A Greek island blessed with numerous beautiful sandy beaches which are the major reason for its popularity as a summer tourists’ vacation destination. Paros is also known for its reasonable vacation prices and the somewhat serene and charming atmosphere when compared to other popular and crowded islands in the central Aegean Sea.
The island is one of the Cyclades island group, west of Naxos and 150 km southeast of Piraeus. The 21 by 16 km island has one mountain range that slopes down to the coastal plain and 120 km of coastline.
Paros was first inhabited around 3200 B.C. and was later settled by the Romans. It is the Byzantine and the Venetian of the Middle Ages that have left their mark with numerous churches still seen today, and ruins of castles in the capital town of Parikia and the Village of Naousa. In Ancient times the island was known for being a source of high quality Marble out of the quarries near Marathi which can still be explored today.
Enjoy the island’s beautiful sandy beaches with the great windy conditions perfect for water sports activities. Note that the island became a global hub for water sports, with the annual Professional Windsurfing World Cup held on the island.
Visit the lovely town of Parikia with its maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses with Blue painted doors and shutters. When in town visit the impressive Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and the Archeology Museum of Paros, and enjoy the numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Visit, or stay, at the trendy fishing village of Naousa and exploit its vibrant nightlife, its clubs and bars in the small harbor, the chick boutiques, and the fine cuisine restaurants.
Explore the traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa, the Butterfly Valley, and the beautiful coastal Paros Park with the Korakas Lighthouse, the hiking trails, the caves, and the lovely Monastiri Beach. Enjoy a tour of the Moraitis Winery near Naoussa and have a glass of wine while watching mesmerizing Aegean Sea sunset. Swim in the unique Kolombithres Beach with the huge rocks of granite positioned into the sea, or in the Kalogeros Beach with its natural healing mud.
Windmill in Parikia
Tavern in Naousa
Beach in Paros
While in the island consider visiting the nearby islands. Take a ferry from Parikia or Pounta to the nearby small and trendy Island of Antiparos, to enjoy secluded bays, sea caves, excellent restaurants, and its lovely villages.
Take a ferry to visit the islands of Naxos (20 minutes), Mykonos (1 hr), Santorini (3 hr)), or take a boat cruise from Naousa or Piso Livadi to admire the spectacular Small Cyclades, at the southern end of Naxos, including Koufanisi and Danousa islands.
TheTjoy.com recommends visiting the island for at least an evening and one full day, and if possible, for additional few days in one of the island’s great beaches including a day visit to the nearby of Antiparos Island.
When visiting Paros you will usually arrive by ferry from Piraeus (3-7 hours) and stay in either Parikia, Naoussa or near one of the major beaches. Flights to the island are available from either Athens or Thessaloniki. The island Bus service is quite good, and you can also rent a car, quad bikes and scooters.
The best time to visit the island to enjoy the beaches, the water sports and the vibrant nightlife is from June through September.
