Paros Island

The island of Paros is located in the center of the Cyclades. The landscape is tranquil with fertile valleys and gently rolling hills adorned with small churches and monasteries, endless golden beaches, great monuments and antiquities and picturesque white villages bathed in the Aegean sun.

The Ekatontapiliani or Katapoliani is a popular Orthodox shrine in the Aegean

One of the gems of Paros, and an invaluable relic of the Early Christian era, is located in Paroikia: the Panayia Ekatontapyliani, known to many simply as the Katapoliani. The iron gate of the high surrounding wall, which lends a monastic air to this holy shrine, leads into a shady, stone-paved courtyard, enchanting the visitor from the first moment. As you pass through the gate you feel as if you are entering a new and mysterious world, one whose atmosphere is effortlessly beguiling. The lush, green cypress trees to the left and right mark the path towards the great church.

The Archeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum at Parikia, displays exhibits from the island’s monuments (such as the Sanctuary of Asklipios and Pythios Apollonas, Delion etc.), including part of the “Parian Chronicle”, a chronological table of the 3^rd century BC with references to important events and personalities of antiquity.

The Mycenaean Acropolis in Kolympithres

The hill overlooking Kolymbithres is the site where remains of the Mycenaean Acropolis are found from the 13^th   century BC. Part of the remains were brought to light in 1975 by archaeologist Dimitris Skilardis. Paros was quite powerful and played an important role in the Greek history while the quality and magnitude of the Mycenaean architecture and the size of the fort with walls over 3 meters strengthen this assumption. The archaeologists believe that this Mycenaean settlement was set on fire when enemies attacked it. It must had been abandoned by the end of 13th century BC. Years later, in the 10th century BC, a Geometric settlement was erected on the same place. It once again continued being an important town till the Archaic Period. The reason for the later and definite abandonment of the settlement is still unknown.

The Asclepeion of Paros

In one of the most beautiful locations on the island, with a fabulous view out across the Aegean, stand the remains of the temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. The Asclepeion is perched on the hill of Aghia Anna, further proof that the ancient Greeks did not construct their places of worship just anywhere, but always searched until they found the perfect setting.

Castle Hill in Parikia

Above the port of Paroikia rises the imposing Castle Hill, where the remains of the Venetian castle are to be found. It was built in the 13th century by Marco Sanudo, the Venetian governor of Naxos, to protect the town from incursions and raids by pirates and enemy forces.

The Sanctuary of Delian Apollo

The Sanctuary of Delian Apollo was built on a hill, its ground plan aligned towards the sacred island of Delos. From the top of the hill you can admire the northern part of Paros, the remains of the Temple of Delian Apollo, the columns and other architectural fragments which once formed the enclosing wall of the sanctuary, and also traces of another temple, dedicated to the sister of Apollo, the goddess Artemis. A small banqueting hall also stood on this site, intended for the holding of symposia.

Quad Safari in Antiparos island

Do not go to Paros without taking the trip across to Antiparos. It is a ten minute boat ride to reach this island and if you combine it with a Quad Safari, the experience is unforgettable! Explore beautiful hidden beaches and enjoy an amazing view.

4×4 Island discovery

Discover the island of Paros guided by an experienced driver. Traveling by off road combines the fun of driving an all-terrain 4×4 vehicle with the chance to reach out of the way places, traverse less charted territory and discovering ravishing landscapes.

Trekking in Paros Island

Adventurous journey undertaken on foot in areas where common means of transport are generally not available.

• Korakas and Almyros
  Located in the northwest of Naoussa, the small peninsula of Detis is a nature reserve, where you can find nice paths to the lighthouse at Cape KORAKAS and towards Cape of Almyros. The trails are very clear, stone-lined and marked with countless numbers. This pleasant and quiet walk that deserves much appreciation.
• Lefkes – Prodromos (the Byzantine road)
  An excellent classic walk in Páros, nicknamed “the Byzantine road”; This route follows an old road in the Middle Ages. It is one of the few walks in the Cyclades where you may encounter large groups of walkers!
• Poúnta – Voutákos – Alykí
  Páros is the only island of the Cyclades where you can find old coastal paths. It is possible to follow it almost all the way of the south-west coast of the island. This walk will follow the coastal path between Pounta and Alykí, passing through very nice beaches.

