You’ve seen the photos. Those whitewashed walls that look almost too bright against the Aegean blue, the kind of Cycladic architecture that makes you want to pack a linen shirt and never look back. But honestly, Paros is getting crowded. With the overflow from Mykonos and Santorini spilling into Naoussa, finding a spot that feels private without being isolated is a genuine challenge. That’s usually where Saint Andrea Seaside Resort enters the conversation.
It’s located on the north side of the island. Specifically, it sits right by Kolymbithres Beach, which is famous for those weird, smooth granite rock formations that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. If you’re looking for a massive, impersonal mega-resort with 500 rooms and loud poolside DJs, this isn't it. Thank god.
What People Get Wrong About Saint Andrea Seaside Resort
Most people assume "seaside" means you can step off your balcony and directly into the surf. At Saint Andrea Seaside Resort, it’s a bit different. You’re about 50 meters from the water, but the layout is designed more like a private estate or a small village. It overlooks the bay of Naoussa, giving you a view of the ruins of the Venetian Castle in the distance.
There's a common misconception that boutique hotels in Greece sacrifice amenities for style. I’ve stayed in places where the "gym" was a single rusty dumbbell in a basement. Saint Andrea doesn't do that. They’ve leaned into a four-star superior rating that actually feels like it. You get the marble floors and the high-end linens, but there’s a lack of pretension here that’s refreshing.
The resort consists of 56 rooms and suites. That’s the sweet spot. It’s large enough to have a proper staff-to-guest ratio but small enough that the bartenders will remember if you prefer your Ouzo with one ice cube or two by day three.
The Architecture and the "Vibe"
It’s built in a crescent shape around the lagoon-style pool. The architect, Antonis Skyllakos, clearly wanted to honor the traditional Parian style. Think stone-carved details and whitewashed surfaces, but with a slight French provincial twist in the furniture. It sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does.
The lighting at night is particularly well done. It isn't harsh. It’s subtle, highlighting the textures of the stone walls. You’ve probably noticed how some hotels feel "cold" because of all the white marble; here, they use warm textiles and wood accents to keep it from feeling like a hospital wing.
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Staying in Naoussa Without the Noise
If you’ve ever stayed in the heart of Naoussa, you know the struggle. It’s beautiful, sure. But the bass from the bars in the port can thrum through your pillow until 4:00 AM. Saint Andrea Seaside Resort is about 1.5 kilometers away from the center of Naoussa.
It’s a 5-minute drive or a decent walk. This distance is the "secret sauce" of the property. You get the silence of the countryside and the smell of wild thyme and oregano, but you can be at a high-end seafood restaurant in the port before your cocktail buzz wears off.
Exploring Kolymbithres and Beyond
Staying here and not visiting Kolymbithres Beach is basically a crime. Those rocks? They’ve been sculpted by the wind and sea for centuries. They create these tiny, private "swimming pools" in the ocean. It’s a short walk from the resort.
- The Rocks: Best visited at sunrise before the tour boats from Naoussa arrive.
- The Water: Crystal clear, shallow, and generally warmer than the open-sea beaches on the south side.
- The View: You can see the island of Agia Kali right across the bay.
The Food Situation: Beyond the Buffet
Hotel breakfasts in Greece are usually a highlight, and Saint Andrea Seaside Resort stays true to that. They focus on local Parian honey, graviera cheese, and olives that actually taste like they came from a tree, not a tin.
The poolside restaurant, Anastasia, handles the lunch and dinner rush. A lot of travelers make the mistake of eating every meal in the Naoussa port. Honestly? The prices in the port have skyrocketed lately. Having a solid Mediterranean kitchen on-site that doesn't overcharge for a simple Greek salad is a massive plus. They do a lot of fresh fish—whatever the local fishermen brought in that morning.
If you want to venture out but don't want the Naoussa crowds, head the other way toward the Monastery of St. John of Deti. There’s a ruggedness there that most tourists skip. The hiking trails around the Paros Park area are literally right in your backyard when you stay at Saint Andrea.
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The Logistics: What You Need to Know
Let’s talk brass tacks. Getting to Paros is easier than it used to be, but it still requires some planning. You have two main options:
- The Ferry: The Highspeed or Blue Star ferries from Piraeus (Athens). It takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. The resort can arrange a transfer from the Parikia port.
- The Flight: A 40-minute hop from Athens International. The Paros airport (PAS) is on the southern end of the island, about a 25-minute drive to the resort.
The resort offers free parking. This is a bigger deal than you think. Trying to park a rental car in Naoussa in July is a nightmare that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. If you stay at Saint Andrea, you leave the car there and use their shuttle or a quick taxi to get into town.
Rooms and Suites: Which One to Pick?
If you’re splurging, the Junior Suites have better views of the Aegean. But even the standard rooms are decent sized—around 25 to 30 square meters. They all have private balconies.
One thing to check is the bed configuration. Greek hotels love to push two twin beds together and call it a King. Saint Andrea usually provides proper doubles, but it’s always worth a quick email to confirm if you're picky about your sleep. The Wi-Fi is generally stable enough for a Zoom call, though if you’re coming to Paros to work, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Is it Worth the Price Point?
Price is subjective, but in the context of the Cyclades, Saint Andrea Seaside Resort sits in the "attainable luxury" bracket. You aren't paying the $1,500-a-night prices of Oia in Santorini, but you’re also not in a $60 backpacker hostel.
You’re paying for the peace. You’re paying for the fact that you can walk to one of the most unique beaches in the Mediterranean in under ten minutes. You’re paying for a staff that actually knows the island and won’t just point you to the most expensive tourist traps.
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Real Talk on Limitations
Nothing is perfect. If you don't have a car or an ATV, you might feel a little stranded. Yes, there’s a shuttle, and yes, taxis exist, but the freedom of having your own wheels on Paros is unmatched. Also, if you’re looking for a "party hotel," this isn't it. The vibe here is very much "reading a book by the pool with a glass of Assyrtiko," not "dancing on tables."
Your Parian Game Plan
If you decide to book, here is how to actually make the most of it. Don't just sit by the pool for four days.
First, spend your first morning at Kolymbithres. Go early—around 8:00 AM. The light hitting the granite rocks is incredible for photos, and you’ll have the water to yourself.
Second, take the small water taxi from the beach near the hotel over to Naoussa in the evening. It’s a few euros and way more fun than driving. You get to see the town light up from the water, which is the best way to experience the harbor.
Third, explore the "hidden" Paros. Use the resort as a base to drive to Lefkes, the mountain village. It’s only 15 minutes away. Walk the Byzantine Road—a 1,000-year-old marble-paved path. Then, when your legs are tired and you’re covered in dust, head back to Saint Andrea for a swim.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book Direct: Sometimes the resort offers perks like late check-out or breakfast upgrades if you book through their site rather than a major aggregator.
- Rent an ATV: Paros is windier than you think. An ATV or a small convertible is the best way to navigate the narrow roads leading to the resort.
- Check the Meltemi: If you’re visiting in August, be aware of the Meltemi winds. Saint Andrea’s location in the bay offers some protection, but it can still get breezy.
- Dinner Reservations: If you want to eat at the famous spots in Naoussa like Barbarossa, have the hotel concierge book it at least a week in advance.
The reality of Paros in 2026 is that it’s no longer a "hidden gem." It’s a world-class destination. Choosing a place like Saint Andrea Seaside Resort is about striking a balance. It gives you access to the high-energy lifestyle of the Greek islands while providing a very necessary escape hatch when the crowds get to be too much. You get the rocks, the sea, and the silence. Everything else is just a short drive away.