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THE ESSENCE OF PAROS

In Parikia, Panagia Ekatontapiliani (left) is an iconic
church with unique features – and 99 arches.
But you’ll find beautiful blue-domed churches dotted
around the island, including at Monastiri beach (above).

FASCINATING LANDMARKS
Yet, the nooks and crannies worth visiting – and experiences
worth having – on Paros extend far beyond its beaches and
towns. One of the most remarkable things the island was
known for in antiquity was its white marble. In fact, there
was a point in time where 70% of high-quality marble used
across the Mediterranean came from here. Although they
are almost completely depleted, you can still visit the an-
cient marble quarries in Marathi as part of a hike on foot
or an excursion with a tour guide or on your own. The mesmerizing waters and unusual shape of Laggeri beach are not far from Naoussa (above).
Very close to Parīlio is a protected peninsula called Paros Below, the church of Agia Triada in Lefkes.
Park with winding walking trails, spectacular rock forma-
tions, magnificent views, unique beaches and the Ai Gi-
annis Detis monastery, with its fascinating exhibition of
18th century Paros maps. What’s more, an annual festival can see, including the nearby popular island of Naxos. It is
PICTURESQUE WINDING takes place in its amphitheater and films are frequently difficult not to imagine yourself as an Ancient Greek do-
ing the same so many centuries ago, perhaps feeling in-
shown in the open-air cinema.
ALLEYS, ADRENALINE-FUELED Unexpected and verdant, the Butterfly Valley near Sotires spired to build a boat and travel, or to carve a sculpture
village is a natural reserve that is home to swarms of the in honor of this beauty.
WATERSPORTS, ARRESTING Panaxia quadripunctaria tiger moths, who nest on leaves
INSIDER TIPS
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE, and tree trunks during the day, to fly at night in the hun- To make the most of your Paros getaway, don’t hesitate
dreds. They each have a set of black and white wings and
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND reveal a secondary set of red wings underneath when they to speak to the Concierge team about your personal inter-
take flight. Just like the butterflies, visitors too appreci- ests and preferences. There are ample activities and ex-
MUCH MORE IS WHAT PAROS ate the green nature and cool breeze of this serene valley. periences to be had, from seaside horse riding in the sun-
HAS TO OFFER. Even further off the beaten path is St. Antonios Monastery set for romantics to extreme sports for adrenaline junk-
ies, local brewery tours, history and culture walks and be-
near Marpissa. Perched on a hill, this small whitewashed
monastery is not just typical of Greek island architecture yond, which can be arranged for you. If you like to impro-
but a spot from which to enjoy marvelous views of the is- vise with your day, ask us to hire you a car or 4x4 jeep so
land and the Aegean sea alike stretching as far as the eye you can discover Paros at your own pace.•

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