'''Paros''' is a major island of the Cyclades group.
Understand
Paros is a Greek island in the Cyclades group, neighbouring Naxos and is one of the most popular holiday destinations for visitors to the Greek islands.
Paros is the second largest island of the Cyclades. It has an area of 186 square kilometres and a coastline 120km long.
The island has the advantage of being located centrally in the Cyclades near Naxos, Ios, Sifnos and Syros. Most of the ferries to Naxos and Santorini make a stop first at Paros.
The island is the third in popularity of the group. First are Santorini and Mykonos.
Paros is considered as one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It is characterized by the many beaches and also the charming villages: Parikia (the main town), Naoussa, Lefkes, Marpissa and other. Naoussa is a old fishing village turned into a cosmopolitan top holiday destination. The village is characterized by its Venetian port and its many fish restaurants. The architecture of the area is also incredible.
Paros is also know for its excellent wind conditions for the practice of windsurfing and kite surfing.
Talk
In Paros most of the population can speak English except the older generation. In many bars, pubs, restaurants and shops there is somebody who speaks English, Italian, or German.
Get in
By sea
Ferries and Highspeed catamaran services [http://www.ferries.gr/booking/] run daily from Piraeus, Cyclades and Heraklion - Crete island.
The ferry landing is haunted by dozens of room-hawkers, and is manic. If you arrive during a high wind and/or at night, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Know where you're going, and book ahead.
By plane
Olympic Airways [http://www.olympic-airways.com] and AirSea Lines [http://www.airsealines.com/] operate a daily air service from Athens.
Get around
Within the resorts walking is the best method of transport. Bus services operate between the towns. The site ParosLife [http://paroslife.parosweb.com/] publishes buses' timetables [http://paroslife.parosweb.com/timetable.html]. Car hire is readily available in all towns and is relatively cheap.
See
Don't miss the church of ''Panagia Ekatantapiliani'' in Parikia (very close to the harbour) a 17th century monument.
The old town of Parikia is considered to be the biggest in the Cyclades island. You will find alleys untouched from the touristic wave that reduces the beauty of these settlements.
Lefkes village is in the middle of the island with many nice tavernas, and beautiful alleys.
Parosweb.gr. otel & Travel Guide for Paros. ttp://www.parosweb.gr. Welcome to the interactive guide of Paros Island Greece. Up-to-date hotel and travel information sponsored by Paros hotels and other local businesses. Everything you need to know about our island, including accommodations, activities, main beaches, villages, history, sights and surrounding areas. Hot links to all hotels and advertisers. Ferry schedules to the Greek islands and on line bookings. Last minute deals and special offers. Discount coupons from various units.
Do
A fantastic place to take the kids is '''Aqua Park'''. Boats leave hourly from Naoussa and takes approximately 15 minutes.
Visit as many '''beaches''' as you can, don't stay in one every day. Every beach has a different feeling. Try Farangas, Parasporos, Krios, Kato yalos, Agia Irini, Logaras is very nice for families.
Paros is also famous for its '''watersports''', specifically '''wind''' and '''kitesurfing'''. The eastern coastal town of Dryos with neighboring beaches of "chryssi akti" translated golden beach and "tserdakia" known as new golden beach are the most popular surfing destinations. The latter was the site of the 2000 and 2003 PWA IFCA international windsurfing championships as well as other international events. The location has once again been selected for the 2010 championships.
Tao's [http://www.taos-greece.com/] is a is a '''retreat and meditation centre''' located on top of hill, over-looking the Aegean Sea and the neighbouring islands. There are on-going daily activities, self-development seminars and a long-stay Work & Study program, along with Oriental-Thai cuisine and Cafe-Bar.
Eat
In Parikia's sea front you will find many nice tavernas with excellent food,exacly behind in the old town wander along the narrow streets with the many kind of shops, and the unique cycladic atmospfere.
Don't forget to seat in one of the many "Ouzeri" in Naoussa and taste Gouna fish and octopus in vinegar.
