Paros

Paros lies to the west of Nasxos, the two islands are separated by a channel thats a bout 8km wide. The ferries take about an hour to make the journey from the Chora on Paros, which is on the west of the island. Some ferries between Paros and Naxos drop into Mykonos ( which is further north ) on the way to Naxos. The old town lies south of the port and is a maze of small streets, some with nice bars and cofffee shops.

The main part of the town is just across from the ferry port and opens out into a large quadrangle. This area has numerous shops, boutiques and craft workshops.

Ekantontapylianíis the oldest church in use in Greece. It dates back to the Byzantine period (6th century). The church is suppose to have 99 doors and windows, the mythical 100 door will be found just before Istanbul ( Constantinople ) becomes Greek. This door is very well hidden. The church was damaged many times over the course of the centuries by earthquake and rebuilt or redesigned according to the fashions of the day.

After a day on the beach, relax in one of the many restaurants along the waterfront or in a bar in the old Chóra.

Athens is about 4 hours by normal(slow) ferry from Paros. Throughout the summer there is a very regular service, with the Ferry stopping in Paros, Naxos and then onto Santorini, Ios or Mykonos.

The harbour is very close to the town and becomes very busy before and after the arrival/departure of the ferries. A restored windmill, housing the tourist office is in the harbour area and acts as a useful landmark.

The beach on the north side of the harbour bay is very popular as it can often be sheltered from the strong winds that may blow from the north. July and August can be a windy time on the island. Ferry services still run even if the sea looks rough with white caps.

South of the town there is a long beach stretching down to a small harbour used by fishermen. This beach can be very blowy if the wind is from the west.

While the harbour near the ferry port is the main harbour used by fishermen, this small harbour is used by some locals.

If the town of Paros gets too busy, then Anti Paros might be a good place to spend some quieter time. The town is only a short ferry and bus journey from Paros.

The cave on the island is very extensive and deep, though there are good steps throughout. In summer there is a bus service from the harbour to the cave and back, allowing about an hour inside the cave.

The cave was the site for a Christmas mass in 1774, hosted by Marquis de Nointel and attended by over 500. The graffiti inside the cave was written by Lord Byron and some others of "fame".

The ferry runs back and forth across the narrow strait all day and can take a number of cars, even though there aren't many roads on Antiparos. The bus from the Chóra stops on way south to Alyki.

The village of Léfkes is in the middle of the island. The local bus crosses the mountain on the way to the beaches in the east, stopping at the village en route. The mountain road passes some of the abandoned marble quarries.

The village has a number of cafes and restaurants, helping to make it an enjoyable stopping place.

The Byzantine walk or path wanders through the narrow alleys of the town to the church gates. The clock tower of the church is made from local marble.

The fishing village of Piso Livávdi is on the east side of the island, facing the bigger island of Naxos. The village has a fine sheltered beach, a working fishing harbour and some good restaurants along the pier and waterfront.

Further along the coast, heading west is the small village of Dryós. It has a tiny harbour, a strip of beach though quite stony and some restaurants and hotel.

The town of Náousa is a good place to spend some time unwinding. It is quieter than Paros and has a good aspect looking out over a bay, though it is north facing. The town is only a short bus ride from Paros.

The waterfront is a nice place to sit, eat lunch or dinner, drink wine or coffee and while away the time, as the sea waves crash along the harbour wall or coastal strip. The small harbour is a working fishing harbour. At times during the week, you may see the local fishermen unload their catch of octopus and other local fish.