Paros, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Paros, the third largest island in Cyclades, is dominated by its picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and the Greek island atmosphere. Although the island attracts thousands of visitors each summer, due to its size, is never becoming overcrowded. Paros has been inhabited since very ancient times and was famous for the quality of its marbles.

General Information
Paros, the third-largest of the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros, has developed into an important center of tourism in recent years.
Gently rolling hills surround the center and south-east of the island, which is predominantly agricultural and is occupied by endless vineyards which lock within the famous Parian marble.

The coastline is indented, with numerous small inlets and two large bays, those of Naoussa in the north and Parikia in the west.
Paros has been inhabited since very ancient times, and was one of the centers of the Cycladic civilization.

Parikia (or Paros), the island’s capital and port, stands on the site of an ancient city. There is a picturesque and ruinous Venetian castle, and the courtyards of the houses of the town – all of them painted white – are full of pots of basil and hung with jasmine and honeysuckle. A broad paved avenue leads to the church of Ekatontapiliani, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the whole of Greece and a place that figures largely in legend. It is dedicated to the Dormition of Our Lady, and on her feast day (15 August) there is a great celebration on the sea-front with fireworks and songs of the sea.
Many other interesting local events take place on the island during the summer.
Statues found at various sites on Paros are on display in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

Naoussa, one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, with whitewashed houses, narrow paved alleys, arches and tiny chapels, can also offer a range of excellent beaches and attracts many visitors each summer.

The chapels and monasteries of Paros are famed for their picturesqueness; among the most characteristic are the monastery of Zoodohos Pigi “Longovarda” and that of Christ of the Forest (Hristos tou Dassous).
Marpissa is an attractive large village with a Venetian castle and beautiful churches.
Paros is an ideal destination for those in search of cosmopolitan bustle and for lovers of solitude alike. It has a full range of tourist amenities.

Sightseeing
The capital Parikia is worth strolling around. There is also an interesting museum with various findings from different periods in Greek history. The church Agios Konstantinos was built on top of the ancient temple to the goddess Demeter. Parts of the temple was also used to build the Frankish castle from the 13th century in the town. You will get a beautiful view at the monastery Agii Anargyri just outside the town.

Ekatontapiliani is one of the earliest Christian churches in Greece and is found in Parikia's park. According to tradition St Helen built it around 300 aC and its baptistery belongs to the original building. At Marathi you can visit the caves of the nymphs. They are two by number, and by the entrance of the first there is a sculpture of the nymphs.

At Dilio are the remains of the ancient temple to Apollo, and about 11km outside Parikia is the famous Aesclepio, the temple to the god of medicine where the ancient Greeks sought remedies for various illnesses.
At Naoussa there is a Venetian citadel from the 15th century. Just outside Naoussa is a monastery worth visiting, Lagovardas, and 5 km outside the wonderful village Lefkes there is another one, Thapsanon.

If you are on Paros on the 23rd of August don't miss when the people of Naoussa celebrate the victory over the Turkish pirate Barbarossa by reacting the events: 100 boats imitate the battle and the celebrating goes on until the morning after.

Beaches
Among the best swimming beaches are Livadia, Krios, Agios Fokas (at Parikia), Mikro Piperi and Megalo Piperi, Limnnes (at Naoussa), Agii Anargiri, Langeri, Aliki (with an interesting exhibition of traditional crafts), Santa Maria, Ambelas, Pisso Livadi, Drios and Golden Coast ("Chrissi Akti") (on the eastern side).

Among the beaches near Naoussa, special mention should be made of Kolimbithres, where huge rocks eroded into strange shapes remind the visitor of sculptures embedded in the sand.

Things to taste & buy
Ornamental pottery in Naoussa
Elegant silver jewellery
local specialty "gouna" fish in vinegar & octopus

Useful Information

(Area: 209 sq. km. Distance from  Piraeus, 95 nautical miles, distance from Rafina 82 nautical miles)
How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus & Rafina
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: + 30 22840
Municipal Offices: 21222, 21200
Police: 23333
Port Authority: 21240
Health Center: 22500-1-2
Olympic Airways: 21900 (tickets), 91256-7 (airport)
Archaeological Museum: 21281

http://www.paros.gr