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Paros island

Paros is situated in the heart of the insular complex of the Cyclades spread in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The island’s name was taken after the leader of the Arcadians, Parios, who inhabited the island in 1100 BC, after the Cretans and the Ionians. Celebrated for the whiteness of its marble Paros has embraced all forms of art since ancient times. Antiquities and Byzantine monuments are scattered over the island dating back to the Geometric era.

An unforgettable experience

When you bid farewell to this idyllic corner of Paros, you will be leaving a part of you behind. Your stay at Astir of Paros constitutes, on its own, a reason to visit the island again, so as to fill your memories with new dreamy landscapes.

…Because you deserve the very best

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BY PLANE

Tourists can reach the island of Paros by plane from most international airports via Athens. The duration of the flight from Athens to Paros is approximately 35 minutes. Paros national airport is situated 9 km to the southwest of Parikia near the village of Alyki and 22 km from the hotel. Public buses run frequently from and to the island’s national airport but the hotel can also arrange guest transportation upon request.

BY FERRY

During the summer months daily ferries link Paros to Piraeus port to the south of Athens as well as to the port of Rafina. Two choices are available for tourists travelling from Piraeus either by high-speed which arrives at Paros harbor in the capital of Parikia in approximately 3 hours or by ship in 4.30 hours. The hotel can also arrange transportation from and to the port upon request. Frequent ferry services connect Paros to the other Cycladic islands as well as the island of Crete, Volos and Thessaloniki.

About Paros

The island of Paros is also famous for its excellent tourist infrastructure, the cosmopolitan lifestyle, the crystal clear waters and the sandy sun kissed beaches as well as its quaint fishing villages and the renowned Cycladic architecture with the white cubic houses.

It is one of the most popular holiday destinations of the Cyclades cluster of islands and the most ideal base for island hoping because of its privileged position west of Naxos and east of Antiparos. Paros Island attracts thousands of visitors every year but it is still not as cluttered as other islands in the Cyclades. Due to its ideal wind conditions, its secluded beaches and crystalline waters it a favorable choice for windsurfers and tourists enjoying all kinds of water sports as well as young campers and backpackers.

Parikia is the capital as well as the main port of Paros. With its narrow paved streets and the white cubic houses reflecting on the azure waters of the Aegean the town of Parikia is a typical picturesque Cycladic settlement with a lively nightlife and wonderful beaches. Naoussa is a quaint fishing village and harbor 10 km. away from Parikia retaining its authentic charm.

Paros is a very scenic island steeped in history and natural beauty with many attractions and a vibrant nightlife for tourists to enjoy.

Paros island attractions

Paros Island offers a wide range of attractions from the stunning scenery, the gold sandy beaches and quaint villages to the historical sites and ecclesiastical marvels.

Most places of interest can be found within the picturesque capital Parikia.

The Church of Ekatontapilliani (hundred gates) stands proudly near Parikia’s port and it is considered the jewel of the island and Christianity’s most treasured monument in all of Greece. It is a place of worship also housing the ecclesiastical museum with heirlooms and ecclesiastical works from the Byzantine Era. The Frankish castle was built in the 13th century under the Venetian rule and was composed by several structures such as Archaic and classical temples.

The ancient cemetery in Parikia dating back to the 3rd century BC as well as the sanctuary of the God of Medicine Asklipios, the Delion sanctuary, place of worship of the God Apollo and the church of Agios Konstantinos with the distinctive post-Byzantine icons are also worth visiting. In the impressive monastery of Loggovardas visitors can find many remarkable hagiographies and icons. The magnificent, rich archeological museum, the Byzantine museum in Parikia and the three post-Byzantine churches on the way to Naoussa build with marbles from ancient temples are in addition places of significant historical interest.

The scenic fishing village of Naoussa offers a quiet atmosphere where travelers can relax by the beach at one of the many traditional taverns and cafes or take a stroll to the Venetian castle build in the 15th century and the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos, protector of the fishing boats and fishermen. The ancient marble quarry famous for the excellent white Parian marble is located in Marathi, a small village in the center of Paros. The monastery of Agios Antonios and the remains of a 15th century castle can be found on Kefalos Hill in the traditional village of Marpissa offering the most splendid panoramic views.

The Butterfly valley in Psychopiana is set in the most beautiful landscape in all of Paros with lush beautiful gardens, running waters and hundreds of colorful butterflies. The ancient shipyard in Drios, the ruins of Mycenaean acropolis in Kolymbithres (also known as Koukounaries and considered to be the twelfth magnet of the earth), the church of Agia Triada and the monastery of Agios Ioannis Kaparos in Lefkes are also some of the island’s most interesting sights and tourist attractions. The chapel of Agios Georgios Thalassitis in Logaras and the Skorpios Folklore museum in Aliki are also places of historical and cultural importance.