Paros, the third-largest of the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros,
has developed into an important centre of tourism in recent
years.
Gently rolling hills surround the centre and south-east of the
island, which is predominantly agricultural and is occupied by
endless vineyards, and lock within themselves the famous Parian
marble. The coastline is indented, with numerous small inlets
and two large bays, those of Naoussa in the north and Parikia in
the west. Paros has been inhabited since very ancient times, and
was one of the centres of the Cycladic civilization.
Parikia (or Paros), the island’s capital and port, stands on the
site of an ancient city. There is a picturesque and ruinous
Venetian casde, and the courtyards of the houses of the town –
all of them painted white – are full of pots of basil and hung
with jasmine and honeysuckle. A broad paved avenue leads to the
church of Ekatondapiliani or Katapoliani, one of the most
important Byzantine monuments in the whole of Greece and a place
that figures largely in legend. It is dedicated to the Dormition
of Our Lady, and on her feast day (15 August) there is a great
celebration on the sea-front with fireworks and songs of the
sea.
Other interesting local events take place on the island during
the summer. Statues found at various sites on Paros are on
display in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. Naoussa,
one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, with whitewashed
houses, narrow paved alleys, arches and tiny chapels, can also
offer a range of excellent beaches and attracts many visitors
each summer.
Among the beaches near Naoussa, special mention should be made
of Kolimbithres, where huge rocks eroded into strange shapes
remind the visitor of sculptures embedded in the sand. The
chapels and monasteries of Paros are famed for their
picturesqueness; among the most characteristic are the monastery
of Zoodohos Pigi “Longovarda” and that of Christ of the Forest (Hristos
tou Dassous).
Marpissa is an attractive large village with a Venetian casde
and beautiful churches. Among the best swimming beaches are
Livadia, Krios, Aghios Fokas (at Parikia), Mikro Piperi and
Megalo Piperi, Limnnes, Kolimbithres (at Naoussa), Aghii
Anargiri, Langeri, Aliki (with an interesting exhibition of
traditional crafts), Santa Maria, Ambelas, Pisso Livadi, and
Drios (on the eastern side).
Paros is an ideal destination for those in search of
cosmopolitan bustle and for lovers of solitude alike.
It has a
full range of tourist amenities. |
