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.
set within the sought-after area of makria myti in southern paros, felicita occupies nearly 9,800 sqm (105,486 sq.ft.) of landscaped grounds overlooking the aegean sea. positioned a short distance from two sandy beaches, the estate has been carefully arranged to follow the character of the surrounding landscape, with natural stone, native planting and sheltered outdoor spaces creating a strong sense of privacy while maintaining an open relationship with the coastline.
the architecture is composed of low stone-built volumes that sit comfortably within the terrain, connected by courtyards, terraces and shaded walkways. rather than presenting itself as a single dominant structure, the property unfolds gradually across the site, allowing the landscape, sea views and changing light to shape the experience of moving through the estate. throughout the day, sunlight filters through pergolas and across pale stone surfaces, creating a calm and understated atmosphere.
the main residence is organised around an open-plan living and dining space facing the sea. broad glazed openings connect the interior directly with the surrounding terraces, allowing the views and natural light to become an integral part of the living spaces. the interiors follow a restrained palette of natural materials and soft textures, with carefully proportioned rooms that emphasise comfort, simplicity and connection to the outdoors. the kitchen occupies a central position within the house, linking the principal living areas with a sheltered courtyard designed to provide protection from the prevailing summer winds.
two guest bedrooms are positioned on the main level, each with direct access to private outdoor spaces. above, the upper floor is reserved for the principal suite, which occupies the most elevated position within the residence and captures uninterrupted views across the sea and neighbouring islands. private terraces extend the accommodation outdoors, creating a series of secluded spaces oriented towards the horizon and the evening light.
separate from the main residence, the guest house has been designed as a self-contained extension of the estate. its layout provides independence and privacy while maintaining visual and architectural continuity with the principal house. together with an additional guest room, the accommodation totals seven en suite bedrooms distributed across the property.
outdoor living forms a natural continuation of the architecture. the swimming pool is positioned to face the sea, with generous terraces surrounding it and landscaped gardens softening the transition between the built environment and the wider site. a pool house anchors this part of the estate, creating an additional living area integrated into the outdoor setting and connected to a series of shaded spaces arranged for dining and relaxation.
the scale of the grounds allows the property to retain a rare sense of privacy while remaining closely connected to the coastline and nearby beaches. as the afternoon light moves across the stone façades and terraces, the focus shifts naturally towards the open sea, with uninterrupted views extending across the aegean towards the neighbouring cycladic islands.