Sights & Attractions
Find out everything about your holidays in Paros Greece. Discover the best things to do, beautiful sights, historical monuments, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!
Paros Panagia Ekatontapiliani church
The church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is located a few meters from the port of Parikia, the island’s capital. It is one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in Greece. According to the legend, the original church was either constructed by Saint Helene herself or Saint Constantine, the first Emperor of Constantinople, after the oblation of his mother.
Paros Venetian Castle
The Venetian Fort of Naoussa is located in the old port and it is the most characteristic spot of the lovely settlement. Initially constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians, the fortress was used as a watchtower for pirate and enemy attacks and as a front line in times of war. Its location was very convenient for surveilling the Aegean Sea and, due to its architecture, it was very difficult for enemy ships to approach the port where commercial ships used to moor.
Paros Archaeological Museum
The museum was constructed in 1960 to host the exhibits that were stored in the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani until that time. At first, only one room was built to house the museum, a few years later a second room was added, and further extension work was done in 1995.
Paros Byzantine Museum
The Ekatontapiliani Byzantine Museum is located in Parikia, the island’s capital. The Museum is housed in the Ekatontapiliani Church, which was initially built as a small shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 4th century AD by Saint Helen. It was later rebuilt after the damaging earthquake in 1773.
Paros Asklepios Sanctuary
An Asklepion is a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. The cult of Asclepius started around 300 BC and became increasingly popular in ancient Greece. The diseased and injured gathered in large numbers at the temples, seeking a cure for various illnesses. According to tradition, the devotees would sleep within the precincts of the temple and it is believed that they had visions or dreams, which they reported to the head priest the following day.
Paros Butterflies Valley
The beautiful valley is located 5 km south of Parikia, near the Monastery of Jesus of Woods. This valley is popularly referred to as Petaloudes, which is the Greek word for “butterflies”. Every year, during the summer months, the valley becomes verdant and the Jersey Tiger Moths wrap the entire valley, creating a truly breathtaking natural phenomenon. The beautiful trees of the valley give out a sweet fragrance that in turn draws the butterflies like a magnet. This valley is, in fact, a very important biotope for these moths, which can only be found on Paros and Rhodes in Greece, while in the rest of the world, you can admire them in a couple of places in Turkey and Britain.
Kimisis Theotokou Church
That is the main church of the picturesque village and can be seen from the port. It is the third biggest church on the island and quite an unusual sight since it does not look like an ordinary, white-and-blue Cycladic church. Its green domes, reddish details and yellow and orange doors add a little unexpected color to the landscape. The basilica was built on the highest spot of the village, on top of the ruins of an older church that was destroyed in the 19th century. The temple is decorated with two twin bell towers. The church’s location ensures an amazing view of the beautiful bay.
Paros Church of Agia Triada
Located in the mountainous village of Lefkes, the Church of Agia Triada is a Byzantine temple of unique architectural importance. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the church is the second most imposing on the island and was initially established on the previous location of three smaller churches (Agia Anna, Analipsi and Agios Georgios).