Paralio Astros Hotel Reviews

Paralio Astos is perhaps not the prettiest resort you'll ever see, but then maybe we've been spoilt by some of the picture postcard places we've been to! A very Greek small town with a working harbour and a castle on the hill, it is pretty around the harbour area but a little less so further along the sea front at "new" Paralio Astros. However, if you like Greece, the Greeks and the Greek way of life, PA will reward you with the experience of a true Greek resort for Greeks. Busy at the weekends and during mid July - August with Greek holiday-makers from Athens and around, it is much quieter at other times. Take the time to chat to the locals, learn a few words of Greek, and you're welcomed as a friend (as everywhere in Greece). PA is also a great centre for seeing the Peloponnese. Hire a car from Costa at Astros Car Hire, and an array of attractions comes within reach. We visited Napflion (beautiful) Epidavros (impressive) Mycenae (must see for the views and walls) Monemvasia (3hr drive but worth it!) Sparta (modern but nice, with an olive museum!) Trypi (near Mistras, which we've been to before so didn't go this time but you should for the paintings in the churches, Trypi is a great lunch stop). We also drove to Tolo to catch a boat trip to Hydra and Spetses, which was well worth it. Beautiful islands - we've promised ourselves we'll stay on spectacular Hydra sometime. The local town beach is shingle near the harbour and sandy further along. We were happy with both and preferred them to the sandy beach on the other side of the headland. Sunbeds are charged at €3 each near the harbour but free further along if you buy a frappe or something. Our favourite section was near the La Luna garden taverna, where a small caravan served refreshments. Food and drink - you have a big choice of cafe-bars and tavernas plus a couple of Gyro/Souvlaki "fast-food" places. All the food is good and a lot of authentic Greek dishes are available. The Mouragio is worth a visit if you're starving as the portions are enormous, To Batsis on the main street has a small garden out back and a limited but delicious menu (the stuffed vine leaves, rabbit stifado and lamb chops were excellent) but our favourite was Rembetiko on the main street with a seating area beside the street and more tables by the beach. Fantastic food in an old traditional ouzeri/taverna served by the lovely Andrea and her friend Sabina. We wanted to kidnap the chef!! A great resort for confirmed Grecophiles