By Kenya Barrett
Greece is a magnificent country filled with tons of history, culture, and beautiful places to see. While visitors can experience much of this on the mainland, many of the Greek isles offer just as much if not more – especially Paros! Here are five fun things to do in Paros during your trip to Greece.
Naoussa Old Port
You can’t visit the island of Paros without making a stop at Naoussa Old Port. This fishing village is located in the northern part of the island and is home to tons of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Visitors can wine and dine until their heart’s content or stroll around the neighborhood to embrace its beautiful whitewashed architecture. The old port has recently become popular for its vibrant nightlife scene as an amazing place to spot the sun rising and setting over the Aegean Sea. Nearby attractions include Paros Park and the old Venetian Fortress.
Parikia
Visiting the capital city of Parikia is a must while visiting Paros. This charming town sports a certain uniqueness that you won't experience anywhere else on the island. Situated on a hill that overlooks the old port, this town is filled with cobblestone streets, cute shops, and even more places to eat Greek food. Additionally, the city is home to the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliani, as well as the Frankish Castle of Parikia and the Archaeological Museum of Paros.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
If you’re looking to brush up on your ancient Greek history, then a trip to the Archaeological Museum of Paros is worth the visit. Located in Paros’ capital city of Parikia, the building is composed of several artifacts and gems that date back to the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can enjoy a thorough tour of the museum which provides a deep dive into the island's rich cultural history. View the museum’s treasures including statues of Greece’s most important figures, Roman mosaics, burial casks, and much more.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani
This Byzantine monastery was initially constructed by the first Emperor of Constantinople whose mother stopped to worship on the island of Paros during her pilgrimage to Israel. Although the term “Panagia Ekatontapiliani” literally translates to “the church with 100 doors”, the building doesn’t actually have 100 doors. While the mystery of the church’s name still stands, the building serves as a wonderful free thing to do in Paros that also houses the chapels of Agios Nikolaos, Agios Dimitrios, and Agia Theodosia.
Golden Beach
For those looking to spend some time in the sun, a visit to Golden Beach might do you well. The beach is known by locals and travelers alike as one of the best beaches in Paros due to its popularity, extensively long golden shores (700 meters), and its water sports. More specifically, the beach has become somewhat of a haven for those who enjoy windsurfing and spectators of that activity. In addition to the activities available, the beach is perfectly situated around a bunch of bars and restaurants. Did we mention that this beach is free?
Now that you know some of the best things to do in Paros, are you ready to visit?
