Paros Island

Paros Island is located in the middle of the Cyclades Archipelago just in front of the Naxos island and below the Mykonos island.

Fourth in order of size, it spreads over almost two hundred square kilometers offering about one hundred and twenty kilometers of coastline made up of splendid beaches of clear 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 in granite and marble, the second famous all over the world and exported since ancient times for the construction of prestigious works such as the Parthenon in Athens, the Nike of Samothrace and the Venus of Milo. The central part, on the other hand, is the most fertile and where agriculture is dedicated. It is mostly flat with some gentle hills while the highest peak is the Profiti Elias with its almost eight hundred meters of height in the middle of the island where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama.

According to mythology in 1000 BC Paros was conquered by the Arcadi people of the Peloponnese whose leader was Parios from whom the island then took its name. It is also said that Alceo son of Minosse the King of Crete was the first ruler of the island where he built the first citadel right where the capital Parikia is today. It is assumed that life was already present in 3000 BC as evidenced by the archaeological sites of Saliagos (between Paros island and the Antiparos island where it is not excluded that they were once attached). 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.

You choose a holiday in Paros for its wonderful beaches, for its history with the ruins of past civilizations, for its folklore and 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 holiday, for young people who in recent years have been choosing it as a destination for the legendary "high school trip". a solution with peculiarities that can satisfy any taste.

Do not miss an excursion to Antiparos. An islet of 35 square kilometers and a real oasis of relaxation with unspoiled nature and which, given its small size, can accommodate not many tourists so as to remain calm 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 arrive from the sea, a lively tourist resort that offers its visitors the typical atmosphere of Greece but with all modern comforts. To visit the church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani the church with a hundred doors wanted by Elena mother of the emperor Constantine, the Archaeological Museum born in 1960 which preserves precious finds from the Neolithic and Christian period where the Nike of Paros is exhibited. Or the ancient Agora or the Venetian castle of 1260 wanted by Duke Marco Sanudo, Venetian governor of the island for a very long time.

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

Then move to Marathi with its marble quarries up to the village of Lekfes and the Marpissa village along the side of the mountain, two charming 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 which grows from year to year it still manages to keep its traditions and atmosphere of the past. You will see many boats moored in the gulf, the classic fishermen's caiques, an activity still very strong in Paros, so much so that in its typical taverns you can savor 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 where you can indulge in exquisite mezes (appetizers in Greek) and a good glass of ouzo or tspiporo, the national liqueurs. On the hill of Koukounaria a Mincena acropolis dating back to 1200 BC a very interesting site to view.

Speaking instead of pure relaxation you will only be spoiled for choice for the beaches. A trip to Kolimbithres beach with its imaginative rocks shaped by atmospheric events, or Monastiri beach with its clear waters and where you can have fun with family or friends in water activities, is a must.

Again there is no problem how to spend the day during your holiday in Greece, Paros is perfect from all points of view.