Paros Maps

Paros is an island in the central Cyclades, located west of Naxos in the Aegean Sea. The island covers 76 square miles and has a population of approximately 13,000 residents. Paroikia (or Paros Town), the capital and main port, is situated on the west coast and features typical Cycladic architecture along with significant historical monuments. Naoussa, a fishing village and resort town on the north coast, has become a popular tourist destination while maintaining its picturesque harbor.

Paros was famous in antiquity for its fine white marble, called Parian marble, which was extensively quarried and used for many masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, including the Venus de Milo and parts of the Parthenon. The ancient marble quarries can still be visited in the area of Marathi in the island's interior. The most important historical monument is the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Our Lady of the Hundred Gates) in Paroikia, one of the most significant Byzantine churches in Greece, traditionally founded by Saint Helen in the 4th century and substantially rebuilt in the 6th century.

The mountain villages of Lefkes, Marpissa, and Prodromos preserve traditional architecture and offer views across the island. Lefkes, the former capital in the island's center, features marble-paved streets and Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches. The village of Kostos near the island's highest point provides access to hiking trails. Paros has numerous beaches around its coastline, including Kolymbithres on the north coast with distinctive rock formations, and Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti) on the east coast, popular for windsurfing. The island has well-developed tourism infrastructure while maintaining a somewhat less intense atmosphere than Mykonos. Paros serves as a transportation hub with ferry connections throughout the Cyclades, to Crete, and to Piraeus.

The Facts:
Region: South Aegean.
Regional unit: Paros.
Cities and towns: Parikia, Agkairia, Antiparos, Archilochos, Kostos, Lefkes, Marpissa, Naousa, Paros.
Population: ~ 13,000.
Area: 76 sq mi (196 sq km).