Could it be that the magic of
Paros lies in its crystal subsoil?
Paros, the white marble Island
Paros, with its dramatic landscape and fertile plains,
embodies all that is associated with the Greek islands.
Composed mainly of marble, the island rises out of the
central Aegean to it's peak at 771 meters above sea level.
Excavated remains prove Paros to have been settled since Neolithic times but
the island reached it's political and cultural peak during the classic period
when it boasted a population of over 60,000. Today, the more modest populace
of 12,000 inhabit the famous Cycladic "sugar-cube" houses sprinkled liberally
over the hillsides and around the natural harbors formed by the island's coastline.
For thousands of years the island's economy was driven by the delicate, white
marble, famous for it's translucency and carved into many of the classic Greek
artifacts housed in museums around the world. Still a Mecca for artists, who
come for peace, inspiration and the light, the island stimulates creativity and
encourages reflection and contentment within even the most hardened cynic.
During recent decades, tourism has developed into the main source of income and
has bought with it a new generation of Parians who, proud of their island and
their culture, are balancing convenience and accessibility with tradition and
environmental conservation.
Between the miles of golden and sandy beaches are rugged cliffs and dramatic
rock formations, evidence of the island's volcanic birth. The seawater is crystal
clear and warm enough to tempt even the most unlikely bather.
The famed longevity of the island Greeks is attributed to their diet, consisting
mainly of fresh salads, fish, and locally grown meat and vegetables. Dressed
with olive oil and washed down with chilled Paros wine, the cycladic cuisine
is refreshing and delicious.
The fertile soil of the island's plains and valleys is still cultivated producing
olives and grapes for export plus a large variety of fruits and vegetables for
local consumption.
Antiparos, Paros's satellite island is towards the southwest side of Paros and
separated by a kilometer of shallow water. Once joined to Paros, Antiparos is
comparatively underdeveloped and is famous for it's large limestone grotto where
amongst the stalagmites and stalactites, the graffiti of centuries ago is still
evident.
Recent years have seen an improvement in the transport services between Paros
and the rest of Greece. The new ferries are modern, fast and frequent. There
are two to three flights every day from Athens airport in the new Dash aircraft
and an air-ambulance is available for medical emergencies. |
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| article compiled by
Bruce Hymers |
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