Escapes

Enjoy the one-of-a-kind beaches for a styles

From hidden coves to organised beaches, Paros’ famous swimming spots come in many forms and rival the best in the Cyclades. Chrysi Akti, Santa Maria, Pounta, Kalogeros, Kolymbithres: You’ll find it difficult to choose, but you’re sure to experience many that will stay in your heart.

Enjoy the water sports, expert or beginner

Sea sports with the wind in the strait that divides Paros with the islands of Antiparos and Naxos have no end. With winds that blow strong and steady, Paros an ideal destination for those who love sea sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing. It has been home to international tournaments for years. And if you aren’t already a pro, you can have lessons at Chrysi Akti or Pounta.

Admire Kolymbithres, sculptured by wind and sea

Golden sand embroidered around granite rocks, smoothed by the wind and sea into incredible shapes, the seawater sculptures that locals have named Kolymbithres look as if they were dreamed up by an artist. If you’ve seen photos of Paros, there’s a good chance this will be it.

Get to know the world-renowned marble of Paros

Hard and ductile at the same time, Parian marble is one of a kind, unsurpassed thanks to its unique transparency and purity. Just a few of the most famous works sculpted in this fabulous medium include the Venus de Milo, Hermes of Praxiteles, Nike of Delos, the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury of Sifnos in Delphi. Live it up in charismatic yet traditional Naoussa You’d never imagine that the marina of Naoussa was once one of the busiest pirate dens in the Cyclades. The music echoing from the bars, the perpetual motion of restaurant tables and chairs, young crowds that want to live every night to the full, all combine to create a cinematic ambience. The Monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis Time slows down at Ai Yianni Detis and the tranquility and charm of the white monastery permeate this entire bay on Paros. Here you can swim, walk and contemplate.
 Lefkes, Paros’ first capital Whitewash and marble preside in this symphony in white. This was Paros’ first capital, with houses built in tiers up the hill like an amphitheatre. You’ll find Cycladic architecture, neoclassical buildings and boutique accommodation all coexisting harmoniously. Park your car and walk, wandering through its peaceful alleys and admiring the flower-filled patios. Don’t forget to see the Byzantine road, a 1,000-year-old marble-paved path, built to connect Marpissa with Parikia. Marpissa, Prodromos and other Cycladic villages Two inland villages that are worth a visit. At Prodromos, the entrance to the village is a vaulted roof and steeple. Admire the traditional Cycladic homes before making your way to Marpissa, a 16th-century village with traditional windmills and churches.

Dine by the sea with a glass of Parian wine

From all the fishing boats in Parikia and Naoussa, you’ll guess that seafood is king in Paros, whether you’re in a traditional taverna or being treated to a white tablecloth as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea. Grilled octopus, stuffed squid, Gouna (sun-dried mackerel served with lemon) and much more await. Other food favorites are the cheeses (spicy graviera, aromatic crassottiri and smooth misitare), legumes, mushrooms, snails and homemade pies. And take the time to visit a local winery to learn more about the wines of Paros and the local grape varieties such as Mandilaria.

Many of Paros’ most popular beaches offer water sports, so we’ve listed some of the best spots for thrills and spills. Have adrenaline-filled fun like water skiing and motorbikes or be drawn on inflatable bananas and tubes and even fly fish. Or maybe you’re looking to leave a smaller carbon footprint. No problem. You can windsurf and kitesurf or opt for a more intrepid option, such as renting a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), pedalos or kayaks. it’s simple. If you are into water sports, you will find what  you are looking for in Paros. Enjoy water sports, with the wind in the strait that separates Paros from the islands of Antiparos and Naxos. With strong and steady winds, Paros is an ideal destination for those who love water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing. It has been home to international tournaments for years. And if you’re not yet a pro, you can get lessons at Chrysi Akti or Pounta.