October 22, 2020
Interesting Facts about Greece: 11 that will surprise you!
Chios
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PAROS
PAROS
The Greek Island of Paros in the heart of the Aegean Sea and the Cyclades Islands complex. An authentic Cycladic discovery.
Up and coming, traditional yet cosmopolitan, energizing vibe, mixed with unique Cycladic scenery, culture and history spanning millennia and impeccable local gastronomy to top it all off.
Paros is one of the most sough-after destinations in recent years, with sites and vibes to satisfy all tastes and needs. Its remarkable landscape combined with the typical local architecture provides the idyllic backdrop for the classic Greek holiday.
Reasons why Paros is one of the most visited islands in Greece & the Mediterranean Sea
- The astonishing and internationally revered beauty
- The adored white-washed homes
- Its wonderful and many golden sand beaches
- The azure blue crystal-clear water
- The impeccable local gastronomy
- A vast historical and archaeological significance
- Its multi-layered cultural heritage
- Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Hub
- Peaceful, relaxed & picturesque
- A much celebrated very vibrant nightlife
Beaches
The coastline of Paros is impressively varied, alternating between rocky and sandy spots, with the water always crystal clear and intensely azure blue all around the island, even in the busy port. You can choose from a number of beaches to satisfy your every taste and need. Sandy, pebbled, you name it.
You could definitely take some time to visit and enjoy the famous ‘Golden Coast’ or Chrissi Akti, a long stretch of beach with fine golden-coloured sand, in a wider area mostly characterised by the number of Greek holiday villas inhabited during the summer season, and some quaint and traditional local residents’ homes. Chrissi Akti is a wind-surfing and other watersports activities hotspot.
As the beach is large it can cater to many tastes and crowds. Hence it is equally preferred by families who can find peace & quiet while the children can play in the sand and swim in the clear turquoise blue water which is also conveniently shallow in several spots, as well as a younger crowd looking to enjoy some music, cocktails and drinks in the few tasteful beach bars available at specific spots on the beach.
Chrissi Akti is also extremely liked and known among beach sports enthusiasts, with a strong dedicated international crowd of windsurfers, kite surfers & diving enthusiasts among others. Several beach sports schools and rental facilities can cater to anyone interested, and there are many tavernas, beach bars and snacking facilities along the coast so you can enjoy any sort of meal you desire.
Closer to the port of Parikia, one can find the celebrated Punda Beach, one of the most organised beaches on the island, where there is an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. Beach parties featuring guests DJ’s and an abundance of cocktails, dancing and enjoying the sea and sun, make up the perfect getaway recipe if you are seeking to unwind and party. Around Punda beach there are several more ‘local’ and peaceful smaller beaches, so you could enjoy a large variety of choices.
These are the more visited beaches in Paros. Note that many other beaches, too many to start listing and spoil the magic are definitely worth checking out in Paros. Which you choose to visit, as well as which areas and sites you prefer to visit, is highly related to your own taste and needs. Tip: Pass by Kolimbithres, Farangas or Drios while exploring, among many others.
Gastronomy of Paros
A Culinary Odyssey in the Heart of the Cyclades
Renowned for its fertile landscapes, crystal-clear Aegean waters, and vibrant food culture, Paros offers a rich tapestry of flavors that captivate food enthusiasts and travelers alike. Let’s explore the island’s gastronomic highlights, from authentic dishes to world-class dining, making Paros a top destination for culinary tourism in Greece.
Paros’ fertile valleys and coastal bounty provide an abundance of high-quality ingredients. Vineyards in the hills produce crisp white wines and robust reds, with varieties like Mandilaria and Monemvasia gaining international acclaim. Olive groves yield golden extra-virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of Parian cooking. The Aegean Sea surrounding Paros teems with seafood, from succulent grilled octopus and fresh lobster to delicate sardines served in seaside tavernas. Seasonal vegetables, including zucchini, eggplants, and peppers. Paros offers a diverse dining scene to suit every palate.
Paros’ winemaking tradition dates back centuries, and its vineyards are a must-visit for oenophiles. Wineries like Moraitis and Domaine Roussos offer tours and tastings, showcasing award-winning wines that pair beautifully with local cuisine. Sip on a glass of Assyrtiko or Malagousia while overlooking rolling vineyards, or sample suma and ouzo at local distilleries for a true taste of Parian hospitality. The island’s wine festivals, held during the summer, celebrate this heritage with live music, food pairings, and tastings under the stars.
Why Paros is a Food Lover’s Paradise
Why Paros is a Food Lover’s Paradise Paros’ gastronomy is a celebration of simplicity, quality, and tradition, elevated by the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. Whether you’re dining in a rustic taverna, exploring organic farms, or indulging in fine dining, Paros offers a culinary experience that’s both authentic and innovative. With its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant food culture, Paros is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the ultimate Greek island food adventure. Plan your trip to Paros today and discover why its gastronomy is a feast for the senses.
