
Lefkes, with an altitude of about 600 feet (200 meters), was the capital of Paros during the Middle Ages. Visit the Mountain Village of Lefkes ©iStock/Freeartist

The space is impressive, with sweeping archways connecting the main church to smaller chapels, monk residences, and the baptistery. The church has 99 integrated gates, and according to legend, a 100th gate would appear if Agia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul) became an orthodox church again. While in Parikia, be sure to visit the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani located a few minutes by foot from the port. You can easily spend a few hours strolling through the winding lanes lined with clothing stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more. The entrance to the port is impressive, with a large windmill serving as a meeting point for visitors. This town of about 3,000 full-time residents is the cultural and commercial center of the island, and the village showcases the typical Cycladic architecture of whitewashed buildings accented by colorful doors, windows, and balconies. If you come by ferry, you will arrive in Parikia, the port city and capital of Paros. Stroll Through the Lanes of Parikia ©iStock/saiko3p What to See and Do in Parosīelow we offer you eight things to see and do during your stay in Paros. If you want to go upscale, the 5-star luxury boutique Parilio Hotel Paros is considered one of the best hotels on the island. Kontaratos Studios and Apartments in Parikia get consistently high ratings and are located just a 15-minute walk from the port. This pet-friendly hotel with a sporty atmosphere is connected to the Paros Windsurf Center and has been welcoming guests since 1987. If you want to stay on a Blue Flag beach with easy access to watersports, the family-run Paros Philoxenia Hotel is a top choice.
Stay in paros or naxos free#
Your email address Get my free report Where to Stay in Paros Simply enter your email address below and we'll also send you a FREE report - All the Charm and Romance of Europe…at a Price You Can Afford. Learn more about countries in Europe and other countries from around the world in our daily postcard e-letter. Paros has a spiritual feeling leading up to Easter Sunday and a festive vibe starting at midnight on Easter Sunday. Different villages hold processions and performances commemorating the last days and the resurrection of Jesus. Greek Easter is another wonderful time to visit as the island is steeped in tradition. September is one of the best months to come because you’ll enjoy the benefits of good weather while avoiding most of the crowds. As it is a popular island, it can get extremely crowded during July and August. When to Go to Parosīecause Paros is best known for its amazing beaches and watersports, most visitors go in the summer season between June and September. The tourist industry is well established in Paros, so the roads are generally well paved and easy to navigate.

With a total area of 76 square miles (196 square kilometers), you can drive the circumference of the island in about an hour. Unless you plan to spend most of your time on a single beach or village, renting a car is the most efficient way to get around the island. Paros also has a national airport (airport code: PAS) with regular flights to and from Athens. From the Athens port of Piraeus, there are multiple ferry options ranging from three to five hours in duration. Paros is accessible by ferry or airplane. For those who visit, this island offers a kaleidoscope of places to see and things to do. These days, Paros is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class watersports.

In ancient Greece, Paros was known for its marble quarries and Parian marble, a fine-grained semi-translucent pure white marble that was used in many famous sculptures, including the Venus de Milo. Located less than an hour by ferry to the west of Naxos and to the south of Mykonos, you’ll find Paros, one of the marquee islands of the Cyclades island cluster in Greece. A Guide to Paros: The Windsurfing Capital of Greece
