Hotel Paros Philoxenia - The Windsurfers' Paradise



	Port of Naoussa

Paros, the fourth biggest Cyclades island, covers an area of 184 square kilometres. Paros has one major town, Parikia, where the ferry port is situated, and a number of medium sized and smaller villages like Naoussa, Lefkes, Kostos, Archilochus, Marpissa and Angeria.

Local wines are renowned for their bouquet and quality, Parian wine being one of the most famous. The dry red Paros wine embodies high quality, and the red, rose and white wines from the Union of Agriculture Associations are well known for their value for money. The range of wines from Cavarnis is well appreciated by both the local population and tourists, for their excellent quality.

Paros is also famous for its olive oil, vinegar, barley, marble and has one of the biggest fishing centers in the Aegean sea.



	Sun rising at New Golden Beach



	Sunset in Parikia

SIGHTSEEING IN PAROS:

EKATONTAPILIANI : The church of "Ekatontapiliani" or "Katapoliani", located in Parikia, is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Greece, associated with numerous legends and myths. It is dedicated to the Virgin Maria and on the 15th of August of each year a famous celebration takes place, incorporating a spectacular fireworks display.

MONASTERIES : The island of Paros is full of small churches and monasteries. Longobarda Monastery built in 1638, also known as Zoodochos Pigi, located outside Parikia, is one of the most important. The road to the monastery is lined with ancient, Roman and Christian remains, such as the Early Christian basilica (6th century) of the Three Churches, the church of Ayia Theoktistis, the Taxiarchon Monastery (16th century), the church of St. Philip and the castle of Arapis.

MUSEUMS : The Byzantine museum of "Ekatontapiliani", in Parikia, can be found next to the church. The museum houses some marvelous icons, church relics, woodcarvings and other ecclesiastical objects from the Byzantine period.

The Archaeological Museum in Parikia, contains numerous artifacts, from Paros and Antiparos, dating back more than 6,000 years.

The Byzantine museum in Naoussa has on display: late Byzantine icons, works by Parian and Cretan icon painters of the 12th & 13th century, wood carvings, church vessels and engravings, Frankish and Roman sculptures. The museum is located in the church of St. Nicholas.

The Museum of Aegean Folk Art in Lefkes Village.

The Ancient Marble Quarries: The ancient quarries, where Parian marble was extracted, can be reached from the main road between Parikia and Lefkes. There are pieces of pure white marble scattered everywhere, leftovers from ancient times, while tunnels, caves and inscriptions made by the ancient miners may also be seen.

BUTTERFLY VALLEY: is situated 20 km from New Golden Beach. Vast numbers of butterflies take to the air, at certain times of the year, whenever one touches a plant or a bush.

The cave of Antiparos : The famous cave of Antiparos, also known as "The Shelter", is situated on the hill of Ai Yannisto on the southeast side of Antiparos island.




Hotel Paros Philoxenia, New Golden Beach, GR-84400 Paros Tel: +30 22840 41778 & 41878, Fax: +30 22840 41978 Email: philoxenia@ath.forthnet.gr


	Last Update: February 2004