Paros is located in the center of the Cyclades and it is one of the most cosmopolitan islands of Greece. It is an island that satisfies all tastes, with its spotless beaches, intense nightlife, numerous churches, water sports and lots of places worth seeing.
So are you ready to enjoy the sights of Paros?
Parikia
Parikia is the capital of Paros, situated on a small hill overlooking the Port, on the west of the Island. It is built on the site of the ancient town and its picturesque alleys are dominated by white and blue colors. It is a vibrant town as it is the commercial center of Paros, full of restaurants and cafes. As in all the Cyclades, the cobbled streets, flowery neighborhoods and whitewashed terraces make this place marvellous. In recent years, it has shown a rapid development, trying to preserve both the Cycladic architecture, as well as its picturesqueness and local color.
Naoussa
Naoussa is the second most populated town on the island of Paros after Parikia, from which it is 10km away. It is impossible to travel to Paros and not find yourself in Naoussa. Its beauty is unique with its harbor housing all the fishing boats of the village and the marina hosting all kinds of tourist boats. Despite tourism development, this fantastic town has managed to keep its authenticity and traditional character. What attracts visitors even more, however, is its intense nightlife that lasts until dawn. Visitors can find numerous taverns and ouzeries located at the port.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani church
Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also referred to as the “Church of 100 doors”, is the most popular attraction of Paros and one of the most significant religious destinations in Greece. It is one of the best-preserved early Christian monuments found in Greek territory and indeed the largest in size. It is located a few meters from the port of Parikia. According to the legend, during Saint Helene´s journey to the Holy Land in search of the Holy Cross, a storm brought her in Paros, where she promised Virgin Mary that she would build a church if her quest was successful. This church was eventually built by her son, Constantine the Great, after her death and it was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin.
Venetian castle of Naoussa
The Venetian Castle of Naoussa, also known as Castelli, is a fortified, Venetian building from the 15th century, which, although it is half submerged, reveals its history and remains an attraction-jewel for the area, a charming sight that blends wonderfully with the blue sea and the shops of the port.
Parikia Frankish Castle
The castle of Parikia or Fragokastelo is located on the site of the ancient acropolis of Paros, at the highest point of Parikia and is one of the most important castles of the Cyclades, as it was built in 1260, out of marble vestiges of ancient monuments and sanctuaries, after the Venetian Duke of Naxos, Marcos Sanoudos´s commission. The Christian Orthodox Church of Agios Konstantinos is also situated there.
Environmental And Cultural Park
It is a theme park that stretches across an 800-acre peninsula. Paros Park is based on volunteerism and welcomes visitors all year round for a variety of environmental and cultural activities or simply for a walk in its natural surroundings. In the park there is an open theater, a summer cinema under the stars, hiking trails, a cafe-restaurant and free beaches. The Paros Park was founded in 2009 with the mission of preserving and optimizing the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula, with its distinctive natural scenery and character.
Valley of the Butterflies or “Petaloudes”
If you belong to those who love nature and walks in it, then the “Butterfly Valley” is something you should not miss. It is located 7km west from Parikia, near the Monastery of Jesus of Woods (or Agios Arsenios), and is well hidden from the bustling capital and the hundreds of tourists. This place is a unique monument of Parian nature, with a spring water and dense vegetation of cypresses, plane trees, wrapped with ivy, laurels, wild olives and fruit trees. This combination of vegetation creates a unique habitat for the species of butterfly “Jersey Tiger Moth”, which settles on this small oasis. This species appears from late May to late July and in September. The butterflies reserve on the island of Paros is considered one of the main attractions of the island for the past 30 years.
Lefkes
Lefkes is a mountainous village of Paros at an altitude of 200 meters, 10km from Parikia. Lefkes was the first capital of Paros. The village is located on a pinewood hill, with traditional whitewashed houses, mixed with Venetian architecture, wonderful quaint churches dating from the 15thcentury and whitewashed windmills. Perhaps what makes it the most authentic village of Paros is its whitewashed Cycladic architecture, traditional narrow alleys and picturesque cafes. If you visit Lefkes, a “must” visit is to the “Marigos´s Cafe”, located opposite the church of the Holy Trinity, serving a variety of dishes, from fine appetizers with ouzo to spoon sweets. Last but not least, it offers a breathtaking view of Naxos Island.
Prodromos
South-east of Parikia and 7km south of Naoussa is the picturesque small village of Prodromos that maintains its Cycladic architecture and authentic picturesqueness. Narrow streets, traditional cafes and flowery courtyards are some of the images visitors will find there. One of the most famous paths of Paros is the Byzantine path which connects Prodromos with Lefkes village, within one hour and a half, through olive plantations and vineyards. If you find yourself in Prodromos, you are only a few kilometers away from a unique experience and a visit to the village’s cafe, the Artistic Cafe, known for its “mezedes” and hospitality.
Antiparos
Antiparos is a small rocky, inhabited island in the southern Aegean sea, at the heart of the Cyclades, which can be easily reached from Pounda port in Paros by a ferry boat, approximately in 7 minutes. The coast of Antiparos is distinguished for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and for this reason the island attracts lots of tourism during the summer months. In addition to its unique beaches, Antiparos has also a special Cave which is situated just 8 km from the capital (Chora), also known as “Cave of Agios Ioannis church”. Antiparos Cave is the only vertical cave in the whole of Europe with a depth of approximately 85 meters. In summer months it is open and the admission ticket can be also used for the Historical and Folklore Museum of Antiparos.
