The 4 unmissable sights in Paros

Paros is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece and Europe in general. What makes this tiny island stand out from all the others in Greece and the Meditteranean Sea, is that despite its diminutive size, it has a lot to offer to its visitors. Paros may be a rather small island, especially when compared with other islands in Greece such as Rhodes, Evoia and Crete, but it has a lot of interesting and rather unique things to see. So, which are the top sights that you should definitely visit during your Holidays in Paros? Let’s find out!

1: The church of Panagia Ekatontapylliani

Greeks care very much about their churches and they tend to take their Christian Orthodox faith very seriously, so it’s not uncommon for them to travel great distances to visit specific churches. The church of Panagia Ektontapylliani (the name can be translated as “Our late of a hundred gates”) is one of the most famous and most visited Orthodox Christian Churches in Europe. What makes it so special is the fact that it was commissioned by none other than Empress, and later Saint, Helen during her quest for the Holy Cross. It is one of the oldest churches in Greece and its architecture is iconic. Furthermore, the people of Paros attribute many miracles to the icon of the Virgin Mary within the church.

2: The ancient quarries

What people don’t know about Paros is the fact that the island is known for producing marble of the best quality. In fact, marble from Paros was considered the best during ancient times and it was used in the construction of many temples. It was also a favorite of the best and most sculptors of ancient Greece, which is why some of the most famous ancient statues, like the Venus de Milo, have been sculpted out of marble from Paros. The site of the ancient quarries is now an archaeological attraction where people can see the ruins of the quarry and learn how marble was quarried and transported. If you are into archaeology and culture, you should also definitely check out the island’s archaeological museum.

3: Paros Park

Paros Park is a national park spanning many kilometers. It is known for its unique rock formations and gorgeous walking paths. It is also where the famous Byzantine monastery or Saint John (Ai Yiannis) can be found. In other words, if you like hiking and exploring, you simply must visit it. The Park is not all about hiking though, there is an open-air cinema where one can watch movies for free under the moonlit sky. Finally, it is also the venue of a jazz festival that takes place between the months of June and October.

4: Kolymbithres beach

The beach known by the locals as Kolymbithres is the trademark of Paros and one of the most famous beaches in Greece. It is the main reason why people visit this island and it goes without saying that one shouldn’t miss it. The beach is not easily accessible by car, but there are boat trips to and from the beach on a very regular basis, so getting there is not difficult at all. Simply put, one can’t say that they have visited Paros unless they have visited the beach known as Kolymbithres.