Discover the Beauty of Paros
Paros is among the most famous Greek islands of the Cyclades. Paros Island is in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is ideal for young people, romantic couples, and families. The traditional Parian villages, particularly Naoussa, Parikia, and Lefkes, are perfect samples of Cycladic architecture. Iconic whitewashed sugar-cube houses, paved streets, and blue-domed churches make fantastic backdrops for unforgettable photos.
Historically, Paros was famous for its beautiful white marble. In fact, this gave rise to the term “Parian” to describe marble or china of similar qualities. The island has many abandoned marble quarries and mines. Now, it’s a popular tourist destination.
Places to see in Paros
- The small island of Antiparos has brilliant white sandy beaches, a relaxing atmosphere, and Cycladic architecture. Since Antiparos is close to Paros, it’s also a nice day trip.
- Parikia, the bayside capital, is the Cyclades region’s boating and transportation hub. This quaint city also has the name Paros City. Here, you can find lots of labyrinth-like narrow alleys. These are the remains of an old Venetian castle, an Orthodox Church, cozy cafés, shops, and restaurants.
- Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a landmark Byzantine church from the 4th century AD.
- The north coast’s Kolimbithres. At this beach, naturally sculpted rocks form swimming coves.
- The traditional villages of Paros. Parikia and Naoussa are the most visited villages. They are famous for their traditional atmosphere with sugar cube houses and small churches. The inland villages of Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos are equally charming.
- The Archaeological Museum of Paros. The museum has exhibits from the island’s monuments, such as the Sanctuary of Asklepios, Pythios Apollonas, and Delion.
- The marble quarries at Maráthi. People once extracted the famous Parian marble from these quarries. People operated them from the 3rd millennium BC to the 19th century. You can still visit the well-preserved mining galleries and the remains of 19th-century industrial buildings.
Things to do in Paros
- Windsurf. The beaches on the southeastern side, such as Golden Beach and New Golden Beach, are famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Dine.
- Scuba dive. Many dive shops offer courses for all levels. They also organize diving trips to islets of the Aegean Sea, reefs, and old wrecks.
Beaches on Paros
Paros Island in Greece boasts a wide range of beautiful beaches. They offer various activities such as water sports, swimming, and beach combing. Here’s a list of some of the most notable beaches on Paros, along with descriptions of what they offer:
Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti)
Golden Beach is famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular spot for windsurfing and other water sports. The shallow waters make it family-friendly, and plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars exist.
Parasporos Beach
Nestled in a bay surrounded by rocky hills, Parasporos Beach offers a tranquil atmosphere. It has fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It is also famous for its beach parties in the evening.
Kolymbithres Beach
Kolymbithres, situated in the picturesque bay of Naoussa, is famous for its unique rock formations that create natural sculptures. It offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and is a great place for swimming and snorkeling.
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach has two separate sections, one offering water sports facilities and the other quieter for relaxation. It’s a popular spot for windsurfing and beach volleyball.
Pounda Beach
Pounda Beach is famous for its lively beach clubs and bars, making it a hotspot for partygoers. Thanks to good winds, kiteboarding is very popular here. There are regular beach parties and events during the summer season.
Livadia Beach
Located in Parikia, the island’s capital, Livadia Beach offers a long stretch of golden sand with shallow waters. It’s ideal for families and has various amenities, including beachfront restaurants and cafes.
Monastiri Beach
Accessible by boat from Naoussa, Monastiri Beach is a peaceful and organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. It’s also home to an open-air cinema and various water sports.
Logaras Beach
A family-friendly beach with a relaxed atmosphere, Logaras Beach offers plenty of shade from tamarisk trees. It’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and beachfront dining.
Piso Livadi Beach
Located in the charming fishing village of Piso Livadi. This beach offers a laid-back ambiance with waterfront taverns serving fresh seafood. It’s also a departure point for boat trips to nearby islands.
Agia Irini Beach
A serene and less crowded beach with soft sand and clear waters. It’s an excellent place to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.
Paros | Gastronomy
Parian cuisine is rich in fish, vegetables, salads, and legumes. Meat is secondary. They cook the food in olive oil and serve it with local wine. There’s a great variety of cooking methods and imaginative combinations of ingredients.
Mushrooms are also a favorite. Furthermore, people consider mushrooms to be the poor man’s meat. People eat these mushrooms fried or grilled and always drizzle them with lemon.
