The island takes its name from Paros, the leader of the Arcadians who went there in the 10th century BC. Before the Arcadians, the Minoan Cretans had settled on Paros and used it as their naval base. Later came the Ionians.
The most glorious period in the history of Paros was the 8th century when the island thanks to its marble, acquired great wealth and became a major maritime power in the Aegean, establishing its own colonies. One of these colonies was Thassos.
The existence of Parian marble also meant that the island produced outstanding sculptors of its own including the famous Scopas. However the prosperity was disrupted by the war with the Naxians.
In the Persian wars, Paros allied itself with the Persians which provoked reprisals from the Athenian. In the 4th century, Paros was seized by the Macedinians and later by the Romans. In 1207 the Venetians included it in the Duchy of the Archipelago founded by Marco Sanudo. The Turks conquered the island in 1537.
In 1770 the Russians drove out the Turks and stayed there 7 years using it as a naval base. Paros was finally incorporated into Greece in 1830.
Parikia, the island’s capital in its large bay protected by the meltemi wind is an attractive sight.The white houses in the Cycladic style are arrayed along the sea front. There is an old windmill in front of the pier, always freshly whitewashed. In the background, in a small oasis of greenery you will find a large Byzantine church with a tiled roof.
The gentle outlines of the island’s mountains are in the background. A monastery stands out high up on the slopes and a chapel on the highest peak. Looking at these mountains one would hardly think that they are the source of the best white marble in the world- that the Venus of Milo, the Hermes of Praxiteles and most of the masterpieces of ancient Greece were carved from this marble.
Paros has long been a well known tourist attraction, one of the favorite islands for visitors together with Mykonos, Ios and Santorini. The beautiful capital of Parikia, the pretty village of Naoussa and the superb beaches are among its most popular sites. The island is famous for the quality of its wine, both red and white.
How to get there:
Paros can be reached by air from Athens or by ferry from Piraeus, Rafina, the other Cyclades, Icaria, Fourni, Samos, Crete and Thessaloniki.
Paros’s Top attractions:
1. Old Town and Port of Naoussa
Spend a day enjoying the maze of small passages and allaeys of this picturesque village and enjoy the island’s atmosphere.
2. Lefkes village
Lefkes is one of the island’s most beautiful villages. It’s situated on the slopes of Mount Agios Pantes.The village is only 10km away from Parikia. Once you are there take a chance to visit the Church of Agia Triada with its 2 bell towers.
3. Parikia
This is the island’s main port and one of the main tourist attractions. The old town is full of handicraft small shops, mostly jewelry and sandal makers, bars and cafes. Looking over the city is the fortress, Kastro, built in 1260 by the Venetian Duke of Naxos. The fortress was built on the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of Athena.
Take a chance to visit the most famous church on the island- Panagia Katapoliani also known as the church of 100 doors. Byzantine museum and Archaeological museum are also worth the visit.
4. Explore many beaches of Paros
Golden beach- Crystal water, golden sand and perfect wind for windsurfing
Santa Maria beach- Organized beach near Noussa. Popular for many water sports.
Parasporos beach- 2km away from Parikia, well organized with lots of bars
Livadia beach- is the closest beach to Parikia. This sandy beach tend to be crowded during high season due to its location
Monastiri beach- a rocky beach in the north of the island. It’s located near Noussa.
Tripiti- a secluded beach in a calm bay between Aliki and Drios.
Molos- calm beach with almost no visitors. Sandy beach on the east side of the island.
and many more….
5. Piso Livadi
This village is not as fancy as Noussa and Parikia but is definitely worth the visit. If you are looking for a calm family holiday away from the crowds, this is the place to be. It’s also a great place for lunch and some freshly grilled fish.
6. Antiparos
If you are staying in Paros and looking to do some island hopping as well, Antiparos should be first on the list. It’s a small island near Paros and it only takes 10min to get there by boat. Explore its shops and restaurants or simply spend a day on one of the nearby beaches.