Known by some as the "Jewel of the Aegean", Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades. The Cycladic Islands tend to be much drier and barren than the Ionian Islands; Paros however, is one of the greener islands of the Cyclades. Its landscape is covered in terraced hills, vineyards, olive trees and groves of fruit trees.

Paros is an island that has a lot to offer, whether you want to take a step back and breathe, or party until dawn, educate yourself or forget all your worries, or even combine everything together. Paros is a place that you can do it all. There is so much to see with a number of historical, and archaeological sites around the island. Paros has a majestic quality and is known for attracting poets, writers and artists.

As the ferry approaches Parikia, the main town and also the main port, you will see the magnificent large windmill and the Cycladic style white washed houses. This town is great to stroll through, to wander around the little white washed alleys, eat by the sea, to sit below the Kastro (Castle) or visit the impressive Church "Ekatontapyliani", which is still open for services.

Naoussa is the second port on the island and it is possibly one of the most picturesque ports in the Aegean. Naoussa is also the name of one of the wines that come from Paros. The wine production on the island has grown significantly in the recent years. This beautiful little town offers the best sunset on the

The beaches on Paros are beautiful; there are sandy beaches as well as small pebbly ones, normally in little covered coves. Many of the beaches on Paros have been awarded Blue Flags for their cleanliness. They have also been called some of the best beaches in the Aegean.

As with most of the Greek islands there is a vast choice of accommodation on Paros. You can find anything from camping to luxurious hotels and resorts are available.

Keep in mind that people who visit this island tend to "fall in love" with it and return on numerous occasions.

Paros has been inhabited since approximately 4000 BC, however it didn't begin to flourish until 1000 years later in 3000 BC. Paros has a clear marble which it has been exporting for centuries, it was exported all over the Cycladic Islands and it is still quarried and sold today. Because of its marble trade; Paros remained an important island throughout the ages.

Most of the Greek Islands tend to have a similar story. Paros has been invaded, run and influenced by a number of different people and therefore their cultures. Initially it was a tribe from the Peloponnese who took strong hold of the Cyclades who also went into Paros and traded the Parian marble. (Parian Marble is slightly see-through and is sought after. You can still buy some on the island as souvenirs). Near the end of the Classical Period Paros was ruled by Sparta, then the Macedonians and then the Romans. During the Byzantine Era a number of monasteries and churches were built on the island. This Era was followed by Venetian rule which began in the 13^th Century and the Turks moved in as well.

Paros was finally free in 1821 after the Greek revolution.

MUSEUMS

There are a few museums on the island, including Archaeological, Byzantine, Folklore, Sculpture but the one that stands out the most is the Wine Museum in the village of Naoussa. The museum is owned by the Boutaris family who traditionally make wine. The museum is mainly for educational purposes.

The majority of the museums are located in Parikia and Naoussa.

Antiparos

Antiparos is the smaller "sister" island which is very close to Paros. If you have the time it is worth getting on a small boat and going over to see the island. You can spend the day swimming and eating on this little island looking back onto Paros. Antiparos has a selection of accommodation and is known for its great hospitality. So if you prefer time away from everything and want to relax completely, spend a couple of days on this small island and soak up the wonderful Greek sun.

Parikia

Visit the Church of Panagia "Ekatontapyliani" which is located in Parikia. This is one of the oldest, best preserved and most important churches in Greece. It was constructed around 300 AD on top of the ruins of an ancient temple. At the back of the church, around the courtyard you will find an interesting Byzantine Museum. If you take a walk around Parikia you will come across tiny churches, ruins and other interesting sites along your way. Keep your eyes open for Agios Konstantinos Church which is built on top pf an ancient temple of the Goddess Demeter (the goddess of fertility) and also for the old castle, which is now a semi ruin. The Castle was built using material from the same ancient temple on which the Church of Agios Konstantinos now sits.

