Paros is the third biggest island in Cyclades complex, after Naxos and Andros, and in recent years has been turned into a modern tourist centre. Beautifully formed mountains surround the island which terrain is mostly flat with endless vineyards. Two natural bays (Parikia at the west and Naoussa at the north) dominate the lacy coasts and the smooth gulfs of the island.
\nParos is inhabited since Neolithic Age and was one of the Cycladic civilization\u2019s centres. Paros famous marble was the main material for the sculpture.<\/p>\n
Parikia or Paros<\/strong>, the port and capital of the island, is built at the spot of the ancient city among the ruins of a Venetian castle. The white painted houses are filled with basil, jasmines and honeysuckle. A big paved road leads to the church of Katapoliani or Ekatontapiliani one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece, related to many legends. Inside the church stands the holy icon of Virgin Mary an artwork of Loukas the Evangelist. The church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God and on August 15 takes place a big celebration with fireworks and songs of the sea.
\nNaoussa<\/strong>, one of the most beautiful villages of Paros, with the white painted houses, narrow paved alleys, arches and chapels, the beautiful beaches and the interesting exposition of folklore art, attracts a great number of visitors every year.
\nMarpissa<\/strong> is a picturesque big village with the Venetian castle and the beautiful churches.
\nSome of the best beaches are Livadia, Krios, Aghios Fokas (Parikia), Limnes, Kolimpithres (Naousa), Aghioi Anargyroi, Alyki, Santa Maria, Ampelas, Piso Livadi and Dryos (east side).<\/p>\nParos, the brightest island of Cyclades complex stands at a distance of 90 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus. Its extent is 196,3 sq. km. and its shores\u2019 length is 168 km.
\nThe majority of its shores are steep and rocky with beautiful sandy beaches in between.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Sights<\/h4><\/div>\n- The Church of Virgin Mary Ekatontapiliani or Katapoliani dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. One of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece. The church was built in the 6th century by the emperor Ioustinianos over the ruins of an older church dated to the 4th century. During the excavations have been found marbles and mural parts of a Roman building.<\/li>\n
- The 13th century Venetian Castle at Parikia<\/li>\n
- The 8th century Ancient cemetery at Parikia<\/li>\n
- The Asclepius sanctuary (4th century B.C.) on the road to Aliki.<\/li>\n
- The Ancient workshop at Tholo dated back to archaic era.<\/li>\n
- Delion. (5th century B.C.) A temple dedicated to Apollo.<\/li>\n
- An ancient marble quarry where was taking place the extraction of the famous Paros marble.<\/li>\n
- The Archaeological Museum<\/li>\n
- Aghios Andreas\u2019 church dated back to 1648 AD.<\/li>\n
- The Monastery of Metamorphosis or Christ of the Forest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>