Paros – Churches, Culture and Nature

Paros combines early Christian and Venetian heritage with museums, cultural events and nature activities. If you are looking for hotels in Paros, you can start by considering which of these themes you would like to shape your trip. The places and event formats mentioned here offer specific points of reference.

Early Christian Heritage and Architecture

In the northeast of Parikia, near the port, stands Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. The ancient baptistery is located in the southern part of the church. It dates from the 4th century and is considered the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. The Byzantine Museum of Parikia is also located in Ekatontapiliani. Its collections include rare icons, wood carvings and other religious relics from the Byzantine era and the period of Ottoman rule.

The Kastro of Parikia preserves the ruins of a Venetian castle, built using columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. Near Floga, southeast of the town of Paros, an ancient sculpture workshop lies about 160 metres west of the ancient city wall. The rural church of Agios Georgios Thalassitis was built in the 14th century and has the oldest frescoes on the island; it is located between the port and Logaras.

The history of architecture is also evident in a specific building in Lefkes: Agia Triada is a listed church built of Parian marble in 1835. The church is a three-aisled basilica with a raised central nave and two bell towers. Its construction and materials give it a distinct character from the early Christian and Venetian landmarks in Parikia.

Museums and Regional Heritage

The museums on Paros have different areas of focus. In Marpissa, the Sculpture Museum of sculptor and engraver N. Peratinos displays 192 of his works. The B. Skiadas Museum of Cycladic Folklore presents the history and traditions of Paros and the Aegean. In Naoussa, the Folklore Museum displays the collection of Dr Othon Kaparis. The museum also includes a library, an extensive photographic archive and some archaeological finds.

The exhibits range from individual works by an artist to folklore, a photographic archive and archaeological finds. Visitors interested in the island’s past can therefore explore a variety of themes rather than just one single, unified museum subject.

Cultural Events and Festivals

The Alyki Cultural Festival takes place every year in June, lasts three days and includes events in Alyki on Paros. “Routes in Marpissa” is also a three-day cultural festival. Its format is based on themed routes through traditional settlements, with events taking place along these routes during the celebrations.

Since 2009, the Environmental and Cultural Park of the Municipality of Paros has hosted “Festival at the Park”, a summer programme of cultural, sporting and environmental events. The three formats therefore differ in their timing and focus: June is the recurring annual date for Alyki, the festival at the park is a summer programme, and “Routes in Marpissa” combines events with themed routes.

Nature, Beaches and Active Pursuits

The Environmental and Cultural Park of Paros has a seven-kilometre network of hiking trails, as well as organised and unspoilt beaches. The park also has a 700-seat amphitheatre for concerts and performances. Trails, different types of beaches and a performance venue are thus distinct features of the same park area.

The Butterfly Valley on Paros is a rare habitat for Jersey tiger moths, which can be seen in large numbers on tree trunks there. In Aliki, the island’s most important wetland, guided hikes, nature walks and cycling tours are organised for foreign visitors. These activities are specifically aimed at foreign visitors.

Monastiri Beach is organised and suitable for families: the water is shallow and suitable for children to play in. Windsurfing is possible at Santa Maria, Chryssi Akti, Tsoukalia, Kolybithres and Pounta; windsurfing schools offer equipment and training there. If you would like to plan a lesson at a specific location, check before travelling where the activity is available on your dates.

Nearby, the Yacht Club of Paros has been based in Livadia, near Parikia, since 1992. Activities on offer include swimming, triangular regattas in open dinghies, beach volleyball and racquetball. The information about windsurfing and the yacht club thus describes different sporting options and locations.

Paros in the Cyclades

Paros lies in the heart of the Cyclades, an island group in the Aegean Sea. Organised day trips to nearby islands and beaches are available from the island; dates and tour operators may vary. This regional perspective complements the cultural, nature and sporting activities described on Paros itself.

Discover more destinations: Marpissa, Páros, Andiparos, Piso Livadi, Parasporos, Náousa, Lefkes, Drios, Santa Maria, Sarakiniko, Aliki, Ampelas, Molos, Kolimpithres, Paros.

For the broader travel overview: South Aegean.