SEE PAROS: to understand its appeal to Greeks and non-tourists.

Table of Contents:
ANCIENT PAROS
SEE THE TOWNS
THE ISLAND.

After you see Paros, you will wonder why you were going to the more touristy islands.

Ferries deliver visitors right in the center of town. — Parikia town on Paros.

Although smaller than neighboring Naxos, Paros seems to be appearing on more people’s radar. Part of this is because several ferries stop here on the way to Mykonos and Santorini.

I think another reason may be that Paros does not rely only on tourism. True, there are more hotels and tourist offices than before, but there is a local feel to the island once you get away from the harbor areas.

There seem to be more beaches on Paros that do not have the ear-splitting beach clubs like nearby Mykonos. You can find the clubs, but they’re not as numerous.

The sand is white It does not get as hot or as dusty as Santorini’s black and red sand. In general, there is the pulse of the more popular islands if that is what you seek. Or, there is the laid-back serenity of a Greek island.

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See Paros’ Ancient Sites.

Like nearby Naxos, the island is famous for its marble, dating from ancient times. The Venus de Milo emerged from the marble quarries of Paros.

You can visit the ancient quarries although there is little left to see.

Recycling of building materials is nothing new in Greece. Even the Athen’s Acropolis has bits and pieces “borrowed” from it, some as far away as London’s British Museum. However, in Paros, they seem to have taken it to a new level. There isn’t one column left standing in its original spot. Temples, sanctuaries, and other buildings are now only memories with portions of a foundation wall as the only marker of where they once stood.

Unfortunately, little is known about it. — In use from 700 BC to 400 AD. It must have some stories to tell.

The period began after the death of Alexander the Great. — Sculpture Workshop from the Hellenistic Period (323 BC to 31 BC.)

The archeologists seem to loose interest as soon as they date/identify the structure. — The workshops are one of many small excavations around the town.

Unfortunately, you will See Paros only has one temple left standing. — The largest (only) temple left on Paros was for Asclepius, the god of healing. It is approximately 4 X 6 feet.

Also in, (under), Parikia are some scattered remains of an Archaic ceramic workshop, west of the car park. (Across the peripheral Road from the Sculpture workshops.) Behind the new cemetery (across the outer road from the museum) are foundations of Hellenistic homes and walls.

It is best to try and find these on foot as parking is tricky. Also, you may pass them while driving if you are watching where you are going. Start at the museum. Except for the Asclepius Temple, all other sites are less than a ten-minute walk from the museum.

Less Ancient

As you will see, Paros retains some of its structures from post 1 A.D., but even they are not in the best of shape.

Some of the building blocks have had multiple lives. — The Venetian castle (Kastro) built with borrowed material, has, in turn, been recycled.

As you will see,Paros makes full use of everything. — Later builders also borrowed from a nearby Venetian church.

Its excellent shape makes you wonder whatelse would still be standing. — A Venetian Bridge in Naousa still stands. It was never empty long enough to recycle.

The remains hint that it was an impressive castle. — The Venetian Castle still guards the harbor of Naousa.

Although Paros has some ancient tidbits, exploring will only be of significant interest to the archeological junkie who has a great sense of imagination. For the rest of us, there is the Archeological Museum.

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See Paros’ Picturesque Towns.

You will see Paros makes up for its lack of ancient sites with not one, but two picturesque towns and several villages.

Parikia

They all lead back to the port. — Get lost in its colorful passageways.

Every square inch of space is used. — Where does this tunnel lead?

All intermingling together. — A taverna here, a shop there.

You will See Paros' white backdrop intensifies the colors. — And splashes of vivid colors wherever you look.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Panagia Katapoliani)

One of the main points of interest in Parikia is this historic Byzantine church complex. With sections dating from the early 300s A.D., it was here before Christianity became the religion of the island.

The centuries blur together. — The main chapel has been repaired and added on to.

You will See Paros has changed Very little over the years. — A building surrounds the complex housing offices and rooms.

There is another chapel in the complex. — The back of the main chapel and a smaller side chapel.

See Paros Archeological Museum

The best place to see Paros’ history is the archeological museum. Here relics from all the sites on the island come together for an island timeline.

See Paros islands history in one location. — The museum is home to the best finds from Paros and Anti Paros.

A five-minute walk will take you to the cemetery. — Sarcophagi from the cemetery, dating back to the Classical and Roman era.

See Paros ancient history. This is one of the largest statues found on the island. — A colossal statue of Artemis from the Delian Temple to Apollo is almost 9 feet tall.

This may be from one of the workshops or a private home. Hellenistic mosaics are in the courtyard.

Thank goodness statues did not make good building materials. — This statue of Artemis, dating from 360 B.C. is in excellent shape.

Naousa (Naoussa)

Naousa seems a little more compact than Parikia. Maybe due to the fact it is on a steeper hill. It is another town that is fun to explore with no set itinerary.

In the morning, I have it to myself, a few fishermen and some kitties. — The Naousa waterfront is teeming with seafood restaurants.

See Paros fishing harbors. The kitchens they are going to are across the street. — Fresh fish arrives daily at the small boat harbor.

The color of the table indicates where one restaurant ends and another begins. — All is quiet in the harbor in the morning. Tonight, every chair will be full.

And they will be full of young adults. — An empty terrace overlooking the water. Tonight these will all turn into clubs.

Many are on dead end passageways making a direct route almost impossible. — Clubs, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes line every street.

See Paros nightlife. It's a great place for dinner. — One night in Naousa.

Restaurants will melt into clubs around midnight. — The tables are beginning to fill.

At night, the towns take on a whole new persona. Cafes become more of a restaurant, many with tablecloths. Then after 11:00 pm, the restaurants seem to blend into the nightclubs. No doubt they use magic.

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See Paros Island.

Paros island has much to offer outside of the main towns.

See Paros’ Smaller Villages

Lefkes is towards the center of the island. It was once the capital due to its location away from pirates. A half day strolling its pedestrian passageways can give you a feel for village life.