The 4th biggest island of the Cyclades, Paros is 90 nautical miles from Athens. The island is named after the Arcadian leader, Paros, which first inhabited the island, according to mythology. Studies have shown human traces on the island since the 5th millennium B.C. 

Paros has a huge historical background that cannot be described in few lines, but more or less followed the history of the rest of Cyclades.

Paros is a very famous travel destination, worldwide. It has some unique wetlands, with protected birds, animals, and plants. Very famous since antiquity is the marble of Paros due to its exceptional clarity. 

Τhe island is 196,5 km2 and nowadays has a population of approx. 13.700. The capital of the island is Parikia and has a lot of villages and settlements.

Discover Paros

We’ll mention here some of the island’s sightseeings:

• The church of Ekatontapiliani – One-Hundred doors, the biggest and oldest, from the 4th century B.C. church in Greece
• The Ancient Quarries, just 5 km from Parikia, with their marble many sculptures were made of, as the Afrodite of Milos, Hermes of Praxiteles and Nike of Samothraki
• The Valley with the Butterflies, just 7 km from Parikia, a well-hidden ecological Eden on Paros 
• Alkioni, the wildlife association that helps animals in need

 The beaches 

 A few of the beaches of Paros are:

• Livadia
• Krios
• Kaminia
• Parikia
• Kolimpithres
• Santa Maria
• Piso LIvadi
• Chrisi Akti
• Drios
• Pounta

Activities and Events

As all over Greece and especially on the islands, many religious festivals take place. For sure you’ll enjoy the food, the dance and the wine during one of those festivals.

On the first Sunday of July, at Naousa, takes place the fish festival that started in the ‘70ies.