Paros & Antiparos

Paros is the fourth biggest island in the Cyclades archipelago, and together with Antiparos, lying a couple of kilometres south-west, represents a perfect example of the essence of the Cycladic spirit.
On Paros, Parikia and Naoussa are the two main towns, with an elegant yet cosy atmosphere during the summer nights. After a day spent on one of the marvellous beaches of the island, there is no better way to enjoy the fresh breeze and immerse yourself in the movida of Parikia: the port town is home to numerous clubs, cocktail bars and restaurants. If you desire a more sophisticated evening, head to Naoussa and enjoy the excellent jazz music and fine food near the intimate fishing harbour.

In the inland, the village of Lefkes – once the capital of the island – impresses you with its white paved alleys, the amphitheatrically disposition of its houses and the neoclassic buildings. On Antiparos, the lovers of tranquillity will find the perfect balance between relax and entertainment, in a very calm and cool environment. The slow-paced character of the everyday life here entices you: almost inexistent traffic, sweet roads lead you across the well-looked after countryside to numerous, clean beaches. In the evening, as the locals gather outside you stroll the alleys of Antiparos Town, where you can taste fantastic fish dishes sipping on an ouzo.

Beaches
& more

The pristine sandy beaches of Paros and Antiparos surprise for their accessibility and safety, being ideal for families as well as for aquatic sport fans.
Both on Paros and Antiparos the best spots to enjoy the sea and the sun are mainly located on the east coast of the island, where you can practice a variety of water sports including windsurf and kitesurf, thanks to the constant presence of refreshing winds especially during the summer.

On Paros, while Faragas is the top spot along the south coast, one of the most renowned beaches is Golden Beach, in the south-west part of Paros, with its 700 meters of soft sand and inviting clear waters.
Moving towards north, the Pounda, Molos and Abelas overlook the neighbour island of Naxos. Along the north seashore, Kolibithres and Santa Maria are superb choices.

On Antiparos, a myriad of beautiful coves welcome you as you travel along the east coast towards south from the main port of Antiparos Town. Starting from Psaraliki, you can try Panagia, Glyfa, Apantima and the little jewel Sostis. Faneromeni is an astonishing small cove at the very southern point of the island, where you find intimacy and crystal waters that shows all shades of blue.

Culture
& Entertainment

Paros combines a natural beauty and simplicity with an eclectic nightlife: relax, entertainment, fine cuisine and movida are part of the experience on this elegant island. There is though much more than that.
Thanks to its white pure marble, Paros has hosted famous sculptors since antiquity and nowadays you can meet numerous Greek and international artists that live and work on the island. This translates into many laboratories and ateliers where you can observe the work of the masters and even participate to sculpting seminars.

From the church of Profitis Ilias you can enjoy a splendid view over the west coast of Paros, with Antiparos and the two islets of Feira and Diplo next to it.
The Paros Park hosts many cultural events during the summer and it is home to the monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis, interesting walking paths in the natural landscape and a stone amphitheatre.

Cultural visit suggestions:
the jewel: Byzantine church of the Panayia Ekantotapiliani
the natural: Valley of the Butterflies
the historical: Frangokastelo, the castle of Paros

Antiparos offers serenity and magnificent beaches to the sea lovers, as well as an intimate nightlife, but there is more to discover. An example is represented by the small Venetian Castle, located in the centre of the Town, is an autonomous residential unit built around 1440 and reminds of the battles the Antiparians fought against pirates for many centuries. The white alleys with vibrantly colourful fuchsia bougainvilleas invite to walk among the white Cycladic houses and picturesque chapels, forgetting about the everyday struggles.
During the month of July, the Antiparos International Photo Festival is an open-air event that attracts visitors and artists to enjoy the location, the music and the atmosphere while admiring the work of selected photographers from around the world.

Cultural visit suggestions:
the jewel: the Cave of Antiparos
the traditional: Folklore Museum of Antiparos
the historical: archaeological site on Despotiko islet