Paros
Police: + (30) 22840 23333
Hospital: + (30) 22840 22500
Distances in Paros are short, the roads are good and every ride has its own charm, with breathtaking views over the Aegean sea and the surrounding islands. You can also take a trip to nearby Antiparos and visit its spectacular cave and turquoise-water beaches. And don't forget that Paros due to its position and importance, is linked not only to Piraeus (The port of Athens) and Rafina, but also to all the islands of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Samos, even Crete island and Thessaloniki which is the second biggest city in north Greece. The possibilities offered are limitless, both in moving around and in your stay, since Paros has an excellent tourist infrastructure. We are sure all this will entice you to become fans of Paros.
Sightseeings
The Frankish Castle
One of the most important monuments on the island of Paros. It is located upon the hill of Agios Konstantinos in the main town of Paroikia. It was built in the 1200s by the Venetians who then had occupied Paros and had made Paros a part of the Duchy of Naxos (See history of Paros). The Frankish castle is located at the highest point of Parikia and guarantees an amazing view from its surrounding areas
Panagia Ekatontapyliani
Finest and most impressive religious complex in the Aegean and the third most important early Christian monument in size, after the Saint Dimitrios and Achiropoito in Thessaloniki. It consists of a large central church of the Virgin Mary, the Baptistery, the Chapel of St. Nicholas that exsists from the early Christian period, the chapel of St. Theodosia (1619), the chapel of Agios Dimitrios (1666) and the cells (17th century) that assist the above temples. The church was known by two names, each is equally correct from a historical and linguistic perspective. Katapoliani The name first appeared in 1562 in response to the Dukes of the Archipelago. associated with the position of the church, which was built toward the ancient city (Katapola), which was certified from the discovery of the ancient gymansiou beneath the floor of the church. The other name, Ekatontapyliani, was first mentioned in 1586, in a letter from the patriarch of Constantinople Theoliptos B and epomenos not construct the scholars of the 18th century, but almost in line with another name.
The Ancient Cemetery
Located about 300 meters to the left of the main port of Parikia and is spread out over a large area. According to archeologists and scholars, the ancient cemetery was functional from the 8th to the 2rd century AD. The cemetery includes a variety of graves of many different in types and from different archaic eras. The main attraction of the cemetery is a mass grave that dates back to the Geometric Period and is the only one of its kind in the Aegean Sea region.
The Ancient Pottery Workshop in Paroikia
Extensive establishment of a pottery workshop, dated to the 3rd century B.C.It has two cisterns, auxiliary rooms, two spacious kilns (diameter 2m.) and four smaller ones, in the construction of which Archaic pithoi with impressed decoration were used:
- a Geometric grave
- a wall of a large Archaic building were uncovered in the deeper strata.
The excavation started in 1986 in private land and was extended in the area of the street in 1990. The monument is now preserved in the basement of the modern building.
The Sanctuary of Asklipios
The German archeologist, Rubensohn found two sanctuaries in the south of Paroikia, positioned in Agia Anna. The one was The sanctuary of Asklipios, the ancient Greek God of medicine and the second one is the remains of the temple of Pythios Apollo ( See Greek mythology ). From the temple of Pythios Apollon, unfortunately very little remains, the rest of the temple was probably destroyed in 202/201 B.C.
From the temple of Asklipios, only the columns remain. It was built in the 4th century B.C. close to a spring as water was necessary for the God's ceremonies.
The Archeological Museum on Paros
Museum was founded in 1960, when a large room was built next to the main High School in Paroikia, to house the antiquities which were until then kept in the cells of the Katapoliani monastery. A second room was built at the end of the 1960's and further extension work of the museum began only recently, in 1995.
The museum contains the following collections:
- Room A: Archaic and Classical sculpture.
- Room B: Pottery, sculpture and small finds dating from the Neolithic to the Roman period.
- Atrium: Sculptures, architectural parts, urns, and a mosaic floor dating from the Roman period.
The Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes)
A short distance (about 8 km), towards the south of Parikia (Aliki), is the Butterfly Valley, or as the Greeks say The Petaloudes.In the summer months, from May to August, the trees in the lush green valley are covered by clouds of Jersey Tiger moths.The trees look like they are dancing and the fragrance, which attracts the butterflies (well, moths really), is lovely. It is a relaxing and a peaceful nature park.
Organized tours can be arranged from Naoussa or Paroikia, or you can take the bus or get there on your own. The entrance fee is 3 Euros and you will be asked to keep your children quiet as to not scare the butterflies away. There is a quaint little coffee shop inside the valley, where you can have a refreshment or coffee.
Beaches
Artselo & Krios
Practically, these are two long and wide beaches in one opposite the Parikia harbour; the Krios section is connected to Krios Campsite & offers music, food, ice cream and drinks, Beach Volley, and if you like it quiet, just move out of hearing distance. You shall find crystal-clear water here and fine white sand and a beautiful view towards the town Parikia and the harbour. (Watch the ferries come and go!). Also offersdeck chairs and umbrellas.
Livadia ("Blue Bay") and Aktaia
Livadia is named after the part of town in the bay. It is Parikia's main beach, starting within about 700 metres from the harbour and going all around the bay. It is divided into several sections, with and without trees. And everywhere are restaurants, cafes and shops for drinks and meals in-between.
On the main beach there are also different cafes with sunbeds in front. You don't pay anything for the beds, just buying something to drink or to eat. The food is tasteful and quite cheap.
Kalakonas
If you walk around the curve along the waterfront, past Aktaia, there is a very little beach called Kalakonas. This is a quiet beach, usually only visited by locals.
Either you go there on foot or by car or bike turning left, off the road that eventually leads to Krios and Martselo. Watch out, very steep dirt road.
Piperi Beach
Naoussa's main in-town-beach, in a small curve embraced by rocks, about 50 metres beneath the main road that leads into the town centre. It is within walking distance, approx. 250 metres from Naoussa's fishing port. You can also find yourself a comfortable quiet spot for sunbathing among the rocks. It is small but nice for swimming and a secret tip for snorkelling. Beautiful view of Naoussa and Naoussa Bay.
Kolimbithres
One of the Island's most popular and well-known beaches on the other side of Naoussa Bay with a beautiful view towards Naoussa! It is very special due to impressive rock formations that divide the beach into a succession of little sandy coves, which allow you, unless it is high season, to find a private spot of your own. The crystal-clear water is shallow here and ideal for families with little children. You can find some natural shade and umbrellas with deck chairs. The beach has a few Beach Bars and taverns spread out along the road where you will also find enough parking facilities.
Water ski and other activities go on here in the high season. The beach can either be accessed by boat taxi (leaving from Naoussa's fishing port) or if you take the road to Parikia and turn right about 500 metres after leaving the town. Is well sign-posted and the same road that leads to Monastiri Beach and the Aqua Park.
Monastiri Beach
It is in a tiny bay enclosed by rocks on both sides with very shallow, pool-like water, overlooked by a tavern & music bar. A popular spot for private yachts. There is a lot going on here in the summer, including live concerts and organised beach parties.
If you like it quiet, avoid this beach or look for a private, quiet spot nearby. Get there by using the frequent boat taxis from Naoussa's harbour or taking the road that leads to Kolimbithres first.
Langeri
A very quiet, far from the road sandy beach that is difficult to be found as it is not well sign-posted. Not very busy, so good if you like it quiet; no tavern or music bar nearby. Can be reached easiest by boat taxi. Many people go here for nude bathing.
Santa Maria
Long coastline with sections of several long and wide sandy beaches, one of which is attached to Santa Maria Camping. The countryside is flat here and there are small dunes and bushes in the background. You find music, food, Beach Volley, Wind Surfing (ideal because of more wind) here as well as one or more Diving Clubs.
Molos & Marmara
Nearby the small village Marmara you find Molos and a few other sandy beaches that are hardly visited, even during the high season, probably because they are about 1 or 2 km off the main road. They are beautiful and wide, at some spots a little pebbly, and well worth visiting especially if you like it quiet! The water is deep here, and you have a beautiful view towards Naxos. When the winds are right, it is an ideal place for Wind Surfing if you have your own equipment.
Pisso Livadi, Logaras, Drios
There are several beaches in or nearby the villages Pisso Livadi, Logaras and Drios. They are all a bit alike with beautiful, shallow water and access to excellent restaurants for traditional Greek Cuisine. Convenient if you are staying in one of the hotels there or are on a tour around the island, by bus or with your own vehicle.
Pounda Beach
PARTY, PARTY, PARTY! This is a small beach with tropical flair. Actually more important than the beach itself is the new, two-story complex with a swimming pool, a bar and some shops with a Mexican touch, which is built upon the beach. It attracts happy crowds and has a lot going on during the summer, from partying by the pool to Bunjee Jumping.
Golden Beach & New Golden Beach
The Mecca for Wind Surfers! Long and sandy beaches with beautiful swimming pool-like water and the best circumstances for Wind Surfing; you can also rent equipment here. This is where the yearly Wind Surfing World Cup takes place.
Farangas, Akrotiri
These are two not very well-known or heavily visited beaches. Farangas is far away from the main road in a pretty little area. Nice, oldfashioned beach bar here.
Follow signposts that lead you there from Aliki.
Agia Irini
This is a small beach with palm trees and very blue water, quite far away from the main road that leads to Parikia, with a nice tavern that has a big variety of Greek foods. Watch out for pebbles in the water.
Delphini Beach
A small beach with turquoise-coloured water and a charming little Beach Bar. Seemingly a Mecca for foreigners living on the island, with live music and barbecue on Sundays.
Easy to be reached by bus from Parikia, not so far on foot either.
Nude Bathing
The "official" beach for nude bathing on Paros is
Monastiri, near Naoussa. But all over the Cyclades people just seem to do what they want, which is tolerated by the authorities, although nude bathing is actually forbidden. I would not recommend nude bathing close to the town and at crowded beaches, but you can feel free at remote or hidden beaches
Hotels
"Akrotiri" Hotel, Guest House
With magnificent views overlooking Paroikia bay is an ideal choice of lodging for visitors seeking peaceful stylish accommodation, friendly ambience and helpful service on the island of Paros.
Built in traditional Cycladic architectural style, Akrotiri Hotel is ideally situated 2km from the port and 350m from the sea, offering a combination of countryside relaxation and easy access to local bars and restaurants and the famous Krios beach.
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Heliessa" Furnished Apartment
Only 500 meters from the picturesque port of Naousa and the sundy beach we have created a hospitable haven, combining traditional Aegean architecture with modern amenities.
Heliessa as a complex surrounded by gardens, a swimming pool, pool bar and a ΒΒQ, gives you privacy and a sense of a luxury living.
«Glifa Village» Guest House
A' class resort, situated in the area of Glyfa, on the South an most picturesque part of the island. The resort is built on a vast landscape of 22.000sq.m., following the style of traditional architecture and the natural beauty of the land, which conveys a peaceful an quiet atmosphere, only 15km away from Parikia (the port), 9km from the airport und 16km from Naoussa, and only 100m from the beach of Glyfa.