OK! travel
discover sun-kissed beaches and a laid-back vibe at a family friendly resort near picture-perfect paleros
why Go?
After what feels like a lifetime in lockdown, the concept of a holiday where the children are kept amused from dawn to dusk is very appealing. Well, the newly refurbished Mark Warner Paleros Beach Resort on the west coast of mainland Greece most definitely delivers. Sandwiched between the turquoise Ionian sea and rugged mountains swathed in olive groves, it’s situated a 30-minute stroll from the sleepy town of Paleros. Here, quaint Greek tavernas line the waterfront, while the child-friendly, open-air lounge bar Senso Mare just up the hill hits the spot for a family dinner and sundowner. The unspoiled coastline offers visitors a snapshot of traditional Greek life with some impressive ancient treasures, such as Kechropoula Castle and the archaeological site of Sterna, thrown in for good measure. Who said history was boring?
why stay here?
The low-rise resort, which underwent a top-to-toe refurbishment in 2019, has an idyllic seafront setting nestled in a sheltered bay. There’s a village vibe to the clusters of pretty terracotta-roofed buildings scattered among the lush, flower-filled gardens. There are 130 rooms (with family options), which all have a balcony or terrace, while a palm tree-shaded main pool takes centre stage. There’s also two smaller pools (one for adults and one for kids), plus a wide range of all-inclusive water and land sports, which British-run Mark Warner is renowned for. It’s easy to see why children love it, with well-run kids’ clubs, tennis, sailing lessons and more. If you stay on a half-board basis, breakfast and dinner at the main restaurant are included. Guests can also enjoy leisurely lunches at the beachfront Taverna Avli.
Must-do activities?
The hotel’s sandy bay provides safe conditions for water sports including sailing, windsurfing and kayaking lessons. Socialising with fellow guests is encouraged thanks to regatta races, quiz nights and tipsy tennis matches! OK! experienced a three-hour kayak safari to Cleopatra Beach where we sipped a refreshing mojito at the beach bar. Another highlight was the sunset stand up paddle boarding trip to Paleros to watch the sun sink behind the mountains. For an adrenaline rush, we signed up for a water-skiing lesson. Our instructor soon had us skimming across the waves like a pro! Landlubbers can partake in exercise classes, from early morning yoga to circuit training and dance classes. Or book a pampering spa treatment. Our heavenly one-hour Elemis Ocean Wrap, where we were ensconced in seaweed and essential oils and treated to a head and scalp massage, was so relaxing we dozed off.
what can you do nearby?
Hop aboard a boat trip from Paleros harbour to Lefkada island, where you’ll find spectacular beaches. One of the most dramatic is Porto Katsiki, a sandy stretch backed by limestone cliffs and accessed by steep steps. Look out for dolphins and sea turtles as you go, as well as the private island of Skorpios where Aristotle Onassis and his wife Jackie Kennedy Onassis lived. Take a guided mountain bike tour to visit St Demetrios monastery – it’s home to an 11th-century church built into the rock face. For sea views, it’s an easy cycle from the hotel along the scenic coastal path to Paleros.