Paros island (Greece, Cyclades)
Paros island (Greece, Cyclades) is the third-largest island in the Cyclades and is located west of Naxos. The large bay of Naoussa is one of the most picturesque ports of the Aegean, while the other two bays of the island are located in the west (Parikia) and the east (Marble).
The key geographical position of Paros island (Greece, Cyclades)in the central Aegean Sea, the crossroads of the sea routes linking mainland Greece to the islands of the Archipelagos, the Asia Minor coasts, and, more generally, the Mediterranean, has been the long-term basis for the island’s development.
The coasts of the Paros island, some of which form beautiful beaches (mainly on the east side) and small harbors, and others are steep and rocky, are more divided on the north side.
SIGHTSEEING in Paros
Paros is an island with a long and rich history that begins from prehistoric times and continues today. Paros was populated during the 5th millennium BC. The mild climate of the Cyclades favored early settlements, while their privileged geographical and strategic location in the Aegean helped develop one of Europe’s oldest cultures.
The ancient quarries of Paros are located at Marathi, about 5 km from the capital of Paroikia. These quarries are known for the excellent white marble, the “Paria stone,” which was mined there in the 7th century BC. and was a source of wealth for the island of Paros. There have been famous sculptures such as Aphrodite of Milos, Hermes of Praxiteles, and Niki of Samothraki from this marble. It is also known as “Lychnitis,” a name due either to its great clarity and purity or to its way of extraction from the earth.
We suggest you visit the monuments of Paros and go back thousands of years traveling through the island’s history.
The hill of Koukounaries on the north of the island and a short distance from the famous beach of Kolymbithron. The hill is one of the oldest, largest, and most important Acropolis in the Aegean, with rich findings of habitation from the Late Neolithic to the Early Archaic Period (5th century BC to 7th century BC). Also, the sanctuaries of Pythian Apollo and Asclepios are located in Agia Anna. Furthermore, on the way to Naoussa, at the site Treis Ekklisies, there are ruins of an early Christian basilica. The ruins of an apsidal building are also in Krios. The archaic temple dedicated to Athena, old market, ancient cemetery, ancient marble quarries, the sanctuary of Delian Apollo and Artemis, and so many others.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
The archaeological museum of Paros is located in Parikia and is one of the most important museums in Greece due to its exhibits found in excavations in Paros and Antiparos. These are findings from the Neolithic to the Early Christian period. Among them, the Victory of Paros, the Cycladic statues, the mosaics, the archaic marble Gorgo, Kouros, the poet Archilochos, amphorae of the Parian workshop, deities, etc.
Historical Folklore Museum – Collection “Othon Kaparis”
The historical Folklore Museum – Collection “Othon Kaparis” is located in Naoussa. There is the personal collection of Othon Kaparis, a prominent Parian doctor. The collection includes a library of rare monographs and catalog publications, a rich photographic archive from Naoussa of the 1950s, also include exhibits from the Mycenaean Acropolis of Koukounaries, ancient coins, maps, objects from the everyday life of Paro’s farmers, nautical objects, historical books, etc.
Sculpture Museum of “Nikos Perantinos”
The Museum is located on the hill of Marpissa, on the eastern side of Paros. In a beautiful neoclassical building renovated and in its five large rooms hosts sculptures works by Nikos Perantinos.
Marpissa Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum is located, in the square of Agios Nikolaos, in Marpissa. In the restored, stone building, the visitor will see a typical Parian home, as it was in the old days. All of the objects that are exhibited are donations of the Marpissa’s residents. The exhibits are old, traditional, authentic items of everyday use such as furniture looms, utensils, etc.
Religious Monuments of the Paros island
The Christian historical church of Panagia, the Ekatontapyliani
Parikia is a beautiful village full of picturesque cobbled streets, arches, white houses with a Cycladic character most decorated with bougainvilleas and the imposing church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani.
The Christian historical church of Panagia, the Ekatontapyliani, is located in the capital of the island of Paros, Parikia, very close to its port. It is one of the most well-preserved early-Christian monuments found in the Greek territory and even the largest in size. According to tradition, the original building of this temple was the work of the Emperor of Byzantium Megas and St. Constantine to fulfill the wish of his mother, Saint Helen. Every year, on the 15th of August, a litany of the icon of Panagia Ekatontapiliani takes place, with people from all over the island.
A visit to the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum, housed in one of the most important old-Christian monuments in the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, is a unique tour.
