White and blue are the anthem colors of Paros, a close neighbor to famous Mykonos and Santorini. Byzantine influences and the foamy crush of waves against beaches and seafront residences alike build a dreamy, languid holiday destination. Easily accessible via Athens and Thessaloniki, and connected to the rest of the Cyclades Islands by ferry, Paros is the portal to a classic Greek summer.
Wrapped around the horse-shoe bay of capital Parikia is a maze-like spread of white-washed cubic houses and elegant mansions. Nestled right on the coastline to be splashed by waves, these quaint residences extend up the hill like a carpet before the peak-side 13th century Venetian Castle. 6th century Katapoliani Church is named for its plethora of gates; one of which is hidden. To observe hand-crafted iconostases and ancient heirlooms, visit the Byzantine Museum hosted in the baptistery.
It is also enough to simply meander the winding lanes of Paros’ piquant villages. Burst of flowers form canopies over houses, beautiful squares and narrow alleys a beautiful complement to the lush valleys. Culture seeps out from the traditional villages of Naoussa, Lefkes and Marpissa, each home to a Venetian fortress, folk culture museum and monastery respectively. Close by to Marpissa are the sun-drenched beaches of Logaras and Pisso Livadi. Delve past rich vegetation and wild olive groves for sandy strips. Kolymbithres beach stuns with white rock formations, whereas Kalogeros is a natural spa of red and green clay pools.
Bask in the warm Mediterranean summer and avoid visiting during winter as the rain makes seafaring cold. Frequent northerly winds run throughout spring and summer, keeping maximum temperatures below 30℃. If you’re planning on long dips in the sea, July to September offers the warmest waters at an average of 23℃.
