Paros, Greece Guide

Somewhat in the shadow of her chic Cycladic sister Mykonos, Paros is perhaps all the more charming for the lack of crowds that descend her shores. There’s a relaxed charm to this little island - colourful fishing boats jostle for space in pretty walled harbours, splashes of  bougainvillea tumbling down over traditional yet stylish seaside cafes.

Explore the labyrinthine old town of Parikia or walk the whitewashed streets of stylish Naoussa, peppered with pretty boutiques, before poring over treasures housed in the blue-domed Byzantine museum. Sailors will appreciate the notorious summer winds, enabling you to savour the scenery by sea - exploring hidden coves and quiet bays, or island-hop to laid-back Antiparos with its off the beaten track vibe.

Retire to your hilltop villa tucked among olive groves. Revel in tranquility as you gaze out over the Aegean, sparkling sapphire shores melting into the horizon. As darkness falls, dine under the vine covered courtyard, dripping with fresh figs. Have your chef prepare local delights - a squid ink risotto straight from the sea, as the curtains billow in the balmy breeze - harbour lights shimmering far below.

Paros, a picturesque island located in the heart of the Cyclades in Greece, has a long and interesting history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that the island was first inhabited in the Neolithic era, around 4000 BC. However, it wasn’t until the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC) that Paros started to gain prominence.

During the Mycenaean period, Paros was known for its high quality marble, which was used to create stunning sculptures, including the iconic Venus de Milo. This led to the island becoming a major trade center in the Aegean Sea, attracting merchants and visitors from all over the region.

In the 6th century BC, Paros became a major player in the Greek world, with its own city-state and a powerful navy. Its strategic location made it an important ally in the Persian wars, and it played a crucial role in the battle of Salamis in 480 BC.

During the Classical period, Paros flourished as a cultural and artistic center, with renowned sculptors, painters, and poets calling the island home. The famous poet Archilochus and the sculptor Scopas were both born in Paros, and their works were highly regarded throughout Greece.

In the 4th century BC, Paros came under the rule of the Macedonian king Philip II, and later his son Alexander the Great. This brought a period of prosperity to the island, with the construction of impressive buildings and the establishment of a renowned school of sculpture.

In the following centuries, Paros went through a series of conquests and rulers, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. Each civilization left its mark on the island, with temples, churches, and fortifications still standing today as a testament to its rich and diverse past.

During the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century, Paros suffered greatly, with many of its inhabitants enslaved or forced to flee. However, the island regained its independence in 1832 and became part of the newly established Greek state.

Today, Paros is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. It continues to attract visitors from all over the world, who come to explore its history, relax on its golden sands, and immerse themselves in the laid-back island lifestyle.