Paros

Paros, the protagonist island of the Italian film Immaturi in Viaggio is ready to give surprises to all travelers who want to get lost in its reflections.

The island of Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea, facing the island of Naxos and close to Mykonos. It is one of the best known and most touristic Greek islands and the reason is simple: exquisite sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, traditional villages with white cubic houses, narrow alleys that contrast with the many colorful bougainvilleas, beautiful churches, lots of entertainment. It is not for nothing that the island was used as a location for a passing film such as Immaturi… in Viaggio

The island of Paros has been known since ancient times for its precious marble. The island has been inhabited since 3200 BC. C., as demonstrated by the excavations carried out on the islet of Saliagos, located between Paros and Antiparos.
According to mythology, the Cretan Alkaios was the first king of Paros and built a city where the capital of the island, Parikia, stands today. Many poets were born on the island such as the lyric poet Archilochus who was the first to use personal rather than heroic elements in his poems.
It is possible to visit the island by public and private transport. The road network is quite good and covers the whole island. Buses run daily services to all destinations, major beaches and resorts. The central bus station is located in the center of Parikia, the capital of the island, and Naoussa, the second main city.
Taxi service is available in Parikia and the taxi station is located on the port, just by the famous windmill. The service rates are standard for each destination and date on board.
Then there are the Gulets, small fishing boats that during the summer are transformed into a means of transport to almost all the beaches of Paros.
Gulets, or taxi-boats, can be found at the ports of Parikia and Naoussa. From Parikia the gulets go to the beaches of Marchello and Krios. From Naoussa small boats go to the beaches of Kolimbithres, Monastery and Santa Maria.

The island can be reached by plane or by ferry.

Paros Panteleio International Airport is located 9 km southwest of Parikia, near the village of Alyki. The island is connected with Athens airport and the flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. The airport receives only a few charter flights from other European cities.
The airport is well connected with Parikia and Naoussa by buses. The duration of the route is 10 minutes, for Parikia, and 25 minutes for Naoussa, located 10 km northeast of Parikia.
You can also use the taxi service. The fare from the airport to Parikia town (and vice versa) is around 12 euros.
Some hotels offer their customers private mini buses for free transfer to and from the airport.
For more information:
Paros airport
Tel.: + 30 22840 91256
Ε-mail: kapatl@hcaa.gr

Getting to the Coltraghetto island takes much longer than by plane. The duration is approximately 4 hours.
From the port of Piraeus, connected to Athens International Airport by regular buses and the metro, numerous ferries leave for Paros, being the island one of the three main destinations of the Cyclades islands and being located in the center of the Aegean Sea.

Here are some useful numbers:
Autobus:+30 22840 21395
Taxi in Parikia: +30 22840 21500
Olympic Airways:+30 22840 21900
Airport: +30 22840 91257
Tourist Information Office: +30 22840 24772

There are beautiful places to visit on the island
Naoussa
It is a beautiful and picturesque seaside village located in a large bay, in the northern part of Paros, 10 km east of the capital Parikia. Naussa is considered to be one of the prettiest villages of the Cyclades and, despite the development of tourism, this beautiful village has kept its authenticity, character and charm, with white houses full of flowers and small churches and chapels surrounded by narrow labyrinth-like alleys. The city is built amphitheatrically around a small picturesque port where small colored fishing boats, called caiques, moor, and from which it is possible to see the remains of a Venetian castle which creates a particular and enchanting atmosphere. Naoussa is also famous for its many beautiful golden beaches, such as Kolymbithres Beach, Agios Ioannis Beach, Agioi Anargyroi Beach, Monastiri Beach and many more. Naoussa also has many beautiful churches to visit such as the main church, Kimissis tis Theotokou (church of the Assumption of the Virgin) located in the highest part of the city, or the Church of St. Nicholas where there is an interesting Byzantine Museum exhibiting icons from the XIII century of great value.
In the city, on August 23, nine days after the Assumption of the Virgin, a great festival is celebrated, during which a re-enactment of a pirate attack on the village is carried out, in which the young locals participate, with fireworks , dances, food, drinks.
In the area surrounding the city there are also archaeological sites and monuments that are very interesting to visit.

Lefkes
It is located in the central part of the island, 11 km southeast of Parikia, and is one of the most beautiful villages of Paros. The city, in the Middle Ages, was the capital of the island and is full of small traditional white houses that blend well with the Venetian architecture, splendid churches dating back to the 15th century, white-painted windmills.
The charm and beauty of Lefkes is still unaffected by mass tourism which helps it to retain its authenticity. The Church of Agia Triada (Church of the Holy Trinity) is the main church of the city: it is a beautiful Byzantine church built with fine white marble, sparkling under the rays of the sun, where there are rare Byzantine icons of great value which are well worth see.
The city also has the Folk Art Museum which exhibits various local items and clothing. The Byzantine road, dating back to the Byzantine period, leads to Prodromos and continues to the sea.

