Paros Island

🏝️ Paros: A Hidden Gem in the Cyclades

📍 Location: Aegean Sea, Greece
✨ Best for: Beaches, windsurfing, nightlife, and charming villages

🌟 Why Visit Paros?
✔️ Beautiful sandy beaches – crystal-clear waters & golden sands
✔️ Famous for windsurfing – home to international competitions
✔️ Lively nightlife – clubs & bars in Naoussa & Parikia
✔️ Charming traditional villages – explore Lefkes & Marpissa
✔️ Rich history – ancient ruins dating back to 3,000 BCE
✔️ Easy to explore – small island, but packed with attractions

🏖️ Best Beaches in Paros
✔️ Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) – famous for windsurfing championships 🏄‍♂️
✔️ Kolymbithres Beach – unique rock formations & turquoise waters 🌊
✔️ Santa Maria Beach – ideal for snorkeling & water sports 🤿
✔️ Punda Beach – lively, with beach bars & DJs 🎵
✔️ Faragas Beach – secluded & peaceful, perfect for relaxation 🍹

🗺️ Top Attractions in Paros

1️⃣ Parikia – The Island’s Capital 🏛️
✔️ Home to the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors) ⛪
✔️ Traditional whitewashed houses & bougainvillea-filled streets 🌸
✔️ Lively waterfront with cafés, bars & tavernas 🍷

2️⃣ Naoussa – The Heart of Nightlife & Culture 🎉
✔️ Quaint fishing village by day, party hotspot by night
✔️ Narrow alleys with boutique shops & waterfront restaurants
✔️ Visit the Venetian Castle overlooking the harbor 🏰

3️⃣ Lefkes – A Tranquil Mountain Village 🌿
✔️ Once the capital of Paros, now a peaceful retreat
✔️ Traditional Cycladic houses & scenic walking trails
✔️ Stunning views of Naxos & the Aegean Sea

4️⃣ Marpissa – A Hidden Gem 🏡
✔️ Authentic Greek village with a laid-back atmosphere
✔️ Visit the Monastery of Agios Antonios for panoramic views
✔️ Perfect spot for escaping the crowds

5️⃣ Ancient Ruins & History 🏺
✔️ Archaeological Museum of Paros – showcasing artifacts from 3,000 BCE
✔️ Delion Sanctuary – dedicated to Apollo & Artemis
✔️ Marble Quarries – where Parian Marble (used for the Venus de Milo) was extracted

🍷 What to Eat & Drink in Paros?
🥗 Gouna – sun-dried & grilled mackerel
🍝 Revithada – slow-cooked chickpeas in a clay pot
🐟 Kakavia – traditional Greek fish soup
🍷 Local wine & ouzo – Paros produces high-quality wine

🏨 Where to Stay in Paros?
🏡 Luxury:
✔️ Parilio Hotel – chic, minimalist design with infinity pool
✔️ Astir of Paros – beachfront resort with private beach access

🏡 Mid-Range:
✔️ Saint Andrea Seaside Resort – great location & beautiful views
✔️ Paliomylos Spa Hotel – top-rated boutique hotel with wellness spa

🏡 Budget:
✔️ Apollon Boutique Hotel – charming & affordable near Parikia Beach
✔️ Aloni Hotel – perfect for families & couples

🚢 How to Get to Paros?
🚤 By Ferry:

From Athens (Piraeus or Rafina): ~3-4 hours
From Mykonos: ~45 minutes
From Santorini: ~2 hours
✈️ By Air:

Flights from Athens (~40 minutes) to Paros National Airport

🏆 Why Paros Should Be on Your Greek Island List
✔️ A perfect mix of beaches, history, nightlife & relaxation
✔️ Less crowded than Santorini & Mykonos, but just as beautiful
✔️ Affordable & authentic – great for solo travelers, couples & families