About Paros Island

Paros Island is a popular tourist destination that lies in the heart of the Aegean Sea forming part of the Cyclades Archipelago. It is well-known for its splendid beaches, crystal-clear waters, enchanting villages, historical monuments, mouth-watering eateries and radiant nightlife. With two main ports, visitors can explore the most frequented villages that are full of luxurious restaurants, sophisticated bars, clubs and many historical landmarks. Paros also has an array of sheltered anchorage spots for boaters to sail during the summer season and discover popular beaches, secluded coves, scenic bays and hidden underwater sea caves.

History

Paros Islands’ history stretches back to the Stone Ages when it is believed to have first been inhabited. In 3200 BC, the first king of Paros, Cretan Alkaios, built the city of Parikia naming it Minoa with cultural traces such as the Mycenaean Acropolis. The Dorians were first to attack in Arcadia. In the 8th century BC, Paros became famous for producing and selling Parian marble at Marathi Quarries. The classical era saw Persians, Athenian Alliance and Ptolemies settle before being turned into a place of exile during the Roman Era. The Byzantines built many churches, chapels and monasteries but after being defeated by the Turkish the island was left deserted. During the Russo-Turkish war, it was used as a place of anchorage and after Greek independence, the island became part of the Cyclades archipelago.

What is Paros Island Famous For?

Paros is famous for its spectacular beaches, rich history, exquisite gastronomy and vivid nightlife. The famous port towns of Naoussa and Parikia are renowned for their upscale restaurants, boutique shops and cocktail bars. Their historical landmarks are also frequented including the Venetian Castle of Naoussa, Panagia Ekatontapiliani Monastery and Asklepios Sanctuary. Its coastline features many bays offering a mix of golden silky sand and pebbled beaches and many secluded coves with pristine clear waters to swim, snorkel, windsurf or dive at. The most famous bays are Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, Marcello and Golden Beach. Other gems include Punda Bay for beach parties, the Cave of Archilochus near Agios Fokas beach, cave of Amphiritie near Aliki and the Cave of the Nymph at Ancient Quarries in Marathi.