Marpissa

This is a little village that is up on the mountain. It is very picturesque and has maintained the charming traditional Greek ambience. There are a number of churches from the 16^th & 17^th Century as well as the ruins of a Venetian Castle. The village also has a couple of museums, traditional Cycladic Style houses, little paved roads as well as Cycladic Windmills.

Naoussa

Once you have visited the Wine Museum, have a walk around this beautiful little port and village. It is stunning and has number of little bars etc where you can have a nice refreshing drink and watch the sun set. If you are around towards the end of August, go to Naoussa on the 23^rd of August to watch the annual celebration of the village's victory over the Turkish Pirate Barbarossa.

Nature

If you are a Nature lover, there is a beautiful valley a few kilometers south Parikia called the Valley of Butterflies. After driving or taking the bus, you can walk to it or reach it by donkey! It is a beautiful valley and if you do visit it you will be subjected to a truly amazing natural phenomenon. The valley during the summer months is absolutely covered in butterflies, although you will have to look carefully as they camouflage themselves very well.

Beaches

Paros offers a wide variety and number of beaches. It is always best on a Greek island to wander around and explore the beaches on offer and to also ask the locals or hotels where the best places to go are, however, we have a few places we can suggest:

For families: Kolimbithres, it has crystal clear water and you can keep a close eye on the kids. Another beach is Aliki where you can watch the kids run around and play in the water whilst sitting and enjoying some food and drink.

For water sports: Paros is one of the Greek Islands that people visit to Windsurf. Golden Beach is known for its windsurfing but they also have scuba diving. If you are a beginner or would like to learn how to windsurf you should visit Tserdakia a.k.a New Golden Beach which has a school with very experienced windsurfers.

Pounda Beach, is located south of Pounda and near the port that boats leave for Antiparos, is known for its windsurfing and kite surfing. There is also a diving school.

Looking for everything: Santa Maria has everything. Water sports, umbrellas, sun beds, tavernas, bars, even a swimming pool. You can do whatever you want in one place. The beach is huge!

Sun & Fun: Pounda Beach this is where the partying goes on during the day as well. Beautiful sandy beach and crystal clear waters.

Farangas is relatively unknown but has a collection of bars and tavernas. It is a wide sandy each and there is a collection of small coves to the right of the beach.

Relaxation & no one around: Voutakos and Laggeri are the beaches that can provide you with peace and quiet. But if you do go to either take drink and food with you as it won't be easy to get much within walking distance.

Shopping

The majority of the shops are located in Parikia and in Naoussa. You can find little boutique shops, souvenir shops, clothes shops, jewelry, antiques, wine, embroideries etc. You can find cheap and very expensive items. If you are looking for some local produce, we suggest you visit the shop of the farmers' association of Paros.

Parikia is the party town of Paros. Here you will find the largest number and variety of Bars and Clubs. You can even find the famous Irish Bar and grab a pint! There are a number of modern clubs, bars that play live Greek music, bars that play jazz music, bars on the sea front, others hidden in the little stone streets and you can find pretty much any type of music.

The Nightlife in Naoussa is also very lively. There are lots of bars to choose from across the island and whether you are looking for an all night party or a calm evening, you will find somewhere that you will love.

There is also an open air cinema.

WHERE TO WINE & DINE

Whether you are looking for Greek Traditional cuisine or International cuisine you can find a restaurant on this island that will satisfy your taste. There are stylish modern restaurants, little cafes, family run restaurants and anything from cheap and cheerful to luxurious and more expensive. Quick snacks or delicious meals you can find it all in Parikia and in Naoussa. The other villages mainly have Greek cuisine available.

Whilst you are in Paros you should try a few of their local specialties:
"Gouna" - this is a boneless mackarel which is dried in the sun and then grilled, baked stuffed fish, octopus with pasta, "Kokorozoumo"- rooster cooked in its broth, "Kakavia" - fish soup and "ladosoupa" a Paros soup with olive oil.
Keep in mind that Paros is a fertile island and a lot of the vegetables and fruit are grown locally and incredibly tasty and fresh. Also try some of their local sweets.
Accompany your meals with either the local wine or local ouzo.