Paros – Dreamlike Cyclades Island

The holiday destination Greece enjoys great popularity among tourists with its extraordinary flair. If you are busy planning your holiday, you should consider a visit to the Greek island of Paros. The island belongs to the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea and is located in its center west of Naxos. Paros has an area of about 197 square kilometers, which is populated by about 15000 inhabitants. In the middle of the island, the two main peaks of the mountain region tower up. The 771-metre-high Profitis Ilias houses the monastery of Agios Minas on its north side, in the immediate vicinity of which the deposit for the valuable marble was located. South of the Profitis Ilias lies the only slightly lower summit of the Stroumbulas. Marble mining has a long tradition on the island and has also made the region internationally famous for its vineyards. Paros is one of Greece’s popular holiday destinations, with its idyllic sandy beaches and picturesque villages, and offers something for every type of tourist. The perfect stay is thus guaranteed.

Sights and places in Paros

Parikia

Parikia is the main town of the island of Paros and is located directly on a bay that is also home to the ferry port. Not far from the harbour is the church of Panagia Ekatontapliana, the most famous sight of Paros. It is one of the most important early Christian buildings and has a Byzantine museum inside in addition to the baptismal font made of white marble. In the old town of Parikia, the remains of an old Venetian fortress from the 13th century can be visited. A visit to the Venetian Castro will reveal the remains of the island’s settlement, which date back to 2500 BC. If you don’t mind a short walk, you should climb to the top of the hill near the church of Agios Konstantinos. As a reward, a fantastic view of the sea beckons. The ancient cemetery, discovered in 1983, dates back to 700 BC and offers visitors interested in archaeology numerous exhibits in the attached museum. In the numerous small streets of Parikia there are many restaurants, cafés and shops that invite you to linger and browse. The nightlife of Paros takes place mainly in Parikia.

Naoussa

To the north of Paros and 20 minutes from Parikia, Naoussa is a picturesque fishing village and the second largest town on the island. Built around the harbour, Naoussa exudes the idyllic charm of a Mediterranean fishing village and attracts many tourists in the summer months who want to take in the ambience first-hand. On a hill above Naoussa is the church of Panagia, one of the sights of the village. Due to the elevated position, there is a wonderful view of Naoussa and its bay from there and at the harbour of the fishing village is another sight of the island with an old castle. There are numerous beaches in the vicinity of Naoussa, which are best reached by boat from the port.

Lefkes

Right in the center of the island of Paros is the village of Lefkes, whose cathedral Agias Trias is visible from afar.
From her garden there is a beautiful view of the neighboring island of Naxos. A 1000-year-old Byzantine road paved with marble runs through the middle of the village.

Beaches

The island of Paros offers tourists an almost unmanageable number of beaches, all of which have their own character and appeal to all the preferences of holidaymakers. Directly opposite the port of Parikia are the beaches of Martselo and Krios, which are very spacious and have many bars. Here the focus is on tourism and there is the possibility of renting sun loungers and umbrellas. The main beach of the town of Parikia is Livadia, which can be divided into three sections due to its length. In the first part of the beach there are many bars and shops, in the spacious second section the traditional beach life prevails with sun loungers and umbrellas and in the last section everything is dedicated to water sports with the sailing school.
Opposite Naoussa, rock formations divide the coast into many small bays that form a retreat from the island’s tourist hotspots and with a bit of luck you will have them all to yourself. A little further in the same region is Monastiri Beach and is the place to go for holidaymakers who like to party. To this end, concerts and beach parties are regularly held there. Water sports enthusiasts or divers should make a note of the beach of Santa Maria. It is located in the windbreak between Paros and Naxos and thus offers ideal conditions for water sports.
It is framed by dunes and salt lakes, which round off the picturesque overall picture.
Golden Beach is also very popular with surfers and is the backdrop for the World Windsurfing Championship in July.

How to get to Paros

Paros has only one small airport, which is served exclusively by domestic flights. If you arrive by plane, you usually first stop in Athens, Santorini or Mykonos before reaching Paros airport with a local airline. However, the island of Paros is also excellent to reach by boat. In Piraeus , the ferries depart between seven and eight o’clock in the morning and reach the port of Paros after four to five hours. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the port.

