General information about the island of Paros
Strengths:
Sea and beaches, points of interest, nightlife, suitable for families with children.
Average:
Excursions, connections, prices.
Weaknesses:
Very crowded.
- Capital: Parikia (Paros)
- Population: 13000
- Area: 196 km²
- Port: Parikia
- Airport: yes
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Paros (from Greek Πάρος) was the first island in the Cyclades to be inhabited (9000 B.C.) and is separated from Naxos by a channel of only 5 kilometers. It can be reached both by sea and by air (national airport "Panteleio"). The island is 95 nautical miles from Piraeus, 82 from Rafina, and is connected with many other Cyclades islands as well as with more distant islands such as Crete.
It has an area of 196 km² and about 13,000 inhabitants.
The island has Mount Profitis Ilias (771 meters) at its center and all around it vast hilly and flat areas that are fairly fertile. Along the coasts, only vines and olive trees are cultivated, while inland, where the land is less arid, there are stretches of orchards. The island is famous for its very white marble used by architects and especially by sculptors, as well as for its wine. In the field of craftsmanship, ceramics, textiles, and glassworking stand out.
The island was the birthplace of the famous poet Archilochus and several sculptors.
The capital of the island is Parikia, where the main port protected by a large bay from the north winds is located.
Paros in the summer is very busy and lively, and tourist services are well organized. The island offers a holiday for all tastes: fun, tranquility, water sports, shopping, and family relaxation.
The clear sea of the island is, like many Cyclades, very exposed to the winds during the summer months.
The road network of Paros is good and covers the entire island. All villages are connected by local buses. There are several car and scooter rental companies on the island as well as taxi services.
