Paros – the white beauty of the Cyclades islands

Paros – the third largest among the islands of the Cyclades archipelago, is a holiday destination that combines the natural beauty of the places, culture and fun.

During the summer season, the island of Paros is quite crowded, especially when the wind brings here surfers from all over the world.

Famous for its marble quarries, the island of Paros has prospered since ancient times and did not need to develop tourism, like the other islands in the Cyclades archipelago. Paros marble was appreciated by the best sculptors and architects of antiquity, the Paros island exporting marble throughout Greece. The statue of Venus of Milo and the statue of the winged goddess Nike from the island of Samothraki were both made of Paros marble in the 2nd century BC. Both of  them are currently exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The capital island is Paros or Paroikia, whose symbol is the Byzantine cathedral Panagia Ekatondapiliani, built in the 10th century.

Best beaches in Paros

The island of Paros is famous not only for its architectural and religious vestiges, but also for the natural beauty of the places, ideal being to go to a different beach every day, each one having its own charm.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Paros is Kolymbithres beach, located in a natural setting of rare beauty. Kolymbithres beach is located near Náoussa, its beauty is given by the granite boulders that surround it, which look like natural sculptures, formed over thousands and thousands of years. The beach is a series of small sandy coves, bathed by warm and slightly deep waters. It’s ideal for families with children, having all the necessary facilities (parasols, sunbeds, restaurants or water sports facilities).

Other beaches on the Paros island are:

Krios beach: located 2 km away from the capital island, Paroikia.

Marchello beach: located 3 km away from the capital, in the north of Krios beach, is a long beach, with sand and crystal clear waters, ideal for families with children.

Souvlia and Agios Fokas in continuation of Marchello and Krios beaches.

Agia Eirini beach: located 4 km south of Paroikia, has an exotic landscape given by the palm trees that border it.

Monastiri beach: located 2 km north of Kolimbithres, near Naoussa.

Langeri beach: located 4 km east of Naoussa.

Logaras beach: located in south of Piso Livadi

Attractions and touristic objectives in Paros island

The Archaeological Museum of Paroika is located near the cathedral of Panagia Ekatondapiliani and at a short distance from the port, being one of the most important in the Aegean area. It has a rich collection of works of art from the ancient period, as well as from the classical period. Besides the art works sculpted in the Ionic style by local artists, who used the famous Paros marble, objects discovered as a result of archaeological excavations that began at the end of the 19th century and continue to this day, are also exhibited here. These discoveries belong to a period that extends from the Neolithic to the Roman era. Visitors can admire ancient Greek sculptures such as the marble statue of Gorgo, the statue of Niki (Victoria), and two carved marble plaques, dating from the end of the 6th century BC, who belong to the Monument of Archilochos – a building built in honor of a local from Paros. He is considered one of the most prominent representatives of lyric poetry. “Parion chronikon” (“Chronicle of Paros”) – a historical discovery – is an inscription on a marble slab, written in the Attic dialect, as most historical and cultural events were recorded.

The port of Naoussa is the place where you can enjoy the delicious dishes of the Greek cuisine, go shopping or explore  the beautiful beaches  and coves in the north of the island, near Lagera, with the water taxis.

The Byzantine cathedral Panagia Ekatondapiliani is located at the end of the port of Parikia and is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in the Aegean Sea, founded 17 centuries ago. It is one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece, a cruciform basilica with a dome that has suffered much damage throughout its long history. The sculptures that decorate the interior of the church come from the ancient temple of the goddess Demeter. The baptistery, in the southern part of the church, is the oldest in the Orthodox Church. The Church of Ekatontapyliani houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia with a special collection of rare icons and other ecclesiastical artefacts.

The cities of Lefkes (former medieval capital of the island) and Paroika (current capital and main port of the island).

The Church of the 100 Doors in Parikia.

Restaurants and taverns in the island of Paros

The local cuisine of the island of Paros is represented by traditional Greek delicacies, with small differences: mizithra (a type of goat cheese, which replaces feta cheese in salads), gouna (fried mackerel), karavalous (snail dish with a delicious sauce), fish and seafood dishes.

If you are spending your vacation in Paros: here are our recommendations as the best restaurants and taverns on the island:

Restaurant Barbarossa is located in Naoussa, in front of the port and serves fresh fish and fruit dishes, prepared according to traditional Greek recipes.

Ouzeria Christiana is located in Ampelas, on the seashore and serves from coffee and breakfast to various delicious dishes at very good prices.

Taverna Damianos is one of the most famous fishing restaurants.

Taverna Mitsis is located on the beach of Agios Dimitrios, in Naoussa and offers a wide variety of fish and seafood dishes in a warm atmosphere and with reasonable prices.

The Tsitsanis Tavern serves traditional Greek dishes.

Katsounas Tavern is located in Santa Maria, with booths, serving meat and fish dishes at reasonable prices.

Ouzeria Palaia Agora serves a wide variety of marine specialties, accompanied by wine or ouzo. At the same time, there is also a band that sings traditional Greek music live.

Regas Tavern where you can find excellent dishes, and a unique atmosphere with traditional music and dance.

The Levantis restaurant serves Greek delicacies, Asian food, with reasonable prices and excellent service.

The Livadaki restaurant is located near the sea, with a friendly atmosphere, the ideal location for a family evening.

The Magaya restaurant with Chinese and Thai specialties.

The Cavo d’Oro restaurant is the oldest Italian restaurant on the island of Paros. The prices are reasonable and the service is very good.

Nightlife and entertainment on the island of Paros

Pounda is a huge nightclub on the island of Paros, 26 km from Parikia.

In Paros, you can also do wind and kitesurfing water sports. The town of Dryos on the east coast and the beaches in its vicinity are preferred for these sports.

How do you get to the island of Paros?

How to get to the island of Paros by car

To reach the island of Paros by car, you must first reach Athens, and from here, from Piraeus or Rafina – the ports that serve the Greek capital, take a ferry to the island of Paros.

Information about car routes from Romania to Athens can be found in this article: How to get to Athens by car

During the summer, regular ferry-boat runs connect the island of Paros with the ports of Piraeus or Rafina, located near Athens.

From the port of Piraeus you can reach Paros in 5 hours (costs around €30) or in 2 hours and 45 minutes (costs around €50) by high-speed boats (catamaran).

From the port of Rafina, which is the second largest port of Athens and it is an hour walk from the center, it can be reached faster. During the summer there are other ports from which you can reach the Paros island such as: Anafi, Mykonos, Naxos, Rhodes, Santorini, Ikaria, Amorgos, Ios, Samos, Koufonisia, Schinousa, Skiathos, Syros, Crete, Volos or Thessaloniki .

How to get to the island of Paros by plane

The island of Paros is served by an airport with daily flights to Athens. Many charter companies choose not to land here, but to fly to the islands of Mykonos or Santorini.

The island of Paros, one of the most beautiful European destinations, conquers lovers of romantic vacations at the sea, steeped in history.