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SIGNATURE KANAVA DESTINATION

The mesmerizing waters and unusual shape of Laggeri beach are not far from Naoussa.

open when the church of Hagia Sofia in Constantinople known for in antiquity was its white marble. In fact, there
will be Orthodox again. The Paros Archaeological was a point in time where 70% of high-quality marble used
Museum is not to be missed, showcasing millennia-old across the Mediterranean came from here. Although they
artifacts from the general area, including ancient sarcophagi are almost completely depleted, you can still visit the ancient
and the Parian Chronicle, an impressive inscription on marble quarries in Marathi as part of a hike on foot or an
marble from the 4th century BC that recounts the history excursion with a tour guide or on your own.
and mythology of Ancient Greece, such as the Trojan Very close to Parīlio is a protected peninsula called Paros
War and the Voyage of the Argonauts. Erected far from Park with winding walking trails, spectacular rock formations,
the sea to hide itself from real-life pirates in centuries magnificent views, unique beaches and the Ai Giannis
gone past, the inland village of Lefkes impresses with Detis monastery, with its fascinating exhibition of 18th
its beautiful houses, delightful flowers and 360-degree century Paros maps. What’s more, an annual festival takes
panoramic views. It is also home to Agia Triada, a place in its amphitheater and films are frequently shown
distinctive Byzantine church made of the finest white in the open-air cinema.
Parian marble. Here, in Paros’ first capital, the island’s Unexpected and verdant, the Butterfly Valley near Sotires Naousa Paros, Greece, 84401
history appears frozen in time, with rickety tavernas, leaning village is a natural reserve that is home to swarms of the
houses and winding marble-paved streets and alleys all Panaxia quadripunctaria tiger moths, who nest on leaves and Booking email: Reservations@mariorestaurantparos.com
surviving — and thriving — centuries on. A deep-seated tree trunks during the day, to fly at night in the hundreds. Info email: mariotsach@hotmail.gr
tradition of ceramic production in the town brings to life They each have a set of black and white wings and reveal +30 6981052882, +30 22840 51047
a number of local workshops and studios; most notably a secondary set of red wings underneath when they take
Yria Ceramics and the Lefkes Ceramic Workshop, both flight. Just like the butterflies, visitors too appreciate the
of which produce pieces inspired by the area. Marpissa green nature and cool breeze of this serene valley.
is another settlement to seek out; a study in bright white Even further off the beaten path is St. Antonios Monastery
under the Aegean sun, featuring picturesque churches, near Marpissa. Perched on a hill, this small whitewashed
traditional painted footpaths, signature Cycladic blue monastery is not just typical of Greek island architecture
details and colorful floral features around every corner. but a spot from which to enjoy marvelous views of the island
and the Aegean Sea alike stretching as far as the eye can
UNIQUE LANDMARKS see, including the nearby popular island of Naxos. Founded
Yet, the nooks and crannies worth visiting – and experiences in 1597, it is one of the oldest monasteries on the island.
worth having – on Paros extend far beyond its beaches and It has been inhabited by monks since 1642 but closed in
towns. One of the most remarkable things the island was 1834, due to the small number of monks in situ.

140 . KANA V A JOURNEY