The Greek islands are fantastic places to see at least once in your lifetime. Each with its original features. The island of Paros is located in the central-southern Aegean Sea, next to the island of Naxos, which was once united. Off the south-west coast is the smaller island of Antiparos and the uninhabited islets of Despotiko, Strongyli, Fira and Diplo, plus a series of rocks and islets that form the archipelago of Paros. Revmatonissi is a small private island that rises between Paros and Antiparos. Other reefs and islets rise off the south and northeastern coast of the island. North of Paros are the islands of Syros and Mykonos, south of Sikinos and Ios, while further west is the island of Sifnos. Therefore Paros is at the center of the Cyclades archipelago, easily reachable from the other main islands. Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades, with approximately 196 km² of surface, after Naxos and Andros. Its coastline extends for 120 kilometers. It is predominantly mountainous , like all the Cyclades, although less harsh than nearby Naxos. The highest peak of the island, on the Profitis Ilias mountains reaches 771 meters above sea level. Like the other Cyclades, it is barren, with little vegetation, concentrated mainly in the central part. The rocks of Paros are granite and marble, a characteristic that has made the island important for its white marble quarries, still present, which still represent part of its economy. Although the main activity today is tourism. The island of Paros was inhabited since prehistoric times. At the center of the Mycenaean civilization, like the other Cyclades, it was later involved in the wars between Athenians and Persians, allied with the latter. It was conquered by the Romans and then by Byzantines. At the beginning of the XIII century it was conquered by the Venetians and included in the Duchy of Naxos. In its history it was subjected to numerous raids and devastations by pirates. Paros is the birthplace of the poet Archilochus.


The capital of the island of Paros is the city of Paroikia or Parikia, on the north-west coast, the second most important city is Naoussa, on the north coast. The highest populated areas are Marpissa, near the east coast and its port of Piso Livadi, Lefkes inland, Aliki, on the southern coast. On arrival , the first visit is to the city of Paroikia, a charming town that develops within the streets and alleys between the traditional white houses with blue doors and windows. The highest part, the one that offers a splendid view of the port is Kastro, the castle where there are the remains of a fortress of the Franks, a Venetian tower and some characteristic houses around the ruins. Near the castle stands the church of Agios Konstantinos, while in the interior is the Basilica of Our Lady of Katapoliani (Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Our Lady of the Hundred Gates) Byzantine church with exposed bricks, an older part, the chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas , dating back to the fourth century AD, several mosaics and important icons inside. The religious complex also houses the Byzantine Museum. Worth a visit close to the basilica, is the Archaeological Museum of Paros, with important findings from ancient Greek and Roman times. At the port is the graceful little church of Agia Anna. The city of Paroikia is full of shops, above all, restaurants, taverns and clubs.


In the north of the island, the city of Naoussa overlooks a large bay, with a direct view on the row of white houses overlooking the harbor. Despite the tourist development, with the tables of the many taverns on the docks, the port of Naoussa is still dedicated to fishing, one of the main economic activities of the town. The many boats and fishing boats give the port of Naoussa a very characteristic and authentic appearance. which must be seen. On the tip of the western quay of the port, among the taverns and shops, lies the delightful white church of Agios Nikolaos.


Halfway between Paroikia and Naoussa is the Longovarda or Loggovardas Monastery, the most important of the island, founded in 1638 by the monk Christoforos Paleologos of Naoussa. It is a fortified monastery, entirely white, and consists of a large complex that houses a library, a guesthouse, craft workshops and artisan typographies. It preserves ancient manuscripts, icons and seventeenth century frescoes, but entry is reserved only for men, women are not allowed access. On the island of Paros there are other Byzantine churches and Orthodox monasteries scattered throughout the territory.


At the center of the island of Paros lies the quaint village of Lefkes. To visit here, in addition to the churches, the Museum of Folklore, with ancient objects of popular art. Another unmissable stop is the village of Marpissa, near the east coast, together the nearby port of Piso Livadi with its beach, considered one of the best in the world for windsurfing, a very popular sport on the island of Paros. The village of Aliki, on the southern coast, is also famous for its beaches, where picturesque taverns serve fresh fish. Finally, do not miss the Valley of the Butterflies, about 6 km south of Paroikia, near the village of Psichopiana. An area to visit in the spring when hundreds of butterflies of all colours fill the valley, flying from flower to flower.


Among the most beautiful beaches of Paros we also suggest: Livadia, Aghios Fokàs, Krios, Marcello and Agia Irini, in Paroikia; Kolimbithres, Monastiri, Langeri, Santa Maria, in Naoussa; Ambelas or Ampelas, on the northeastern coast; Logaras at Piso Livadi; Pounda, Golden Beach in Chrisi Akti, Drios on the southeast coast and Aliki in the south.

If you decide to spend your 2018 holidays in Paros, come and discover our exclusive collection of Paros luxury villas and all the services dedicated to our clients.


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