Paros

Paros is one of the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea. It is situated in the centre of the Cyclades island group (closed to many famous islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Antiparos etc) with 15,000 permanent residents.

The main factor that makes Paros really outstanding is that it is an island for all ages. Paros caters for every taste making the island an ideal destination for any kind of holidays, be it relaxing, discovering or active (great history of glorious culture, excellent beaches, nightlife, water sports etc.). It is one of the few islands which combine quiet and relaxing family holidays as well as miscellaneous day-time activities and a truly great night life. The tasteful Greek cuisine with fresh vegetables, fish and meat, local wine and Greek ouzo next to the sea, is abundant all over the island. In Paros you will meet friendly and hospitable people who will help you at any time during your holidays. Although the island attracts thousands of visitors every year, it is never becoming overcrowded due to its size.

Being a unique island of Aegean Sea and having 120km of coastline, there are numerous breathtaking bays and coves with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. The numerous narrow paved alleys with picturesque whitewashed houses, the hundreds of chapels, the windmills and the pigeon towers complete the Aegean architecture always in harmony with modern life. Besides, the offered facilities of a contemporary holiday resort (such as airport, port, marinas, fishing retreats, civil services, post offices, a public medical center, a private clinic in the capital and a full range of shops) guarantee that you will not miss anything from your daily life.

Paros offers perfect conditions for water sports. Paros diving holidays are particularly special, and there are many diving centers to choose from, catering for every level of scuba diver from the complete beginner to the seasoned expert. Scuba diving in Paros is particularly popular due to the warm water temperatures, superb visibility and huge array of marine species. In Paros there are many great spots for windsurfing and kite surfing, with both equipment hire and lessons offered readily available.

SECRETS THAT MAKE VISITORS OF PAROS RETURN AGAIN AND AGAIN

Stroll through the traditional villages, amongst the picturesque houses, along the stone-laid roads and pathways meticulously outlined with white wash, and under the archways, boasting examples of typical Cycladic architecture.

Glide through the warm crystal waters of the Aegean Sea, at isolated or cosmopolitan beaches.

Enjoy our home-like cooking in numerous family owned taverns.

Be ready for intense fun as the party goes on until the morning. Be swept away by the colours and the pure magic of the Parian sunsets and sunrises. Admire the deep blue of the sky and the sea ornate with colorful fishing boats which bid us good morning, brimming with the 'treasures' of the day, as the seagulls fly around them dancing in playful delight.

Paros offers various kinds of entertainment for all age groups and any kind of holidays. It is one of the few islands which can combine quiet and relaxing family holidays as well as diverse day-time activities and intense night life entertainment. It is in short, an island for all ages. You may visit the numerous beach bars, cafés, night clubs, restaurants, water parks and attend various local feasts and artistic events such as exhibitions, dance performances, concerts, plays and literary readings.

Artists and Art Appreciators have plenty of opportunities to attend exhibitions in galleries throughout the island and also cultural events. All year round there are art seminars and lessons offered as well.

Visit the famous cave with Stalagmite and Stalactite which is located at the small island of Antiparos. Antiparos is located opposite of Paros and you could reach the small island by boat in ten minutes.

Despotiko Island is a small uninhabited island opposite of Antiparos. In the year 2000, archaeologists discovered the remains of a 2.500 year old Apollo temple on Despotiko. Part of it has been excavated but there is thought to be lots more just below the surface.

WHAT NOT TO FORGET

• To see the sunset from the hill at Agia Anna & the church of Agios Konstantinos in Parikia.
• To organize a daily trip around Paros and ask to visit “Blue Lagoon” for swimming.
• The sunrise from Agios Nicolas in Piso Livadi.
• A stroll in Naoussa, in the picturesque little port with its colorful rowboats and sailboats, the sounds of the 'Tratas' (fishing boats), of the children laughing and running and the smell of grilled Gouna and Octopus. Lose yourself in the narrow alleys and the paved walkways while being greeted by the locals who still sit in front their houses on stone benches in the evenings, talking about the day that passed.
• A stroll in Parikia, on Gravari Street, where one meets neoclassic mansions and manors of the Venetian times, with giant marble arches, columns, arcades, churches and the water fountains of Lord Mavrogenis. Continue your stroll towards the central market place and reach the castle, thus discovering the old traditional village.
• A stroll in Lefkes, a walk from the entrance of the village towards the church of the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada), the proud jewel of the village, brings you across a lot of neoclassic mansions harmonized with the Cycladic architecture. At the historic coffeehouse, you may get a taste of the uniqueness of the village: the tidiness of the locals, their respect for the artistic Cycladic character and their neat balconies and terraces filled with blooming basil plants, bougainvilleas and carnations.
• A stroll inside Marpissa, Marmara and Prodromos and let yourselves go with the magic images spreading before your eyes.
• A stroll in Piso Livadi with its tranquil small port and then to Logara with traditional restaurants on the beach and a beautiful sandy beach with clean waters.
• A walk in Drios with its lake and its running waters, down to the port where one finds some very old 'neosikous' (shipping docks) made in the Venetian times for the boats to anchor and get prepared for pirate attacks.
• To walk one night under the full moon next to the sea.
• To dance a round of Balos and listen to the sounds of the 'Tsambouna' (traditional bag pipe) along with the locals at one of the festivals, and of course taste some of the delicious fish dishes and Parian wine.
• To try the daily excursions to neighboring islands (during the summer months only).
• Take the small boat and visit Antiparos. Walking to the stone paved streets of the traditional village of Antiparos, you will feel the real atmosphere of the lovely island. Visit the famous cave with Stalagmite and Stalactite, the beautiful beaches and organize a tour to Despotiko Island with many ancient treasures. In the year 2000, archaeologists discovered the remains of a 2.500 year old Apollo temple on Despotiko. Part of it has been excavated but there is thought to be lots more just below the surface.

Weather / Climate

Paros has a unique climate all the year round. During the summer months daily temperature is between 25-35 degrees Celsius and stays the same from middle of April until October. For the fans of water sports, Paros is the Greek heaven because of the reliable wind. The water temperature is pleasantly warm above 20 degrees during summer period and about 15 degrees for the majority of the year.

How to get here

Paros has its own small airport so you can reach the island of Paros by plane from most international airports via Athens International Airport (AIA) with Olympic Air schedules. Duration of flight: 35 minutes. You could also fly from to Mykonos or Santorini and then to take the ferry for Paros.

The island can also be reached by a regular ferry boat or high speed boat from the Athens ports of Piraeus/Rafina, daily, all the year round. Duration of voyage: 2,5 – 4 hours. Many visitors use the ferries for their arrival or departure from Paros, as the ferries are high standard and very comfortable.

There are also frequent boat connections with other Cycladic Islands: Antiparos, Andros, Siros, Tinos, Mykonos, Sifnos, Naxos, Ios, Amorgos and Santorini, some of the Dodecanese Islands and Crete.