Summary
Situated at the heart of the Cyclades, the island of Paros is a destination adored for its exceptional beaches and charming Cycladic villages characterized by snow-white architecture.
Parikia, the principal port, features a labyrinth of winding streets beneath a fortress constructed from reclaimed marble sourced from an ancient temple, while the quaint fishing port of Naoussa presents one of the most picturesque views in the Cyclades.
Paros is renowned for its premium-quality marble, historically extracted from its quarries, which contributed to the roofing tiles of the Parthenon and significant sculptures such as the Nike of Samothrace and the Medici Venus.
The beaches of Paros are undeniably remarkable, with shallow waters displaying hues that range from turquoise to deep azure.
Among the highlights in the capital is the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, an early-Christian architectural marvel established by St. Helen approximately 1,700 years ago.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Paros:
1. Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Commonly referred to as “The Church of a Hundred Doors,” this church in Parikia was established in the 4th century, purportedly by St. Helen, the mother of Constantine, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
This church stands as one of Greece’s significant early-Christian monuments, displaying architectural features primarily from the 6th century, a period following fire damage to the original church during Justinian’s reign.
Interior designs favor minimalist Byzantine stone patterns and ornamental friezes over the more typical colorful hagiography.
The most prominent feature is the iconostasis before the apse, supported by marble columns adorned with Corinthian capitals crafted in the 500s.
Visitors can admire the revered church icon, the Virgin of Ekatontapiliani, painted in the 1600s, and take the time to explore the baptismal font and discover the church’s historical narrative at the adjoining museum.
2. Parikia
As the main port of Paros, Parikia presents an alluring tangle of streets and alleys paved with marble, lined with Cycladic houses featuring blue doors, balconies, and shutters.
Vibrant geraniums, bougainvillea, and potted plants add bursts of color to the pristine white facades.
Historically, Parikia served as a port that exported Paros marble, with its contemporary structures built atop the remnants of the ancient city.
The maze-like streets were ingeniously designed by the Venetians to mislead pirates and potential invaders.
Overlooking the area is Parikia’s Venetian castle, situated on a small hill, originating from the 1200s and constructed from marble spolia sourced from a predecessor temple.
A signature sight at the port is a solitary, whitewashed windmill positioned at a roundabout.
3. Lefkes
Located in the mountainous heart of Paros, Lefkes is a picturesque village perched at an elevation of 300 meters.
This locale is less frequented by tourists, allowing for parking just outside the village, where you can explore charming alleys and pine-covered squares that host tavernas and traditional bakeries.
A great starting point is the Agia Triada Church, constructed from exquisite Parian marble, flanked by two impressive belfries and home to invaluable Byzantine icons.
Among the streets, you will discover a few still-operational washhouses, while the surrounding slopes are dotted with windmills.
Occasionally, you may be pleasantly surprised by panoramic vistas of the neighboring island of Naxos.
4. Naoussa Old Port
The most picturesque element of Naoussa, located in the northern region of Paros, is its intimate rectangular harbor protected by a Venetian fort, which will be discussed further below.
Small fishing vessels are docked at the narrow quays, just a meter or two away from the numerous dining tables that line the waterfront and the square in front.
This exquisite spot understandably attracts tourists, leading to bustling evenings where individuals line up to capture a sunset photograph from the quays.
In the tranquility of early morning, the resort offers solitude, allowing for photography of the rising sun as it reflects upon the wall of the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the fort that stands behind.
5. Marcello Beach
A mere ten-minute journey around the bay from Parikia will lead you to what many consider the premier beach on the island.
Featuring a crescent of fine white sand and tranquil waters with full waiter service, it remains somewhat of a well-kept secret.
The sea is calm, with ripples occasionally stirred by the wake from ferries navigating Parikia’s harbor in the distance.
Children can delight in playing in these safe waters, while parents and couples will be captivated by the mesmerizing views of the shimmering sea, framed by Parikia’s mountainous backdrop.
As always, prime sun loungers incur a slight additional cost, and arriving early during the summer season is advisable to secure an ideal spot.
6. Kolymbithres Beach
A ten-minute drive from Naoussa leads you to a beach comprised of a series of sandy coves, each divided by surreal granite rocks that decorate the adjacent waters.
Over millennia, these rocks have been shaped by the ocean and northern winds into unique formations that evoke artistry.
They are characterized by ridges, vertical lines, and holes, offering opportunities for sunbathing and climbing to satisfy your curiosity.
Enticing sandy beaches lie nestled between these rocks, forming placid pools ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
7. Paros Park
The Aï-Yannis Detis Peninsula located in northern Paros has been developed into a cultural and recreational park.
Just moments away from Naoussa, you can embark on walking trails that showcase an array of stunning rock formations, caves, a lighthouse, and hidden coves.
The park’s hills are adorned with wild herbs and flowers, providing breathtaking views extending over the bay towards Naoussa.
In Neolithic times, the granite on these paths was utilized for creating ornaments, weapons, and jewelry.
