Paros is located right in the center of the Cyclades and is the third largest island in the complex. With a strong presence in the period of antiquity and a clear historical imprint during the Roman, Byzantine and modern times, in recent decades it has developed into one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Today, despite the spectacular tourist development, it preserves remarkable reserves of authenticity, having formed an amalgam of attractive locality and charming cosmopolitanism. In short, it forms a typical model of what is called “Global” (Global / Local). Together with Antiparos, which retains its own physiognomy and distinct “aura”, they somehow form a single destination, which unquestionably meets the expectations of every tourist, traveler or flaneur. Paros and Antiparos are waiting for you. Explore….
PAROIKIA
Capital of the island. At its core is the traditional settlement – one of the few residential complexes in the Cyclades that also has a remarkable neoclassical architecture – with many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Necessary visit to Panagia Ekatontapyliani, one of the most important monumental ensembles of early Christian times in Greece (mid 6th century), the Venetian castle (13th century), where part of the walls are preserved and there are interesting churches (such as Agios Konstantinos, 17 .), and in the important Archaeological Museum. The walk on the coastal road, after numerous cafes, small bars and taverns is enjoyable, especially at sunset.
Activities
Visit: In the palimpsest quarries for the extraction of the famous Parian marble (lamp) in Marathos and in the area of Petaloudes, where butterflies of the species Panaxia Quadripunctaria appear during the summer months.
Swimming on the beaches: Livadia, Krotiri, Krios, Marcelo, Kaminia, Agios Fokas, Delfini, Parasporos and Agia Irini.
Hiking or cycling: To Agios Fokas or from Petaloudes (“Psychopiana”) to the Monastery of Christos Dasos,
Events: Paros Festival, in mid-July, with a variety of events and activities to highlight the culture, history and architecture of the island.
NAOUSA
Picturesque village, one of the most popular destinations on the island. The old port, with the Venetian castle at its entrance, is the center for food, entertainment and walking. In the labyrinthine alleys around it, as well as on the small beach of Agios Dimitrios, there are countless shops, cafes, taverns and bars for all tastes. Of particular interest is the (visible from everywhere) church of the Assumption of the Virgin and the post-Byzantine churches in the alleys, the Historical-Folklore Museum and the local Folklore Collection.
Activities
Swimming on the beaches: Piperi, Mikro Piperi, Algae, Lakes, Kolimbithres, Monastery (with the monastery of Ai Giannis Detis),
Agioi Anargyroi, Xifara, Lageri (Natura 2000 area with dunes and cedars), Filizi, Santa Maria and Mikri Santa Maria.
Hiking: In the Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros, in an area of natural beauty with historical remains and an open-air theater.
Visit: In the settlement of Ambelas (4 km SE), with popular taverns, beautiful beaches and “invisible” coves overlooking Naxos.
Events: Impressive representation of a pirate raid, in the old port, on August 23rd.
LEUKES
Beautiful traditional settlement, the medieval capital of the island. Built at an altitude of 200 m. And in a verdant area, they offer excellent views of the eastern part of the island and the sea. They preserve their traditional Cycladic architecture with “touches” of wonderful folk neoclassical, small picturesque squares and marble streets. Cross the village to the church of Agia Triada (1830), with the impressive twin marble bell tower and visit the small shops and the picturesque cafes,
Activities
Events: Festival in the open-air theater (every August) and a big folk festival (Feast of Karavolas), after the 15th of August.
Hiking or mountain bike: At the “Byzantine Path” or to the village of Dryos or to the village of Agkaria.
Visit: In the neighboring village of Kostos , with the picturesque central square, where the church of Agios Panteleimon (17th century) is located and there are cafes and taverns
MARPISSA
Traditional village of the 15th century, built on the top of a small hill, with the old part of which has been declared a protected traditional settlement. At its entrance are the old windmills, a “trademark” of the village. It is worth wandering its alleys to the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, at the highest point and to visit the Folklore and Ecclesiastical Museum.
Activities
Ascent: On the hill of Kefalos, where the ruins of a Venetian castle (15th century) and the Monastery of Agios Antonios (16th century) are preserved.
Visit: In the neighboring villages Marmara (founded in the 15th-16th century) and Prodromos , with interesting architecture and well-kept traditional houses.
Swimming on the beaches: Piso Livadi , beautiful resort with restaurants, cafes and quiet bars, Logaras Punda Beach, Messada. To the Marbles: Molos (Natura 2000 area), Kalogeros Glyfades and Tsoukalia.
Events: “Routes in Marpissa”, an experiential festival of the most important of its kind in the Aegean area, every August.
DRYOS
Sparsely built and peaceful seaside settlement, with a small port in which boats and small boats moor, next to the ancient settlements (ancient Araxovoli). There are restaurants, cafes and bars in the coastal zone.
Activities
Swimming on the beaches: Driou, Boutari, Pyrgaki, Chrysi Akti, Nea Chrysi Akti and farther Lolantoni (in Aspro Chorio), Glyfa and Tripiti.
ALIKI / AGKAIRIA
Beautiful villages nearby! distance between them.
Agkaria is built in an area with a lot of greenery, while Aliki is a seaside settlement with strong tourist development. Next to the sandy beach, you will find many restaurants and cafes, with the sea “licking” your feet.
Swimming on the beaches: Alikis, Piso Aliki, Agios Nikolaos, Farangas, Pigadakia, Platia Ammos, Makria Myti, Kladia and Voutakos.
Visit: In Pounta, a coastal settlement preferred by wind surf and kite surf lovers, with a beautiful view of Antiparos, with which it is connected by ferry every half hour day and night
ANTIPAROS
THE COUNTRY
It spreads around the Venetian Castle (1440), located in the center of the settlement. On the main pedestrian street, which starts from the beach and reaches the main square, you will find impressive shops, coffee bars and restaurants, which meet the wishes of every visitor.
Activities
Swimming on the beaches: Sifneikos Gialos, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Psaralyki (Panagia), Agios Spyridonas, camping and through the area Kampos, Livadia and Monasteries.
Visit: By boat in Pantheronissia, Despotiko and the “Sea Caves”.
Hiking: Up to the cave or to Profitis Ilias.
Events Celebration of Agia Marina July 15-17
SPILEO
One of the most important and beautiful in the world. It has an area of about 5,600 sq.m. and a constant temperature around 15 ° C. At its entrance is the oldest stalagmite in Europe. One of his oldest visitors was the Parisian lyric poet, Archilochus, while in several places there are engravings by later visitors.
AGIOS GEORGIOS / DESPOTIKO
Holiday settlement built in a leeward bay on the southwest side of the island. It offers an amazing sunset and a wonderful view of the uninhabited island of Despotiko, which is of high archaeological interest, as one of the most important sanctuaries in the Aegean area. Here, the archeological dig has brought to light an extensive sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, other places of worship and a large number of votive offerings.
Swimming on the beaches: Ai Giorgi, Kako Rema, Vathis Volos and Despotiko.
Hiking: Up to Profitis Ilias or to the cave.
Visit: In Despotiko, by tourist boat
TRY AND BUY….
Fur, Chickpeas, Suma, Xinomyzithra, Honey, Macaroons and Cheesecakes.
