Iro

For many people, Paros is the most authentic of the Cyclades. One of the larger islands, it has something for everyone, young or old, party-goers or culture-seekers, bourgeois or bohemian. Amongst its many attractions are buzzing little towns, myriad beaches, world-famous windsurfing conditions, gourmet restaurants, sleepy traditional villages with waterfront fish tavernas, religious, cultural and historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Thanks to the relatively limited distances involved - the island measures less than 25km from north to south - it is easy to explore in full in a week or two, no matter where you're staying. Its mountainous hinterland, with peaks rising up to around 700m, is dotted with the occasional monastery and crisscrossed by old mule tracks. Down on the coast, meanwhile, there is an array of beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic coves, and a day or two spent on a boat exploring these is heartily recommended.

In terms of towns and villages, sleepy Marpissa, buzzing Parikia (the capital and main port), and dreamy Lefkes are just a, 20-, a 25-, and a 30-minute drive from Iro. The first is a white-washed beauty that appears unchanged for centuries. It’s a pleasure to amble round its narrow streets, while a walk up to the monastery of St Anthony on the hill above offers spectacular views of the island. The second is a vibrant little town gathered around a semi-enclosed bay that woos visitors with its sandy beaches, its many bars and tavernas, its archaeological museum, and its impressive Byzantine Church. The third is great for walkers, thanks to a beautiful 4km-long Byzantine trail that leads over a hill to Prodromos village on the other side. Also nearby is the harbour village of Piso Livadi (popular for its fish restaurants) and, on the south coast, Aliki, which has a yachting marina and port for day cruises to Antiparos and other neighbouring islands.

In the north of the island is the picturesque village Naousa, whose little harbour, web of narrow streets flanked by shops and tavernas, and Venetian castle make it a pleasure to spend time in. Just across the bay from Naousa is idyllic Kolimpithres beach, renowned for its transparent waters and fascinating rock formations, while for those with an interest in history, a visit to the Mycenaean Acropolis is called for. Sitting atop a rocky scarp high above Kolimpithres, it was built way back in the 13th century BCE and offers not only insights into Paros's long history but also stunning views. It’s quite a walk to get up there, so you may wish to tackle it in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s not so hot.

Paros's most northerly tip, the Monastiri peninsula is also close by. A protected park covering some 80 hectares of rocky, element-sculpted hills, hidden sandy beaches, walking trails, and undisturbed flora and fauna, it’s a great day out for nature lovers and hikers with the added bonus of an end-of-excursion swim in the sea.

Cultural tours are readily available on Paros, so not matter whether you wish to learn about Parikia's old town centre, the ancient marble quarries, or the unique island of Despotiko, you'll be able to delve into the island's history with ease. Children are well catered for too, and a trip to the butterfly nature reserve just north of the airport is good fun.

If all that wasn't enough, Paros's little sister, Antiparos, is just a 10-minute ferry ride across the water from nearby Pounta, making a little island hopping eminently possible.