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About Paros
PAROS-introduction (Top)
Paros is one of the most appealing and beautiful islands of Cyclades and an especial destination as much for the Greeks as for the foreign visitors. This is due to its’ natural beauty, enchanting beaches and picturesque villages, rare cultural monuments from the antiquity and the Byzantine Times, unique nightlife as well as due to its’ hospitable people.
Paros still preserves the beauty of the authentic, as contemporary culture and tourism development have not dramatically altered the picture of the captivating Cycladic landscape. Here the visitor discovers that tradition and progress coexist in a unique way concerning all areas of human activity, from architecture to entertainment.
This unique feature combined with the existence of small and large lodgings, which offer modern amenities and well-organised services, taverns with local traditional cuisine and restaurants that offer dishes from al over the world as well as retail shops of every kind, is why Paros attracts every potential visitor who wants to combine holidays, sports, fun and entertainment.
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PAROS – History & Civilization (Top)
In Paros, as well as in many other islands of Cyclades, there are traces of civilization, which proclaim constant presence of life for 6000 years now. According to archeological data, the colonization of Cyclades starts in the beginning of the newer Neolithic period (5.000 BC). We come across the first traces of life in Paros, in Saliagko, a little island between Paros and Antiparos. In 1965, during the excavations of Evans and Renfrew, there were found remains of an active Neolithic civilization, an entire state under the sea, which had been developed between 4.300 and 3.900 BC. The habitants of Paros then, were living from fishing, hunting and primitive agriculture.
During the Copper age, three great civilizations appear in the Greek area: the Cycladic (3.200 – 2.000 BC), the Minoan (2.000 – 1.500 BC) and the Mycenaean (1.600 – 1.100 BC). The development of navigation allows the sailors to make long trips, trading products, new ideas and technological accomplishments. The arts are in flush and the Cycladic marble carvers create unique masterpieces, the wonderful Cycladic figurines.Villages of Paros, where traces of Cycladic civilization were found, are Kampos, Drios, Koukounaries, Plastiras, Glyfa and Faragas. Gleanings of the Cycladic civilization in Paros, from the age of Copper, are saved in excellent condition and are exhibited in the Archeological Museum of Paros, in Paroikia. It mainly concerns burial offerings, marble and ceramic vessels, copperware and figurines.During the Minoan period, Paros, in the centre of Cyclades, gathers due to its three ports (Paroikia, Naoussa and Drios) military meaning for the Cretans.
After 1.400 BC the Mycenaean civilization starts to gradually dominate in Aegean, where it will also be consolidated in the next two centuries. However, around 1.200 BC this great civilization starts to collapse and new Mycenaean residents from mainland Greece is observed to be settled in Cyclades. A group of Arcadians with leader someone called Paros, migrates eastern and disembarks in Paros where they also settle. The island, which up to that period was called Minoa, takes the name of the leader and from then on, it is called Paros. The decadence of the Mycenaean civilization, comes to cover the Phoenician propagation. The Phoenicians were merchandising leather, fleece and metals and from Paros marble.
During the Iron age, agriculture is developed in Paros and for this reason, the sanctuary of goddess Dimitra, the patron saint of agriculture, acquire fame outside the island as well. At the end of 9th BC century and in the 8th BC century, Paros goes over big thriving. Vessels and subjects of the geometrical period could be admired by someone, in the Archeological museum of Paros, in Paroikia of Paros (www.greece-museums.com). During the archaic period (700 – 480 BC) residents of Paros establish in 680 BC settlement in Thassos, which disposed great deposits of gold, while later in Hellisponto and in Thrace. Paros is incorporated in the axis of Athens-Eretria-Militos.
The marble quarries in the island operate intensively. During the 6th BC century, Paros exports sculptures, statues and marble sculptures, reining in marble carving from Naxos. A grand building, built out of Parian marble in Delphi was the Treasure of Sifnos.
During the 1st half of the 7th BC century, lived Archilochos the Parian, the premier lyrical poet, who is considered to match Homer. Archilochos from Paros together with poetess Sappho from Lesvos turned poetry from epic battles to love and human feelings. His work unfortunately was saved only segmentally.
The end of this period will find Paros in an unfamiliar flourishing, which will also continue in the next period.