Paros, Greece: The 7 most important sights

Paros, one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, offers a wonderful mix of picturesque villages, ancient landmarks, beaches and crystal clear waters.
Here are the seven must-see attractions on your visit to Paros.

1. Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors)

The Panagia Ekatontapiliani is one of the most important early Christian churches in Greece.
It was built in the 4th century and impresses with its Byzantine architecture.
According to legend, the church is said to have 100 doors, of which only 99 are visible.

2. Naoussa

The fishing village of Naoussa, in the north of Paros, is known for its picturesque white houses and narrow streets typical of the Cyclades.
Particularly worth seeing is the harbour, where fishing boats anchor, and the many tavernas serving fresh fish.

3. Kolymbithres Beach

Kolymbithres beach is famous for its unique rock formations, which have been formed by the erosion of granite over thousands of years.
The rocks divide the beach into small bays and provide a picturesque ambience for swimming and relaxing.

4. Parikia Old Town

Parikia, the capital of Paros, offers a charming old town with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and many small shops.
The Venetian castle and the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliani are the main attractions here.

5. Ancient Marathi Marble Quarries

Paros is famous for its marble, which has been mined since ancient times.
The ancient quarries of Marathi are a fascinating destination where visitors can explore the caves from which the valuable Parian marble was extracted.

6. Lefkes

Lefkes is a traditional mountain village in the interior of the island and was once the capital of Paros.
The village is known for its quiet streets, impressive views and the beautiful Agia Triada church.

7. Piso Livadi

Piso Livadi is a small, quiet harbour town on the east coast of Paros.
It offers a beautiful beach and many small tavernas on the water.
Ferries to the neighbouring islands also depart from here.

The 3 most important museums in Paros

1. Archaeological Museum of Paros

The Archaeological Museum of Paros houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the island’s ancient history, including statues, tombs, and ceramics. Address: Kentrikos Dromos, Parikia, Paros Opening hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed on Mondays) Admission: 2 EUR for adults

2. Byzantine Museum of Paros

This museum is located in Panagia Ekatontapiliani and displays Byzantine icons, liturgical objects, and other religious artifacts. Address: Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Parikia, Paros Opening hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission: 1 EUR for adults

3. Museum of Cycladic Folk Art in Lefkes

The Museum of Cycladic Folk Art in Lefkes displays traditional garments, handicrafts and objects from the everyday life of the Cycladic people. Address: Lefkes, Paros Opening hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission: 2 EUR for adults

Places to stay in Paros

Luxury Hotel: Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa

Located near Parasporos Beach, this 5-star luxury hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spa area and fine dining. Address: Parasporos Beach, Paros

4-star hotel: Senia Hotel

Located near Naoussa, Senia Hotel offers luxurious rooms with stunning sea views.
The hotel has an infinity pool and a first-class restaurant. Address: Naoussa, Paros

3-star hotel: Hotel Paros

Hotel Paros is a cozy hotel right by the sea in Parikia.
It offers simple but comfortable rooms and is close to the main tourist attractions. Address: Parikia, Paros

Budget Hotel: Villa Galini

This family-run hotel in Naoussa offers affordable, clean rooms within walking distance of the harbour and beaches. Address: Naoussa, Paros

Popular Restaurants in Paros

1. Siparos

Siparos is a fine dining restaurant by the sea near Naoussa that offers fresh seafood and modern Greek cuisine. Address: Santa Maria, Paros

2. Soso

Soso is a small, charming restaurant in Naoussa that serves a creative mix of traditional Greek and modern dishes. Address: Naoussa, Paros

3. Barbarossa

Located on Naoussa Harbour, Barbarossa is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes.
A perfect place for dinner overlooking the harbour. Address: Naoussa, Paros

4. Levantis

Levantis is a family-run restaurant in Parikia that serves Mediterranean and Greek dishes with a modern twist.
The creative meze are particularly recommended.
Address: Parikia, Paros

Bibliography

• Information about sights and museums: Visit Paros
• Google Maps
• Individual hotel and restaurant websites