There are also many ferries to the other Cyclades islands as well as Crete, ideal for guests who fancy a bit of island hopping or a day trip to another neighbouring island like Naxos, Antiparos, Sifnos, Ios or Mykonos. Ferries arrive and depart from here daily to and from Athens. Parikia is the capital of the island, and the island’s main port. Paros offers lots of exciting experiences to visitors who want to discover more about the island, and there’s a fantastic choice of activities and things to do in Paros too. It was used by the renowned Ancient Greek sculptor Scopas, and features in the Temples of Apollo at Delphi and at Delos, the Temple of Zeus in Olympia and the sculptures of Hermes of Praxiteles and Venus de Milo. Parian marble is world famous, and has been cherished since the 6th century BC for its unique texture, purity, translucency and flexibility. Many of the island’s most impressive archeological finds are housed in the Paros Archaeological Museum in Parikia.įor an island so prized for its natural bounty, it is hardly surprising that Paros is best known for one of its natural products. The Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenean civilizations have all left their mark on Paros, with archaeological remains of palaces, towns and temples scattered throughout the island.

Paros has a wealth of tradition to draw on, tracing its inhabited history back some 6,000 years. The island also boasts the largest fleet of fishing boats in the whole Cyclades, and delicious fresh fish forms an important part of Parian cuisine. 5,000 marine species inhabit the coasts of the Cyclades islands and many of them can be found in the clear waters surrounding Paros. Its position in the Cyclades islands makes it a popular resting point for birds migrating north from Africa, and it is home to approximately 200 species of birds throughout the year, including gulls, cormorants, peregrine falcons and eagles. Much of the island’s plant life features in traditional spa treatments and remedies, including those used by the Yria Island Boutique Hotel Astir Spa.Īs well as plant life, Paros is a veritable oasis for wildlife. Wild flowers, herbs, fruit and olive trees, gorse and medicinal plants all combine to create a rich tapestry of colourful natural beauty and unforgettable sights. The island of Paros is home to an absolute abundance of plant life. Agia Irini, Parasporos, Farangas, Alyki, Pounta, Golden Beach, Dryos, Molos, Tsoukalia, Kolymbithres, Monastiri, Santa Maria are just a few of Paros’ beautiful award-winning beaches. Paros’ 120km of coastline offers a mix of stunning beaches, idyllic harbours and extraordinary natural rock formations. Paros National Airport is located in the south of the island, 8km from Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa and 11km from the island’s capital and main port Parikia. Paros lies around 150km south east of Athens, accessed via a 20 minute flight or 3 hour ferry boat trip from the mainland. It is located in the heart of the complex of the Cyclades islands, a group of islands taking their name from the circle they form around the island of Delos, a sacred island in Greek antiquity.Ĭharacterised by gentle rolling hills, pretty whitewashed villages, picturesque harbour towns, stunning beaches and historic churches, Paros is a paradise island with something to offer visitors of all ages and interests. The cosmopolitan island of Paros in the Aegean Archipelago has a rich cultural history, stunning natural scenery, bountiful produce, and warm hospitable people.

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