It's official: the world's best island is in Europe and I visited this summer – it's stunning but has one big downside
ISLAND GEM It's official: the world's best island is in Europe and I visited this summer – it's stunning but has one big downside
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PAROS has been voted the world's best island, and it happened to be where I went on holiday this year.
It's got everything you want from a Greek destination with white and grey-lined pavements, chalky houses with blue window frames, all adorned with pink bougainvillea flowers hanging across from verandas - so I'm inclined to say it's a must-see.
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Paros has everything you'd expect from a Greek island - beautiful views and great food
Credit: Chloe Penwill
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Phoenix (left) and I took a trip to Paros and found some hidden gems
Credit: Chloe Penwill
Paros had never been on my radar up until this summer when it kept popping up on social media - and now it's been dubbed the 'best island in the world' by Travel + Leisure.
The island is known for having beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife.
Inspired by Instagram, I booked the tickets, confirmed an Airbnb, and was on my way.
The journey wasn't an easy one I'll admit, my friend, Phoenix and I flew to Athens before getting on a connecting ferry to Paros, which took five hours.
It was much cheaper than flying though, ferry trips to the island can be as little as €20 (£17.23).
But if you're in a rush, you can fly from the UK to Athens, then take a connecting flight to Paros which is just 45 minutes.
Of course, the island's major downside - how difficult it is to get there - is why it's also so wonderful, as it means that it has evaded the overtourism that has plagued some of the other pretty Greek islands.
I was staying in the second largest town on the island, Naoussa, but the ferry stops at the capital Parikia.
Parikia was chaotic, it's where you'll find the port and it's the hub of the island.
Phoenix and I were ushered into a taxi by a very friendly local who drove for 20 minutes across the island to Naoussa where we found paradise.
It was completely different to Parikia, the streets were quiet, there were incredible beaches and I could hear the chatter of stall owners at the local shops selling jewellery, linen dresses and souvenirs.
The unknown European island that is the -new Mykonos- but with cheap hotels and quiet beaches
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Monastiri Beach Club was my favourite stop - we were there all day
Credit: Chloe Penwill
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Water activities are popular, like boat parties and snorkelling
Credit: Chloe Penwill
But unlike other places I've visited, the locals were friendly, didn't push me to buy anything and instead simply smiled.
As I said, my trip was Instagram-inspired so there were already some pre-planned stops on holiday.
The first was to Monastiri Beach, and beach club.
It's one of those places that you'd only end up at if you know about it beforehand as it's tucked away on the north of the island.
We took a water taxi across the bay to the club and got two return tickets for €13 (£11.20) - the taxi is regular, going back and forth every hour.
Deciding to spend our day there, we rented out two sunbeds which were more like memory foam mattresses and a sun umbrella for €60 (£51.20).
It was lively with a DJ and tasty cocktails available to order from the bar.
Monastiri Beach was by far my favourite; apart from the club, it was remote with shallow and warm waters that were literally turquoise.
Something I found about the island was that it remained quiet until 1am.
We often booked to have dinner between eight and nine o'clock and it would still be peaceful with the bars not filling up until the early hours of the morning.
That's when I discovered another Instagram hotspot on the island was called Barbarossa.
It's a famous cocktail and seafood bar having served celebrities, members of royal families, and it has become a hit on social media because of its white cloth waving parties.
I wouldn't say cocktails were cheap, but they weren't too expensive either, the average I spent on a drink was €17 (£14.65).
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Seafood risotto was a popular dish in Paros
Credit: Chloe Penwill
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Luaz was a popular dinner spot and right on the beach
Credit: Chloe Penwill
The food on the island was delicious, particularly the seafood - there were lots of sushi and fish risottos.
Some of our favourites were Almond, Tsachpinis-Ouzeri ton Nautikon and Fotis All Day Bar.
Luaz was especially popular as you get to eat dinner right on the water's edge which is particularly impressive during golden hour.
As for activities, being an island, the boat tours and parties were a big hit and of course, we had to hop onboard one.
We joined Captain Ben's Cruise which took us around the island, it stopped five times for us to dive into the water.
On the way we stopped by the Blue Lagoon and a sea cave as well as Despotiko Island where we lazed about on Livadi Beach.
The tickets were €110 (£94.77) each, that included the tour as well as breakfast, lunch, snacks, ice cream, and five alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise.
My favourite part was when everyone dived into the water and had Prosecco in the water which bobbed around on an inflatable table.
One thing I loved about the island is that it has everything you want out of a holiday.
Whether that's a quiet spot on a sandy beach to relax, head off on a wild boat party, or eat authentic Greek food on a candlelit table.
I'm so happy that Paros has been recognised for its beauty and everything it has to offer, but I'll be sad that it will no longer be the quiet gem I discovered.
And here is another small Greek island with 70 beaches that experts say you should visit before it gets too popular.
Plus, the four Greek islands you can easily hop between in one holiday – for as little as £6.
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