Paros

Paros is located in the popular Cyclades islands of the Aegean Sea, and is the fourth largest island of the island group. Paros is a favorite choice for a summer holiday for Greek and international tourists. The combination of its clear blue sky, the wind, its hospitable people and the white houses with narrow alleys between them win the hearts and minds of Paros' visitors making them want to revisit the island.

The history of Paros begins from the Stone Age according to archaeological findings. During the Minoan period the island of Paros turned into an important commercial and military center. The Mycenaean period followed, from which survives the mycenaean palace on the area of Koukounaries, one of the most important findings of the era. During the Roman era though Paros was used as a place of exile. Christianity arrived at the island during the Byzantine era, with the impressive church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. However, a while later, the island started suffering from pirate attacks, and after a particularly bloody attack by the pirate Barbarossa, the island ends up in the hands of the Turks. Later on, and during World War II, Paros was occupied by the Germans, forcing the people of Paros to flee heading to Piraeus and abroad. After the 1960s, the island started to develop again, with the main part of the growth being thanks to tourism, which continues to apply until today.

In Paros you will find several museums, such as the Sculpture Museum, the Archaeological museum, the Byzantine museum and the Folklore museum. Moreover, on the island there are many caves. The cave of Archilochos at the entrance of the port of Parikia is the most important amongs them, and it is a must visit sight offering an unique spectacle around sunset. The main sights of Parikia are the church of Ekatontapyliani in the centre of town, the Venetian Castle of the 13th century in the centre of the traditional old town, the Dilion which is the sanctuary of Apollo and of Artemis situated on a hill north of Paroikia offering excellent views to Parikia, the sanctuaries of Asklepios and Pythian Apollo, and the ancient marble quarries in Marathi. Near Naoussa, on the other hand, you will find the acropolis of the Mycenaean palace on the rocky hill of Koukounaries beach, as well as the so-called Casteli, the Venetian Castle of the 15th century, whichs protects from the North the port of Naoussa and is a project of the dynasty of Sommaripa.

Paros has a rich coastline with beaches for all tastes, from cosmopolitan beaches thriving with activities to peaceful ones ideal for relaxation. The Gold Coast (Chrisi Akti) is thought to be the most popular beach of the island, which, apart from its crystal clear waters and its beach bars, attracts people because of its ideal currents for wind-surfing. Another beach not to be missed is the Kolimpithres, a beach that combines wild natural beauty and blue-green waters. Other popular beaches are the Santa Maria beach and the Pounta beach; the first one offers relaxation and entertainment with its many beach bars and restaurants, and the second one stands out as a top destination for surf lovers due to the championships of this kind organized there. Other beaches worth mentioning are the Agia Irini beach with the palm trees, the Piso Livanti beach with its popular beach bar and parties throughout the day, and the Logaras beach that is the ideal place for snorkeling.

The cuisine of Paros is based on local products. It is rich in fish, vegetables, greens and legumes, while, although less consumed, meat is of high flavor and quality. The island produces aromatic honey, is famous for its herbs, such as oregano, sage and thyme, and its capers. Some of the favorite local dishes are the oven chickpeas in a clay pot, the kakavia (fish soup), the guna (sun-dried and salted fish), the salaturi (stingray salad), the kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters) and the ntomatokeftedes (tomato fritters), the karavoli and the calfa with garlic sauce, the stuffed vine leaves, the stewed snails or snails with handmade pasta called mirmitzeli, the cod with spinach, the rabbit stew and many more. Famous is also the wine of Paros, as the island has a long tradition in viticulture, as well as the local tsipouro (raki).

The nightlife in Paros is one of the reasons many tourists visit the island. Fun never stops and there is something for everyone, from quiet bars with sea view to bars and clubs full of people and loud music. In Parikia you will find atmospheric bars along the coastal road, which during the summer becomes a pedestrian zone, while some bars are built on the edge of the cliff, offering relaxing and romantic evenings with view over the Aegean sea. Along the road you will find clubs as well for those who want a more intense night-out. Naoussa also has a beating heart regarding nightlife with countless small bars along the white, cobbled streets and the limanaki (small port), which was once the warehouses of fishermen. The festivals and fairs held on the island are also worth mentioning as well as participating in since they offer reasoning for plenty of feasting and fun.

There is a ferry connection to Paros from Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio and the rest of the Cyclades, while the island is also connected by plane with Athens and Thessaloniki. For your transportation within the island you can use buses, which operate between all of the villages, and mainly between the two major cities of the island, Parikia and Naoussa. During the summer, the bus routes, especially towards Naoussa, are carried out until the early morning hours, while the routes to and from the port are very frequent. There are also taxis and kaikia (small boats), offering transportaion to remote beaches, while you can rent a car from the numerous rent-a-car companies. Lastly, the phone code of Paros is (+30) 22840.