Natural Park of Paros

The Paros Natural Park, we find it in the northern part in the beautiful Bay of Naoussa about thirteen kilometers from the capital Parikia and precisely in the small peninsula of Ai Yannis Detis.

With an extension of eight hundred thousand square meters and founded in 2009, the primary intent of its birth was to enhance and preserve an area rich in history and extraordinary natural beauty which, unfortunately, due to the wild grazing of goats and sheep and tourism mass was reducing it gradually destroying the environment among other things. This is how the inhabitants of Paros, with a unanimous decision, did their utmost to restore the monuments and cultivate native plants and flowers in order to restore the deserved splendor to an area of cultural and naturalistic importance. The Paros Natural Park is owned by the municipality and thanks to private donations both in monetary terms and with real material especially from local companies and with the help of environmentalists, architects, technicians, engineers and many volunteers who dedicate their time throughout the year, it was eventually revived to give anyone the opportunity to enjoy this little piece of paradise.

A succession of landscapes with marble-veined granite rock formations that change color according to the light giving it a particular shimmer sculpted by the wind from the sea and salt, picturesque bays and secret sandy beaches sheltered from the winds that usually blow on the Cyclades Islands, woods, hidden caves and coves that's what awaits you in the Paros Natural Park.

The rock in the park is called by the inhabitants Psaropetres or fish stones for their sparkle that they take on under the sun. These stones have been of great importance for the population for many years, as tools were obtained for the construction of houses, for making roads, walls and for making jewels. A real natural open-air museum.

In the peninsula of Ai Yannis Detis, there is also a lot of history that speaks of the Aegean and as evidence of this you can visit the post Byzantine monastery of Ai Yannis, the lighthouse of Cape Korakas and the remains of the headquarters of the Russian fleet that since 1770 in 1775 it was stationed in the bay during the Russian-Turkish war under the command of the Russian admiral Alexey Orlof, which is why the historical period is called “Orlofika” by the Cyclades Islands.

Traces of the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Delis date back to 1530 and it was used as a hospital for the sick who arrived by sea in Paros. In reality, the church was discovered during the period in which the Russian army stopped on the peninsula. In 1806 it was restored but was in turn abandoned. In 1964 the Dutch artist Gizella D'Aily with a permit from the ecclesiastical authorities settled until 1982 restoring the cells and part of the building. A heartfelt feast is celebrated on August 29, the day on which St. John was beheaded and many pilgrims gather in the monastery to attend a mass, remaining until dawn. The title of Delis which means the one who heals in Greek was attributed for the commitment to the cures and the healings that took place during the time when it was intended to welcome the sick. Inside there is currently the Museum of Maritime History of Paros with interesting maps drawn up by the Russian Navy.

Cape Korokas Lighthouse is located at the very north-west end and is for sure the spot where you can admire a breathtaking landscape overlooking the sea with a view of the coast of Naoussa Bay. Built in 1887, it is ten meters high and still functional today.

There are several beaches in the park. The main one is Katholiko beach with its clear and shallow waters. It is equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, a bar for a snack or a cold drink and for sports enthusiasts a volleyball net where they can challenge old and new friends. It is perfect for families as well as the Monastiri beach also served and in the same area.

If you love quieter places, Ai Yanni beach right at the foot of the monastery is the place for you, it is not equipped but an expanse of soft sand awaits you with a transparent sea where you can enjoy a regenerating swim. If, on the other hand, you want even more privacy and enjoy moments of bliss in the midst of still intact and wild nature, the Torkou Ammos beach is just for you. Let's say first of all that you can find this idyll because it can only be reached on foot and not everyone is willing to take a walk of about an hour, but believe us its beauty will amply reward the effort.

Paros Natural Park is also a real paradise for hikers. Seven kilometers of walks along marked paths to discover a multifaceted territory with many interesting things to visit. Three different non-demanding trekking routes are available ranging from 25 to 50 minutes of walking through unique rock formations, wild flowers, local herb bushes up to the highest point for a breathtaking view to end up on the sandy coasts bathed by turquoise waters. A real riot of senses where the sense of smell and sight will fill you with crazy energy.

But that's not all, the "Festival at the Park" is organized in the Paros Natural Park, an event that is proposed from June to October in the beautiful amphitheater that can hold up to seven hundred people with fantastic acoustics and the flavor of ancient Greek theater, with concerts ranging from classical music to rock, film screenings or cultural feature films.

In this case it is necessary to have your own vehicle. Arrive in Naoussa and then follow the road signs to the Park. The alternative is by sea from the port of Naoussa.

Here it is' really the description does not make absolutely the reality that you will find when you arrive in the small peninsula, you must absolutely include in the list of things to do in Paros a visit to the natural park, it will be a pleasant day in the name of true contact with nature that you will hardly succeed to forget.

https://www.parospark.com/