In the beginning of the classical period that is in 480 BC, Paros is under great economical and artistic flourishing and from its workshops come out great statues, like the statue of Victory (470 BC). The Parian marble is in great demand and during this period Paros produces more marble than the mountain of Penteli in Athens. The sanctuary of Apollo in Delos, the statue of Victory in Paionia as well as many works of Parian sculptor Scopas are made out of marble from Paros. Scopas fashioned the sculptures of the sanctuary of Athena in Tegea as well as the mausoleum of Alikarnassos and the sanctuary of Ephesias Artemis. The city of Paros, during that period, has fifty thousand residents, wonderful marble buildings and sanctuaries. It is one of the brightest and most beautiful cities of Greece, with high-school, theatre and stadium. It was then when the Asklipieo and the sanctuary of Pythios Apollo were built. From 338 BC Paros becomes member of the Panhellenic Alliance, which was organized by the Macedonian king Phillip for the expedition against the Persians and remains in it until the death of Alexander the Great. During the Hellenistic period (323 – 167 BC) and specifically during the one hundred years of the ptolemaic ascendancy (311 – 210 BC) Cyclades and Paros flourish. The marble quarries in Paros work intensively so that Parian craftsmen build sanctuaries and buildings in Delos. During this time Milos buys marble from Paros for the marvelous statue of Aphrodite of Milos to be created (Louvre Museum) www.louvre.fr
The Roman era (167 BC – 330 AD) was probably the most declined period in the history of Paros. The Roman period also marks the end of the Ancient Hellenic Civilization. In contrary, the role of Paros is significantly upgraded, during the Byzantine period (330 – 1204 AD), and the Aegean regains great value. Many Christian monuments are built, between which prominent is the Temple of Ekatontapyliani (www.ekatontapyliani.org) At the end of this period the Cyclades succumb to the Venetians (1220 AD). During the Venetian reign, Paros regains its flourishing. The spirit of the Italian Renaissance is transferred via the Venetians to Paros as well. The parian marble is once again in demand and big amounts of it are destined for Venice. The population of the island grows and a respective prosperity is generated. At the end of the period, Paros comes under the reigning of the last Venetian family the one of the Venieri, just before it was taken from the Turks. In 1537 AD, the pirate Barbarossa forces the family to succumb. During the Turkish domination, which for the islands of Cyclades starts from the middle of the 16th century up to 1821, when the Greek Revolution breaks, greater benefits were given to the residents of the islands and of Paros, as much in matters of religion as in matters of local authority compared with the absolutism and the religious oppression of the Venetians.
It is from this period on that most of the monasteries in Paros start to be built. During the Turkish domination the situation is not always stable in Paros. Venetians, pirates, Russians become at times rulers of the islands. The residents of Paros, due to fearing the Pirates, are accumulated in the interior of the island. Thereby, from the 17th century, the highland villages of Kostos, Lefkes, Prodromos are created. At the end of the 18th century, during the Russian/Turkish wars, the Russians take over Paros for a small period of time. During that period, churches, windmills, dovecotes, roads and bridges are built in Paros. The art of ceramics, agriculture, stockbreeding and marble sculpture are once again developed and Paros accents great craftsmen and artisans. There were twenty monasteries operating on the island then. During the last years of Turkish domination, big increase of the demotic civilization of Paros as well as of the whole of Cyclades is observed.
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PAROS – Geography & Nature (Top)
Paros is located in the centre of the Cyclades, 90 nautical miles away from Piraeus and it has a surface area of 194 sq. km. A large mountainous area (Prophet Elias is the highest peak at 776 meters altitude), from where heights smoothly descend down to the sea, crosses over the mainland of the island. Despite the fact that Paros has a rocky soil, it is one of the most fertile islands of the Cyclades due to the abundance of underground waters.
In Paros, just as in most islands of the Cyclades, underneath the first impression which is created in summer to the foreign visitor for the dry, barren and poor nature, one of the richest floras of Europe is hidden. The sub aerial waters and its small plains, make Paros one of the most fertile islands of Cyclades. The specific weather conditions allow the vegetation of an amazing variety of plants, wildflowers, entire plant societies in the maritime areas and of therapeutic herbs. Paros, just as the rest of the Cycladic area is characterized from rich fauna also. Especially fowl fauna is one of the most significant in Europe. More than 200 species of birds have been recorded on Paros. We mainly come across seabirds, raptors, nocturnal and other. The Aegean area with its many islands, the rocky islands and the aquatic biotopes constitutes a “network” of valuable stop-over for the migrating birds. Specifically in Paros, there are 11 small aquatic biotopes, in Santa Maria, in Kolimpithres, in Molos, In Golden Beach, in Alyki, in Campos, in the area of Pounta, at Livadia in Paroikia, in Antiparos and on the rocky island of Cavouras.
