… and God created Paradise in Skiathos

When God created the Sporades islands - scattered like a broken necklace across the aquamarine Aegean Sea - he reserved a special part of Skiathos.

High above the sea, where the dark green pines meet the broom, wild flowers and olive trees, the land flattens out. Katsarou it is called. The panoramic views across the small, green islands towards Skopelos in one direction and the Greek mainland in the other are breathtaking. Some would call it paradise here and now. Vaios Ikonomou certainly thought so, when he built a hotel on this site and called it the Paradise. On a hot, summer day, as you walk through the main entrance or stroll on the terrace, it’s easy to see that the name is just perfect.

The Paradise Hotel, in traditional white with burnt orange roof tiles, hugs the contours of the hill sweeping up from the quiet road. There are 46 rooms, all with exceptional views. Most are over the sea, some over the pine clad valley which sweeps inland. You can even walk down the road, past the olive groves, to Vasilias Beach or a little further into bustling Skiathos Town, 3.5 kilometers from the hotel. Or if that is too energetic, take the free hotel minibus, six times a day.

Hotel Paradise is a 3 star superior hotel, with all the facilities you would expect, and run with personal care by the family. Staff speak English, German and of course Greek. The comfortable, fully furnished rooms, have shower/wc, hair dryer, telephone, TV, music, air conditioning in July and August and a balcony with sea or pine valley views. The indoor bar serves international drinks, as well as Greek drinks such as ouzo and retsina. Late at night, the bar area is the hotel focal point, as guests - some renewing friendships made over the years at the hotel - relax after “ another hard day “ in Paradise!

The comfortable reception area is a cool oasis if the day is too hot. It has a big screen TV. The terrace comes alive in the evening. Many guests have a pre dinner drink there, looking over the sea as fishing boats set out for their evening’s work. Dinner is served in a separate part of the terrace, or indoors in the restaurant. There is a set menu, or you may select from the various traditional Greek dishes.

The large swimming pool is kept scrupulously clean. The Greek sun ensures that it is always at a pleasant temperature. There is a small, shallow pool for young children. Around the pool area, are numerous sunbeds and umbrellas. There is a poolside bar, and snacks can be ordered there and brought to your side.