5 Reasons For A Beautiful Holiday In Paros, Greece

Paros Port [Image Wikimedia Commons]

The Greek island of Paros nestles in the Aegean Sea and is known for its idyllic beaches and traditional villages. The island’s capital, Parikia, is a boating and transportation hub for the Cyclades region of Greece, making it an ideal destination.

Where to stay in Paros

This beautiful island offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels and vacation rental homes in Paros. On arrival, head to your accommodations and drop off your luggage before heading out on a tour of the island. Read on to discover five reasons for spending a beautiful vacation in Paros, Greece.

1. A visit to Parikia

Parikia [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Parikia is the main port of Paros and features a charming maze of streets and passages, all paved with marble. The streets are lined with Cycladic cube-shaped houses with blue doors, balconies and shutters. The white walls and balconies are adorned with colorful bougainvillea and geraniums in a beautiful contrast. This beautiful town features a number of must-see attractions, including the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani below...

2. Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Parikia

Panagia Ekatontapiliani [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Located in Parikia, Panagia Ekatontapiliani is known as the “Church of a Hundred Doors.” The monastery dates back to the 4th century and is thought to have been founded by St. Helen when she stopped over on the island while on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The monastery is located a few meters from the port in Parikia and is one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece.

After several reformations over the years, today the church is a complex of Paleochristian, Byzantine and post-Byzantine elements. The beautiful structure is a must-see on a visit to Paros..

3. Head to Lefkes, Paros

Lefkes is a gorgeous village located on a slope in the mountainous area of Paros. The village is relatively untouched by tourism and gives a true feeling of the culture and traditions of the island. Park your car outside the village and enjoy a tour of the narrow alleys on foot. Rest for a moment in one of the shady squares, lined with traditional tavernas and bakeries.

Along the way, visit the Agia Triada Church, built of marble and flanked by two majestic belfries. In the streets, you will notice some old washhouses, some of which are still used by the locals today. Meanwhile, above the village, the mountainside is dotted with quaint windmills.

4. Naoussa Old Port

A busier area of Paros is the Naoussa Old Port in the north of the island. The quaint harbour is guarded by a Venetian fort and is filled with small fishing boats. Restaurant tables are set up around the waterside and the small square. One major attraction here is to catch the sunset from the harbour, so it does get very busy. Another option is to visit early in the morning to get a photo of the rising sun lighting the walls of the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Venetian fort.

5. Marcello Beach, Paros

Marcello Beach [Image by Katrinitsa/Flickr]

What is a Greek Island vacation without a trip to the beach? While the island is lined with a number of beaches, one recommended option is Marcello Beach. The beach is a ten-minute drive around the bay from Parikia and is considered the best on the island. With its clean sand and crystal-clear waters, Marcello makes for a perfect day in the sun.

With its calm waters, the kids can play on the sand as you relax and gaze across to Parikia’s harbour across the way. Among the excellent amenities, the beach has access to restaurants and cafes. As ever front row sun loungers cost a little extra, and you may need to arrive early for a good spot in summer.

Paros has all this and so much more for a summer vacation and is an ideal destination for couples and families alike.. .