Paros has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC and was an important center of the Cycladic Civilization. Its great fame, however, was linked to Parian marble — the famous "lychnites", a translucent white marble considered the finest of the ancient world, from which masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo were carved.
In antiquity Paros was rich and powerful, with colonies such as Thasos. It gave birth to the lyric poet Archilochus (7th century BC) and the sculptor Scopas. It took part in the Persian Wars and later in the Athenian Alliance.
During the Byzantine period Ekatontapyliani was founded, while after the Fourth Crusade (1207) the island passed to the Venetians and was incorporated into the Duchy of the Aegean. The Sanudo family built the Castle of Parikia on top of an ancient temple.
Under Ottoman rule, Naousa was used as a naval base of the Russian fleet of Orlov (1770–1775). Paros took an active part in the Revolution of 1821 — Manto Mavrogenous came from here. In modern times, the island has developed into one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Cyclades.