Paros — Holiday Guide: Naoussa, Parikia and Beaches

Paros is one of the most appealing Cycladic islands — large enough to have excellent infrastructure yet small enough to feel authentic. Positioned between Santorini and Mykonos in the heart of the Cyclades, it offers whitewashed villages, turquoise beaches, a remarkable marble history (Parian marble was used for Michelangelo's Venus de Milo and Napoleon's tomb) and a relaxed atmosphere that's a world away from the chaos of its famous neighbours. Paros has become a favourite of travellers who've "done" Santorini and Mykonos and now want something more genuine.

Why Paros?

• Between the big names — Easy ferry access to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Ios makes Paros an ideal island-hopping base
• Naoussa — arguably the prettiest harbour village in the Cyclades: white cubic houses, bougainvillea, a Venetian castle and a lively fishing port
• Golden Beach (Chrisi Akti) — one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe, with a kilometre of golden sand
• Authentic character — Without Santorini's extreme prices and Mykonos' excess, Paros offers the quintessential Cycladic experience
• Parian marble heritage — The ancient marble quarries at Marathi (working for 3,000 years) and the Byzantine Ekatontapyliani church are cultural highlights

Naoussa — The Cycladic Village of Your Dreams

Naoussa, on Paros' northern coast, is the island's most beautiful village. A small working fishing port is ringed by white cubic houses, bougainvillea in bloom and a half-submerged Venetian castle. The harbour waterfront is lined with excellent fish restaurants and bars. By night Naoussa is lively but never overwhelming. Most visitors agree it's one of the finest village atmospheres in the Greek islands.

Best Beaches

Golden Beach (Chrisi Akti) — 1 km of golden sand on the south-east coast. The constant Meltemi winds make it the best windsurfing spot in the Cyclades. Organised, with tavernas and water-sports facilities.

Kolymbithres — a series of small coves north of Naoussa, famous for their sculpted granite boulders eroded by wind and sea. Idyllic snorkelling spots.

Santa Maria — a large beach near Naoussa, excellent for families (calm water in a sheltered bay).

Monastiri — a semi-wild beach just north of Naoussa, backed by a small Orthodox monastery.

Parikia — The Island Capital

Parikia is the main port and capital. The old town (Kastro) is a tangle of white alleys, bougainvillea and dovecotes. The Ekatontapyliani ("Church of a Hundred Doors") is one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in Greece, dating from the 4th century. The Archaeological Museum has important early Cycladic sculptures.

Practical Information

• Getting there — Ferry from Piraeus (Athens): approx. 3.5 hours by fast catamaran, 5 hours by regular ferry. Direct summer flights to Paros (PAS).
• Getting around — Rent a car, scooter or quad bike. Local buses connect main villages.
• Best time — June and September. July–August is windy (great for windsurfers) and very busy.