Attractions, Sights & Things to Do on Paros
Port of Parikia, Paros
Natural bay hosting an organized marina & the main island port, that serves ferry routes to Greek mainland, many islands, & Antiparos in summer.
Parikia Town, Paros
Island capital as well as administrative and commercial center. The first picturesque and traditional image for those reaching the main port.
Church Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Impressive and well-preserved early Christian monument dating from the 4th AD and according to the legend was built by Constantine the Great.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
Small but interesting museum founded in 1960 hosts Paros and Antiparos excavation findings and aims to depict the historical island image.
Ancient Marble Quarries, Paros
Underground mines of the famous Parian Marble which were functioning since approximately 3000 BC. They are visitable even though unexploited.
Butterflies Valley of Paros
Park with dense vegetation named "Petaloudes" that each August hosts thousands of Butterflies composing a unique monument of natural beauty.
Lefkes Paros
Built 300 meters over the sea level and being 11 km away from Parikia is untouched from mass tourism, while it was the first capital of Paros.
Port of Pounta, Paros
With ferries that depart every 30 minutes, it serves the connection between Paros & Antiparos during the whole year through a 10-minute trip.
Paros National Airport
Small with limited infrastructure with a year-round connection to Athens, while some more domestic & international flights are added in summer.
Port of Naousa, Paros
Picturesque port with fishing boats & a marina for tourist boats. Passenger ships offer day-trips to Tinos, Mykonos, & Dilos during summer.
Naousa Paros
A typical Cycladic village famous for its nightlife, it is the second-largest village on the island located 10 kilometers north of Parikia.
«Paros Park» Environmental & Cultural Park
Alternative recreation area founded in 2009 including hiking trails, cinema, theater and others.
Questions & Answers about Paros
Why Visit Paros?
- Combining a cosmopolitan aspect & nightlife with the natural scenery's tranquillity.
- Local cuisine & raw materials compose the definition of the Mediterranean diet.
- Authentic Cycladic island experience offered generously by land & inhabitants.
What is Paros, Greece?
The Greek island of Paros is one of the most representative islands of the Cyclades complex. It combines its long history with beautiful nature and rich tradition. Since the 60s' Paros became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, thanks to its natural wealth, its beautiful beaches, its nightlife, and quality infrastructure. It attracts thousands of visitors every summer, who can reach the island either by ferry from Piraeus or by plane since the island has its own airport.
What was the role of Paros, Greece during history?
Its geographical position, right in the center of the Aegean sea, promoted Paros as the crossroad of the ancient sea routes connecting the islands to mainland Greece, Asia Minor, and the surrounding Mediterranean. The first island settlements dated from the Pro-Cycladic Era. And throughout history, Paros played an important role as a commercial and military base, as an exceptional marble quarry, and as a fishing center. It was ruled by the Athenians, the Persians, Macedonians, and Romans successively. Then it became a part of the Byzantine Empire until 1207 when it was conquered by the Venetians. Furthermore, it experienced many raids from Ottoman pirates. In 1821 Paros took an active part in the Greek revolution and then became part of the first Greek state.