Paros

Map of Paros

Paros is one of the top travel destinations of the Greeks, and not only. It's the 3rd bigger islands of the Cyclades with 196km² and 13.715 population. With a gentle landscape arranged around the central peak of Profitis Ilias, Paros has everything one expects from a Greek  island: old villages, fishing harbors, monasteries and churches, nice beaches and top nightlife. However, Parikia, the capital, is expensive and it is very difficult finding rooms and space in beaches, especially in August, when the other settlements, the port of Naousa and the satellite island Antiparos, handle most of the overflow. Carousing and drinking is idea of many people of a holiday on Paros, so it's not surprising that both Parikia and Naousa have a wealth of pubs and bars.

Bustling Parikia, the capital, sets the tone architecturally  for the rest of Paros, its ranks of typically Cycladic white houses punctuated by the occasional Venetian-style building and church domes. The real attraction of Parikia is simply to wander the town itself, especially the meandering old market street(Agora) and adjoining Gravari.

On the other hand, Naousa is a more fashionable alternative to Parikia. It's a major resort town, with modern concrete hotels and attendant trappings. It has developed around a charming little port whose layout has not been adversely affected. The local festivals are still celebrated especially the re-enactment on August 23 of a naval victory over the pirates.

Beaches

Punda

Punda beach is the heart of entertainment. Endless parties, dance and drink are the main reasons that Punda is the most popular destination for young people. It has fine golden sand, crystal clear waters and eucalyptus trees that offer shade. There is also the famous Punda beach bar. Located on the Southeastern side of Paros.

Punda

Faragas

It's an incredible beautiful beach with fine golden sand, clear waters and plenty of space. It's one of the most upcoming beaches in Paros because it is protected from the air thanks to a small bay.

Kaminia

Big sandy and quiet beach with crystal clear waters. Located at the Northern end of the bay of Parikia.. For lovers of exploration, there is the cave Archilochus, near the beach.

Xrisi Akti(Golden Coast)

Xrisi Akti is probably the most beautiful and famous beach of Paros. Located 26 kilometers far from Parikia. It is famous for its golden sand, but also for the world championship wind surf which has been established to be carried out there since the early 90s. It's a well-equipped beach with a blue flag. It has restaurants, tourist shops etc.

Golden Coast

Kolimpithres

It is with Xrisi Akti the most famous beaches of the island. Located in the Western part of the bay of Naoussa. The magnificent sandy beach combined with the granite rocks 'make' a beautiful landscape. Remarkable is the fact that the rocks have acquired crevices which reaches the water from waves and look like fonts, so it got the name of this beach. Access to this beach by boat from Naoussa or road.

Kolimpithres

Other Beaches

Molos, Monastiri, Krios, Martselo, Logaras, Ampelas, Dryos, Agia Eirini, Piperi, Kalo livadi, Parasporos, Santa Maria.

Sights

Ekatondapiliani
It is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the Cyclades and the whole of Greece. Located 200 meters from the port in the capital of Paros, Parikia. The church is dedicated to Panagia and for this every year on August 15 are brilliant events. The tradition believes that the church was built in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Agios Konstantinos, and counts 1600 years of life. It is an imposing temple.

Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Paros is located just behind the Ekatondapiliani. In this museum you can admire the history of the island, with important finds from the Neolithic to the Roman era, rich collection of vases and sculptures as well as information on important people of his time, arts and letters. (22840 21231)

The Frankish Castle
At the highest point of Parikia is the Frankish castle from the 13th century. Today there is only a wall but you can go around the churches that exist there.

Antiparos

Antiparos
Antiparos is a small island Southwest of Paros, four miles away from it. Accessible by boat from Parikia or Punta, within half an hour with very little cost. Is the place for family holidays away from the hustle and bustle. On the mountain there is a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites and is very impressive.

Other Sights

Ancient Cemetery, Marble Quarries, Monastery of Logovarda, Temple of Pithia, Folklore Museum.

Paros

Transportation

By plane: The island is served by regular flights from Athens(55min). The airport is 12km South of Parikia. There are buses waiting for the flights during the summer.

By ferry: Parikia is a major hub for inter-island ferry services and serves almost all islands in the Cyclades. There are two ferries to Antiparos: the first is a passenger ferry from Parikia and the second is a car ferry from Pounda, 7km South of Parikia. The latter leaves every 30-45min during summer.

Destinations: Amorgos(2-3 weekly, 3hr), Anafi(1-3 weekly, 6hr), Antiparos(hourly, 30min), Astypalea(1-4 weekly, 5hr), Iraklio(5-6 weekly, 3hr 30min), Donousa(daily, 2hr), Folegandros(2-4 weekly, 3hr 30min), Ios(2-3 weekly, 2hr-3hr30min), Lavrio via Kea/Kythnos(1 weekly, 8hr), Milos(2-3 weekly, 5hr), Mykonos(1-2 daily, 1hr-1hr 20min), Naxos(2-3 daily, 40min-1hr), Pireas(3-5 daily, 3-4hr), Santorini(1-3 daily, 3hr), Serifos(1-2 weekly, 3-5hr), Sifnos(2 weekly, 2hr 30min), Sikinos(2-4 weekly, 3hr), Schoinousa(2-4 weekly, 2hr 20min- 6hr), Syros(6-8 weekly, 2hr 40min), Tinos(1-2 daily, 1 hr 10min).

Getting Around

By bus: The bus station is 100m or so West of the ferry dock. Naousa(hourly through the night in high season, 20min), Dhryos(1hr), Pounda for Antiparos(20min). There are two places called Pounda on Paros, one being the West-coast port and the other, a beach on the East coast.

Paros

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Paros:  22840 22078

Health Center: 22840 22500 - 22840 22501 - 22840 22502

Pharmacy: (Parikia) 22840 21449 - 22840 22088 - 22840 21388 - 22840 21418 - 22840 22223 - 22840 22748   (Naousa) 22840 51550 - 22840 51004

Police Station: 22840 23333

Fire Department: 22840 51999 - 22840 52199

Port Authorities: 22840 51250

Post Office: 22840 21236

Airport: 22840 91257

KTEL: 22840 21395

Taxi: 22840 21500