Serene landscapes with fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches and monasteries, endless sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters, famous monuments from the land's rich ancient and medieval past, picturesque white villages bathed in the unique, dazzling Aegean light is one of the most popular Greek islands which is situated in the heart of Cyclades, the closest to Athens and most beautiful group of islands of Greece.Paros is only 5 hours by boat, 2 and a half by high speed boat and only 30 minutes by plane from Athens. Moreover, Paros is also the only island the visitor can combine a lively night-life and also relaxing vacations. There are a lot of clubs for all the tastes as well as the Paros Hard Rock Cafe. Paros has also many wonderful sandy beaches and three beach clubs with full moon parties and concerts during the night. It also combines a wide variety of sights and activities. There are many great historical monuments such as the Christian Orthodox Church that Great Constantine built 1500 years ago, or the Church of Virgin Mary which has a hundred gates and is one of the foundations of the Greek Orthodoxy. Sightseeing does not stop there, though. Apart from the gorgeous beaches, there is also the butterfly forest and a cave of stalactites.For the fans of water sports, there is a very well organized scuba diving center and for the lovers of windsurfing the best beach of Greece, the Golden Beach. Golden Beach is also the longest and most beautiful beach of Paros. The wind conditions for wind-surfing (slalom style) are optimal and the World Championship takes place here every year. Our guests of honour is the famous duo of the giant turtle and seal that attract tourist attention.

Finally, so as not to get a lost, here is a map of the island. Paros is in the centre of Cyclades, Aegean's most picturesque island complex. Parikia, in the east, is the island's largest town. Naoussa, in the north, is the second biggest.

The most beautiful beaches on the island are Monastiri and Pounda Beach. None of these are shown on the map. Beware that the island has two places called Pounda. The eastern one is an unattractive old port. The western one (located by Logaras) is the most interesting place on Paros to spend your day.

Going out...in the daylight and at night

There are 3 major beach clubs that you can visit during the day in Paros: Punda beach, Santa Maria and Faragas. Punda beach is the place to be before sundown. Apart from the beautiful beach, there are lots of activities: from bungee jumping to swimming in the pool, having a tatoo, relaxing with a massage, dancing to the music, playing bowling, arcades, or even shopping. Watch out for those special events and concerts. For the fans of wind-surfint the World Championship (slalom style) takes place next to Punda Beach. If you're of the romantic type, there is a more quiet beach for you, opposite of the port of Paros. The place is called Marcello and it gives you a great view of the port. The sunset from Marcello is a must! Marcello is accessible by taxi-boats from Parikia, but you can always drive there if you prefer. The cafes around the old castle have also been a favourite option for those who want to catch the sunset, while shopping in the city centre.

When the night comes, you have several options: The first is to experience the full-moon beach parties, dancing on the beach, drinking till the morning. The second is to visit Parikia, the capital of the island, where you can find small bars and night clubs. The third option is even better: Naoussa can satisfy even the most demanding tourist. It has a little bit of everything and in every corner you see something that will catch your eye. Finally, in Pisso Livadi (next to Logaras beach), you can enjoy the catch of the day from the local fishermen at one of its numerous taverns with ouzo or home-made wine. During the summer, you are always bound to see traditional song and dance festivities, in which the history and culture of the island is depicted. The audience is invited to participate in some of the dancing.

Routes in Marpissa 23, 24, 25 August 2024

Routes in Marpissa is a three-day, experiential, cultural festival organized by a group of volunteers and takes place every August in Marpissa, Paros.

The festival has as its central idea to create routes and points of interest in the traditional settlement, around themes of architecture, folklore, music, art and environment.

It is designed on the characteristics and scale of the village, showing with respect to the hospitable character of this place.

It aims at an experiential approach of activities so everyone can have an active role in the events. The participation and interaction of residents, visitors and volunteers work together in a unique, creative result.

Useful links: 

• Hotels, rooms and studios in Cyclades - Travel guide by the Chamber of Commerce
• Hotels, rooms, studios and villas in Antiparos island - Oliaros Travel Agency
• Traditional bakery in Paros - Xilofournos pastry and bakery in Paros island