Paros

Τhe other “star” of the Aegean

A popular destination, ideal for any kind of holiday. In this island in the Cyclades, natural beauty meets rich history and modern-day pleasures. Paros will offer you whatever you desire, leaving you free to choose the holiday of your dreams. If you want to spend your days swimming, you’ll find beaches large and small, secret and well-known. If you’re after a Cycladic fairy tale, you’ll be intoxicated by the smell of jasmine and bougainvillea, the maze of hidden alleyways in Paroikia and leisurely afternoons in Naoussa’s tiny and charming marinas. If you’re looking to turn up the volume, you’ll enjoy exotic cocktails and loud music at lively beach bars and clubs, day or night.

Α multidimensional island

No one can believe that the marina of Naoussa was once a pirate’s den. The music echoing from the bars, the perpetual motion of restaurant tables and chairs, young crowds that want to suck out all the marrow of life in just one night, all combine to create a cinematic ambience. Do not miss a stroll through the streets of Agios Konstantinos. You will enjoy great views, while romantics will indulge in photographing the magical sunset. If, however, at some point you get tired of the crowds, the island has many hidden treasures and alternative spots to regain your lost tranquility.

What to see

Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani : The Virgin Mary of the Hundred Doors is located near Parοikia and this is one of the oldest churches in Paros. The tradition says that this monastery was constructed by the orders of Saint Helene, while she was traveling to the Holy Lands to find the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Frankish Castle: The Castle of Parikia was constructed in 1260 by the Venetians. Parts of ancient temples were used for its construction. Today, this is a picturesque quarter in Parοikia.

Archaeological Museum: Just behind the Cathedral of Ekatontapiliani, this museum is a cool escape into the island’s past. It has some marvelous pieces, including a 5th-century Nike on the point of alighting and a 6th-century Gorgon also barely in touch with the surly earth.

Ancient marble quarries Marathi: At Marathi village, there are the ancient marble quarries, dating back to the 3rd millennia BC. From this marble quarries, ancient sculpted masterpieces were created, such as the statues of the Aphrodite of Milo, the Maidens of the Acropolis, the Niki of Delos and the Hermes of Praxiteles.

Venetian Fortress of Naoussa: It is located in the old port of Naoussa and it was constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians. The fortress was used as a watchtower for pirate and enemy attacks and as a front line in times of war. Today only part of this fort survives a half-submerged watchtower that is connected to the mainland with a short path.

The Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Virgin Mary of the Hundred Doors) is located near Parοikia and this is one of the oldest churches in Paros. The tradition says that this monastery was constructed by the orders of Saint Helene, while she was traveling to the Holy Lands to find the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Frankish Castle: The Castle of Parikia was constructed in 1260 by the Venetians. Parts of ancient temples were used for its construction. Today, this is a picturesque quarter in Parοikia.

Archaeological Museum: Just behind the Cathedral of Ekatontapiliani, this museum is a cool escape into the island’s past. It has some marvelous pieces, including a 5th-century Nike on the point of alighting and a 6th-century Gorgon also barely in touch with the surly earth.

Ancient marble quarries Marathi: At Marathi village, there are the ancient marble quarries, dating back to the 3rd millennia BC. From this marble quarries, ancient sculpted masterpieces were created, such as the statues of the Aphrodite of Milo, the Maidens of the Acropolis, the Niki of Delos and the Hermes of Praxiteles.

Venetian Fortress of Naoussa: It is located in the old port of Naoussa and it was constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians. The fortress was used as a watchtower for pirate and enemy attacks and as a front line in times of war. Today only part of this fort survives a half-submerged watchtower that is connected to the mainland with a short path.

The best beaches to swim

Kolimbithres: One of the Island’s most popular and well-known beaches on the other side of Naoussa Bay with a beautiful view towards Naoussa! It is very special due to impressive rock formations that divide the beach into a succession of little sandy coves, which allow you, unless it is high season, to find a private spot of your own. The crystal-clear water is shallow here and ideal for families with little children.

Monastiri: This beach is very well known and popular especially during the high season. It lies at the end of the bay opposite Naoussa, about 2 km past Kolimbithres. It is in a tiny bay enclosed by rocks on both sides with very shallow, pool-like water, overlooked by a tavern and a music bar. A popular spot for private yachts.

Langeri: A very quiet, far from the road sandy beach that is difficult to be found as it is not well sign-posted. Not very busy, so good if you like it quiet; no tavern or music bar nearby. Can be reached easiest by boat taxi. Many people go here for nude bathing.

Santa Maria: Long coastline with sections of several long and wide sandy beaches, one of which is attached to Santa Maria Camping. The countryside is flat here and there are small dunes and bushes in the background. You find music, food, Beach Volley, Wind Surfing (ideal because of more wind) here as well as one or more Diving Clubs.

Logaras: There are several beaches in or nearby the villages Pisso Livadi, Logaras and Drios. They are all a bit alike with beautiful, shallow water and access to excellent restaurants for traditional Greek Cuisine. Convenient if you are staying in one of the hotels there or are on a tour around the island, by bus or with your own vehicle.

Activities

Ηiking: There are many paths in Paros where you can walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Spring scenery around is beautiful, and the slopes are full of blooming flowers, the summer will be enchanted scents of the bushes.

Riding: One of the most beautiful experiences you can enjoy on this island. In a large property consisting of several acres of the «Kokou Riding Center», you can learn to ride in western style and admire magnificent horses.

 Yachting: Due to its location in the middle of the Aegean Sea, Paros is ideal for sailing as well as the access to many beautiful neighboring islands is easy and fast.

Surfing: Paros has a leading position in the preferences of the fanatical type. There are schools organized in several beaches, the most famous Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Santa Maria and Punta.

Diving: Paros has a beautiful seabed with rich flora, many species of fish, dolphins, caves, scenic beauty wrecks which you will be able to see and not stop shooting.

Gastronomy

The island has many local cheeses you must try, like the xynomyzithra and touloumisio. Do not leave the island without tasting the famous seafood with souma accompaniment (local raki) and of course do not forget to try the pastelaria and the traditional zacharompaklavades.

Barbarossa : Barbarossa restaurant is located in the picturesque little port of Naoussa Paros. With a long tradition of serving tasty Greek food since the 60s, this restaurant has become a popular eatery among locals and tourists.

Matzourana : It features a terrace with a beautiful view of Naousa as well as nice modern yet traditional Greek food.

Thea (View): At the port of Punta, a restaurant overlooking Antiparos emphasizing good wine and spice and fresh fish.

 Mario Restaurant: In one of the best restaurants on the island Marios mixes Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Skewer shrimp with horseradish sauce, grilled octopus with chilli and caper dip is little of what you will experience.

 Chamilothoris: The most famous pastry shop on the island. You must try zacharompaklava (local sweet with almonds, ground nut, honey, orange and cinnamon).

Access

Paros is located in the center of the Cyclades. Due to the geographical location of the island, there are daily routes to and from other islands, especially during summer months. You can arrive by ferry boats departing from the capital, both from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion. If you arrive by ferry boat from Piraeus port, the route takes about 5 hours, while high speed, departing from Piraeus, the itinerary takes about three hours.

Paros is also connected to the following islands: Naxos, Santorini, Syros, Amorgos, Kythnos, Samos, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Santorini, Anafi, Donoussa Astypalea. From Rafina departing ships of Sea Jets and Hellenic Seaways to Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos. Paros is also an intermediate station on the route Heraklion, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Tinos, Skopelos, Skiathos and Thessaloniki. You can reach Paros by plane from Athens and Thessaloniki. The charter flights from abroad to the new Paros airport, unveiled in early summer of 2017.