Last night was one of the most stimulating evenings that we have had in a long time.
I have written before about the extensive art community on Paros; the organised members are called IPAC (International Paros Art Circle). They are hosting a discussion series loosely based around art appreciation. The first one was titled The Use of Art in Everyday Live but it quickly became What is Art.
The introductory presentation was given by Peter Seibt, an internationally known painter. I was amazed at how comprehensive his analysis was. I didn’t take notes so I can’t summarise other than to say art pervades every facet of our lives both as individuals and as groups or societies. My conclusion was that art would have a broader base, less elitist, if we used the phrase joy of beauty in place of the word art.
It was rather humorous that when we arrived a few minutes early the only people present were the hostess and one of her friends. We thought Oh, oh, this is going to be a small, intimate discussion group. But by the time we started by Greek time, many minutes late, the room was almost full and several people arrived after that. I would guess over 50 people—very good for any community event. There are two permanent art schools on the island and several of their students were there.
Next weeks discussion is on Ancient Art and Public Art followed by our leading medical doctor on the intriguing title Renoir and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Picture perfect painting with pizzazz on our Paros paradise–It is easy to get carried away with the joy of living on a Greek isle.
The air and light of Greece has attracted artists for a longer time than any other place known to mankind. It is a European country like no other. You can not turn a corner without seeing remnants of the ancient civilization.
“The feature which most distinguishes the Greek from any other Mediterranean landscape is its clear spirituality.” by Manolis Hadjidakis
The history of the Cyclades predates even that of Athens with the added attraction to artists of crisp air and brilliant colors. Included in this group are dramatic Santorini and posh Mykonos. Paros is the hospitable island with just the right proportions of culture, people, shops and other activities and an over generous supply of fine beaches with warm water and charming tavernas.
Fishermen by Ron Johnson
The incomparable beauty of this enchanting island offers painters a symphony of blues and golds to inspire their work. Today there is a strong and vibrant artist’s community on the island. Many are Greeks but even more are of other nationalities. Some are world renown, most are content to live and work in such a conducive environment that they care not for the lure of marketing to a larger population. Many tutors from the US and the UK bring their classes here to stretch their students to a new level of expression.
The potential painting locations are endless. Here are but a few examples.
A favorite restaurant in Lefkes by Ron Johnson
Lefkes is a village favored by the artistic minded (right brain). It is physically impossible to contort yourself to not see a painting, photo or pleasant view.
Piso Livadi equals equals beach = boats = active fishing pier = mountain with monastery — oh yes, and the sea.
Aliki is a small, very calm and peaceful village yet full of Cycladic architecture.
Naoussa, the in place with a colorful touristy façade, is both quaint and active. Painters find it difficult to choose from the incredible variety of images.
Everywhere and anywhere through out the island workshop students are encouraged to find their own creative voice and develop their personal visual language to both communicate and be fed by the beauty that they see.
Generally there is a specific agenda filling each day but structured to facilitate and enhance each participant’s individual experience. Days are a combination of painting and leisure time; evenings provide a mix of socialising with fellow artists and free time.
Paros hoteliers are well experienced in providing trouble-free accommodations that automatically induce relaxation. Accommodations have the plain Cycladic architecture that you see everywhere and offer the same clean private bathrooms and balconies that you find elsewhere. The difference is provided by hosts who have traveled through-out the world and settled on Paros to specialise in creating an environment that allows artists to enhance their own art.
In summary our Greek isle life style is a work of art in which you are invited to share.
Ancient Greece is fascinating to all ages; we delight in either the real Sparta 300 warriors, the mythical gods and goddesses or the philosopher Socrates. Plus we learn so much about our current culture by understanding the basics, the roots, of our western civilization. For any subject whether art, literature, democracy, medicine; it had its early development in Greece.
So why not justify a Greek island odyssey by calling it an educational field trip*.
Sure, if you have a family their eyes will roll at such an idea. Until the teenagers see a video of the wild beach bars; the pre-teens hear about sailing and windsurfing; the younger ones learn about endless sandy beaches and warm sea water. The shoppers will roll their eyes in delight at the streets full of boutiques in every quaint town. In Greece all of these come with an aura of antiquity.
Yes, you can experience ancient history by visiting three thousand year old ruins just a stone’s throw from your beach umbrellas and iced drinks.
Mainland:
Of course most trips to Greece start at Athens, its capital city. I consider it a crime against humanity to visit there without seeing the Parthenon on the Acropolis. It is mind boggling to learn the sophisticated concepts that the architect worked into this masterpiece. Beyond Athens it is easy to journey to Delphi, Corinth and Olympia. These are the homes of the ancient oracle, a hand dug canal and the original home of the Olympics. Each of these major sites has ruins of ancient structures along with some reconstruction and explanatory exhibits in English and other languages. The modern towns nearby have many choices of accommodations and restaurants as well as other attractions to fill your leisure time.
