Paros
In antiquity, Paros was famous for its white marble quarries; the so-called ‘Parian marble’ was highly sought-after for its top quality, for use in architecture and sculpture (particularly during the Classical Greek Period). Some of the masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture were made with this pure white, translucent material. The statues of Hermes by Praxiteles, Venus de Milo (i.e. Aphrodite of Milos), Nike [Winged Victory] of Samothrace, Nike of Paionios, and the Caryatids, i.e. the famous daughters [korai] of the Erechtheion, Acropolis, Athens are some of the most popular specimens of such art.
Paros lists high on the top Greek holiday destinations offering a well-developed tourist infrastructure, long beaches with crystal-clear waters and impressive landscapes. Paroikia is the main town and port of the island, whilst Naoussa town is famous for its tiny picturesque port, Cycladic architecture and nightlife. Head to Lefkes, the most mountainous village of Paros and the most verdurous one. Lefkes was the first capital of Paros. The village is located under a pinewood on the hill. A walk around its beautiful narrow streets with the white joints will impress you. You will see the old washhouses that are still used by certain housewives, the House of Literature, the picturesque Ramnos, a street with taverns and other stores and the wonderful view: the sea and Naxos in the background.
There’s a fascinating aspect of summer holidays when combined with seawater activities on Paros! Most beaches on this wind-swept island – covered mainly with fine sand – are located next to modern and well-equipped facilities for all kinds of water sports, offering their sporty visitors some carefree and stimulating fun-time. Go to Kolympithres for water ski and water sports, kitesurf in Punda beach while looking at Antiparos, go to Golden Beach for windsurf & watersports. Spend the day at the beach in Monastiri Beach Bar Restaurant a beautiful set up on the beach with sunbeds and a beach bar for cocktail lovers, a restaurant for gastronomy enthusiasts and water sports. Do not miss an evening out in Antiparos, just 5 min across Punta tiny port by ferry.
Favorite places to eat & drink:
Barbarossa and Sigi Ikthios in Naoussa port for creative seafood plates, Achinos for seafood and Stilvi a hidden minimal oasis in Naoussa. Siparos Seaside Restaurant blends authentic Mediterranean tastes from local products to make own-label products and traditional dishes, reimagined for modern the dinner. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the veranda of Henry G in Paroikia town for fine dining. Another hidden gem up in the mountain is Santa Pacou in a veranda overlooking the Aegean Sea at Kostos village.