Paros Island

Paros Island is one of the locations within the Cyclades Island Group and is situated to the west of Naxos and southeast of Piraeus. It was once known for its marble mining but today it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. It is home to traditional Cycladic architecture, medieval villages, magnificent sandy beaches, pristine waters, wineries, and easy access to neighboring islands.

There are two large towns within the Island, the quiet port town of Parikia and the more affluent and busier town of Naoussa in the north. There are also the traditional inland villages of Lefkas and Marpissa, that line the hills along with several other beachside villages dotted around the island such as Marmara, Piso Livadi, Prodromos, and Kostos. Visitors can take a step back in time and visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani also known as the Church of 100 Doors, the Venetian castle, and traditional windmills. The destination offers a maze of hidden alleyways filled with vibrant plants, many exotic cocktail bars and lively clubs.

Landscape, Water Conditions, and Beaches of Paros

Paros Island has a scenic natural landscape complete with 120 km of coastline. It has 24 beaches, large mountains, and cliff-top villages that provide remarkable views. It provides attractions and entertainment for many types of travelers including golden family-friendly beaches and hidden coves, world-famous kitesurfing and windsurfing sites, watersports, and perfect areas for swimming and snorkeling. The beaches have shallow shore lines that gradually lead into deep waters, where many marine species can be seen. The summer season typically starts in May and ends in October. The weather is hot and consistent during the peak summer months of June to September with temperatures averaging 81°F (31°C) and water temperatures reaching highs of 80°F (27.8°C) during the hottest and most popular month of August. For tourists wishing for a quieter holiday, the months of May and October are less crowded. On the west side of the island boaters can anchor or moor at Paroika Marina which is the main sailing and yacht base and protected from winds from the south. Other facilities include Naoussa Marina that has 74 mooring places for yachts, and anchoring is also permitted at many bays such as to the north of Parikia which provides good shelter with the exception of winds from the south and Ayios Ioannis where boaters can anchor at the south side of the beach area.

Stunning Locales to Visit on Paros

Paros Island has beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters that are typically sheltered from winds, along with many necessary amenities. The popular Santa Maria Beach in Naoussa Town has a shallow shoreline and is a favored location for families and windsurfing enthusiasts. Kolymbithres Beach, which is situated in the bay of Naoussa, has interesting granite rock formations that make its characteristics slightly different from the rest. Kalogeros Beach on the east coast of the island is renowned for its healing mud, allowing visitors to enjoy a revitalizing natural spa treatment.  There are also many secluded beaches to explore such as Faragas Beach, Agia Eirini Beach, Pipepi, Piperaki, and Agioi Anargyroi Beach. Although these locations have no amenities, they have beautiful golden sands and are relatively quieter than the more popular locations.