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| Paros |
| Surfing, partying and posing |
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| Naousa, the picturesque village on Paros, is the most cosmopolitan destination of the island, with expensive restaurants and numerous bars. |
Paros is one of the top destinations in the Cyclades and one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece.
It is a Cycladic island in every sense: it is almost bare, it is windswept, it is dotted with whitewashed buildings, and it is cosmopolitan. On the other hand, contrary to Mykonos, it supports some agriculture and it is favored by more families that its northeastern neighbor.
Paros was an important place during the antiquity, mainly because of its marble quarries that produce, to this day, some of the best transluscent white marble in the world. The island played a role during the Persian Wars of 490 and 480 BC and produced some notable poets and artists of that era. After that, it followed the historical fate of the rest of the Aegean.
Paroikia, on the west coast, is Paros' capital and biggest city. A natural harbor, Parikia is the home of one of the most important churches in Greece, the Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Our Lady of the 100 Gates). The church was first built in the 4th century by Helen, the sanctified mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great who moved the Empire's capital from Rome to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople. Helen funded the excavations in Jerusalem that unearthed the Holy Cross and the Tomb of Jesus.
The church was rebuilt in the 6th century by Ignatios, a disciple of one of the architects of the magnificent Agia Sofia basilica in Constantinople. Today, it is one of the major religious sites of the country and the site of a major celebration on August 15, the day of the Assumption of the Virgin, and a major holiday in Greece.
Naoussa, northeast of Parikia, is the island's social hub, especially in the summer. The small fishing village with the pretty harbor has been turned into a major cosmopolitan destination in the last 25 years and it is filled with trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. The place fills up with beautiful people at night, and the partying lasts until the wee hours of the morning. Kolymbithres beach, just west of Naoussa, is one of the most interesting beaches in the Cyclades; it's name says it all: Greek for "water cisterns".
The east coast of Paros is beach country, centered around Pisso Livadi, in the middle of the coast. Pounta, to the south, is a major youth magnet, with a huge all-day beach club that features swimming pools, bangee-jumping and other activities. Tserdakia, the next beach to the south, is the venue for the annual international professional windsurfing championships. That's how windy it gets here in July and August.
The south side of Paros is quieter and more picturesque. The inland plains are fertile and covered with vineyards and wheat fields. Paros produces some quantities of dry white wine that can be quite good and resembles the dry whites of Santorini. |
| The Highlights |
- The alleys of Parikia.
- The old harbour of Naousa.
- Beach parties every afternoon in Pounda Beach Club.
- Day trips to Antiparos.
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| We Recommend |
- Visit the Ekatontapyliani or "Our Lady of the Hundred Gates" cathedral, Paros' greatest monument.
- Visit the traditional village of Lefkes, in the middle of the island, with magnificent views of southern Paros.
- Spend the day at Pounta beach, where wind-surfers develop their skills.
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| We Do Not Recommend |
- The Pounta Beach Club during the afternoon, because it is crowded and can get rowdy; too many people usually have drunk too much during the day.
- The northern beaches in windy days.
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| Read our users' reviews... |
| Some less cosmopolitan but equally noteworthy spots |
Your presentation of Paros is very good. I would like to add, though, to the information you provide some less cosmopolitan but equally noteworthy spots. Lefkes village, for example, is one of the most picturesque places in Paros, with very good taverns and many narrow traditional streets, ideal for strolls around sunset and in the early evening. An ideal place to visit during Easter is Marpissa village, with great reenactments of the passion of Christ on Good Friday. For those seeking quiet, family holidays the best place is probably Alyki, about 14 km from Paroikia, very near the airport, with good beaches within a 3 km radius, such as Nea and Palea Aliki, Agios Nikolaos, Voutakos and Faragkas.
Artemis Drosou, Greece
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| Useful Information |
| The country code for Greece is 0030 (from the US and Canada: 01130). |
| Tourist Info Office |
| The tourist info office is by the bus station in Naousa (tel: 22840 21738, fax: 22840 22146). |
| Police Station |
| On Mavrogenous Square, in Parikia, (22840 21673). For emergencies, dial 100. |
| Hospital |
| The public hospital of Paros is located in Parikia, next to Mavrogenous Square, close to the port (22840 22500). |
| Port Authority |
| At the commercial harbor, in Parikia (22840 21240). |
| Foreign Press Outlet |
| There are numerous foreign press outlets all over the island. The main press outlet that sells foreign press as well is at Parikia close to the hospital. |
| Internet Cafe |
| There are a number of Internet cafes in Parikia and in Naoussa. Many travel agents offer Internet access, as well as many hotels. |
| Bus Depot |
| The main bus station in Parikia is at Mavrogenous Square (22840 21395). Buses leave for all the beaches and major locations on the island. |
| Bank |
| Parikia and Naoussa feature a number of Greek full-service banks. They handle all major transactions, such as money transfers, cash advances on credit cards, and money wires. Banking hours are Monday through Thursday 8am-2pm and Friday 8 am-2.30 pm. Most of them have ATMs on their storefronts. |
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