Paros
Norsk utgave (Norwegian edition)
Paros
is one of the most popular islands in The Cyclades. The island is not very big, 194 km2
with a population of approx. 8000 people. A steady flow of tourists, several thousand a
day during high season, come and go. This the most convenient islands from where to start
your island hopping as Paros has excellent communication by ferries to other islands.
During high season, you have a choice of 30 other islands during one week. Paros was our
first taste of The Greek Islands when we had our first tour in 1982 and we lost our hearts
to this idylic island and especially the small town Naoussa.
Here you should have no difficulties in finding a place to pass the night that fulfill
your needs. I have been told that the capacity of beds is 40 000, and I believe that;
plenty of hotels and apartments have been built during the last 10 years.
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|
Naoussa. |
Paros is a fabulous island. It contains in a way everything
you expect to experience during island hopping; small, idyllic towns crammed with white
houses with their traditional blue window-shutters and doors, white churches with blue
domes, great beaches, good restaurants and culture. Parikia, the
capitol, you have to have a close look at. It is amazing walking through the streets from
the harbour into the city. The streets are gradually narrowing and in the end they are too
narrow for cars. You have to go by foot or take a donkeyride as many of the locals do.
The bus connections are good in Paros. All places can be
reached by bus. They are often full to the brim; one could accuse the Greeks of spying on
the Japanese regarding how to cram people into buses! Especially the bus to Naoussa, but
we are after all on holiday , so we bring this home as an experiences, or..? The time
tables change frequently during the high season. In Parikia, at the harbour by the
fishing-boats where the busses are lined, you will find a small bus-office with updated
timetables. There are plenty of taxies here too. They are quite cheap but you risk
shearing it with others. Up to 7 persons does not seem to be any problem. Taxies driving
by meter are the cheapest, others offer a fixed price. The taxi-station in Perikia is
situated on the corner of the street that leads from the windmill at the quay. Just behind
the windmill you can find an official tourist-office.
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| Parikia
(Paros town) overlooked from the ferry. |
Situated in the middle of the island is the small, beautiful
village Lefkas, which is well worth a visit. Just before arriving
Lefkas you pass the famous marble mines. These were at
least famous during the 5th and 6th centuries b.c. when the pits
supported the most famous Greece sculptors with marble. Naoussa
is a charming town situated north on Paros. Take a stroll in the narrow, maze like alleys,
and eat a well prepared fishmeal in one of the small restaurants in the fishing-harbour.
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|
The
windmill on the quay ,the landmark of Paros. |
Paros is excellent for windsurfing, especially the east
coast where you find well developed surf spots. Best choice for equipment; Golden Beach
and New Golden Beach, situated between Diros and Lorgaras. North on the island by Santa
Maria Camping, you also find a windy beach and plenty of gear for hire.
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|
From the
wind-surfing centre on the New Golden Beach. |
Another famous attraction on Paros is the
Valley of Butterflies, situated by the road
southwards against the airport. A tranquil spot with butterflies of many species.
Paros has many fabulous
beaches
spread around the coastline. There is always a beach nearby. On the southern part of the
island there are the best chances to find them almost empty.
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| Pisso Livadia. |
On the east coast there are several, small, exciting
villages. Many of them are well developed for tourism and situated on gorgeous beaches.
The two largest villages, Pisso Livadia and Drios can both easily be reached by bus.
Paros’ main road is on the average broader than the main roads in the other Cycladis
islanads, and you may have a nice round-trip in just one day.
In the end you can enjoy 2 photos of the sunset from
Parikia; above you can see, from the seaside, the church crowned by its blue dome, painted
golden; and you can even better watch the scenery from the same church as on the photo
below.
An excellent place to stay some nights when you visit Paros
is Antiparos. This island is much
smaller, more tranquil and better suited for families with children. Situated only ½
hours boat trip from Paros harbour it is within easy reach, and you are able to go to
Paros town just for an evening trip if you want to.
