Paros

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Paros

The island of marble and kindness

  • Parikia / Naousa
  • 3–5h from Piraeus
  • Agioi Pantes 762m
  • Beaches
  • Nightlife
  • Windsurfing
Culture

History & heritage

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.

Explore

Sights & Trails

Monasteries, castles, ancient towns and hiking routes.

Ekatontapyliani Church

The "church with a hundred doors" is one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece. According to tradition, it was founded in the 4th century by Saint Helen and renovated under Justinian. An impressive complex of churches with a unique baptistery.

Byzantine Museum of Ekatontapyliani

Inside the Ekatontapyliani complex, it houses icons, liturgical vessels and heirlooms that illuminate the island's Byzantine history.

Archaeological Museum of Paros

Houses finds from ancient Paros, including a fragment of the "Parian Chronicle" and important examples of the famous Parian marble sculpture.

Castle of Parikia

The 13th-century Venetian Castle was built by the Sanudo family on the ruins of an ancient temple — ancient marble columns can still be seen in its walls.

Venetian Castle of Naousa

The half-submerged 15th-century castle at the entrance of Naousa's harbor is the village's landmark — accessible on foot through the shallows.

Ancient Cemetery

Next to Parikia's harbor, the ancient cemetery (8th century BC–3rd century AD) reveals funerary monuments and sarcophagi from the city's past.

Delion (Sanctuary of Apollo)

On a hill above Parikia, the sanctuary of Apollo and Artemis (Delion) offered the ancients a view towards sacred Delos.

Asklepieion

The ruins of the ancient healing sanctuary of Asclepius, on a lush hillside south of Parikia.

Marble Quarries (Marathi)

At Marathi, the galleries of the ancient quarries survive, from which the famous "lychnites" was extracted — the translucent Parian marble that became the Venus de Milo and the Hermes of Praxiteles.

Folklore Museum of Naousa

Collections of traditional costumes, tools and objects that tell the story of everyday life in old Paros.

Anthemion

A modern cultural venue in Parikia, with exhibits dedicated to the island's art and history.

Monastery of Agios Antonios

Atop Kefalos hill above Marpissa, a 17th-century monastery reached by a 30-minute uphill walk, with panoramic views over the Aegean.

Monastery of Christos sto Dasos

A quiet monastery set within a pine forest near Parikia, dedicated to Saint Arsenios.

Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)

In Psychopiana, one of the most important habitats in Greece — a lush green valley that fills with butterflies each summer.

Marpissa Folklore Museum

In Marpissa, showcasing traditional architecture, furniture and objects from old Parian life.

Local flavour

Parian cuisine marries the sea with the land — local cheeses, wine of protected designation of origin, and fresh fish.

Businesses

Find what you need

Accommodation, restaurants, activities and local products of the island.

Locations come live from the official Cyclades business directory.

VILLA ANNA MARIA Accommodation

VILLA ANNA MARIA

Paros
Καλώς ήλθατε στη Villa Anna Maria Η Villa Anna Maria, βρίσκεται στο γραφικό χωριό Αλυκή, έναν από τους πιο ειδυλλιακούς…
ANIXIS STUDIOS/APARTMENTS/SUITES Accommodation

Anixis studios

Paros
Τα διαμερίσματα Anixis, Α’ Κατηγορίας, βρίσκονται στο νοτιοδυτικό μέρος της Πάρου, στην περιοχή Αλυκή, σε ένα όμορφο και παραδοσιακό χωριό, 350…
TWIN SUNS Accommodation

TWIN SUNS

Paros
εισαγωγικά Ονομάζομαι Ασημένια Πριόνα και σας καλωσορίζω στην αποκλειστική συλλογή μας από παραθαλάσσιες βίλες με ιδιωτικές πισίνες: Luxe-lite διαβίωση στα…
IRENESVIEW VILLA Accommodation

IRENE'S VIEW VILLAS

Paros
Διακοπές και διαμονή στην όμορφη Πάρο ....!!! Στην δική σας εξοχική κατοικία δίπλα στις δύο παραλίες του μαγευτικού κόλπου της…
JOHN'S STUDIOS Accommodation

JOHN'S STUDIOS

Paros
Τα δωμάτια και τα στούντιο του John διευθύνονται από την οικογένεια Barbaris, που ζει στην Πάρο όλο το χρόνο. Το…
ANEMOMYLOS RESIDENCE Accommodation

ΑΝΕΜΟΜΥΛΟΣ

Paros
Καλώς ήρθατε στο Anemomylos Residence και στη Νάουσα, το πιο όμορφο χωριό της Πάρου και ένα από τα ωραιότερα χωριά…
POLOS HOTEL Accommodation

POLOS HOTEL

Paros
Polos Hotel στην Πάρο To Polos Hotel βρίσκεται στα Λιβάδια, σε απόσταση 50μ. από την παραλία και 5’ με τα…
VILLA IRINI Accommodation

VILLA IRINI

Paros
Ζήστε στιγμές ηρεμίας και απόλυτης χαλάρωσης, απολαμβάνοντας το κυκλαδίτικο ηλιοβασίλεμα από (την βεράντα) του Villa Irini. Παρακολουθείστε το μωβ και…
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Getting here

Access & transport

How to get there

Paros has an airport with flights from Athens (~35′). By sea, the two ports — Parikia and Naousa — are connected to Piraeus (3–5 hours) and to almost all of the Cyclades, making Paros an ideal hub for island hopping.

Getting around the island

A dense KTEL bus network connects Parikia – Naousa – villages – beaches. There are plenty of rental cars, motorbikes and bicycles; Antiparos is just 10′ away by ferry.

Ferry tickets

Useful phone numbers

Island hopping

Nearby islands

Combine Paros with the neighbouring Cyclades.

Cyclades aiTripPlanner

Ready for Paros?

Plan your own trip to Paros, day by day, tailored to you — with the help of the aiTripPlanner.