Mythology
According to mythology, the first king of Paros was Cretan Alkaios, who founded the ancient city that is now the capital, Parikia.

History
Archaeological evidence indicates that Paros has been inhabited since 3200 BC. Due to its strategic location in the center of the Cyclades, the island became a major naval base named Minoa during the Cretan era, trading with the Balkans and Egypt. The island was later ruled by the Ionians and then the Arcadians. In the 8th century BC, Paros emerged as a significant maritime power, establishing a colony on Thassos.

Paros is renowned for its high-quality Parian marble, used to create masterpieces such as the Aphrodite of Milos, Hermes of Praxiteles, the Temple of Apollo in Delos, and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio. This marble contributed to the island's development during classical times.

During the Persian Wars, Paros allied with the Persians and defeated the Athenian army. In 338 BC, the island fell under the Macedonian Empire and later came under the control of Alexander the Great's successors. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Paros became part of the Byzantine Empire, then the Duchy of the Aegean in 1207, and was later ruled by the Ottoman Empire until the Greek Revolution of 1821. Paros officially became part of the State of Greece in 1831.

Festivals and Celebrations
Throughout the year, both locals and tourists celebrate the island's festivals, which are authentic reflections of everyday life on Paros. These historical and traditional events offer unique experiences and memories.

We highly recommend visiting Marpissa, a traditional village founded in the 15th century. This must-visit destination boasts a distinctive medieval character, featuring Byzantine churches, 17th-century houses, and charming windmills. Every August, the picturesque village hosts a three-day festival called "Routes in Marpissa," where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and festivities.

Paros beaches are renowned for their turquoise waters and golden sands. The southeastern beaches, like Golden Beach and New Golden Beach, are popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, often hosting the Windsurfing World Championship.

Best Beaches for Families
• Faraggas Beach: A beautiful sandy beach on the southern side with crystal-clear water. The right side is unorganized, while the left has a beach bar/restaurant with sunbeds and service.
• Marcello Beach: Located in Parikia bay, 4.1 km from the port. It has white, soft sand and clear water, with easy access by car or small fish boat from Parikia. There are two beach bars, making it suitable for families.
• Kolympithres Beach: Famous for its huge white granite blocks sculpted into smooth shapes. The water is warm and blue, with a spectacular view of Naousa village. The beach gets crowded, so arrive early. It is protected from strong winds.
• Santa Maria Beach: Located on the north side, split into two parts with white sand and turquoise water. Ideal for snorkeling with a small sports center. One side is organized with sunbeds and a restaurant. Santa Maria, Laggeri, and Small Santa Maria are nearby.

Best Beaches for Watersports
• Golden Beach: Located on the southeast part of the island, known for its water sports center and long stretch of soft, golden sand. Ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as families due to shallow water. Several beach bars and tavernas are available.
• Monastiri Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches, located in Naousa Bay. The terrain consists of thick sand and crystal-clear water. There is a bar and a watersports center.
• Pounda Beach: Found on the south coast, close to Marpissa. Attracts fans of sailing, diving, surfing, and extreme sports. The beach bar is known for parties and events, offering Greek and continental cuisine.

Hidden Gems / Less Crowded
• Lolantonis Beach: A sandy beach suitable for families and younger crowds, with a famous beach bar-restaurant, "The Cliff," offering outstanding Mediterranean food.
• Agia Irini: A small, dreamy beach with a tropical atmosphere, tall palm trees, and clear turquoise waters. There are two beach bars and a tavern. The monastery of Saint Irini is nearby.
• Tripiti & Glyfa: Glyfa beach has a small beach bar during high season. Tripiti is a small bay next to Glyfa, both located near Drios village. These beaches remain mostly quiet and unorganized.
• Laggeri Beach: A lovely sandy beach perfect for relaxation. It has difficult access due to a dirt road, making it less crowded. It attracts several nudists. Santa Maria, Laggeri, and Mikri Santa Maria are nearby.
• Molos-Kalogeros Beach: Molos is a long, shallow, sandy beach with blue water, located after the village of Marmara. Kalogeros is a small, rocky, and sandy beach facing Naxos Island.
• Piso Aliki Beach: A popular beach with many sea trees for natural shade. The water is exotic, clear, and blue with white sand. It becomes crowded in summer but is worth visiting. Easy access and surrounded by several restaurants, with a large parking area available.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Paros is renowned for its world-famous windsurfing and kitesurfing centers, perfect for both adults and children. We can help you arrange private or group lessons with highly experienced professionals who will teach you to master the waves and sails. Visit the kite center in Pounda, where kite surfers cross the strait between Paros and Antiparos. On windy days, the sky is filled with sails that resemble butterflies!

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Discover the underwater wonders of the Aegean Sea in a relaxing way! We can organize guided dives and snorkeling in small groups with high professional standards through well-trained centers offering special PADI diving courses for children (8-15 years old). Near Alyki, between Paros and Antiparos, the islets of Panteronissi invite snorkeling enthusiasts to swim in crystal-clear waters and explore the turquoise depths of these uninhabited islands.