Additionally, there is an open-air cinema that screens artistic and classic films, as well as an enchanting amphitheater for music and theatrical performances.
This area also features Monastiri Beach, known for its pure, crystal-clear water.
8. Naoussa Venetian Castle
This town served as a vital commercial port during Venetian rule, leading the lord of the island, Crusino I Sommaripa, to construct a fort to safeguard the harbor against the rising threat posed by the Ottoman Empire.
The small circular tower that remains today, built in the early 16th century, is embedded with casemates, erected shortly before Paros was seized by the Ottomans under Barbarossa.
Access to the fort can be gained on foot via a mole from the harbor, where you can view the firing positions that offer picturesque vistas of Naoussa’s scenic seafront.
9. Archaeological Museum of Paros
Considering the island’s rich historical legacy, a visit to the Archaeological Museum should be prioritized for those intrigued by Ancient Greece.
While the museum is relatively small, it is packed with captivating exhibits across two rooms and a courtyard.
Among the offerings are Archaic and Classical sculptures, pottery, and assorted artifacts ranging from the Neolithic to Roman periods.
The outdoor lapidarium features funerary friezes, architectural fragments, urns, and a Roman mosaic.
A must-see piece is the statue of Gorgon, which is exceptionally well preserved and dates back to the 6th century BC, along with relief plates memorializing the Parian poet Archilocus from the 7th century BC and statues of Nike and Artemis from the 5th century BC.
10. Faragas Beach
The tranquil southern coast of Paros features a windy, rugged landscape, interspersed with small coves.
At the head of one cove lies Faragas, a compact yet picturesque stretch of sand that is well sheltered from the winds.
The beach boasts a solitary bar that offers rental of sun loungers and waiter service, so you can enjoy drinks or meals without feeling the need to move.
The bar adapts its music selection based on the time of day, with soft classical melodies in the morning and more lively tunes later on.
The water remains calm and crystal-clear, and for greater seclusion, the tiny coves flanking the beach are worth exploring.
11. Moraitis Winery
The art of winemaking in Paros has a lineage extending over 5,000 years, tracing back to the Cycladic period.
During Venetian rule, wine production continued on the island, which has preserved the Monemvasia grape, a varietal that disappeared elsewhere.
Founded in 1910, Moraitis Winery now operates under family stewardship for four generations.
This vineyard, spanning 10 hectares of sandy, clay-rich soil, is home to both well-known and rarer indigenous grape varieties from Paros.
Among these varieties are Aidani Black, Karampraimi, Mandilaria, Monemvasia, and Vaftra.
During a visit, you can explore the underground aging cellars, view vintage winemaking tools in the museum, and sample a diverse selection of red, white, rosé, and dessert wines accompanied by a platter of cheese and meats.
12. Golden Beach
Consistently awarded the Blue Flag, Golden Beach is a rightly named sandy cove situated in the southeastern part of Paros.
The beachfront is flanked by bars and restaurants that provide rentals for palm sunshades and loungers.
While the sea is shallow and transparent, what distinguishes Golden Beach is the favorable wind conditions, attracting enthusiasts for windsurfing and kitesurfing; this beach could be an ideal starting point for those interested in these sports.
For everyone else, the shallow waters and a refreshing drink afford enough excitement.
13. Museum of Cycladic Folklore
On the outskirts of the southern town of Aliki, there exists a unique private museum established by an individual named Benettos Skiados.
Surrounded by olive trees, amaranths, and honeysuckle, he has constructed a miniature city featuring Cycladic monuments, such as the Monastery of Hozoviotissa on Amorgos, the Venetian Castle of Parikia, the Tourlitis Lighthouse on Andros, the Ancient Theatre of Milos, and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
Inside the residence, an impressive collection of model ships, crafted by Benettos himself, includes representations from Ancient Greek triremes to steamboats.
His expertise in constructing these scaled monuments was self-taught without the aid of scientific instruments or detailed plans.
14. Molos Beach
This beach along the eastern coast generally sees only a limited number of visitors.
Few travelers venture this far, despite Molos Beach being just ten kilometers south of Naoussa.
This area remains free from extensive tourism, featuring a sandy bay with views of Naxos, bordered by the Kefalos and Antikefalos hills.
To the south lies a modest harbor, surrounded by unusual granite rock formations.
Kefalos hill deserves attention as it is an extinct volcano.
Atop it stands the 16th-century Agios Antonios monastery, alongside remnants of a 15th-century Venetian castle.
15. Boat Trips
The ports of Parikia, Naoussa, and Aliki serve as launch points for ferry crossings to the nearby Antiparos and one-day yacht excursions around the uninhabited islands nestled between the two.
During private or semi-private cruises, stops may be made at islands like Panteronisi for swimming or snorkeling (equipment is typically provided), allowing visitors to bask in the light blue waters of the “Blue Lagoon,” set foot on deserted beaches, and explore marine caves.
Culinary delights, such as souvlaki, grilled sardines, and tzatziki, are included, alongside options for romantic dinner cruises to observe stunning sunsets over the waters west of Paros.
