![]() Venus de Milo, Hermes of Praxiteles, the Acropolis Kores, Nike of Delos, the temple of Apollo, the temple of Zeus in Olympia and many others were created out of this material. ![]() A unique stone with a dazzling whiteness and clarity, it was turned into immortal works of art in the hands of great sculptors. This is where the famous Parian marble was quarried, serving as a profitable resource throughout the island's history. Quarries : Near the road that connects Parikia and Lefkes, at Marathi, you come across the island's ancient quarries. The Valley of Butterflies, in Psychopiana south-west of Parikia, is a green oasis with thousands of butterflies in an orgy of vegetation, stone-paved paths and rest areas. Valley of Butterflies : Would you ever expect to find yourself in the middle of a thick forest on a Cycladic island? Well, you just might. ![]() It is worth going for a swim at the small beach of Agios Georgios, opposite the uninhabited island of Despotiko. You can cross over on a small boat from Parikia or a ferry from Pounta for a swim in its crystal-clear waters, or to admire the tiny but fascinating cave with the oldest stalagmite in Europe dated as 45 million years old. Don't forget to venture to Prodromos, the inland village best distinguished by the white domed gateway that serves as the entrance to the settlement.Īntiparos : This Lilliputian gem of the Aegean is just half an hour away from Paros. It has a small quiet beach, charming fish restaurants and quite a few rooms with a view of the sea. Drios, a minute fishing village, does not resemble the rest of lively Paros at all. Enjoy its shady square, the school building, the Paros Folk Art Museum at the Lefkes Village Hotel and of course the panoramic view that draws the eye toward the neighbouring island of Naxos. Settlements : Lefkes, the largest mountain village in Paros, is ideal for an afternoon stroll through the picturesque lanes and main Byzantine road that ends at the local café. The site currently serves as an archaeological park, and includes an exhibition hall where one can view many more findings. A significant find is the mass grave (burial ground) of the Geometric period, the only one in the Aegean dating back to the end of the Geometric period in the 8th century BC. See Our Lady of Tinos Church, the Monastery of Hozoviotissa in Amorgos, the windmills of Mykonos, the cave of Antiparos and the Santorini caldera - all in miniature.Īddress: Alyki, (next to the airport), Tel.: +30 22840 91129Īncient Cemetery : A site of particular historic interest. It was built by the Sommaripa dynasty and is a unique fortification work.įolklore Art Museum of Cycladic Civilisation : It houses the incredible miniatures of ships and characteristic Cycladic buildings made by Benetos Skiadas. It is worth visiting the half-sunken Venetian castle dating back to the 15th century that protects the Naoussa harbour to the north. Naoussa is famous for its charming harbour, lined by dozens of cafés and bars, as well as for its maze of back streets. Naoussa : One of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades is located 10 km north-east of Parikia. The Ekatontapyliani church, meaning "church of 100 doors", also houses the Byzantine Museum in Parikia with an exquisite collection of rare icons and other ecclesiastical artefacts. It is noteworthy that the sculptures decorating the interior of the church originated from the ancient temple of Demeter that was in Parikia, while the baptismal font in the south side of the church is the oldest in the Orthodox Church. It is one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece, a cruciform basilica with a dome that has suffered much damage throughout its long history. Panagia Ekatontapyliani : Just a short distance from the port of Parikia is the oldest Byzantine church in the Aegean, founded by Saint Helen 17 centuries ago. Climb the steps and admire the breathtaking view as well as the peculiar wall built from pieces of ancient columns and parts of other buildings. ![]() The charming lanes are full of restaurants and chic bars that mostly attract foreign tourists, as opposed to Naousa, which is a favourite with domestic tourists.Ĭastle Hill: Overlooking the port of Parikia is the impressive Castle Hill and the remains of the Frankish castle, the fort that Venetian Governor of Naxos Marco Sanudo built in the 13th century to protect the town from pirates. Parikia : The gleaming white town is the island's commercial centre and is constantly bustling with life and tourists.
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