Paros
Where cosmopolitan meets traditional
If you're seeking for a cosmopolitan destination in the Greek islands, Paros is the place to be. Beautiful azure waters combined with stylish and chic cocktail bars and restaurants make this the quintessential Cycladic destination. At the heart of the Cyclades island group, Paros, one of the most popular Greek vacation spots, blends modern with traditional aspects in the most unique way, with a mix of classic Cycladic architecture, exciting nightlife, fantastic beaches, enchanting rural villages and historical sites.
The Parian marble - of the finest quality in antiquity
The 8th century BC was a wealthy period in Paros' history, as the island rose to prominence as a naval power. Aside from economic prosperity, cultural flourishing occurred at the time. In antiquity, Paros was famous for its white marble quarries; the so-called ‘Parian marble’ was highly sought-after for its top quality, for use in architecture and sculpture (particularly during the Classical Greek Period). Several masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture were made with this pure white, translucent material. Some of the most famous examples of such art include Praxiteles' Hermes statue, Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace, and the Caryatids (the famous daughters of the Erechtheion on Acropolis hill in Athens).
Visit Paros' s traditional villages and their Cycladic alleys
Paros' villages are notable for their traditional ambience, with whitewashed buildings, paved lanes, and blue domed churches. To experience the true essence of Paros, begin your journey inland by visiting the mountain village of Lefkes. This village was the capital of Paros during the Middle Ages and is full of typical whitewashed houses blended with Venetian architecture, blue domed churches from the 15th century, windmills and lovely dovecotes. From Lefkes, you can travel to a cluster of seaside villages (Prodromos, Marpissa, Marmara, and Piso Livadi), where you can always sneak in some beach time.
Parikia is the island's capital and main port and also one of the most typical Cycladic communities, defined by its narrow cobbled walkways, historic churches, little stores, and blue and white buildings. Parikia is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and along with Naoussa village, it is the busiest tourist destination on the island. Visit the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the ancient temple with 100 doors), which dates from the Early Christian Period in Greece. It is built in the style of a monastery, with a courtyard, monk cells, and spectacular chapels.
Naousa is a charming picturesque fishing village in the northern part of Paros. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades, and despite tourism development, this charming village has managed to retain its traditional character with its whitewashed houses and tiny chapels, surrounded by labyrinth-like narrow stone paved streets. Naousa is particularly well-known for its vibrant nightlife, making it the island's most popular evening attraction alongside Parikia. There are various monuments in the Naoussa area, including the Venetian castle, half of which is underwater and protects the village's harbor from the north.
Live your Cycladic fantasy
Paros completely fulfills its reputation as a comprehensive and diversified Greek vacation destination. Paros' beaches are considered to be some of the best in the Aegean sea, and whether you're searching for a calm piece of sand, a beach bar, or the next wave, picture-postcard-perfect Paros from golden sand to white sand, blue water to green- Paros offers it all.
Kolymbithres is undoubtedly one of the island's most famous beaches, located in the vast bay of Naoussa. The location is especially striking due to the granite rock formations, moulded into unusual smooth shapes throughout the centuries by the sea and wind.
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The lovely rocky cove of Monastiri beach with shallow green/blue waters where yachts moor and a monastery erected on the clifftop above is normally wind-protected and is the ideal beach for snorkeling.
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Marcello Beach Paros is located in Parikia Bay, approximately 3 kilometers from the island's capital. Marcelo beach is encircled by a long, rugged bay that is ideal if the wind is blowing. Its excellent golden sand beach allows you to spend your time playing in its shallow seas or exploring its coves.
Discover Paros's culinary scene
If you enjoy water sports, Paros is an excellent choice since it offers a diverse range of activities such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, kayaking, canoeing and kiteboarding. Some of the best beaches for water sports on the island are Golden Beach, New Golden Beach and Santa Maria.
Parian cuisine has it all, from haute gastronomy, award-winning chefs, superb art de la table to exceptional local ingredients, providing an unforgettable dining experience. In recent years, award-winning Greek chefs have brought their skills and innovation to exquisite restaurants on Paros and Antiparos. Parian cuisine incorporates Cycladic recipes, such as oily dishes, baked and cooked legumes, sweet and savory pancakes. aromatic honey and herbs. The capers which are also produced on the island along with local meats are unrivaled in taste and quality. Paros' favorite foods include artichokes with beans, snails with garlic and cooked chickpeas in a claypot.
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Paros, the fourth largest island of Cyclades is located about 3 miles west of Naxos. Ferries connect Athens and a number of other Greek islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Crete, and Milos. Throughout the year, daily ferries depart from Athens' Piraeus port. The island also has a national airport, which receives domestic flights from Athens International Airport regularly.
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