Discover Paros: a dream island in the Cyclades
Paros is a place that enchants you from the first glance. With its breathtaking landscapes it offers a unique experience to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Aegean Sea.

Nature and territory
Paros is located in the middle of the Cyclades Archipelago right in front of Naxos and below Mykonos. Fourth in size, it extends for almost two hundred square kilometers offering about one hundred and twenty kilometers of coastline made of splendid beaches of light sand bathed by a clean and clear sea with colors ranging from blue to turquoise. With an oval shape it is not very rich in vegetation, mainly it is rocky granite and marble the latter famous throughout the world and exported for the construction since ancient times of prestigious works such as the Parthenon of Athens, the Nike of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo. The central part is the most fertile and where agriculture is dedicated. It is mostly flat with some gentle hills while the highest peak is Profiti Elias with its almost eight hundred meters of height in the middle of the island where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

A dive into history and mythology
Paros is an island rich in history. According to mythology, the name of the island derives from Parios, the leader of the Arcadians, who conquered the island around 1000 BC. Alcaeus, son of the king of Crete Minos, was the first king of the island and founded the first city right where Parikia, the capital, stands today. In the Minoan period its name was Minoa and then changed to Paros with the Arcadians. Then there was the period of Venetian domination and the darkest period under the Ottomans until it achieved total independence and was annexed to Greece. From the archaeological sites of Saliagos, there is evidence of life already present in 3000 BC and its significant role in the history of the Aegean.

Paradise beaches and outdoor activities
The crystal clear sea and Paros beaches are among the most beautiful in the Cyclades, perfect for days of pure relaxation or family fun. If you are looking for a special place, head to Kolimbithres beach, characterized by spectacular rock formations that seem to have been sculpted by the wind. Monastiri beach, with its clear waters, is ideal for water activities such as kayaking or snorkeling. And if you want tranquility, the islet of Antiparos is the perfect place for a day trip: wild beaches, unspoiled nature and a relaxing atmosphere.

What to see in Paros: picturesque villages and nature
Do not miss an excursion to Antiparos. A small island of 35 square kilometers and a true oasis of relaxation with unspoiled nature and that given its small size, can accommodate not many tourists so as to remain quiet and silent. The classic Greek picture with low white houses, blue windows and narrow winding streets. The almost deserted beaches are extremely wild thus offering entire days of pure idleness in close contact with Mother Earth.

Parikia the capital where you land coming from the sea, a lively tourist resort that offers its visitors the typical Greek atmosphere but with all modern comforts. Worth visiting are the church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani the church with a hundred doors commissioned by Helen mother of the emperor Constantine, the Archaeological Museum founded in 1960 which preserves precious finds from the Neolithic and Christian periods where the Nike of Paros is exhibited. Or the ancient Agora or the Venetian castle of 1260 commissioned by Duke Marco Sanudo Venetian governor of the island for a very long time.

Also worth seeing is the valley of butterflies, the little sister of the larger one on the island of Rhodes, a natural area with a habitat rich in vegetation where a species of moth, the Jersey Tiger, gathers in swarms of millions of specimens from May to July.

Then move on to Marathi with its marble quarries up to the Lekfes village and Marpissa village along the side of the mountain, two enchanting villages frozen in time.

And finally Naoussa to the south with its amphitheater shape and a port from the Byzantine era with imposing walls. Despite its popularity that grows year after year, it still manages to preserve its traditions and the atmosphere of the past. You will see many boats docked in the gulf, the classic caiques of the fishermen, an activity that is still very strong in Paros so much so that in its typical taverns you can taste an infinite number of delicacies of local and Greek cuisine. The old warehouses once used as boat storage have been converted into trendy restaurants or ouzeries. On the hill of Koukounaria a Mincenar acropolis dating back to 1200 BC is a very interesting site to view.

Traditions, folklore and the cuisine of Paros
If you are a lover of Mediterranean cuisine, Paros will conquer you with its authentic flavors. From traditional taverns to innovative ouzeries, you can taste typical dishes such as fresh fish, local cheese and meze, small appetizers to accompany a glass of ouzo or tsipouro, local liqueurs. The villages of the island, especially Naoussa, are the perfect place to savor these delights in an authentic and relaxed atmosphere.

Paros is also an island that celebrates its traditions and folklore with numerous events throughout the year, offering the opportunity to experience the true Greek soul.

Why choose Paros
You choose a holiday in Paros for its wonderful beaches, for its history with the ruins of past civilizations, for its folklore and its traditions still rooted and carried forward by its inhabitants who do not want to lose their roots. It is a favorite destination for families with children as it is very organized and safe, for couples who want a beautiful sea and a romantic vacation, for young people who in recent years have chosen it as a destination for the legendary “graduation trip”, in short, a solution with peculiarities that can satisfy any taste.

If you want to find out more about how to organize your trip, don’t miss the guide on how to get to Paros and plan your stops by consulting the page what to see in Paros.

Ultimately, Paros is an island that welcomes you with its timeless charm, ready to give you an unforgettable experience.

Where to stay in Paros
Let’s say that Paros is an island suitable for any type of tourism, for a family vacation rather than for a couple’s vacation and even for a group vacation. Parikia or Naoussa are usually the most popular destinations. Parikia is perfect for being comfortable, you land right here so everything is within reach. Naoussa is wonderful for its more sophisticated atmosphere, ideal especially for couples with its romantic seaside taverns. If you really need to unplug, the fishing village of Akyki where life runs slowly or Piso Livadi on the east coast, a seaside village where you can find almost everything and with wide beaches where you can spend days at the seaside away from the crowds. We recommend Apollon Hotel as a structure for something elegant, Stratos Apartments for something typically Cycladic but at a more affordable price.

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