About Paros

Church of Ekatontapliani
("Our Lady of a Hundred Doors") in Parikia just 200 m from the port
The most imposing church in the Cyclades and one of the most important in Greece, approx. 1.600 years old. On the 15th of August its nameday (a public holiday) is celebrated with a lot of festivities. Actually they are three churches in one, and legends rank about the fact that only 99 doors have been counted. Archaeological Museum
in Parikia, just behind the Church of Ekatontapliani A fragment of the 3rd-century Parian Chronicle is the most important exhibit - next to many other interesting findings.

Ancient Cemetery in Parikia, approx. 400 m from the port heading left of approx. 700 BC Venetian "Kastro"
in the old quarter and at the highest point of Parikia from the 13th century
Ancient Wall just beneath the Kastro (Parikia) Marble Quarries at "Marathi" on the way to Lefkes Abandoned but interesting to visit. This is where the marble came from in the ancient times that was considered the world's best.
Venetian Castle in the little harbour of Naoussa. Churches in Naoussa
Several important churches of ~ 15th century in Naoussa, including Catholic Church. Agias Trias Cathedral
in Lefkes. Museum of Popular Civilisation
in Lefkes.

 

An amphitheatre in Lefkes, plus an interesting library.
Butterfly Valley approx. 8 km south of Parikia A little green oasis full of "butterflies" (actually moths, but nevertheless impressive & colourful). Only open a few hours as it is on private ground. You can take a donkey ride to get there from the main road.Folkloric Museum close to the airport nearby Aliki.
Cave of Antiparos with stalactites and stalagmites, very steep and impressive, up on the mountain of Antiparos. Takes a ride by bus or car/motorbike or donkey. Careful on hot days as the busses can let you wait and there are no toilets nearby (although you can buy beverages there)!

Lighthouse behind Monastiri Beach (Naoussa) nice for people who like to walk!
Monasteries (main)
- Monastery of Longovardas (1638), forbidden for women
- Monastery of Christ Dasous with the tomb of St. Arsenios
- Monastery of St. Mary Thapsanon from 1935, built on ruins of 17th century monastery
- Monastery of St. Antonios

Festivals 2010:
4th April Orthodox Easter 2010
13th May Ascension Day Piso Livadi
23th May Day of the Holy Spirit Lefkes
17th July Feast of Agia Marina Antiparos
27th July Feast of Agios Pandeleimon Antiparos
06th August Feast of Saviour's Metamorphosis Marpissa
15th August Feast of Panagia Ekatontapliani (Assumption Day) Parikia
23rd August Nine Days of Virgin Mary Naoussa
29th August Feast of Agios Ioannis Naoussa & Lefkes
08th September Feast of Panagia Feneromeni Antiparos
14th September Ypsosi tou Timiou Staurou Aliki
All festivals are celebrated the traditional Greek way and are an exceptional experience. They usually include dances, local wine, parades, fireworks etc.!