Other important Byzantine monuments are the castle of Naoussa and the castle of Kefalos on the hill of Agios Antonios. It is also worth visiting the post-Byzantine monasteries, the churches, the Frankish monastery, the drinking fountains of the Mavrogenis family in Parikia, and the tower Alisafa in Petaloudes, and the medieval and neoclassical houses in Parikia, Marpissa, and Lefkes.
Visit the Butterflies site and have fun.
Just 7 kilometers from Parikia, there is the site of Petaloudes. A unique monument of Parian nature, with dense vegetation of cypresses, plane trees, etc. You can see butterflies like Jersey Tiger Moth on tree trunks. Their splendid colors distinguish the butterflies of Paros. They appear from the end of May until the end of July and disappear in August to see them again in September.
Pay a visit to traditional villages.
Lefkes village
A stop is required in the traditional mountainous village of Lefkes, where you will see a sample of Cycladic architecture.
Beaches of the Paros island (Greece, Cyclades)
The beaches of the island are ideal for all as there are isolated and organized, respectively, with rocks or sand. Paros, due to the strong winds, offers sports such as Kite-surfing and windsurfing.
- A swim in the amazing beaches Livadia, Marcello and Souvlia. Furthermore, Kaminia, Agios Fokas (Parikia), and Kolimbithres. These beaches are on the northwest side of the island.
- Piperi is an ideal choice for those staying in settlement of Naoussa. Located on the extension of the harbor. Piperi is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It combines the sand with the deep blue. North-East of the island are also Agii Anargiri, Langeri, Santa Maria, and Little Santa Maria beaches. Moreover, Ambelas, Glyfades, and Filisi beach.
- Southeast of Paros is the beaches Tsoukalia, Molos, Kalogeros, Piso Livadi, Logaras, or Tserdakia. Also, “Nea Chrysi Akti” -New Golden beach is one of the most beautiful, longest, and sandy beaches of Paros. It is a real paradise for those who love the sea and the watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, etc. Moreover, there are Dryos, Lolantonis, Glyfa, and Boutari beach.
- Southwest of Paros is Fargas, Piso Alyki, Ag. Nikolaos Alikis, Voutakos and Pounta. Pounta is opposite Antiparos. It is the most popular beach for youth and serfs and Kite-surfing. Above the sandy beach, there is the famous beach bar. Other beaches are Agia Irini, Parasporos, Dolphins, and Bay of Beni.
The north side of Paros is the settlement of Naoussa with the picturesque harbor and the enchanting beaches of Ambelas, Santa Maria, Kolimbithres.
Products of Paros island
The products of Paros are varied and of excellent quality. It produces large quantities of wine annually, resulting in small industrial and wine-producing units, notably the notorious “souma” (local tsipouro) and the famous Parian gruyere oil and figs more for the needs of the inhabitants. The most affluent areas are Parikia and Marpissa. Honey is another product of Paros.
Gastronomy in Paros island (Greece, Cyclades)
Try traditional, favorite dishes such as chickpeas in a clay pot cooked in the oven. Also, green beans with skordalia (Parian garlic dip), pumpkin bowls, cod with spinach, and more. Furthermore, traditional sweet is the sugarbaklava is a mixture of baklava and almonds.
Romantic Paros
Do not miss a Daily excursion to near islands (Iraklia, Koufonisia, Schinousa, Donousa)
The ports of Naoussa and Piso Livadi connect Paros with other Cycladic islands. Mainly in summer, through tourist passenger boats and the port of Punda, connects the island with Antiparos.
Antiparos
Antiparos is a small rocky island of the South Aegean. It is in the heart of the Cyclades. It is less than a nautical mile from Paros. Antiparos attracts many visitors, mainly Scandinavians, Norwegians, Italians, and Americans.
Beaches
The coasts of Antiparos are distinguished for their golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Antiparos attracts tourists during the summer months. The most famous beaches in the wider area of the central settlement are the Psaralikes. Three beaches lie south of the coast. There are famous for the salt-mines that provide shade behind the sandy beach. The second Psaralyki beach bar operates during the summer months. In the northern part of the beach is the camping beach. It is accessible by bus and is known for attracting nudists. The beach of Agios Spyridonas, with its shallow waters, is an ideal paradise for children. On the backside of the castle is the Sifnian bay. It is known for the high waves due to the winds that grow in the area.
Other well-known beaches are the beach of Livadia, on the west coast, the sandy beach of Soros, Agios Sostis, the beaches of Faneromeni, the beaches of Glyfa, the beach of Panagia, Agios Georgios. Excursions to Despotiko Beach take place daily in the summer with tourist boats, which also take the round of the island.
