Paros rests nonchalantly in the shadows of the limelight. Long tagged as primarily a ferry hub, its stylish capital, fashionable resort towns and sweet rural villages are all the more charming for their relative lack of crowds and tourist kudos. For holidaymakers looking for Mykonos without the hype and price tag, this might be the spot. But word is spreading. There’s plenty to do, with good walks, plus excellent windsurfing, kite-surfing and diving.
Geologically speaking, Paros has long been a Greek star; white marble drawn from the island’s interior made the island prosperous from the Early Cycladic period onwards. Most famously, the Venus de Milo was carved from Parian marble, as was Napoleon’s tomb.
The smaller island of Antiparos, 1km southwest of Paros, is easily reached by car ferry or excursion boat. To Paros’ east is Naxos, separated by an 8km channel.