Drink
The Jazz Bar on Market St in Parikia serves a great Martini!
A popular place to watch the famous sunsets is the windmill bar by Pandrossas Hotel.
One favourite bar to watch the world go by is Pebbles jazz bar on the south harbour promenade.
''Resalto bar'' A very nice bar in the port of Drios, plays the best rock music in Paros.
The Pirates bar in the narrow roads of the Market of Paroikia plays the best jazz music and offers a great lounge environment!
Alexandros Cafe This is a unique cafe in an old windmill, nowdays a cafe with magnificent view to the traditional settlement of Parikia and the sunset.
Sleep
'''Ampeli Studios''' [http://www.ampelistudios.com/] - economy studios and apartments in Parikia 800 meters from the harbor and 80 meters from the beach.
'''Anna Platanou''' [http://www.annaplatanou.gr/] This is a friendly family run accommodation offering rooms and apartments in Parikia close to the beach and the old town with sea view. Very nice and helpful owners.
'''Archipelagos Resort hotel''' [http://www.archipelagosresort.com]in Paros Island is on the west coast of the island at the beach of Agia Eirini. This 5 star hotel caters for all types of guests but is ideal for families.
Argonauta Hotel. aroikia 84400 Paros. 30(22840)21440,22278 . 30(22840)23442 . ttp://www.argonauta.gr/. A pleasant family run hotel in a characterful building which has the advantage of being centrally located and near the boat docks yet on a quiet square.
'''Dryades B&B''' Dryos [http://www.dryades-apartments.gr] phone +30(22840)41422 mobile +30 6978 257 857 Located in the seaside village of Dryos, this B&B operated by a young Greek-American family offers a clean, comfortable accommodation away from the crowds. All studios are equipped with a kitchenette, wc, air-conditioning, tv and a private balcony or terrace with an unobstructed ocean view. The 4 acre property is landscaped with a wide variety of flowers and fruit trees.
EpiStudios Matsas Windmill. aoussa, Paros Island. +30) 210-6626878, 210-6026454, 22840-53017. ttp://www.epistudios-paros.gr. info@epistudios.com
In Naoussa, "Epistudios Matsas Windmill" offer an A' Class set of apartments, 150 meters from the beach of Aghii Anarghyri, just a 3 minute walk from the harbor of Naoussa harbor.
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Lefkes Village Hotel. efkes 84400 Paros. 3022840 41827, +306932753415. 3022840 41827 . ttp://www.lefkesvillage.com/. A First class Hotel with 20 spacious rooms in the village of Lefkes.
'''Rafaella Studios''' Clean, simple apartments close to the beaches of Parikia but still quiet. Very nice owners.
'''Ragoussis House''' [http://www.aegeanstyle.com/paros/logaras-hotels-apartments/ragoussis-house.html] - traditional cycladic rooms, studios and apartments located on a small hill between the Logaras beach and Pounda Beach near the small fishing-village of Piso Livadi. The Athens-based owners are very helpful, and offer transfer to the hotel from both the port and the airport.
'''Paros Hotels''' [http://www.ferries.gr/hotels/paros.htm]
Corali Hotel. orali Hotel - Paros Greece. iso Livadi. 30 228490 41880. ttp://www.hotelcorali.gr. 2:30PM. 1:30AM. 0.
Paros Directory. aros Hotels Directory. ttp://www.paros.la. Over 400 Paros and Antiparos Hotels and Studios Listings
Kalypso Hotel & Apartments. gii Anargiri beach, Naousa. 30 22840 51777. ttp://www.kalypso.gr/. 2:30AM. 1:45 am.. Close to the cosmopolitan fishing village of Naousa lies hotel & apartments "Kalypso". With excellent view of the bay of Agii Anargyri and enchanting surroundings it becomes a unique option for visitors of Paros island. Here you 'll find high speed internet, satelite tv, A/C in every room and a lovely bar that serves outdoors also.
Get out
The main night life destination is the quaint town of Naoussa where you can enjoy a meal by the sea.