Paros

Best things to do in Paros

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   1. Panagia Ekatontapiliani

   • 1 hour
   • Check entry rules before you go
   • Couples
   • Families
   • No car needed
   • Rainy day

   A historic Byzantine church complex in Parikia, with a main chapel, two further chapels and a baptistery with a cruciform font. The church dates to 326; Wikipedia calls it a renowned Marian pilgrimage church, second in the Aegean only to Tinos.

   The sources do not give opening hours or dress rules; check locally before you go.

   1,368 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Panagia Ekatontapiliani

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   2. Parian marble and the ancient quarries

   • 1 to 2 hours
   • Check entry rules before you go
   • Couples
   • Active

   The island's pure-white, semi-translucent marble was quarried in the classical era and used for works such as the Venus de Milo. Fieldwork found large ancient open-pit quarries, the main sites being Chorodaki, Marathi and Agios Minas.

   The source does not say whether the quarry sites can be visited or how; check locally before you plan a trip.

   1,307 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Parian marble

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   3. Antiparos and its cave

   • Half a day to a full day
   • Check entry rules before you go
   • Couples
   • Families
   • No car needed

   A small island less than one nautical mile from Paros, reached by a local ferry. The Cave of Antiparos in the centre of the island is extensive, spreads over several levels and has been used as a shelter since the Neolithic period. Population 1,265 in 2021.

   Check ferry times and whether the cave is open and has any entry fee before you go; the sources do not say.

   1,147 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Antiparos
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   4. Parikia

   • Half a day
   • No booking needed
   • Couples
   • No car needed
   • Adults

   The capital and main port of Paros, known for narrow cobbled lanes, old churches and blue-and-white houses. The waterfront cafes and restaurants draw many visitors, and the town is busy at night.

   790 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Parikia

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   5. Naousa

   • Half a day
   • No booking needed
   • Couples
   • No car needed

   A fishing village in the north-east corner of Paros, with 3,134 residents in 2021. Venetians founded it in the late 14th century and partial remains of their harbour fortress survive. The Kolympithres beach is nearby.

   678 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Naousa, Paros

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   6. Despotiko

   • Half a day
   • Check entry rules before you go
   • Active
   • Couples

   An uninhabited island south-west of Antiparos, important for its archaeological remains. Wikipedia mentions recent excavations and classical remains concentrated there.

   The sources do not say how to get there or whether visits are allowed; check with local operators and the Greek culture ministry before you plan.

   317 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Despotiko
   • Wikipedia, Antiparos

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   7. Marpissa

   • 1 to 2 hours
   • No booking needed
   • Couples

   A traditional village built on a hill on the east side of Paros, 19 km from Parikia, with 1,319 inhabitants in 2021. It is legally characterised as a traditional settlement.

   156 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Marpissa, Paros

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   8. Archaeological Museum of Paros

   • 1 hour
   • Check entry rules before you go
   • Rainy day
   • Families

   A museum in Parikia founded in 1960, made up of two rooms and an atrium.

   Opening hours and entry fees are not in the source; check locally.

   123 readers a month

   Sources

   • Wikipedia, Archaeological Museum of Paros

Just missed the list: Lefkes (Next by readers; a village in the hills of Paros)