PAROS

The third largest island of the Cyclades, with 118 km of beaches. Like all Cyclades islands, with the exception of Santorini it is a volcano, is an island with little vegetation, like the shell of a turtle. Mountainous and riddled with beaches of all sizes, from the known to the loneliest. With large flat and suitable for cultivation extensions. It has two large natural gulfs, the Naussa and Parikia. The first inhabitants of the island were the Carian who settled there in the Mesolithic, about 7500 ~ 6500 B.C. In an islet between Paros and Antiparos, archaeologists have discovered the oldest traces of habitat in the Cyclades (5,300 ~ 4,500 A.C.). The islands of Paros, Antiparos and Despotic were occupied throughout the protocicládico period (3200-2200). The Cretans dominated the island during the Minoan era. They made it a great strategic port. Legend has it that King Minos sacrificed to the Graces in Paros when he was informed of the murder of his son Androgeo in Athens. He continued sacrifice, but rejected the crown adorned her head and stopped the ritual music of flutes. No wreaths or music: the particular character of the sacrifices to the Graces in Paros in antiquity is thus explained. Androgeo had two children, and Sthenelus Alceo, whom Minos would have established in Paros with his uncles, the children he had with the nymph Paria: Nefalión, Eurimedonte, Criseo and Filolao. Thus explains the mitilogía Minoan domination of the island. Legend says it was colonized by Parrasia Paros, which led to the island a colony of Arcadians. The assumptions were Plateia old names (or Pactya), Demetrias, Zakynthos, Hiria, Hileessa, Minoa and Cabarnis. Athens sent a colony of Ionians who brought prosperity and created colonies in Tasos, and the Parion in the Hellespont.

It communicates frequently with Piraeus by ferry (6 or 7 hours) as well as numerous other islands. There is another means of connection by sea which is the hydrofoil. Out almost daily from Rafina, 45 km from Athens. There airport and connections to Athens, Rhodes and Crete. Its capital is Parikia.

The capital, Parikia, is the classic Cycladic-village with its small hermitages lost in its narrow streets and windmills in the harbor. Its main street, next to the port, has numerous shops and cafes which runs the daily life of the population. His most important is the church of the Blessed Virgin Catapoliani, one of the most ancient paleo-Christian basilicas of Greece, built by Constantine the Great. Next to it is the small, but interesting archaeological museum. From the village of Pounta, small boats depart in just ten minutes walking distance to the neighboring island of Antiparos, which although has perhaps sparsely inhabited, it is said, the best beaches in the Aegean. Also relevant are some types of vessel, called kaikia in or dial-day trip to neighboring islands Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Mykonos and Sifnos.
 

Unlike islands described above, it has considerable tourist traffic but not overdone. Although there are many areas on the island where you can stay away from the tourist industry, it is ideal for a quiet holiday in the middle of nature. Inhabited since prehistoric times, its history is relevant from the Mycenaean civilization later in Minoan or Cretan culture and the Persian Wars met its peak. They will also visit the villages of Marmara, Marpesa, Piso Livadi, Drio, Cost and Lefkes, where the beauty of its villages to the quality and beauty of its beaches adds. In the town of Molo, go to any fishing taverns, where they eat the most authentic island cuisine. In Prodromo the Tsisani restaurant and Marpissa, the Jarulas. The mild climate, sandy beaches, picturesque villages with unique Cycladic architecture blank whitewashed houses, narrow streets overflowing with flowers and the beautiful natural surroundings make this a dream spot for a long vacation of sun and sand .
 

In Naussa, go to eat at the restaurant Pico-peak (Port), Island - island (port), Barbarossa (fish), Taberna your Cristu (the great chef Simos) Lalula (German), linardo (Italian) and of course Karina's Dream family. Naussa, is again a traditional Cycladic-village as described before, added to an endearing Venetian harbor and fortress at its input, making this one of the most beautiful on the island. It has a marked nightlife. If you want to go for nightlife, you should sound of disco bars Sofrano, Agosta, linardo, Art Deco, Splash, Pebbles and Kia Loa, all scattered throughout the island. 10 km Naussa village is located on the other gulf. Shortly before reaching the village of Tris we find Eclisies (Greek, three churches) who are interested in visiting.

Outstanding in Paros beaches of Santa Marina, Crisi Akti, Pounda, Lageri, Livadia, Crios, Ayios Seals, Micro, Megalo Piperi, Limnes and especially the spectacular geological phenomenon Kolimbitres by its rocks, similar to the enchanted city Cuenca but at sea. Here you can eat and drink in the No name. From the main towns you can go to almost all the beaches taking the small boats that take and bring tourists. It is advisable to rent a car.