Gently rolling hills surround the center and southeast of the island, which is predominantly agricultural and is occupied by endless vineyards, and lock within themselves the famous Parian marble.
The coastline is indented, with numerous small inlets and two large bays, those of Naoussa in the north and Parikia in the west.
Paros has been inhabited since very ancient times, and was one of the centers of the Cycladic civilization.

Parikia

Parikia (or Paros), the island's capital and port, stands on the site of ancient city. There is a picturesque and ruinous Venetian castle and the courtyard of the houses of the town - all of them painted white - are full of pots of basil and hung with jasmine and honeysuckle. A broad paved avenue leads to the church of Ekatondapiliani or Katapoliani, one of the important Byzantine monuments in the whole of Greece and a place that figures largely in legends. It is dedicated to the Dormition of Our Lady, and on her feast day (15 August) there is a great celebration on the see-front with fireworks and songs of the sea.

Places of Interest

Other interesting local events take place on the island during the summer.
Statues found at various sites on Paros are on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Naoussa, one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, with whitewashed houses, narrow paved alleys, arches and tiny chapels, can also offer a range of excellent beaches and attracts many visitors each summer.
Among the beaches near Naoussa, special mention should be made of Kolimbithres, where huge rocks eroded into strange shapes remind the visitor of sculptures embedded in the sand.
The chapels and monasteries of Paros are famed for their picturesqueness. Among the most characteristic are the monastery of Zoodohos Pigi "Longovarda" and that of Christ of the Forest (Hristos tou Dassous).
Marpissa is an attractive large village with a Venetian castle and beautiful churches.

Beaches

Among the best swimming beaches are Livadia, Krios, Agios Fokas (at Parikia), Mikro Piperi and Megalo Piperi, Limnes, Kolimbithres (at Naoussa), Agii Anargiri, Langeri, Aliki (with an interesting exhibition of traditional crafts), Santa Maria, Ambelas, Pisso Livadi and Drios (on the eastern side).

Getting there

By ferry from Piraeus
Information: Piraeus Port Authority, Tel: 01-422-6000

From Rafina
Information: Rafina Port Authority, Tel: 0294-22300

By air from Athens
Information: Olympic Airways, Athens, Tel: 01-966-6666

Useful telephone numbers:

Automatic dialing code: 0284
· Police: 23333
· Municipal Office: 21222
· Port Authority: 21240
· Archeological Museum: 21281

Things to buy

Ornamental pottery in Naoussa, elegant silver jewelry.