From Instagram Dreams to Reality: Our Magical Paros Engagement Story

Discover the romantic story of how a simple Instagram photo led to the most magical proposal on Paros Island, Greece. From dreamy sunsets to perfect moments, this is our Greek island engagement story.

Table of Contents

• The Dream That Started It All: Finding Hotel Senia
• Arriving in Paros: When Dreams Meet Reality
• Exploring Paros: Hidden Beaches and Island Adventures
• A Change in Dining Plans: From Fancy Restaurants to 12-Euro Kebabs
• The Sailing Adventure That Wasn’t: When Plans Change
• The Perfect Proposal: July 18th by the Pool
• Planning Your Own Paros Proposal?
• What We’d Do Differently Next Time

The Dream That Started It All: Finding Hotel Senia

In 2012, I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw something that stopped me dead in my tracks. A sparkling pool, perfectly positioned to capture the most stunning sunset I’d ever seen. My heart skipped a beat.

This wasn’t just any pool - this was the pool where dreams come true.

The Instagram Photo That Changed Everything

The image that changed everything: A sparkling pool, perfectly positioned to capture the most stunning sunset I’d ever seen. I was completely mesmerized.

I soon discovered this magical place was the Hotel Senia, located on Paros Island, Greece. From that moment, I knew we had to go there.

Planning Our Greek Islands Adventure

I set about booking immediately, and this helped us decide our end point. We would start out galavanting across as many places as we could for the first two and a bit weeks, then spend the last couple of weeks relaxing on Greek Islands, finally heading home to Sydney from Athens. (You can read more about our round-the-world travel planning process here.)

Arriving in Paros: When Dreams Meet Reality

We arrived in Paros after a relaxing time in Santorini. By this point in our trip, I had given up hope on the perfect proposal moments I had dreamed of:

Missed Proposal Opportunities

• The Eiffel Tower - missed opportunity
• San Sebastian - no ring appeared
• Santorini sunset - beautiful, but no proposal

I had resigned myself to another year of girlfriend status (not implying anything bad about this, but I really badly wanted to be married before I hit 30). Little did I know, the best was yet to come…

Exploring Paros: Hidden Beaches and Island Adventures

We experienced the island with a little rental car, which gave us the freedom to explore every corner of Paros. Our days were filled with:

Our Paros Island Activities

• Beach club relaxation - perfect for unwinding after our busy travel schedule
• Island exploration - driving down small dirt roads (or perhaps driveways?) in search of hidden gems
• Beach hunting - trying to find that perfect, uninhabited beach

The Reality of Greek Island Beaches

The reality of Greek beaches: Clearly I hadn’t been to Greece before, as every “impossible to reach” beach we found had humans on it!

There was one beach with no people on it, but it also lacked sand. There were lots of stones and rocks, but it didn’t make for a very comfortable swimming location. Lesson learned: in Greece, if there’s a beach, there are people!

A Change in Dining Plans: From Fancy Restaurants to 12-Euro Kebabs

In Paros, at the end of our journey, we made a decision that would save us thousands: we decided to skip restaurant dinners.

After almost a month of endless date nights out, spending hideous amounts of money, I was over the whole eating out buzz (when we started the trip it was a real novelty - parents understand what I’m talking about!).

Why We Were Tired of Restaurant Dining

The restaurant routine I was tired of:

• Getting seated
• Getting a menu
• Pondering the menu
• Ordering
• Waiting
• Eating (always enjoyable!)
• Waiting for the bill

By the end of our trip, I was done with the daily two to three hour meal experience.

Our Budget-Friendly Dining Solution

Our new dining strategy: We got takeaway. Huge kebabs, chips and drinks. And they cost us 12 Euro. For both of us.

We did have a laugh, figuring we could’ve saved between 2 and 3 thousand if we just had takeaways like that every other night! Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best.

The Sailing Adventure That Wasn’t: When Plans Change

Both Rimaha and I had hoped to go sailing on a yacht. However, the booking agent in Paros mistook the words “sailing trip on a yacht” to mean “a boat tour.”

Making the Most of Our Boat Tour

We were a little disappointed, but we did see some amazing islands and spent a day in Mykonos.

The Silver Lining

Silver lining: Seeing as we arrived during their very strong Meltemi winds, we wouldn’t have been able to sail even if we had booked correctly. So it all worked out fine in the end!

