Just Perfect. Paros Greece

I’m island hopping again and back at the harbor waiting to board the Naxos Jet (a ferry) to Paros.

I have opted for Paros for two reasons; to give one travel companion a chance to bathe in the sea and to experience a less visited island. Approximately three hours later, we disembark in this tiny island and are immediately caught up in the island’s vibe.

We hire a car (Euro 70 for two days) and drive down the coast to the Surfing Beach Village on the Santa Maria Beach.

The resort styled accommodation is an abundance of bougainvillea, white-washed buildings, and bordered by the most amazing cerulean Aegean Sea.

Paros lies in the heart of the Aegean Sea and also belongs to the Greek Cyclades islands. Although smaller and possibly less popular than its more visited neighbors, Paros has its traditional architecture, cute villages, historical monuments, magical beaches, and of course the friendly locals and the delicious cuisine.

It’s a good thing we hired a car, which meant we get to explore this island.

Parikia, the main city of Paros is where the main habour is and apart from the little alleyways and curio shops, it has the famous and historic Byzantine Church, Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, which was built back in 4th century.

This church is known as the “Church with 100 Doors” and is one of the most important, preserved churches of Greece! There is a legend, which claims that 99 doors have been found in the Panagia Ekatondapiliani, but the 100th will be discovered only when Constantinople (Istanbul) will become Greek again probably because according to tradition, the church was established by Helena Augusta, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.

Up on a steep hill of Kefalos, on the east side of Paros, is the Monastery of Agios Antonios.

The steep climb was well worth the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding sea and Naxos island as well. This 7^th century monastery is built near the fishing harbor, as it is believed to be the protector of all the fishing boats. It is only a tourist site now but well worth the visit.

Naoussa is the a beautiful picturesque fishing village located in a huge bay in the northern part of Paros, ten kilometers east from the capital, Parikia. It is pretty close to Santa Maria and we spend many hours just enjoying the traditional charm and character of this pretty village. Like Mykonos, the narrow labyrinth-like narrow stone paved alley ways are enchanting to explore.