Horse riding in Paros Island

There is numerous horse riding centers in Paros that offers guided walks with horses. Book the one that suits best to you and experience a day of memories!

Horseback riding around Paros gives the opportunity for a thrilling adventure to see the island in a unique way that you will always remember. Getting you closer to nature through the mountainous inland part of the island, or cantering across a beach and splashing in the waves will certainly create an incredible experience of freedom that will make your holiday unforgettable.

Boat Cruises

Cruise to the islands around Paros with the boat of your choice. The best way to explore an island is by boat; choose the one that fits better to you, as there are departures from several ports of Paros.

• Tigani (Blue Lagoon)
  Amazing spot between Paros & Antiparos. The duration is aprox. 4 hours, a paradise on earth!
• Antiparos
  This little sister island of Paros offers fabulous beaches, caves & crystal blue sea. During the trip you can visit places unknown to many tourists that visit our islands. Free time for swimming, diving and snorkeling at the isolated beaches as well as at Despotiko Island.  An unforgettable experience is the stop at the Epitafios sea cave for swimming and snorkeling.teh duration of this boat tour is aprox. 7-8 hours.

Paros is renowned for its countless amazing beaches, clean and enchanting, satisfying every taste! Visitors can enjoy developed, cosmopolitan beaches, both large and small, as well as enchanting, solitary beaches for more personal moments. Many beaches are suitable for families with young children, while others are suitable for water sports. Of these, many are already known to fans of various water sports, but there are many others waiting to be ‘discovered’ by those who love nature and relaxation and shy away from crowds. And don’t forget – they all have the cleanest waters you’ll ever see, in all the colours of the Aegean.

 Aghia Irini: A beach 4km away from Parikia. It is a small, sandy beach with large palm trees and sapphire-coloured waters. It is a beach that is both popular and tranquil.

Aghioi Anargiri: A beach with a few sparse trees, 200m away from Naoussa.

Aghios Fokas: This is the beach near the cape of Aghios Fokas, on the gulf of Parikia, 6km away from the city. It is a small, free beach near the chapels of Aghios Sostis and Analipsi.

Alyki: This is the beach of the village of Alyki, located 6km west of Naoussa. It is situated near two other beaches, those of Santa Maria and Faraggas. It is tranquil, beautiful and picturesque with sky-blue waters and there are seafood restaurants and café-bars in the area.

Ambelas: A small sandy beach at the village of the same name, east of Naoussa, with a picturesque harbour for fishing boats and seafood restaurants that serve fresh fish and delicious mezedes.

Dryos: This beach literally has its own unique, deep blue colour and fine pebbles. It is located at the picturesque village of the same name, with running waters and vegetation. It is visited by those who prefer tranquillity, bars and traditional tavernas.

Kalogeros: This beach is located near the hamlet of Molos, in the eastern part of Paros, on the gulf of the same name. The area is part of the NATURA 2000 Network and is characteristic for its ‘wild’ beauty.

Kaminia: A large, sandy beach near the beach of Marcello, it is situated on the northern tip of the gulf of Parikia, near the cape of Aghios Fokas. A ship from Parikia makes a stop here.

Kolimbithres: The cosmopolitan Kolimbithres is the famous sandy beach with green waters and small bays on the western side of the gulf of Naoussa. It is surrounded by impressive granite rocks that nature has shaped into amazing ‘sculptures’ – in fact, it is worth visiting just to see them. The name of the beach (Kolimbithres meaning ‘church fonts’ in Greek) is precisely due to these natural works of art, creating small cavities in the rock (similar to fonts in churches). The area, which steadily attracts cosmopolitan visitors, features umbrellas and sun beds, as well as restaurants and cafeterias just a short distance away.

Krios: This beach is located 2km away from Parikia, on the northern side of its gulf, and has a lovely view. It is a large, sandy beach with salt cedar trees and features restaurants, bars and beach volley facilities. You can visit using your own vehicle or by the ship from the port of Parikia.

Laggeri: Laggeri beach, also located approximately 2km away from Naoussa is a beach that seems…exotic. With characteristically beautiful sand dunes, cedar trees and fine sand, it is a quiet spot and is suitable for nudists. You can visit using your own vehicle or take a ship or bus from Naoussa, which makes a stop on the public road near the beach.

