carefully positioned openings framing views across the surrounding landscape and towards the coastline beyond.
accommodation comprises four bedrooms distributed between the main residence and a separate guest suite, allowing for privacy and flexibility of use. an additional room with an independent entrance may serve as further guest accommodation or staff quarters. several of the bedrooms extend directly to outdoor areas, reinforcing the connection between the house and its setting.
the outdoor spaces form an integral part of the property, with terraces and covered areas arranged around the residence to take advantage of the views and changing light throughout the day. the elevated position creates a strong visual connection with the wider landscape, while the scale of the grounds ensures a sense of separation from neighbouring properties.
the land surrounding the residence contributes significantly to its character, providing both privacy and a feeling of permanence that is increasingly uncommon close to naoussa. the combination of generous grounds, traditional architecture and a well-established setting gives the property a calm and enduring presence within this part of paros.
although secluded, palmelia remains closely connected to the island’s northern coastline and the year-round life of naoussa. as the afternoon light moves across the hills and towards the sea, the changing colours of the landscape become a defining feature of the setting, reinforcing the quiet relationship between the residence and its surroundings.
