PAROS, along with its larger neighbour Naxos, forms the hub of the main central group of Greek islands known as the Cyclades. The Cyclades seem the epitome of the Greek islands, with their white cube houses, crystal seas and long sandy beaches. Paros is one of the best of them.
The lack of a large airport has ensured that Paros hasn't buckled under the pressing demands of cut-price package tour companies. Instead, Paros caters for the more independent tourist and, with its good ferry connections, Paros is a long-time favourite of young campers and backpackers.
The capital of Paros, Parikia, lies in a huge sheltered bay and it is also the island's main port with frequent ferry connections to many other islands. Paros also has ideal conditions for windsurfing and many international competitions are held in Paros island resorts.
Paros is a Greek island that will suit those looking for a quiet destination with a good tourist infrastructure but slightly off the beaten track. Its central location and excellent ferry connections also makes Paros an ideal base for Greek island hopping.
The the capital port of Parikia which, despite many treasures around the old Venetian Kastro and a picturesque harbour windmill, has a long, drab waterfront covered in copious amounts of scruffy concrete.
Sands on Paros have one very un-Greek characteristic: they are clean and tidy. Paros is at great pains to clear up its litter. The clear, clean sands are welcome relief from the usual flotsam of plastic wreckage that adorns many Greek island beaches.
Paros island was famous in antiquity for its fine translucent marble, which was used by sculptors to make countless artistic masterpieces, including the famous Venus de Milo now in the Louvre, France.
The much photographed Naoussa is one of the most picturesque resorts in the Cyclades. Its sugar cube houses are dotted all around the multi-bayed harbour and there are several pleasant beaches sprinkled around the large, sheltered bay.
There is no international airport on Paros. Most visitors fly to Athens to catch a domestic flight to fly to Mykonos or Santorini for ferry connections.
Paros, like its neighbour Naxos, is a major hub for the Cyclades ferry network. There are many ferries to other islands and to the Greek mainland.
Road on Paros are good and reasonably well maintained. Buses link all the main villages on five cross-island routes.
Beaches are well distributed all around 118km of the leaf-shaped Paros coastline and most of them are easily accessible.
The two large bays in the west are sprinkled with good sandy coves while the eastern coast of Paros has a long line of excellent beach resorts.
More beaches can be found on neighbouring Antiparos - much quieter, not as good and fewer in number but they make a pleasant alternative to Paros.
Paros, at 200 sq km, is the third largest island in the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros and it's also the third most popular after Mykonos and Santorini.
Paros has a permanent population of 13,000, mostly based in the capital Parikia. The highest peak is Mt. Marpissa at 774m.
Neighbouring Antiparos is just 38sq km and only has one major settlement at Antiparos town. The highest point on Paros is Profitis Ilias at 300m.
Virtual tours of Paros