Marpissa
The characteristic resort of Marpissa is located on the hill of Kefaols, just above Piso Livadi, 18 km southeast of Parikia. Built amphitheatrically (like most Cycladic towns), around the hill, Marpissa is a traditional place with white cubic houses and narrow alleys, churches and windmills. It is one of the few authentic places on Paros and does not offer a lot of accommodation. On the hill of Kefalos are the remains of an ancient castle and the Monastery of St. Anthony.

Piso Livadi
It is located a very short distance from Marpissa and 19 km southeast of Parikia. Piso Livadi was a small and very quiet place that has been transformed and intensely developed with the aim of attracting tourists. From the small local port, trips to Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Amorgos are regularly organized. South of Piso Livadi are beautiful beaches such as Spiaggia Dorata, considered one of the best places in the Mediterranean for surfing. The locality is famous for its Greek dishes.

Church of Agios Ioannis Detis
The small church of San Giovanni was built in the 17th century. It is located on the rocky coast of Monastiri, in the wide bay of Naoussa. The place has a splendid beach which attracts many tourists due to its exceptional beauty.

Mycenaean acropolis
It was built in the 13th century on a hill near Kolymbithres. The remains were identified when the remains of a palace were unearthed by archaeologist Dimitris Skilardis in 1975.

Marathi Marble Quarry
An internal road running from Lefkes to Marpissa and passing the side of a mountain leads to the well-known marble quarries of Marathi. This is where the best variety of marble is found. Paros marble was the favorite marble of famous Greek sculptors due to its transparency and excellent texture. Visitors are mesmerized at the sight of the radiant and luminous white rock. Many tourists come to visit the quarry because Napoleon's tomb was built with Marathi marbles as well as the Temple of Apollo at Delos, Venus de Milo, Statue of Hermes at Olympia.

Paros

The capital of the island of Paros
Parikia
Capital of Paros, it was built in the same place where the ancient city and capital once stood. This small town is the commercial and cultural center of Paros as well as the main port of the island. Due to the many connections to other islands that Paros offers, hundreds of people pass through Parikia just to catch a connection to another island. The capital is built amphitheatrically around the port and has a typical Cycladic architecture with white cubic houses, flat roofs, colorful wooden doors, windows and balconies. At the entrance to the port, a superb windmill welcomes tourists and is the symbol of Paros.
Numerous restaurants, tavernas, cafes, bars and nightclubs are located on one side of the coastal road, which is closed to cars in the evening, while across the road is the town beach. The center consists of the typical Cycladic quarter, full of two-story white houses with colored windows, doors and balconies, and old villas, separated by narrow white streets that form a labyrinth.
Parikia has a castle, called Kastro, built in the 13th century on the highest point of the city. For its construction, materials and columns from a Temple of the Ancient Acropolis that was located in the same place were used. Today only a part of the wall and a tower remain of the castle.
Many churches surround Kastro such as that of Panagia Septemvriani, the Virgin of September, the Church of Santa Elena, and the most important and ancient of all, the beautiful Byzantine Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Our Lady of the Hundred Doors), considered one of the Byzantine monuments most important in Greece. This church is also home to a museum. Another interesting museum is the Archaeological Museum, located near the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, and exhibits a collection of various finds such as sculptures, inscriptions, vases and much more, dating back to the Neolithic and Roman periods.
Other very interesting places to visit and which are located near Parikia are: the ruins of Aslepieio, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Temple of Eileithyia, the Temple of Zeusecc.
To be seen
Panagia Ekatontapiliani Monastery
It is located near Parikia and is one of the oldest churches in Paros. Tradition says that this monastery was built at the behest of Saint Helena, while she was traveling to the Holy Land in search of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Lombard Monastery
It is located 6 km from Parikia and was founded in 1638. It is the largest monastery on the island and is famous for its architecture. It is also home to a library which holds rare manuscripts. The icons and frescoes inside the church are of great value.

Monastery of Jesus of the Woods
A few kilometers from Parikia and built on a hill in the 18th century, it offers a splendid view of the island of Antiparos. In this convent only women are allowed to enter the sanctuary.

Frank Castle
It was built in 1260 by the Venetians. Parts of ancient temples were used for its construction. Today it is part of the picturesque district of Parikia.