Location & Connections
Paros is one of the most central hence also one of the most inter-connected islands of the Cyclades Islands complex. This creates a great opportunity if you are seeking to explore the Cyclades further.
Not far, only a short boat ride away from Paros, lie many other fabulous choices worth visiting like Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini to name but a few.
The Antiparos perk
Antiparos, literally meaning ‘opposite Paros’ is a very charming smaller island that can be reached by a very short, approximately 7–8-minute ferry ride. Antiparos also boasts a number of lovely beaches and a very vibrant nightlife as well.
You can therefore literally enjoy both islands on a daily basis as hopping to Antiparos and back is very quick, cheap, and practically easy at any moment. Ferries are regular and constant throughout the day time.
Explore and Discover
Apart from spending a relaxing summer vacation In Paros under the sun and by the crystal-clear blue sea, this Greek island also provides many opportunities to engage in a series of other activities in this inspiring environment. Some but definitely not all are trekking, horse-riding, some amazing wind- and kite-surfing due to the strong winds that tend to blow on the island on certain summer months. A wide range of other water sports activities like diving and snorkeling, or yoga, among many more.
Let’s not forget clubbing and the vibrant bar and nightlife, if that is your game. Although the majority of the island is ideal for peaceful relaxation, one can definitely choose the few areas that combine that with a buzzing nightlife. The main port of Parikia is the main town, or ‘Chora’ of the island. Usually busy and crowded, it mostly caters to a younger crowd, as it also offers a very vibrant nightlife and many choices for clubbing to cater to all tastes and needs. Sightseeing here could certainly include visiting Panagia Ekatontapiliani, literally meaning ‘Virgin Mary with one hundred gates/arches’, the main church of the island built during the Early Christian period. It is believed that the earliest form of the church was built here by the Great Emperor Constantine of the Byzantine Empire around the 4th century AD.
The fishing village of Naoussa
The village and fishing port of Naoussa, the second largest on the island, is a fantastic relic from the medieval period. The Venetian port and fortress, though mostly collapsed, are still visible in the port, and the immense beauty that this lovely quaint traditional village radiates is astonishing. Again, one can enjoy a very busy and vibrant nightlife here, with several bars and clubs located on the one side of the village by the sea, catering to a large crowd of visitors who simply party daily to the break of dawn during busy summer months.
Medieval Villages
The small medieval villages of Lefkes, Prodromos and Marpissa are among the most beautiful villages across all the islands in the Aegean Sea. Even in busy August, time appears to flow differently in these authentically traditional settlements. The main road that ascends from Parikia and Naoussa passes by them, though the fact that they were constructed so as to remain largely invisible from the road as a protective measure against pirate raids during the medieval period, has resulted in them remaining relatively untouched and has preserved their authentic appearance, as they were when they were built during the early 15th century.
Architecture
The architectural style in Paros is purely Cycladic. Most villages and towns of medieval origin usually built circularly in a ‘fortress’-like fashion. This gem in the Cyclades, Greece, showcases architecture blending traditional Cycladic style with modern sophistication.
Whitewashed cubic houses with flat roofs and vibrant blue shutters dominate villages like Parikia and Naoussa, reflecting the region’s heritage. These structures, often adorned with bougainvillea, use local stone and minimalist designs to stay cool under the Aegean sun.
The historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani church in Parikia, dating to 326 AD, exemplifies Byzantine influence with its intricate domes. Modern villas, like those in Marpissa, incorporate open-plan layouts, glass facades, and infinity pools, offering luxury while respecting Cycladic aesthetics.
The Frankish Castle in Parikia, built in 1260 AD with classical spolia, adds medieval charm. Paros’ architecture, from cobblestone alleys to sleek beachfront homes, captivates visitors, making it a top destination for authentic Greek island living.
The architecture in Paros is also generally characterised by narrow streets and alleys, colourful flowered balconies and patios. Numerous scattered picturesque small churches can be found in towns as well as all around the surrounding countryside.
Modern luxury villas often fusing traditional elements with a more minimal contemporary aesthetic can be found across the island of Paros, as can picturesque and authentic fully modernised homes with all needed amenities, offering visitors a wide choice with regards to location, price, amenities and styles.
History
As Paros was inhabited from the early neolithic period in and around 4000-5000BC. It also flourished in the early Cycladic period thereafter as indicated by several settlements found on the island. One can find numerous monuments and artefacts of vast archaeological significance across its many sites and museums.
These historic relics and sites originate across a large range of time periods spanning many millennia. This includes periods ranging from the Neolithic and the early Cycladic, through to classical Greek antiquity, the Byzantine empire, the period of Venetian/Latin rule, the Ottoman occupation, to the early modern Greek state and the present. One would certainly enjoy a fantastic experience exploring the archaeological & cultural elements that characterise this wildly diverse and generous Greek island.
August 28, 2020
Facts about Greece: Fascinating Insights to Explore – Part 1