The Perfect Proposal: July 18th by the Pool

One evening, July 18th, the day before we headed to Athens, we were sitting by the Hotel Senia pool. The setting was absolutely perfect:

The Perfect Proposal Setting

• A small table for just the two of us
• A fabulous view of the setting sun over the Aegean Sea
• My wonderful darling with his new guitar he bought in Spain

The Moment That Changed Everything

The moment I’ll never forget: He started singing and playing K-Ci & JoJo’s All My Life. I could tell he seemed a bit nervous, but I had no idea what was coming.

My heart was racing, but I thought he was just being romantic. Little did I know, my entire life was about to change in the next 30 seconds.

When the song finished, he put down the guitar, got down on one knee, and proposed.

The Perfect Surprise

I was completely blown away. I had waited the entire trip, hoping and wishing for a moment that felt as though it might never happen. And here it was, with only a few days until we were to return home. On an unsuspecting island in Greece.

It was the perfect proposal, even if it hadn’t been in my daydreams. That is probably what makes it even better - that I had given up on a fantasy proposal and it happened when I least expected it!

A Place to Return To: Future Family Memories

Someday we’ll make it back there. And we’ll be able to bring our children to show them the place where one of my big dreams became a reality - where their parents’ love story took its most important turn.

Planning Your Own Paros Proposal?

If you’re inspired by our story and considering Paros for your own special moment, here are our top tips:

💍 PAROS PROPOSAL QUICK FACTS

• Best Time: July (perfect weather, golden hour lighting)
• Average Cost: $200-400/night at Hotel Senia
• Booking Lead Time: 3-6 months in advance
• Success Rate: 100% of couples who follow our tips get engaged! 😉

Best Time and Location for a Paros Proposal

• Best time: Late afternoon/early evening for golden hour lighting
• Location: Hotel Senia’s pool area offers the perfect backdrop
• Weather: July offers the most reliable weather (though Meltemi winds can be strong)

Photography and Booking Tips

• Photography: Capture your once-in-a-lifetime moment with a professional photographer - book your proposal photo shoot now and preserve the magic forever
• Booking: Book Hotel Senia well in advance, especially during peak season. Check Hotel Senia rates and availability for the best deals.

Discover Paros Activities

Browse and book amazing activities and experiences in Paros and the Greek Islands.

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

Photography and Documentation

• Book a photographer to capture the moment professionally - find local photographers and preserve your perfect proposal moment forever
• Document more - take more photos of the island’s hidden gems

Extended Stay and Activities

• Stay longer - we wish we had more time to explore Paros
• Try the sailing trip - maybe book directly with a sailing company or create your own romantic sailing adventure and sail into your perfect proposal moment

Share Your Story

Have you had a special travel moment or proposal story? We’d love to hear about it! Share your romantic travel memories in the comments below.

Planning a trip to Paros? Check out our other Greek island guides and travel tips for making the most of your Mediterranean adventure. For more information about Paros, visit the official Paros tourism website or check out Greek National Tourism Organization for comprehensive travel information.

Ready to Create Your Own Paros Proposal Story?

Don’t let your dream proposal slip away. Book Hotel Senia now and make your Greek island engagement dreams come true.

Frequently Asked Questions About Proposing in Paros

Is Paros a good place for a proposal?

Absolutely! Paros offers stunning sunsets, beautiful beaches, and romantic settings perfect for proposals. The Greek island’s natural beauty and intimate atmosphere make it an ideal destination for romantic moments.

What’s the best time of year to visit Paros for a proposal?

July and August offer the most reliable weather, though they can be crowded. May, June, September, and October provide good weather with fewer crowds, making them excellent choices for a more intimate proposal experience.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Senia?

Hotel Senia offers various accommodation options. Prices vary by season, but booking well in advance can help secure better rates. You can check current rates and availability at Hotel Senia on Agoda for the best deals.

Are there other romantic spots on Paros for proposals?

Yes! Paros has many beautiful locations including Naoussa harbor, Parikia’s old town, and various secluded beaches. The island’s traditional architecture and stunning sunsets provide numerous romantic backdrops.

What should I pack for a Paros proposal trip?

Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes, a camera for capturing the moment, and don’t forget sunscreen. If you’re planning a beach proposal, consider bringing a change of clothes.