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.

Beaches

Enjoy the beaches of Paros

Paros is blessed with golden sandy beaches on every coast — from windswept windsurfing paradises to quiet, family-friendly coves. Let's take a tour around the island.

  • Chrysi Akti

    • Sand
    • Windsurf
    • Large

    The largest beach in Paros, with golden sand — a world destination for windsurfing.

  • Nea Chrysi Akti

    • Sand
    • Windsurf
    • Organized

    Famous for windsurfing, it has hosted a world championship.

  • Kolymbithres

    • Sand
    • Rocks
    • Iconic

    Quiet sandy beach with impressive granite rocks forming natural coves, near Naousa.

  • Santa Maria

    • Sand
    • Water sports

    Extensive sandy beach at the northeastern tip, with water sports and beach bars.

  • Livadia

    • Sand
    • Family-friendly

    Popular, organized sandy beach just north of Parikia.

  • Logaras

    • Sand
    • Blue Flag

    Large Blue Flag beach, ideal for families.

  • Piso Livadi

    • Sand
    • Taverns

    Clean sandy beach with tamarisk trees and fish taverns, in a picturesque small harbor.

  • Marcello

    • Sand
    • Near town

    Comfortable sandy beach with shallow waters, next to Parikia.

  • Krios

    • Sand
    • View

    Opposite Parikia, with a wonderful view of the harbor — also accessible by boat.

  • Parasporos

    • Sand
    • Beach bar

    2.5 km south of Parikia, a popular sandy beach with beach bars — a favorite among young people.

  • Agia Irini

    • Sand
    • Palm trees
    • Shallow waters

    A protected beach with palm trees, 4 km south of Parikia, with shallow, clear waters.

  • Pounda

    • Sand
    • Water sports

    Facing Antiparos (10 minutes by ferry), with hotels, taverns and water sports.

  • Monastiri

    • Sand
    • Organized

    An organized beach in Naousa bay, below the monastery — turquoise waters.

  • Laggeri

    • Sand
    • Sand dunes

    Fine sand and dunes 1.5 km from Naousa, reachable by water taxi or car.

  • Ampelas

    • Sand
    • Fishing village

    A small protected beach in a picturesque fishing village, with taverns right by the water's edge.

  • Molos

    • Sand
    • Taverns

    A protected beach with seaside taverns in eastern Paros.

  • Kaminia

    • Sand
    • Cave

    At the northern end of Parikia bay, near the Cave of Archilochus.

Local flavour

Tourism that arrived with the ferry lines to Paros in the '80s was for many years limited to Parikia. Afterwards, it began to spread and occupy the inland areas and the other coastal villages. This pristine white island, however, with its gentle hills, its very diverse beaches, and vibrant nightlife, hides a rich and particularly interesting gastronomic history. Influences from the Venetian era, seafood dishes for the coastal villages, cheeses, olive oil, wine and honey, pork butchery and cold cuts—all still remain alive, especially during the winter months when the island empties.

Businesses

Find what you need

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

Locations come live from the official Cyclades business directory.

MARGARITA STUDIOS Accommodation

ΜΑΡΓΑΡΙΤΑ

AMPELAS
To Margarita studios είναι ένα οικογενειακό ξενοδοχείο στο γραφικό ψαροχώρι του Αμπελά, μόλις λίγα χιλιόμετρα από την κοσμοπολίτικη Νάουσα. Βρίσκεται…
ALEXANDER SUITES Accommodation

ALEXANDER SUITES

DRYOS
Το 1975, με την επωνυμία Alexander Apartments ξεκίνησε τη λειτουργία του ένα από τα πρώτα ξενοδοχειακά καταλύματα στον Δρυό της…
TO KYMA Accommodation

ΤΟ ΚΥΜΑ

DRYOS
Καλώς ήλθατε στην Πάρο! Καλώς ήλθατε στον Δρυό! Σε τούτο το πανέμορφο χωριό που βρίσκεται αγκαλιά με την θάλασσα. Εδώ…
VILLA IRINI Accommodation

VILLA IRINI

NAOUSA
Ζήστε στιγμές ηρεμίας και απόλυτης χαλάρωσης, απολαμβάνοντας το κυκλαδίτικο ηλιοβασίλεμα από (την βεράντα) του Villa Irini. Παρακολουθείστε το μωβ και…
VILLA ANNA MARIA Accommodation

VILLA ANNA MARIA

ALYKI
Καλώς ήλθατε στη Villa Anna Maria Η Villa Anna Maria, βρίσκεται στο γραφικό χωριό Αλυκή, έναν από τους πιο ειδυλλιακούς…
IRENESVIEW VILLA Accommodation

IRENE'S VIEW VILLAS

Palm Beach
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

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

POLOS HOTEL

PAROIKIA
Polos Hotel στην Πάρο To Polos Hotel βρίσκεται στα Λιβάδια, σε απόσταση 50μ. από την παραλία και 5’ με τα…
See all 196
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.