Paros, the fourth largest island of the Cyclades is well-known as the beauty queen of the Aegean. The hills of Agii Pantes gently span downwards to lonely pebble-covered and wide sandy bays.
Instead of the usual barren landscapes of the Cyclades, the first impression of Paros is that of a mediterranean-green island. A well developed network of bus routes entirely encompasses Paros and its 120 km of coastline. Depending on the season, the main locations get approached up to 25 times a day: From the little seaport Naoussa, where half of the tourists' scene takes place, to the bathing resorts of Drios, or Pounta - the ferry port to the neighboring island of Antiparos, and Aliki - where one will come across the local airport and its tiny arriving hall.
In the South and East of Paros the idyll even raises: Acres of wheat and barley, beds of melons, orange- and lemon trees, olive groves, figs and almonds. There is even enough water to plant tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers and, of course, vines. Out of the red Mantilaria and white Monemvasitika grapes, about a thousand local farmers produce near 2.5 million liters of wine every year.
The Wind- and Kite surf hangouts are awesome as well: More than four Beaufort turn the 700m spanning Golden Beach on the east coast every year into a pro-ground and the host for the windsurf world cup. Situated behind, one can catch a glimpse of a white hill right under the mountain of Kefalos: Marpissa, said to be the most beautiful village in Greece. 2km along, the byzantine trail spans upward to the flowery mountain village of Lefkes. Dozens of writers, painters, sculptors, musicians and poets turn Paros into the cultural hub of the Cyclades. Instead of exhilarated appearance, an authentic flair predominates the scene.
In the capital of Paros, Parikia, the other half of the tourists' setting takes place. People stroll through the white alleys, settle back below the Kastro or rest at one of the tavernas opposite of the gorgeous church of Ekatontapyliani, the oldest church of Greece which has been steadily in service. Around midnight everyone once more grazes the mile long water front with tavernas, clubs and countless bars at grasp. Everything wide open, just like the people of this island.
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