Page 101 - ANDRONIS MAGAZINE 2024
P. 101

ESCAPE_ Paros





                                                                          Its style and character shaped by past events and cultural transitions.
                                                                                Paros reflects everything it has endured through the ages.

                                                                         And that complexity inspires awe in anyone who sets foot on its shores.















                    THE MAGIC OF PAROS lies in its rich colours and   worldwide for its semitranslucent marble, used in artworks
                    multifaceted culture. Whitewashed houses and timeworn   such as the Venus de Milo. There are quarries you can
                    monuments contrast splendidly with the island’s warm   visit around Paros to get a better understanding of its
                    floral hues, the green of its fig and olive trees, the   marble industry.
                    heavenly Aegean blue, the sunlight dazzling you from
                    above. Paros has a history just as impressive, one that   LOOK FOR ADVENTURE EVERYWHERE
                    lives on in its antiquities and people. Artistry and a   Don’t restrict yourself to what Paros itself can show you.
                    cosmopolitan spirit run in their blood, which explains   The islands around it are worth a visit, too, especially
                    the diversity of experiences you’ll find on Paros.  Antiparos. Its main village and the neighbouring Agios
                                                                     Georgios are small and steeped in the lighthearted vibes
                       LET EACH VILLAGE TELL ITS STORY               of the Cyclades. Pristine, unspoiled beaches await,
                    Parikia is the capital of Paros and one of its busiest   promising a memorable getaway off the beaten track.
                    urban destinations. Besides a plethora of seaside cafes,   Keep exploring Paros, and you’ll discover what makes
                    restaurants, and bars, it features narrow, winding streets   the region so emotionally stimulating. Its natural marvels
                    designed to confuse pirates in the olden days, as well   complement the allure of its manmade settlements, their
                    as a 13th-century Venetian castle built with materials   style and character shaped by past events and cultural
                    from ancient temples. Parts of the one dedicated to   transitions. Paros reflects everything it has endured
                    the goddess Athena remain at the top of the hill. The   through the ages. And that complexity inspires awe
                    Byzantine church of Ekatontapiliani is another landmark   in anyone who sets foot on its shores.
                    you mustn’t miss while enjoying the best shopping,   Delve Into Parian Treasures
                    hospitality, and nightlife Parikia has to offer.  The beaches of Paros are its prime attractions. If you
                    The influence of the Venetian occupation is also   like relaxing seaside vistas with soft sand and crystal-
                    evident in Naoussa’s castle, walls, and harbour, still   clear waters, Golden Beach near Parikia is a good
                    standing watch over the little fishing village and its   choice, accommodating families as much as adventurers
                    churches. Saint George is a medieval temple and   interested in water sports and scuba diving. You can
                    the resting place of its knights, while the pure white   find the same luxuries at Naoussa’s Santa Maria Beach.
                    form of Saint Nicholas flanks the port, a quaint   More obscure locations are available too. Langeri, for
                    sentinel in its own way. Naoussa is a favourite stop   example, is a secluded Natura 2000 area, and it’s only
                    for international and domestic visitors alike, thanks   as organised as you can make it. Grab your towel,
                    to its breathtaking architecture and character. It’s   umbrella, and freezer box, and pick your perfect pocket
                    here that modern comforts interweave with Parian   of sun-kissed bliss.
                    traditions to the most charming effect. Savour the   As if Paros wasn’t idyllic enough, the island is also
                    local cuisine. Appreciate fishermen’s meticulous work   home to a butterfly nature reserve. Travel 7km from
                    as they mend their nets. Take a boat out to the sandy   Parikia towards the Monastery of Christos sto Dasos,
                    coves of Kolymbithres Beach.                     and you’ll come across a park where the Euplagia
                    Paros has several such beautiful locations. Marpissa is   quadripunctaria or Jersey tiger moth reins. Well-marked
                    a great example, a hidden gem of a village in the hills   paths wind through the trees, giving you clear views    Opposite page:
                    of Kefalos. It offers authentic Cycladic experiences   of the butterflies in their natural habitat. There’s a     There’s nothing
                    that include picturesque buildings and views, warm   Byzantine watermill to explore in the area alongside a    more magical than
                                                                                                                                     strolling through
                    hospitality, carefree moments by the sea, and special   playground, café, and souvenir shop. What better place   the Butterfly Nature
                    events, such as the annual Routes in Marpissa festival,   for a beautiful day out with your family?             Reserve or visiting
                    a three-day occasion in August that celebrates the   The castles, churches, and ruins of Paros give you an    small fishing villages
                    village’s architecture, folklore, arts, and nature. It’s   immersive glimpse into the island’s history, but its   like Drios. Naoussa’s
                                                                                                                                   picturesque white-
                    also home to the Sculpture Museum, exhibiting the   museums can take you deeper still. Parikia features the    washed streets and
                    works of native artist Nikos Perantinos.         Archaeological Museum, which displays what excavations       delicious cuisine are
                    A rather apt cultural centre, considering Paros is famous   have brought to light, such as the famous statue of Gorgo   just as stunning.









 P 100                                                                                                                                                P 101
   96   97   98   99   100   101   102   103   104   105   106