What to see in Paros
The Wineries
God made only water but man made wine
-Victor Hugo
The two main wine varieties of Paros are Monemvasia and Mandilaria, which produce excellent wines.
However, the quality of the Paros wines is also the result of the training and the passion of the Parian wine growers who use modern methods to bottle the local varieties in their sophisticated wineries.
Today they produce high-class Parian wines with which to accompany your “mezedes” (appetizers). You may take some bottles home with you for a taste of the Aegean in winter.The wineries of Paros are open to visitors and are a really interesting experience.
A visit to one of the following wineries is recommended:
Moraitis Winery, Naousa Paros, T: +302284051350
Web: https://moraitiswines.gr/
Roussos Estate, Asteras Paros, T: +30 22840 51798
Map: http://www.ktimaroussos.gr/contact/?lang=en
Louridis Winery, Marpissa, Paros, T: +30 6974947740
Map:https://www.google.com/maps/@37.0400274,25.2464282,18z
Alissafi Winery, Naousa, KamaresNaousa Paros, T: +30 22840 28854
Τhe Villages
Discover the hidden gems of Paros
The hinterland of Paros has its own characteristics, such as the rugged landscape, the view of the coastline and the settlements and its beautiful villages as well as the impressive quarry above Marathi, where the ancient activity of mining the famous white Parian marble still continues.
Lefkes
Lefkes, under a pine covered hill which adds a touch of green to the arid landscape, is a village built at the highest altitude of Paros and one of the largest. The village is amphitheatrically built, has charming alleyways with whitewashed traditional houses and old laundries still in use, spreading a fresh clean fragrance in the streets. Lefkes was the first capital of Paros and is full of neoclassical buildings, cafés and a busy main street, Ramnos, the place for social gatherings and strolls for the locals.
Restored windmills and the church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) with its imposing bell towers stand around the village.
When you visit Lefkes, don’t forget to try carabolos (large snails as they are called in Paros), skordalia, string beans, traditional cheeses, and baked chickpeas.Α visit to the House of Literature and a coffee in the central square where the Heroes’ Monument is located are a must.
Marmara
Featuring elegant mansions, windmills and chapels, Marmara got its name from the white Parian marble used in most of its buildings as “marmara” in Greek means marble.
As soon as you get there, you will be greeted by Mylos -the Mill- where you can rest in the café and enjoy a treat.
On Antikefalos mountain, there are ancient potteries, and it is said that the ancient town of Yria lies buried beneath.
From Marmara, you can easily reach the beaches of Kalogeros, Tsoukalia and Glyfades.
Prodromos
The picturesque village of Prodromos is built on a hill and was named after Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, built in the village 60 years ago. It has beautiful houses, traditional cafes and traditional restored windmills that are inhabited.
The village is entered through an arch which links the church of Agios Spyridon with that of Agios Nikolaos, with no access to vehicles. It remains a quiet village, full of white houses, whitewashed yards full of colorful flowers and traditional cafes.
You will be impressed by the Byzantine marble footpath, which is 3.5 km long and 1000 years old, and once connected the villages of Lefkes and Marpissa.
Alyki
Unlike other villages of Paros, Alyki has no narrow alleys but houses with flowered courtyards. Alyki is another seaside fishing village with its own special character.
It is close to the sea and retaining the character of a traditional Cycladic village, is a very popular destination. It is famous for its tavernas and its fresh fish and seafood, brought by the fishermen to the small port every day.
Its beach, in the southern part of Paros, has golden sand and crystal clear shallow waters which are usually calm and ideal for children.
Piso Livadi
Piso Livadi, the port of Marpissa village, may not be very well known but remains a classic choice for those looking for something more peaceful but also of high quality.
The scenery attracts families with children who enjoy tranquil moments. Its restaurants are famous for their quality dining and impressive boats drop anchor at the spot, not disturbing those diving in its clear waters.
Captain Yannis café is a must-visit; it is on an elevated spot, and, on the second floor, it has a round porthole for window through which you will admire a magical picture of the landscape.
Culture & Nature
Ekatontapiliani Church
The largest Christian monument in Greece
Katopolianior Ekatontapiliani church is one of the most important early Christian monuments and the largest in Greece.
The church was purportedly founded by Emperor Constantine the Great at the request of his mother, Saint Helen. It was renovated by Justinian and reformed with additions in the following centuries. It has early Byzantine, Byzantine and even post-Byzantine architectural elements and marble parts from ancient Greek temples.
The holy icon of Panagia Ekatontapiliani dates to the 17th century and is a revered icon in the Cyclades,second only to that of Our Lady of Tinos.
It houses the Byzantine Museum of Paros which hosts important exhibits, such as icons, woodcarvings, vestments, ecclesiastic relics and the woodcarved epitaph of Panagia Ekatontapyliani.
It also runs an old people’s home, publishes expensive and valuable books and, generally speaking, is a living monument of culture and Christianity.
Archaeological Museum
A Journey back in time
Paros Archaeological Museum was founded in 1960. Located next to the High School of Parikia, it is one of the most important museums in Greece.
It houses masterpieces of Parian sculpture and ceramics, as well as inscriptions from excavations on Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko, dating from the Neolithic age to the Roman era.
Statues and sarcophagi from the classical and Roman era as well as mosaics found in Panagia Ekatontapiliani are exhibited in the atrium.
The Valley of Butterflies
Shhhhh…
From June to September each year the Tiger Moth – a yellow butterfly with orange red wings – returns to its breeding habitat in an area 7 km southwest of Parikia.
The habitat has a small spring and is covered by dense vegetation with cypresses, plane trees, oleanders, locust trees and fruit trees.
Enjoy the beautiful Valley of the Butterflies but be sure to stay quiet to avoid disturbing the butterflies and causing them to use up stored energy intended for their autumn journey and reproduction.
Get informed before your visit T: 2284091211
Trails
Wander Off the Beaten Path
From the coasts to the mountains, Paros has many walking routes of varying difficulty. On any one of them, you can bond with nature, breathe in pure oxygen, and admire the ever-changing view …a perfect recipe for mental and physical wellbeing.
You may prefer to choose from organised trips available from the following companies:
