Paros Pictures
Greece
Paros is a pleasant surprise after the tourist feeding-frenzy of its neighbours Santorini and Mykonos. Even though the small port functions as a hub for ferries around the Cyclades island group and beyond, Paros is not at all overwhelmed by visitors. The main town (on the right in the photo above), Parikia, is as usual whitewashed and charming, with the same old narrow, wiggling anti-pirate street system in the old town (hora) and fresh waterfront (below).
With the Cyclades focus elsewhere Paros just gets on with being a regular, classic Greek island, with comfortable numbers of tourists, good seafood, excellent beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Parikia town, beside the port.
Parikia old town, Hora, one of Greece's Cyclades Islands
Paros' old town, also known as Parikia, is a typically delightful maze of pedestrian-only streets, white houses with blue woodwork, tropical flowers flopping around and many odd little bars and restaurants. In the photo on the right is the remains of the Frankish Kastro, AD 1260, mainly a wall embedded with chunks of an ancient temple to Athena.
The island is not spectacularly attractive or especially interesting but is quiet, comfortable and has various pleasant beaches.
Parikia old town street.
The Ekatontapiliani church in Parikia hora (old town).
The Panagia Ekatontapiliani started life in the 4thC, supposedly built by Helen, the mother of St Constantine. It was rebuilt in 1773 after an earthquake. Ekatontapiliani means 100 doors but only 99 have ever been found. So there's a challenge for the tourist who likes to explore! See the pulpit.
Jewellery offerings in Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
A humorous statue of Plato in Ekatontapiliani church, among many other interesting artifacts. Next, Paros beaches pictures.
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