Valley of the Butterflies
It is located near the Jesus dei Boschi Monastery. In the warm months the butterflies come there to reproduce. It is one of two nature reserves in Greece (the other is located in Rhodes).

Sanctuaries of Asklepios and Apollo
They are located on a hill overlooking Parikia. Today there are only a few remains of the sanctuaries which constitute one of the few archaeological sites on the island.

Museums
Archaeological Museum
It is located in Parikia. It exhibits finds from excavations of the island, most of which come from the sanctuaries of Apollo and Asklepios. The most famous work is the statue of Gorgo.
The museum is open from 08.30 to 15.00.
Ticket price: €2 (full price) €1 (reduced)
For more information:
Tel.: +30 22840 21231

Byzantine Museum
It is housed in the Church of Ekatontapiliani and exhibits a collection of rare and highly valuable icons, various religious relics and ecclesiastical objects dating back to the Byzantine period.
The museum is open from 09.30 to 14.00 and from 18.00 to 21.00.
Ticket price: €1.50
Tel.: +30 22840 21243 / 24807

Byzantine Museum of Marpissa
It is located near the central square of the town and mostly houses religious works.

Byzantine Museum of Naoussa
It is housed in the Church of St. Athanasios and exhibits a collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art such as highly valuable Byzantine icons, ships, Roman and Frankish engravings and sculptures.

Lefkes Folk Art Museum
It is located in the small town of Lefkes and is a private museum which is housed in a hotel and exhibits different objects from all over the Cycladic islands such as various objects of everyday life, utensils, embroideries, fabrics and much more.

Wine Museum
It is located in the fishing village of Naoussa in one of the old buildings that belonged to Ioannis Boutari.

Skorpios Folklore Museum
It is located in Aliki and is home to the works created by the artist Benetos Skiadas.

Marpissa Sculpture Museum
It is located in Marpissa and is dedicated to the local artist Nikos Perantinos. Sculpture courses are organized at the museum during the summer.
The museum is open from October to May from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 and from June to September from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00.
For more information:
Tel.:+30 22840 41443 / 41217

Beaches
They are one of the main reasons why the island of Paros is so famous.

Paros

Golden Beach
It is located south of Parikia and is considered the best beach in Paros. It is a long sandy beach that stretches for over 700 meters and is well known by surfers due to the wind conditions which are ideal for practicing this sport. The Professional Windsurfing World Cup is organized on the beach in August. There are many hotels, apartments and rooms to rent in the area. The beach can be reached by public and private transport.

Kolimbithres beach
Well known, it is located in the wide bay of Naoussa. The beach is striking for its large blocks of granite that surround it, sculpted over the centuries by the sea and the wind into strange shapes.
The name of the beach means "pool" and is actually made up of small sandy bays placed close to each other. Some bars and taverns can be found along the road leading to the beach. Kolimbithres can be reached by public or private transport or by small fishing boats (caiques) which leave regularly from the port of Naoussa.

Parasporos beach
It is located south of Parikia, in the vicinity of a campsite, which is why it is often very crowded. It is a large beach with emerald waters and golden sand. A couple of bars are located on the beach and have parties during the summer, with dancing and drinks all night long. The beach is flanked by a good paved road and can be reached by public transport which stops nearby or by car.

Santa Maria beach
It is located near Naoussa and is a long coastline divided into two soft, golden sandy beaches that offer a beautiful view of the island of Naxos and crystal clear emerald waters.
The first beach is commonly known as "Camping di Santa Maria" for the nearby campsite. The second is across the street. Santa Maria beach can be reached by local buses or by frequent fishing boats which depart from the port of Naoussa.

Pounda beach
It is one of the most famous and crowded beaches of Paros and resembles the Paradise Beach of Mykonos.
It is a very organized beach, 2 km from Logaras, southeast of Parikia and has a large tourist complex with many tourist facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, bars, shops, services for water sports, bungee jumping, etc. Many tourists go to Pounda for its many facilities, music and endless parties.

Fun
Paros island is famous for its entertainment. The island is, in fact, the third island, in terms of entertainment, of the Cyclades, after Mykonos and Ios. Bars and clubs can be found in Parikia and Naoussa. The feast of the nine days of the Virgin Mary takes place on August 23, nine days after the Assumption of the Virgin, during which the pirate festival aimed at representing the assault of the pirates on the village: young boys dressed as pirates jump from the caiques, the fishing boats, and run all together to catch the girls and take them away. Fireworks, traditional music, dances, local food and wine are part of the big celebration.