 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.
<< Back >>
|
