Paros Island's Art and Design Scene Attracts International Creatives
According to ceramic artist Christiane Smit, who has resided on Paros for almost twenty years, the Cyclades island is becoming a hub for artists and designers. An increasing number of creatives are purchasing properties for permanent residence. The hospitality landscape is evolving with the introduction of boutique hotels such as Luura Cliff, established by Elie Khouri and Sophie Khoury, and Parīlio, which opened its doors in 2019 under the guidance of Antonis Eliopoulos and Kalia Konstantinidou. Architect Christina Seilern stresses the importance of honoring local architecture, while Stamos Hondrodimos points out the necessity of safeguarding Paros' cultural identity. The Khoury family is promoting local investment amid concerns over overtourism, and limited infrastructure may help preserve the island's character. This piece is featured in the June 2026 Travel Issue of Wallpaper*, authored by Sofia de la Cruz.
Key facts
- Paros is located between Naxos and Mykonos in the Cyclades.
- Ceramic artist Christiane Smit has lived on Paros for nearly two decades and runs Moonhouse guesthouse.
- A growing international community of artists and designers are buying houses on Paros to live and create year-round.
- Luura Cliff, a boutique hotel by Elie Khouri and Sophie Khoury, is set to debut on Paros, designed by Elastic Architects with interiors by Lambs and Lions.
- Empiria Group opened Parīlio on Paros in 2019, their first property outside Santorini.
- Architect Christina Seilern emphasizes that successful projects respect Cycladic vernacular architecture.
- Stamos Hondrodimos of Interior Design Laboratorium calls for conscious preservation of Paros' identity.
- The article is from the June 2026 Travel Issue of Wallpaper*, written by Travel Editor Sofia de la Cruz.
- Sofia de la Cruz won the Young Arts Journalist of the Year award in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Christiane Smit
- Elie Khouri
- Sophie Khoury
- Antonis Eliopoulos
- Kalia Konstantinidou
- Christina Seilern
- Stamos Hondrodimos
- Sofia de la Cruz
Institutions
- Moonhouse
- Luura
- Ennismore
- Morgans Originals
- Elastic Architects
- Lambs and Lions
- Empiria Group
- Parīlio
- Interior Design Laboratorium
- Wallpaper*
- Chartered Institute of Journalists
Locations
- Paros
- Cyclades
- Naxos
- Mykonos
- Greece
- Marathi
- Port of Parikia
- Naoussa
- Aliki
- Aegean
- Santorini
- Athens