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Walking – Routes (Top)
Paros is probably the only island in Cyclades that can offer alternative forms of tourism. Its incomparable beauty, the remote beaches, the wonderful monasteries, the countless Byzantine footpaths and the rural roads give the ability to all who love nature and walking or mountain bike to take routes which really lead to forgotten paradises, untouched by the tourist development and the rebuilding.
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It is worth visiting: (Top)
The monastery of Saint Antonio in Marpissa and to admire from up high the wonderful panoramic view of the islands and the Aegean Sea. You can get up to the cistern by car and then climb on foot to the monastery. During the summer months it is open only during morning hours.
The area of Lagadas which extends above Aspro Horio and ends at the Monastery of Saint George. An area of surprising beauty, perfect for walking, picnic and relaxation.
The village of Lefkes. From there starts an old Byzantine road, in good condition, which means that the route can be taken by mountain bike as well, is in length 3 km and ends at the village Prodromos. It’s a very beautiful route and it is good to take it early in the morning or before the sunset.
The ancient quarries of Paros, which are located near Marathi, a distance of 5 km from Paroikia. You can get down through the galleries where the quarrying of the exceptional quality marble of Paros, Lychnitis was done. If you are willing to get down the lowest point of the central gallery, where other smaller galleries are branching away, it is preferable to curry torches with you.
The valley of the “Butterflies”, which is located 4km south-west of Paroikia, across from Antiparos. A most beautiful biotope with a spring, which is covered by countless trees, shrubs, sycamores, evergreen ivy and fruit-bearing trees that create thick vegetation. There, you can admire closely the beautiful butterflies, but with quietly and with respect towards these sensitive creatures, as noise disrupts their peace and puts their lives in danger.
The lighthouse at the foreland of Koraka, the northern end of Paros, one of the most characteristic samples of lighthouse architecture in Aegean. It is nice to start on a bicycle from Naoussa towards Kolimbithres and Monastery. A beautiful and easy route.
The imposing Cave of Antiparos, which is located 8km from Hora of Antiparos.
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PAROS – Sporting Activities (Top)
For the lovers of sports and exercising, Paros apart from the ability that offers to the visitors to exercise in nature, due to the countless beaches and mountain routes, offers at the same time the ability to exercise in organized associations and to try many new sports.
Windsurfing: at the beaches of Golden Beach, new Golden Beach, Santa Maria and Pounda.
Useful addresses:
www.sunwind.gr, www.parossurf.gr, www.fanatic-paros.com
Kite - surf: at Pounda (towards Antiparo): www.paroskite-procenter.com
Diving/snorkeling: at Golden Beach, Pounda (towards Antiparos), Antiparos.
Useful addresses:
www.aegeandivingcollege.com
www.eurodivers.gr www.blueisland-divers.gr www.octopusseatrips.com
Sailing: At the sailing club of Paros sailing lessons are held all year around (summer and winter classes):
www.paros-sailing.gr
Additionally for whoever wants to simply enjoy the sea by taking a cruise or rending a sailing boat, they can address to the following URLs:
www.archipelclub.com www.islandsailing.gr
Tennis: At the tennis club of Paros in Paroikia: www.parosweb.com/tennis
Horse riding: At the equestrian club “Thanasis Farm”, just a bit outside of Naoussa, at Ambelas you can take lessons in horse riding or to go out for a ride with the horses at the beach: www.parosriding.com
Dance courses: Paros Dance Academy is giving dance lessons in Rumba, Samba, Tango, Latin Dances in a roofed area at the beautiful beach of Golden Beach: www.paros-dance-academy.com
Yoga classes: Yoga lessons are given in Alyki: www.yoga-paros.com, at the gymnasium Olympus Gym at Livadia Paroikia and at Tao’s center in Ambelas, just a bit outside of Naoussa:
Link: www.yoga-paros.com www.taos-greece.com
Martial Arts:
Karate: School of Amateurish Karate of Paros Shorin Ji Ryu International – Paroikia Paros Telephone: 22840 24950
Tai chi: www.taos-greece.com
Gyms: In Paroikia of Paros: Olympus Gym and in Naoussa: Sports Club
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Paros – Beaches (Top)
The beaches of Paros are numerous and rise to all of the visitors’ tastes and requirements. There are beaches which combine music, dance and entertainment near the sea (Pounta in Marpissa: www.pundabeach.gr, Parasporos, Faragas), other more family oriented with little taverns by the sea (Ambelas, Drios, Piso Livadi, Alyki, Molos and Logaras), ideal for lovers of surfing (Golden BeachE, Santa Maria, Tserdakia, Pounta-towards Antiparos) and others for those who love tranquility and relaxation away from the noisy crowd (Tsoukalia, Molos, Kalogeras, Laggery, Glifa, Tripiti).
