Paros

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 civilisation.

 

Parikia (or Paros), the island's capital and port, stands on the site of an ancient city. There is a picturesque and ruinous Venetian castle, and the courtyards of the ho uses of the town - all of them painted white - are full of pots of basil and hung with jasmine and honeysuckle.

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 F orest (Hristos tou Dassous).

History

During the 10th century B.C. came to Paros the Arkades. The leader of the Arkades was Paros, who nammed the island. Before Arkades, the Cretes had settled and used Paros as a harbor. The golden age of the island, though, was the 8th century. It was then when the island begun to gain money from the white marble and became one of the greatest nautical forces.

Anchorages

Paroikia: Good shelter; Fuel & water in town; Night life

Naoussa: Good shelter; Fuel in town; Water on quay; Night life

'The nicest place in Greece is still Naoussa, a wonderful bay in the north of Paros. The best places in Greece, during the summer months, are those where the ferries don't stop, such as here. At Naoussa there is also good shelter for the Meltemi. (8-98)'

Piso Livadi: Good shelter; Water on quay; Tavernas