Livadia: This is a popular beach on the northern side of Parikia, 700m away from the port. This is a large, ‘double’ beach (both free and developed) with umbrellas, sun beds, bars and tavernas.

Logaras: Located 500m away from the hamlet of Piso Livadi, on the western side of Paros, this beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and features salt cedar trees, sky-blue water and golden sand. It includes cafés, tavernas and bars and is recommended for those who love swimming, water sports and spear-gun fishing.

Lolantonis (Glyfa Lolantoni): This beach is situated in the south-eastern part of Paros, near Aspro Horio, at a beautiful gulf with salt cedar trees, sand and pebbles. The surrounding area is quiet and rural, with tavernas and easy access to nearby beaches and isolated bays.

Marcello: This is a large, popular, sandy beach and is located 2.5km away from Parikia, beside Krios beach. It is a developed beach, with umbrellas, sun beds, restaurants and bars. You can visit using your own vehicle or taking the ship from Parikia.

Mikro-Megalo Piperi: Megalo Piperi, located 250m away from the port, is considered to be the main beach of Naoussa. It has a gorgeous view, sky-blue waters, many salt cedar trees and imposing rocks. If you are of a more solitary nature, you can visit its ‘younger sibling’, the beach Mikro Piperi or Piperaki, located at a small gulf.

Monastiri: This beach is hidden between rocks that create a unique environment. It is also located on the western side of the gulf of Naoussa and is named after the small monastery of Ai Yiannis situated on the rise above the beach. It has shallow sky-blue waters that make it accessible to small craft and it is suitable for families with children. It is surrounding by small, beautiful bays and features numerous restaurants and bars. Many events are held here, as the area includes an organized space with a small theatre, an exhibition area and a canteen.

Molos: This is an enormous beach with characteristic white sand, salt cedar trees and sky-blue waters. It is located near the village of Marmara, on the eastern shore, with a unique view of Naxos and has a small marina. The area includes picturesque tavernas that offer mezedes and fresh fish. It can be accessed by boat or car. It is located near the beaches of Kalogeros, Tsoukalia and Glyfades.

Nea Chryssi Akti (Tserdakia): Located 20km away from Parikia, this large and beautiful developed beach has been awarded a Blue Flag and is one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean for wind-surfing.

Santa Maria: The big and beautiful beach of Santa Maria is located 2km away from Naoussa, which is why many residents of Naoussa visit the beach by car or boat. It is a developed beach with white sand, sun beds and umbrellas, bars, cafés and tavernas. The beach is home to water sports facilities, which is why it is preferred by young persons.

In Paros you have the opportunity to sample the best of traditional Greek food. With its superb choice of taverns and restaurants, you can have the very best fresh sea food, grilled local meats and fresh, organic produced grown vegetables at local farms.

Here are some of the local products that worth taste:

• The Parian wine is famous ever since antiquity. The vineyard of Paros is classic Aegean and the most dominant variety is white Monemvasia (Malvasia) which according to the local oenologists has survived without mutations from the Venetian occupation up to today. Another variety that is cultivated is red Mantilaria. The most well-known wine of Paros is the red dry one of Appellation of Origin of Superior Quality (OPAP).
• Extremely tasty are the cheese products such as “xynomyzithra” (sour myzithra cheese) and “touloumisio” cheese (cheese aged in goat skin).
• Olive oil, green olive oil and honey of superb quality are produced in Paros.
• “Gouna” (salted sun dried fish) is a distinctive characteristic of Parian cuisine. There are other flavors that will be hard to find anywhere else in Greece: “Salatouri” (stingray salad), “karavoli” (escargot) which are grilled on the coals as well, but they are also boiled with garlic sauce, “kolitsanokeftedes” (meatballs) with sea anemones, cheese, mint and herbs, “ladenii” (honeyed biscuits with olive oil instead of butter), “patido” (lamb stuffed with rice, chicken livers, cheese and raisins).
• “Suma” is the local “tsipouro”.
• The bread and the bakery pastries of Paros are unique because the bakeries of the island still make some types in the traditional way from which the visitors purchase significant quantities after trial, such as brown bread made with sourdough, Parian “koulouria” (circular bread with sesame seeds), “kritharokouloures” (barley rusks), “paximadia” (barley or wheat dried pieces of bread), “kouloures” (ring-like bread rolls), country pies, sweet and savory “myzithra” cheese pies, “kolopia” (small herb pies), “amygdalota” (almond cookies) and “pastelia” (sesame seed candies).