2022 Update: New Golf course: a short drive from ancient sites. Costa Navarino
ancient Lissos, Crete
Islands:
Then it is on to the Greek islands where the idea of “something for everyone” really comes into its own. Mykonos is famous for its glitzy nightlife and anything goes nude beaches, but it is also the jumping off place for the formerly sacred island of Delos, the birth place of the gods Apollo and Artemis. Santorini is the island where probably 80% of the beautiful photos of Greece are taken. Yet only a small portion of its cruise ship hordes visit Akroteri. This is a town buried in volcano ash that is much older than Pompei—very educational.
Paros:
Between these two tourist meccas is the ferry hub of Paros. Its combination of a true Greek experience and many sandy beaches make it a favourite of experienced island hoppers. Your relaxing days will be filled with activities, either at a family water park or trying the extreme sport of kite boarding. Keep in mind that you will need plentiful exercise due to the countless restaurants and traditional tavernas serving up authentic Mediterranean cuisine. You won’t want to forget to visit some antiquities while there. The island’s location made it hub of ancient civilization as well. There are structures from the Minoan and Mycenaean periods that are many centuries older than Athens.
Recent travelers to Greece are not affected by the turmoil of the country’s financial crisis or politics. In the regional towns and islands the recovery is well on its way. The local Greek people are making genuine efforts to be sure visitors have their “best holiday ever”. This is the year to learn about the birth place of western civilization while enjoying the best Greek food you have ever tasted—made from local ingredients and savored in the cool sea breezes.
*For college and university level look Here and Here
Confused or curious about terminology and descriptions used in ads? Here are some tips and guidelines to chose the best accommodation for yourself, your partner, your family, or your group?
First a few definitions. These are from Greece but apply many places, I believe. Room: standard hotel size. I don’t recommend for more than two nights stay. Studio: room with kitchenette — with emphasis on the ette, as in itty bitty. Usually very minimally equipped; the advantage is having a refrigerator for cold drinks. However, if you want to cook a meal ask your host for the correct utensils; they can usually round them up from other units. Apartment: studio with separate bedroom — not necessary more spacious. Some apartments will have a small kitchen. Villa: Apartment with more rooms — may be part of complex or free standing. Should have full kitchen. Many people ask for a villa close to town centre but this is rare as economics dictate smaller spaces when close in.
By the way ignore descriptions that say the like of “500 meters to the beach”. Landlords nearly always lie; as it was explained to me: “No one would come if we said it was farther away.” Also consider the cost of transport when comparing locations. A nice apartment within an easy walk of public transportation may be more relaxing than a villa that requires driving everywhere.
The main advantage of hiring a villa is that for families and groups you get more space and lower cost per person. A large, well furnished house for six persons will nearly always cost less than a full service hotel per week. Of course, it depends upon your travel style whether you want or need the maid service and front desk that a hotel provides.
Be sure you understand the floor plan of the apartment or villa. Automated listings sites call any room with a day bed or hide-abed sofa a bedroom. Also many units have an archway separating rooms not doors.
One of the many changes that the internet has brought to travel planning is the ability to browse and see photos of the millions of choices available. A good place to start is our collection of private villa rentals on Paros. We also can recommend low cost rooms and studios right on the beach in Parikia, Naoussa and Aliki. Start HERE
For any other place in the world one of the better internet sites is ClickStay.
Finally, feel free to Contact us with any specific questions about Greece accommodations. Cheers.
Yoga is popular here because the island ambiance is already attuned to relaxation and harmony. You may have heard of the famous Parian marble used in most of the finest ancient statues. I maintain that its existence means we are sitting on one huge crystal with all its healing and psychic benefits.
Attention Yoga Instructors:
We offer the opportunity to conduct your own yoga retreat on Paros without worry about studio space, accommodation, meals and transport. We handle all details to your custom specifications. Our experience with workshops and retreats allows you to focus on presenting yoga under ideal circumstances.
Contact us with your preferred month for a preliminary quote.
Attention Yoga Students:
Pass along the above info to your favorite instructor or we can arrange your personalised retreat package of yoga combined with other island activities, accommodation and transport. Our instructor has lived on Paros many years and has had extensive training in the instruction of yoga-for beginners and advanced. Economical packages start at five days from 550 Euro, double occupancy. We give you the best of the Greek islands and Paros atmosphere–local olive oil and vegetables included!
Activity holiday on a Greek island:
We at Paros Hospitality can prepare a personalised package for you combining yoga with pilates, walking, cycling, cooking–anything listed on our Activities page — all levels of accommodation from standard rooms to luxury villas. Plus optional art & antiquities tour
