The island of Paros

› A historic location

Paros received its name from the leader or the Arcadians, Paro, who colonised the island during the Geometric Period. There they merged with the Ionians and Paros evolved into a significant naval power via the marble trade. Parian marble was already renowned throughout the ancient world for its clarity and luminosity. .
This source of wealth combined with the fertile soil and climate brought about rapid cultural development, in particular during the Archaic Period (7th century B.C.). That period marked the introduction and zenith of Lyric Poetry with Archilohos of Paros as a stellar example.

Classical Period

During this period Paros was allied with the Persians who were trying to conquer Greece in their push towards the west. When the Persians were defeated in the naval battle of Salamis they surrendered Paros to Themistocles who obliged the residents to succumb to the will of the Athenians. From 479 B.C. to 404 B.C. they were part of the 1st Athenian Alliance and from 378 B.C. part of the 2nd Athenian Alliance. By 338 B.C. Paros had lost its power and lustre and subsequently was conquered by the Macedonians, Ptolemy, Mithridati and the Romans. Throughout this period Paros was full of sculpture workshops and history’s finest sculptors were plying their craft. The towns were full of examples of their artistry in sculpture and architecture. Paros was then allied to the Macedonians until the death of Alexander at which time in a climate of turmoil the Island came under Ptolemy rule.

Roman Period

Development on the island ceased during Roman rule when most of the Cycladic islands were used as exile outposts. The Byzantium brought Christianity to the island and along with it the impressive Cathedral Our Lady of One Hundred Doors built as an offering from Saint Helen. Paros was later subjected to frequent pirate raids, a situation that escalated during the Venetian occupation when the harbour of Naoussa had become a pirate base. It was occupied by the notorious pirate Barbarossa who condemned the island to desolation. Despite the valiant efforts of the inhabitants to resist, Barbarossa killed the majority of the population and took the rest as oarsmen for Turkish ships or as slaves for regiments of the Turkish army. The way is now paved for a Turkish occupation of the island (1560 A.D.).

1688 to 1821

In 1668 and 1677 the constant raids left the island barren. There were however representatives of various powers residing on the island. In 1770 the harbour of Naoussa became a launching point for the Russian fleet (the Orloff brothers) during the course of the Russian-Turkish wars. During the Greek revolution for independence the island also played a significant role and was host to many refugees.

Recent History

Paros was hit hard during the Nazi occupation of Greece and many residents immigrated to Piraeus on the mainland or to other countries. New development on the island began after 1960 with tourism as its primary objective.

› Beaches

Paros is surrounded by wonderful beaches for all tastes and interests. Whether you want peace and quiet or high energy entertainment you will find the beach that is just right for you
The northern coast (bay of Paroikia): Zoodochou Pigis, Livadia, Krios, Martselo, Kaminia and Souvlia
Bay of Naoussa: Monastiri, Kolymbithres, Pipperi, Langgeri
The western coast: Punta (ferry to Antiparos), Ag. Eirini, Parosporos, Delfini
The southern coast: Drios, Farangas, Aliki, Voutakos
The eastern coast: Santa Maria, Ambelas, Piso Livadi, Loggaras, Punta (beach club), Golden Beach, New Golden Beach

› Areas to Visit

Below you will find a map featuring all the communities of Paros: Paroikia, Naoussa, Ambelas, Levkes, Kostos, Prodromos, Marmara, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Drios, Angaria, Aliki..