All local products are used in the restaurants of the island.

The nightlife of Paros is particularly amazing and entertainment keeps up to the first morning hours. In Paros you can select the place according to your preferences and your age. There is a big variety of places such as nightclubs, bars, beach bars, piano bars which represent the traditional Greek amusement. The prices are very reasonable and there is a great range of drinks. There are two main destinations for active nightlife in Paros: Parikia and Naoussa.

Parikia presents a lot of harbour view clubs with loud music and all night dance mood.

Naoussa has a buzzing nightlife with many sophisticated Paros clubs on the seafront.

Paros clubs are found all around the island on several popular beaches, organizing parties and events lasting all night.

Island Tour

This full day island tour with a bus will give you a short impression of the island most highlighted places, as well as the most hidden parts. Visit Parikia, the capital of Paros and the famous Byzantine Church of Ekatontapyliani, the church of The Hundred Doors. Walking in the narrow streets of Parikia and visit the old Venetian castle on the southwestern side of the harbor. After Parikia, we head towards the marble quarries of Marathi and on to the highest village on the island, Lefkes. This village was the former capital of Paros, and here we enjoy a short walk through the village to visit the 17^th century church of Holy Trinity. Leaving Lefkes, we make our way to the small village of Pisso Livadi, for a light lunch in one of the local taverns, or swim in the clear blue sea on the small sandy beach. Our final stop is at the small resort of Naoussa, where we will walk through the narrow streets, admire the whitewashed houses and discover the small harbor area with its dozens of little fishing boats, lying side by side.

Iraklia – Koufonissia

Come with us and get t know some of the Aegean Islands which still resemble an undiscovered paradise. We leave from Piso Livadi on a small excursion boat, and after a short journey, arrive in Ai Giorgi, the small port of Iraklia. There is a feeling of being at least ten years behind the rest of the world and we suggest that you just let yourselves enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the island way life. The next stop is Koufonisia, where it is possible to go everywhere by foot. The whole length of the southern part of the island has wonderful beaches and there is a path which runs parallel with the southern coastline giving you the chance to choose whichever beach you like. The wide variety of fish and seafood which is served in the taverns is always fresh and sold at very reasonable prices due to the fact that nearly all of the families on the island are involved in the fishing trade. In the afternoon we return to Piso Livadi. Treat yourself to a day far away from the pressures of modern civilization.

Delos – Mykonos

Visit the gems of Cyclades. First Delos, the sacred island of the ancient Greeks, with its unique archaeological monuments and one of the most important archaeological museums in Greece. Secondly Mykonos, a beautiful cosmopolitan island with wonderful traditional style Cycladic architecture, a style which is maintained even with the new buildings. There are many things to do, including a walk around the attractive alleyways and windmills, a visit to the museums of interest (which include the archaeological, nautical, folk and the agricultural museums), and the churches and finally a cool drink and a swim.

 
Barbeque in Antiparos island

Antiparos island tour with an original kaiki boat, duration about 6,5 hours. Around the beautiful coastline of Antiparos you can enjoy a wonderful day. The boat is leaving from Pounta and will take you to Pantalonisia where we have our first swimming stop. The water is crystal blue and looks like a natural swimming pool. On the beautiful beach of Faneromeni there will be a barbeque organized for you, while you are enjoying the sun and the sea. You will be amazed from the pureness and beauty this small island offers you. Afterwards we will head towards Mastichari cave where we will make a photo stop. From the cave we will turn back to Pounta where the bus is waiting for you to take you back to Parikia.

By Sea: Because of its central location in the Cyclades, various ferries reach Paros from the ports near Athens and from other Greek Islands. All year round, there are daily boats to Paros from the port of Piraeus, while in the summer, there are also connections from the port of Rafina; trip duration is 3-5 hours, depending on the type of boat.

By Air: Air-connections exist all year round, from Athens Airport ‘El. Venizelos’ or Thessaloniki Airport ‘Makedonia’. The neighbouring islands of Mykonos and Santorini host international chartered flights.