Paros Island, Cyclades
Paros is one of the largest island of the Cyclades, with an area of 186 square kilometers. Its coordinates are 37o5'/25o14', and it's located west of Naxos and east of Antiparos, at the center of sea routes through the Aegean, about 90 nautical miles from Piraeus.
Many characteristics have been attributed since old times to the beautiful island of Paros, with its long history,splendid nature and its rich tradition. However what characterizes it the mostr is the sense that Paros remains always fresh and modern. Paros is an island, where as time goes by, its shine does not dazzle, but is renewed. A known and acknowledged tourist destination, Paros has always something new to propose to its visitors. Those who have visited it already, it is certain that on the next time they will find something that they had not discovered in this rich of images, culture and activities island.
Paros's terrain is even, with a central pucker that rises to 762 meters at Mount Ag. Pantes, then dipping to rolling hills that run down to the coast. It's one of the more fertile islands in the Cyclades, and since antiquity has produced wine, olive oil, cereals, and fruit. Winemaking has boomed in recent years as Paros wines have begun to claim a global reputation. Locals are occupied in agriculture, fishing, and stockbreeding. Tourism has altered the island's lifestyle, while olive and vine cultivation also spur the economy, lending their fruit to the local table, alongside fresh fish and local cheeses.
Paros has a temperate island climate. Winters are mild, with little rainfall. The summer is noted for the strong winds or meltemia. The subsoil is mostly granite, with strips of limestone. Parian marble was prized in antiquity because of its brilliance and semi translucent quality. Prominent sculptors gave form and was the main source of wealth for the island in all periods of history.
Today Paros is a popular holiday destination with considerable development and infrastructure. The island's capital, Paroikia, is located on the western coast. The second largest settlement, Naoussa, is a cosmopolitan fishing village and one of the prettiest fishing harbors in the Aegean. Other important settlements are Lefkes, Marmara, Prodromos, Kostos, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Dryos, Aggairia, and Alyki.
How to Arrive to Paros
Paros associated with regular intercourse with Piraeus, Rafina during summer months, Lavrion, the rest of the Cyclades, the islands of the eastern Aegean, Salonica and the island of Crete in conventional and high speed (Flying Cat etc.). It has air connection to Athens. The duration of the marine travel to Piraeus is 4.5 hours with both conventional and 2.5 to 3 hours with cruisers
