Paros: Aegean’s rising star

Αn all-time classic whitewashed Cycladic island that currently offers both a robust cosmopolitan vibe and fun in the sun aura. Along with its world-famous alter ego Antiparos, it should be definitely included in every sailing itinerary. 

Blessed with Naoussa, the most-photographed of the Aegean’s ports, as well as with a flawless mosaic of charming villages (such as Marmara, Kostos, Marpissa, Piso Livadi and Prodromos) with whitewashed alleyways shaded by bougainvillaeas, fascinating beaches, beautiful restaurants and important archaeological sites and churches, Paros (known in antiquity for its marble) is the definition of an all-star island. 

Efficiently satisfying the diverse tastes and wishes of all travellers, it should be thoroughly explored. Depending on your mood you can party the night away in Parikia’s bars and clubs (the main harbour) and the mega beach bars such as the one in Pounda beach. Or marvel at the grace of Naoussa port at sunset sipping locally produced wine and eating exquisite seafood dishes and the chic boho vibe at Santa Maria beach. Other worthwhile attractions include the so-called Valley of the Butterflies where each summer tiger moths gather to mate, the charming square at the traditional hillside village of Lefkes that is considered to be the island’s prettiest, riding the waves at surfer’s paradise Chryssi Akti, visiting the local vineyards, shopping ceramic creations at Parikia’s boutiques and swimming and horseback riding in its fantastic beaches. 

 

Must-Visit Attractions in Paros

  • Parikia’s well preserved 13th century Venetian castle, behind the port, featuring marble parts from ancient monuments.
  • 6th century Panagia Ekatontapyliani (the Church of a Hundred Gates) in Parikia, the island’s most famous religious monument that houses the Byzantine Museum.
  • The granite rocks of Kolymbithres - sculpted by time and the elements - the island’s most photographed beach.
  • Antiparos, the small boho chic island southwest of Paros. It has become out of the blue one of the favourite cosmopolitan playgrounds of the world’s celebrities with its most famous resident being Tom Hanks that has a villa on the island. 
  • The fascinating Archaeological Museum of Paros, which displays exhibits from the island’s monuments such as the Sanctuary of Asklipios, Pythios Apollonas and Delion. 
  • The Mycenaean Acropolis on Koukounari Hill and the half-submerged Venetian Fortress at the old port in Naoussa.
  • The Environmental & Cultural Park of Paros, a theme park that spans a 800 acre peninsula, with great geological and historical importance. 
  • Τhe -under excavation- archaeological site of uninhabited Despotiko islet near Antiparos, whose Apollo related findings so far had dubbed it by the media as ‘the other Delos’.

Sail and Swim

Discover which of Paros’ unique and diverse beaches fits you better. Among the most popular are Kolympbithers, Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria and Poúnda, as well as Monastery, Laggeri, Tsoukalia, Lolantonis, Parasporos and Kalogeros that is known for the free spa its surrounding red and green clay rocks offer.

Ports & anchorages

Paros has a plethora of excellent options for your yacht charter. Among them is the main port of Parikia, the picturesque port/marina of Naousa, Agios Ioannou and Kolimpithres anchorages, the islet of Filizi, the bays of Marmara, Drio, Agia Irini and Faragga, charming Piso Livadi village and cosmopolitan Antiparos island.