Links: www.pundabeach.gr www.sunwind.gr
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Paros – Entertainment (Top)
Apart from the natural beauties of the island and its cultural monuments, Paros is a dear destination for the young visitors due to the night life and the entertainment that it offers. Many bars, clubs, cafes, small taverns with Greek music and traditional dishes, beautiful romantic restaurants and internet cafes are grouped to offer a rich network of entertainment which covers all tastes for all ages. For the cinema lovers also, during the summer months, two outdoor movie theaters are working (Rex & Paros) in Paroikia showing first screening movies in a beautiful and comfortable environment.
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Paros – Cultural Exhibitions and Activities (Top)
Painting and sculpture exhibitions at various galleries and art halls:
Useful links: www.apothiki.com, www.astirofparos.gr, www.poseidon-paros.gr, www.orangedoorgallery.com
Aegean Center for the fine Arts: www.aegeancenter.org
Painting and hagiography lessons for kids and adults are organized by the Municipality of Paros at the conjectural workshop.
School of Music in Paroikia
Concerts are organized all year around by the two cultural clubs of Paros the “Archilochos” in Paroikia and “Nireas” in Naoussa.
Municipal lending library in Paroikia. Activities are organized for kids. Foreign books are also available.
Municipality of Paros School of Greek dances (beginners’ as well as proficient classes).
Pottery-ceramic workshops in Paros: www.noeparos.com, www.yriaparos.com
Festival of Paros. It is organized every summer by the Municipality of Paros with a massive amount of shows and exhibitions: concerts dedicated to Greek composers and musicians, theatrical shows, theatrical shadow play for kids “Karagkiozis” in all the villages of Paros, painting and sculpture exhibitions, nights of music and dance with Greek traditional dances(www.paros.gr).
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Tips (Top)
If you find yourself in Paros during the duration of the celebration of the Greek orthodox Easter, it is worth visiting on Good Friday the traditional village of Marpissa, where with the initiative of the residents and of the municipal department, are held, during the procession of the epitaph, reenactments of the Passions of Lord where residents and children of the village take part in.
On Mother Mary’s day in Paros, on the 15th of August, festivities are also held in Paroikia with fireworks as well as in Naoussa on the eve. From the ninth day from the funeral of Mother May the celebration of the pirates is also held at the old small port with fireworks and music.
If it happens to be on Paros during the period of the carnival, don’t forget again to visit the village of Marpissa, where every year on the last Sunday of the carnival, local carnival is organized with great success, with lots of dressed up people who are gushed into the streets of the village.
In the afternoon of the 25th of March, day of national celebration, every year torchlight procession is held in Marpissa, where the residents, visitors and children start from the village square holding lanterns and torches and go around the village singing songs which are inspired from the Greek revolution of 1821, a custom which symbolizes the years before the revolution when the children used to go to Secret School at night to get an education.
Because Paros is also an agricultural island and the harvest of the grapes (trigos) at the end of August and of the olive (liomazema) in the middle of November are two agricultural procedures very important for the island and for its peasants, if you happen to be here during these months, it is worth for you too to take part as much at the grape-harvest and at the foot pressing of the grapes, as at the olive-harvest or at least to visit some winery (www.paroswines.gr) or the olive press (Association of Paros – Paroikia and Olive-press Daverona in Naoussa) to see closely how interesting are both of these procedures.
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Paros – Associations (Top)
Wild Animals Care and Protection Association “ALKIONI”
PAROS ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (PAWS) www.paws.gr
Cultural Organisation “ARCHILOCHOS”, in Paroikia www.archilochos.org
Sailing Club of Paros www.paros-sailing.gr
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Paros – Foreign Newspapers (Top)
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