Hiking and Trekking
Paros boasts a hiking trail network of approximately 35 km, perfect for nature lovers. Try the route from Kolimpithres to Faros for a magical experience. Hikers will encounter traditional Cycladic houses, small stone farmhouses, clay, reeds, seaweed, windmills, watermills, wheel wells, wells, cisterns, threshing floors, and pigeon houses. Some paths are organized and well-marked, while others are old and exciting, ideal for adventure lovers. The hiking trails of Paros are a true revelation. 

DINING

Paros Island offers limitless and diverse cuisine options. Visitors can explore traditional Greek food at local tavernas, gourmet Mediterranean dishes, and various international cuisines.

..at Naousa
• Barbarossa (+30 22840 31951): A reputed eatery since the 60s, offering authentic Greek gastronomic experiences with specialties like cockles, seashells, oysters, stuffed ravioli with lobster, and salmon in ouzo sauce. Famous for its daily Greek music parties.
• Stilvi Restaurant (+30 694 621 1828): A small oasis in Naousa's streets, offering Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and a special cocktail list.
• Sigi Ikthios (+30 22840 52639): Located in the picturesque port, this restaurant offers mouthwatering Greek delicacies and fresh fish, with most appetizers made from local produce.
• Kapari (+30 22840 52070): Serving inherited island dishes from treasured family recipes, capturing authentic flavors of the Cyclades.
• Nobu “Matsuhisa” (+30 697 098 5411): Located near Naousa, this acclaimed chef's restaurant offers the finest cuisine in an idyllic setting.

at Santa Maria
• Siparos Seaside Restaurant (+30 698 900 6325): Blending authentic Mediterranean tastes with a contemporary twist, using local ingredients to create traditional dishes reimagined for the modern diner.

at Ambelas
• Blue Oyster (+30 22840 52707): A unique oyster bar by the sea, offering a variety of fish, delicious starters, Mediterranean dishes, and fresh oysters.

at Piso Livadi
• Halaris Fish Tavern (+30 22840 43257): Specializing in fresh fish and seafood dishes, with options like cod croquettes, shrimp pies, and tomato croquettes. Recommended for families.

at Logaras
• Mango Restaurant (+30 22840 41462): Offers freshly made pizza and pasta, with signature recipes of pasta and risotto. Best visited for an early dinner with a breathtaking view of Logaras golf.

at Drios
• Kima Seaside Restaurant (+30 22840 41180): A modern restaurant supporting local producers, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with the best raw materials from Paros.

at Aliki
• Thalassa mou (+30 22840 91461): A hidden gem serving creative Mediterranean dishes with local flavors and ingredients, complemented by a good wine list.
• Mouragio (+30 22840 91165): A traditional fish tavern offering Greek delicacies, specializing in seafood and fresh fish. Must-try dish: "gouna" (sundried grilled fish).
• Sayini (+30 22840 90536): Offers special cocktails, fresh sushi, and seafood. Don't miss the dessert soufflé with orange chocolate and ice cream.

at Pounda
• Les Amis (+30 22840 51100): A wine restaurant featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients and an impressive selection of high-quality wines.

at Parasporos
• Magaya (+30 22840 23791): A boho and relaxed restaurant offering Mediterranean and Asian dishes with a view of the emerald sea.

at Parikia
• Henri G (+30 22840 24407): Located in a unique neoclassical mansion, offering elegant Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of French inspiration.
• The Green Project (+30 22840 41388): Famous for its homemade marmalades, serving a variety of dishes from local products in an open garden yard.
• Beebop X Joomla (+30 22840 28075): An iconic bar-restaurant with an outstanding view of the Aegean from the rooftop bar, offering a unique dining experience.

NIGHTLIFE

Naousa attracts young crowds with its charming bars tucked away in white streets, staying open till dawn. Enjoy drinks on the waterfront under the starry skies or dance the night away in discos and dancing spots. Ask our Concierge Team for the best places to dance all night long!

..some Bar Options
• Salty Cocktail Bar - Naousa (+30 22840 52639)
• Agosta Bar - Naousa (+30 6942 664999)
• Somaripa Bar - Naousa (+30 22840 55233)
• Come Back Lounge Bar - Naousa (+30 693 290 3877)
• Salair Paroikia - Paroikia (+30 698 008 2823)

BY AIR
Paros is connected to Athens International Airport, the flight lasts 40 minutes but also to Macedonia International Airport (Thessaloniki), it is also connected to other airports in Greece.

BY SEA
Paros is connected to Piraeus and other Aegean ports. The conventional ferries make the route ""Piraeus - Paros"" in about 6.5 hours while the high-speed ones in about 4. Paros is also connected with the ports of Lavrio and Rafina's.The ports of Naoussa and Piso Livadi connect Paros with other Cycladic Islands