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Paros

Gently rolling hills surround the center and southeast of the island, which is predominantly agricultural and is occupied by endless vineyards, and lock within themselves the famous Parian marble. The coastline is indented, with numerous small inlets and two large bays, those of Naousa in the north and Parikia in the west. Paros has been inhabited since very ancient times, and was one of the centers of the Cycladic civilization.

Parikia (or Paros), the island's capital and port, stands on the site of an ancient city. There is a picturesque and ruinous Venetian castle, and the courtyards of the houses of the town - all of them painted white are full of pots of basil and hung with jasmine and honeysuckle. A broad paved avenue leads to the church of Ekatontapyliani or Katapoliani, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in the whole of Greece and a place that figures largely in legend. It is dedicated to the Dormition of Our Lady, and on her feast day (15 August) there is a great celebration on the sea front with fireworks and songs of the sea.

Naousa, one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, with whitewashed houses, narrow paved alleys, arches and tiny chapels can also offer a range of excellent beaches and attracts many visitors each summer.

Among the beaches near Naousa, special mention should be made of Kolimbithres, where huge rocks eroded into strange shapes remind the visitor of sculptures embedded in the sand. The chapels and monasteries of Paros are famed for their picturesqueness; among the most characteristic are the monastery of Zoodohos Pigi "Longovarda" and that of Christ of the Forest (Hristos tou Dassous).

Marpissa is an attractive large village with a Venetian castle and beautiful churches. Among the best swimming beaches are Livadia, Krios, Agios Fokas, (at Parikia), Mikro Piperi and Megalo Piperi, Limnes, Kolimbithres (at Naousa), Agii Anargiri, Langeri, Aliki, (with an interesting exhibition of traditional crafts), Santa Maria, Ambelas, Piso Livadi, and Drios (on the eastern side).

Paros is an ideal destination for those in search of cosmopolitan bustle and for lovers of solitude alike. It has a full range of tourist amenities.

Statues found at various sites on Paros are on display in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

How to get there

• By ferry from Piraeus and Rafina
• Piraeus Port Authority: 010 422 6000
• Rafina Port Authority: 0294 022 300
• By air from Athens

• Police: +30 2294 023 333
• Port Authority: +30 2294 021 240
• Municipality of Parikia (information bureau): +30 2294 022 078
• Airport: +30 2294 091 256
• Archaeological Museum: +30 2294 021 281

• Ornamental pottery in Naousa
• Elegant silver jewelery.