Paros is a rural island surrounded by sandy beaches and dotted by colourful fishing villages. Located in the middle of the Aegean Sea it is an ideal base for reaching other Cycladic islands. The island was famed in ancient times for its excellent quality of fine marble which was used for masterpieces still surviving today in Athens, Delos and many other sites.
Paros is home to a number of accommodation options, particularly within the main town of Parikia. With a great range of sandy beaches within walking distance, accommodation options tend to cluster in this popular area. Paros accommodation ranges from basic hotels to luxury resorts and holiday homes and villas and caters to all travellers and budgets. Book Paros Accommodation
There are daily flights connecting the island of Paros with Athens especially during the summer months. The duration of this flight is around 45 minutes. Ferry and hydrofoil services connect Paros with Piraeus port near Athens on a daily basis. It takes between 5-8 hours to reach Paros depending on the type of service selected. The island can be combined with visiting other islands in the area and has regular boat connections with Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Santorini and Samos. How to get to Paros.
Parikia the main town and port of Paros is the tourist hub of the island. There are sandy beaches within walking distance of Parikia and it is a typical Cycladic town with whitewashed houses, small chapels and windmills. The church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Our Lady of the Hundred Gates) in Parikia is considered one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece. Naoussa in the northern part of the island is one of the most popular spots in Paros. It is a little harbour town with lovely bays, a Venetian castle and many post Byzantine churches. More about Paros Attractions.
Although the beaches in Paros are ideal for relaxing, they are also great for windsurfing and Pounda Beach (Antiparos) is known as Greece’s kite boarding capital. Fishing is the traditional occupation of the islanders and fishing boats are everywhere. Parian marble has been famous since ancient times and has also been a source of good income for the island. Two of the most famous names to come out of Paros are the 7th century lyrical poet Archilochus and 4th century architect and sculptor Scopas.
