Paros

Paros is the third largest island in the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros. The islands capital, Parikia, is a major hub for the inter-island ferries for this area.

Behind the busy waterfront and contained within an expanding new town, can be found a typical Cycladic old town with narrow streets containing many shops, bars, tourist shops and of course a number of tavernas.

Located on the harbour side, next to where the inter-island ferries dock, stands a windmill that has become the symbol of the island. The windmill is a handy place to arrange to meet up with other members of your group, or to just sit on the wall, and watch the world go by while you wait for your ferry.

Paros is easy to explore with small boats offering excursions to a number of remote beaches, plus there is a good bus service that links the three main towns of Parikia, Naousa, and Lefkes in centre of the island. Although these towns are pleasant, they are also quite touristy, but if you venture further you will come across vineyards, olive groves, and some charming traditional villages. On your travels make sure you try the local wines of the island as they have built themselves a good reputation. Also try the locally produced lemon liqueur called kitron.

The Byzantine cathedral of Panagia Ekatondapiliani, also known as Our Lady of a Hundred Doors, is said to have been was founded by Saint Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great, The building underwent extensive restoration in the 1960s, and in 1996 the square at the front was extended. Within the thick walls can be found rows of what were originally monks' cells, which now house a shop, and a museum which contains a small collection of icons, some dating back to the 15th century, plus a number of other items, all of which are labelled in both Greek and English. The inside the church, with its impressive dome, can be found many other important icons and a 4th century baptistery, with a font in the shape of a cross.

The second port on Paros is Naoussa. Originally a small fishing village, it has grown into a popular, slightly upmarket holiday resort. The main street that runs down to the picturesque harbour is lined both sides with a good selection of bars and tavernas. Another much more pleasant way down to the harbour area is to walk through the original old village with its narrow streets and a few, more interesting, tourist shops. The harbour area itself is home for a number of tavernas that specialise in serving fresh, locally caught fish. During the day, it is possible to catch small ferry boats From the harbour that will take you to a number of good nearby beaches, such as Langeri, or if water sports are your thing, they will take you around to the large beach of Santa Maria.

History

Although evidence has been found which indicates that Paros has been inhabited since Stone age times, it was not until the Bronze age that Paros really started to flourish. The island was colonized by the Minoans, who built the first town where the present capital Parikia now stands. The Minoans were followed by the Mycenaean's, who in turn built their own settlements. Later came the Arcadians, whose leader Parios, named the island after himself. The Ionians were the next to take control of the island and with them came an increase in naval activities and the further development of the agriculture and marble industries. Paros sided with the Persian fleet and against the Athenians during the Persian Wars, and after the Persians were defeated, Paros was forced to ally with Athens. Later, Paros sided with the Macedonians, an alliance that lasted until the death of Alexander the Great. At which time, Paros became a part of the Roman Empire. Then during the Byzantine period, churches and monasteries were built on the island. From the 7th century A.D. Paros suffered a number of pirate attacks and eventually became a hideout for pirate ships. In 1207 A.D. Paros came under the rule of the Venetian Duke Marco Sanudo, and was later passed from one Venetian family to another. In 1537, the island was captured by the infamous pirate Barbarossa, and in 1560 came under control of the Ottoman empire. During the Russian – Turkish Wars, the Russian fleet used the bay at Naoussa as a base of their operations. The island played a roll in the Greek Revolution and became a safe haven for refugees. The islands independence was gained in 1821 when it was incorporated into the new Greek State. During World War II, the Germans Occupied the island forcing many inhabitants to leave the island. From the middle of the 20th century, Paros has developed its tourist industry, and today has developed into one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations.