Paros

Paros island in the Cyclades sailing area:

Located in the centre of Cyclades, Aegean sea, Paros is the third largest island after Andros and Naxos and among the most attractive sailing spots in Greece. As the years pass, Paros has improved its level of tourism facilities and infrastructure attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe.
The island’s (Paros) landscape is a wonderful combination of softly rolling mountains (producing the best white marble in the world) and fertile valleys.
Paroikia, the beautiful capital and main port of Paros island, is modern and cosmopolitan town covering every need of the traveller. Parikia’s old market street (the main commercial area of the island) is a must see place and a good walk through the typical Cyclades’ whitewashed houses and alleys.
Mountain villages such as Lefkes, Marpissa and Kostos as well as fishing villages such as Aliki and Naoussa offer a different life style, best for those who prefer either privacy and isolation or sea food and marine life. In especial, Naoussa on the North side of Paros is -no doubt- one of the most picturesque small harbours in the Aegean.
Another attractive feature in Paros is the nightlife! Most Paros’ nightlife venues are located in Naoussa and some in (the more relaxed) Paroikia. Naoussa with lots of restaurants, taverns, bars, cafes and large clubs is the prime nightlife location for those who want to roister till dawn and the main touristy area of the island. In Punta beach and in other beach bars too, dancing and drinking is an all-day event! Last but not least, traditional Greek taverns which offer very delicious recipes and international restaurants like French, Italian and Chinese are always on hand.

Famous for their sparkling blue waters, most Paros beaches are well organized and provide good selection of facilities and numerous beach bars, tavernas and cafes. Some popular beaches are Santa Maria, Krios, Chryssi Akti, Faragas, Kolimbithres and the exciting beachside resort of Punta.
To sum up, excellent tourist facilities, rich cultural life and cosmopolitan ambience have made Paros island really distinguishable holiday destination. It is now your turn to explore and discover Paros!

Weather conditions / Climate in Paros island:

Paros is windy island almost all the year round! During summer, the prevailing wind is the meltemi blowing from North. It can reach force 5 to 7 beaufort scale in the daytime creating a cool, refreshing breeze during the hot summer months.
The climate in Paros island is similar to the rest Cyclades islands, the typically Mediterranean with sunny – hot summers and mild winters. Rain is quite uncommon. In the evenings, it can get chilly and humid, so a light jacket is recommended.

Moorings & Anchorages in Paros island/ Cyclades islands:

Parikia port, located just a short walk from Paros main ferry terminal, offers mooring places for charter boats although its small dock is often full during the summer season. In this case, yachts are forced to stay either on a second row or on the anchor deeper NE in the bay of Paroikia.
When the Meltemi wind is blowing strong, there are no many protected bays or ports in Paros apart from the bays of Aliki and Faragas at the Southern coast of the island and Filizi bay at the East coast. Naoussa’s little port can offer some shelter but its available berths can be hardly found.
Keep in mind: Alimos marina and Lavrion port both in Athens are our charter bases so as to sail the Cyclades sailing area. You can also depart (upon availability) from Paros port in Paros island.

History / Places of interest in Paros island:

Paros, like other Cycladic islands, has a long and interesting history aging from the first known inhabitants (the Ionians coming from Asia Minor) in the 7th century BC Early Cycladic Era. After 200 BC, the island was colonized by the Minoans who were followed by the Mycenaeans and later the Arcadians, lead by Parios who named the island after his name. The Athenians were the next that colonize the island and as a result Paros’ naval strength grew, as did its agricultural activities and marble trade. Many famous Greek statues have been sculpted from Parian marble such as the Aphrodite of Milo, the Maidens of the Acropolis, the Niki of Delos and the Hermes of Praxiteles.
In the Roman Empire times Paros continued to produce great works of art until the Byzantines started to build wonderful churches and monasteries. From the 7th century AD, Paros became a victim of pirate raids and gradually the island was deserted by its inhabitants, turning into a hide out for pirate ships. Then it was the Venetians and right after the Turks that in 1560 set Paros under the Ottoman Rule.
Paros participated in the Greek Revolution and was a safe haven for many refugees. It gained its independence in 1821 and was incorporated into the New Greek State. German Occupation took its toll on the island, forcing many inhabitants to seek their fortunes elsewhere.

There are countless sights/ antiquities around Paros island. Worth seeing: the Archaeological museum, the Venetian castle, the old Christian Basilica, the Byzantine museum of Naoussa, the ancient cemetery, the Venice castle of Naoussa and the castle Hill.

“Must” see sights of interest (from our experience):
– Located North-East of the Paroikia, the holy gem of Paros is the Cathedral of Our Lady Ekatontapyliani (Panagia Ekatontapiliani), one of the most significant early Christian monuments in Greece.
– Approximately 5km South of Paroikia, there is the “Butterfly Valley”. It is important biotope and the ideal eco-system for millions of butterflies in Greece!
– You can also take a trip to nearby island of Antiparos! Visit its spectacular cave, turquoise-water beaches and see the unique breathtaking view over the surrounding islands.

Activities in Paros island:

Paros is the ideal holiday getaway for water sports enthusiasts, especially for those who enjoy windsurfing & kite surfing! Windsurfing is practised mainly on Chryssi Akti and Nea Chryssi Akti beach where instructors and equipment are available. Snorkelling and scuba diving are also a wonderful experience there, offered on the beaches of Agia Irini, Aliki, Logaras and Piperi. Other water sports such as water skiing, pedal boats and jet skiing are available in several organised beaches.
A fantastic place for the kids is the Aqua Park. Boats leave hourly from Naoussa and it takes approximately 15 minutes.
There are plenty of choices so as to rent a car, motorbike or bike as well.