Paros is one of Greece’s most popular islands. Just a few hours away by ferry from Athens’ port of Piraeus, it is easy to get to and perfect even for a quick escape. Its beautiful beaches and vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife have turned it into a magnet for holiday-makers. But if you’re looking to go beyond the well-trodden alleys of Parikia and Naoussa, the two main towns, and the more crowded organized beaches, Paros is still full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In the summer the picturesque Christos Square in Marpissa is filled with the sounds of the toumbaki (drum) and tsambouna (bagpipe). Locals dance the traditional balos as onlookers clap to the beat. In the village of Lefkes, kids toss wooden balls as they play an ancient Greek game similar to bowls and which survives in only very few places.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Naoussa: The Venetian port of Naousa is a major attraction for visitors to Paros. The port, along with the adjacent Aghios Dimitrios beach, represents the heart of the island’s nightlife.
Kolybythres: Kolybithres is one of the most renowned beaches in Paros.
Lefkes village: The quaint village of Lefkes is perfect for a stroll.
Chrysi Akti: Meaning “golden beach,” offers plenty of beach volley and windsurfing activities. The bigger the waves and stronger the winds, the happier the people here are.
The Byzantine Lefkes –Prodromos trail: paved with marble paving stones most of the way, takes an hour to walk. It starts from the verdant village of Lefkes and crosses slopes with cultivated terraces and a small Byzantine bridge. The final destination is the beautiful village of Prodromos with its impressive maze-like alleys.