Paros is the third largest island of the Cyclades.
It got its name from Paros, leader of Arcadians, who, during the geometric era, colonised the island. The main town and port of Paros is Parikia, on the west coast of the island.
Crystal clear beaches of exceptional beauty surround the island, the most known of which are Kolibithres beach with crystal clear water and large rocks that create consecutive beaches, Monastiri beach with beautiful sand and water-sports facilities, the beach of Santa Maria, Agia Irini with large Palm trees, the beach of Logaras and Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) is the longest beach of the island, with golden sand and strong currents that allow windsurfing.
Several beaches have excellent infrastructure for windsurfers of all levels, from beginners to champions. In particular, the eastern and western coasts of Paros are considered among the best windsurfing and kitesurfing areas worldwide (on the island there are several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools). The Windsurfing World Championship was organized for several years in Chrisi Akti, while Punta beach is included in the Kitesurfing World Championship venues. Those who want to enjoy moments of relaxation can choose the beaches of Laggeri , Tsoukalia and Glyfades.
On the island you can also enjoy scuba diving and underwater tours to become acquainted with the hidden marine, natural and cultural treasures of the Aegean, with the support of the numerous fully equipped diving centres there.
As for the visitor's stay, the island has a tradition in tourism and the tourist infrastructure is excellent. On the island there are accommodation options suitable for the most demanding visitors and accommodation varies from hotels and villas to rooms-to-let and Studios.
Regarding the island’s sights, the visitors will have the chance to see in Parikia the famous Byzantine Church of Ekatontapyliani, considered the jewel of Paros and one of the most important paleochristian monuments of Greece, as well as the Byzantine Museum by the same name. Visitors will also come across the ruins of the Venetian castle, which has stood on the site of the ancient Acropolis of Paros, on the Hill of Agios Konstantinos, since the 13th century (for its construction parts of ancient temples and buildings were used as building materials, while in its walls several small chapels are embedded) and the Archaeological Museum of Paros, with significant exhibits.
Some important landmarks near Parikia are the Anthemion, the Ancient Cemetery and the ancient Ceramics Workshop; in general, there are several places of cultural and historic interest on the island, such as the Asclepieion, Delion, Kefalos hill, the byzantine museum in Naousa, and several folklore museums, the Valley of Butterflies (one of the most important natural habitats in Greece), the venetian fortress, the ancient marble quarries, and many monasteries the most important of which being Logkobarda Monastry and Christ Monastry.
The visitor's tour on the island can be combined with shopping in beautiful traditional shops from which one can get local products like zacharompaklabas (sugar-baklava), handmade pasta and cappers, enjoy local dishes such as kakavia (fish soup), salatouri and kolokythokorfades; the visitor should not miss out on the traditional sweets such as rafiolia, mizithropitakia (cheese pies), lamprokouloura, and skaltsounia.
Apart from the main town of Paros, it is also worth visiting the traditional fishing village of Naoussa, which is where the heart of nightlife beats. The inner part of Naousa stands out for its narrow whitewashed streets as well as for its countless bars and restaurants. Other notable destinations include Lefkes, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Marmara, Prodromos and other picturesque villages of the island.
