voted best island in europe 2018 (travel + leisure magazine), paros is known throughout the world for its divine white marble. today, its 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.
apantima is a newly completed residence set within the gently undulating landscape of northern paros, where open views extend across the aegean and the coastline around naousa remains close at hand. occupying a 4,500 sqm plot, the property combines contemporary cycladic architecture with natural stone construction, creating a residence that feels both connected to its surroundings and firmly rooted in the character of the island.
the architecture is arranged as a low horizontal composition that follows the contours of the land, allowing nearly every principal room to face the sea. stone-clad volumes alter nate with whitewashed surfaces and deep openings, while the overall scale remains intentionally restrained within the landscape. the relationship between the house and its setting is central to the design, with broad terraces extending naturally from the interior and uninterrupted sightlines towards the horizon.
the main living spaces are organised around light, proportion and openness. large glazed openings frame the surrounding landscape and create a strong visual connection between the interior spaces and the terraces beyond. a palette of pale stone, natural timber and soft neutral tones contributes to a calm and cohesive atmosphere throughout the house. the layout encourages a natural flow between the living, dining and kitchen areas, while maintaining clear views towards the sea from every principal space.
three en-suite bedrooms are positioned within the main residence, each continuing the same architectural language and connection to the landscape. the rooms are defined by simplicity and generous proportions, with large openings that capture views across the surrounding countryside and the aegean beyond. natural materials and carefully considered detailing create interiors that feel quiet, balanced and closely connected to the setting outside.
a separate guest house provides an additional layer of privacy while remaining fully integrated into the overall composition of the property. designed as an independent extension of the residence, it contains its own living and sleeping accommodation while maintaining the same material palette and architectural character as the main house.
outdoor spaces form an integral part of the property, with expansive terraces arranged around the swimming pool and positioned to take full advantage of the views and orientation. shaded and open areas are distributed across the site, allowing the house to respond comfortably to changing conditions throughout the day. the landscaping remains understated, preserving the openness of the plot and ensuring that the sea and surrounding landscape remain the dominant visual elements.
despite its peaceful setting, apantima is located just a ten-minute walk from skalakia beach and approximately ten minutes by car from naousa. this balance between privacy and accessibility allows the property to feel connected to the everyday rhythm of the island while maintaining a strong sense of retreat. as the light softens across the hillside in the late afternoon, the house settles quietly into the landscape from which it takes its character.
