What to do in Paros

Geography

Paros, Greece is an incredibly beautiful, colloquially-Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. Just next door to Mykonos, and to the West of Naxos, Paros is one of the largest and most populated islands of the Cyclades archipelago. Parikian is the capital of Paros, and the primary hub for visitors traveling to and from the airport, and between islands. 

History

Paros was first inhabited by ancient Greeks as early as the Mesolithic era around 7500 ~ 6500. It remained a major city all through Antiquity and prospered as a trading center as well as a producer of many agricultural products. By the Classical period, the island may have boasted more than 10 000 citizens, a considerable figure for the time.

The picturesque old town of Naoussa and its harbours have been fought over for many centuries by the Ottomans, Venetians, and the Russians. 

Paros Marble

Paros is known for it’s stunning marble exports. Paros marble is very fine, pure-white and very transparent, making it ideal for carving beautiful works of art. Many famous ancient sculptures were made using this exact marble, including the iconic Venus de Milo, and even Napoleon's tomb was made from this highly-sought after material. Today, Paros still produces marble in small quantities for archaeological restoration works at the Marathi quarries. It can even be visited by tourists and is just a short drive from Paroikia.

Naoussa Harbour

Naoussa Harbour will likely be the cutest little dockside town you will ever see. Traditional white and blue Greek buildings line the waterway, while tiny white and blue boats rock back and forth in the clear turquoise waters. Lined with plenty of restaurants and cafes, visitors can sit and have an outdoor lunch or drink and soak in the sun. The Greek use the harbour for fishing and trade, and Naoussa is also a hub for Greek island nightlife. You can find many trendy bars, as well as multiple larger clubs just at the entry of town.

Antiparos Cave

Antiparos Cave, also known as the Cave of Agios Ioannis Church, is located 400 meters underground. As one of the main attractions in Paros-Antiparos, this is one natural wonder that you have to experience (if you are physically fit enough to climb up and down the 400 step staircase!) The winding stairway takes you deep into the earth into the caves. The caves are incredibly magical in person- much more so than in photos, The ceiling of the caves are a cathedral of stalactites and stalagmites- which are icicle-shaped mineral formation caused by dripping water over many years.

Paroikia Ekatondapiliani Church

The name of this famous church translates in Greek to “Virgin of the hundred doors”. The oldest features of the church date back to 326 AD, making Ekatondapoliani one of the oldest church still standing. It was likely founded even before Christianity was adopted by the Roman Empire as official religion.

Besides its undeniable historical value, There is a great deal of myth and mystery that surround this site, and where the hundred doors came from. An ancient Greek myth states that the church has 99 doors, and that the last would magically appear when Constantinople was reconquered. The Beautiful stone face and stunning interior make the church a primary spot to visit on the island.

Lefkes Village

Set on a Greek mountainside, this tiny white village is a must-see for visitors to Paros. Typical of Greek architecture, you will see the white buildings and blue- domed churches. The streets are lined with large slates of rock, and colorful pink bougainvillea flourish on roofs and sides of homes. It’s a beautiful, unique spot to see, perfect to visit for dinner, and of course makes for epic travelling photos. You can also find excellent hiking trails from Lefkes into the Paros mountains.

Beaches of Paros

Churches and caves aside, beaches are obviously a main pull for visitors of Paros. These soft-sanded beaches are the gateway to beautiful, clear blue waters of the Aegean sea. Some of the top beaches to see are, Golden Beach, Lageri, Pounda, Martselo, Santa Maria, and Agios georgios on Antiparos. But these beaches are not just for laying. There are many fun adventures to try on and nearby them, as well!

Adventure Activities

Paros is also famous for being a prime spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. In the summer, the islands experience Meltemi winds, which blow at speeds of 4-5 beauforts. Pounda Beach is especially famous for kitesurfing, while Golden Beach and the East coast are the go-to places for Windsurfing.

Those in the mood for more relaxing adventures can enjoy the sights by sea kayak or stand-up paddleboarding. You can also go scuba diving and see the exotic underwater wildlife.

Paros also offers boat tours, snorkelling, swimming, and just downright fun! You can check out all the activities available here.