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| Overlooking the bay of Parikia at sunset |
On top of the Kastro in Parikia |
Paros, the second 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. |
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| A look at Naoussa from the bay of Kolimbitres |
Bird's eye view of Pounta |
| 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. |
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| The amazing rock formations of Kolimbitres |
A beach at the east coast |
| 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. |
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| Parikia, the capital of Paros |
| 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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