(Area: 209 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus, 95 nautical miles,
distance from Rafina 82 nautical miles). Paros, the third-largest of the Cydades 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 castle, 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 Ekatondapiliani or Kntnpoliani, 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. Naousa, 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
Kolirnbithres, 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 castle and beautiful churches. Among the best
swimming beaches are Livatia, Krios, Agios Fokas (at Parikia),
Mikro Piperi and Megalo Piperi, Limnes, Kolimbithres (at
Naoussa), Agoi Anargiri, Langeri, Aliki (with an interesting
exhibition of traditional crafts), Santa Maria, Ambelas, Pisso
Livati, 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.
How to get there: By ferry from Piraeus, Information: Piraeus
Port Authority, tel.: 01/422.6000. From Rafina, Information:
Rafina Port Authority, tel.: 0294/22300. By air from Athens
Information: Olympic Airways, Athens, tel.: 01/966.6666.Useful telephone numbers Automatic dialling code: 0284. Police: tel.: 23333 Municipal Offices: 21222 Port Authority: 21240 Municipality of Parikia (information bureau): 22078 Olympic Airways: 21900-Airport: 91256-7 Archaeological Museum: 21281.
Things to buy: Ornamental pottery in Naoussa elegant silver jewellery.