Paros, Greece Luxury Cruises

A spectacular locale which sits within the turquoise expanse of the Aegean Sea, Paros rests upon its namesake, the second largest island of the Cyclades. Characterised by a plentiful range of beaches and charming villages, this port is surrounded by an unrivalled natural beauty which is just waiting to be explored.

The gently rolling hills surrounding the traditional villages rise smoothly to the summit of Mt Proftis Ilias, standing alongside marble quarries which once provided the materials for Napoleon's mausoleum and the Venus De Milo. With golden sands encircling the magnificent landscape, the island of Paros has endured in history as one of the most beautiful spots within the Greek Isles.

Sightseeing in Paros

Panagia Ekatontapyliani

Known as the Church of the 100 doors, this 4th century monument has survived earthquakes, world conflicts, and flooding to emerge as one of the finest sights in the Cyclades islands. Within a single building, there are three distinctive churches.

Agios Nikolaos has locally sourced marble to thank for its awe-inspiring pillars and sculptures of religious figures, while the Church of our Lady is a more demure affair, featuring an incomparable atmosphere of serenity and low-key decorations. Dating all the way back to 326 AD, the church complex has vaulted ceilings complete with archways of ancient stone to admire, as well an indomitable range of provincial artworks.

The Byzantine Museum of Paros

Mere steps away from the three iconic churches is the Byzantine Museum of Paros, a home to numerous relics documenting the religious history of the entire region. Artifacts which have taken decades to be fully restored now rest within the three exhibit rooms upon the ground floor, which offer a museum experience unlike any other.

You'll be surprised to learn that the brightly coloured brickwork adorning the galleries once contained prisoners - the relics are displayed within former holding cells at the centre of the church complex, giving this impeccable historical collection an authentic edge.

Tao's Center

From the centre of Naousa, you can easily walk to this retreat and meditation centre, which offers tranquillity and seclusion to anybody who would like to visit. Although your Greek island getaway is sure to be stress free already, the range of workshops and courses on offer at Tao's center are a great way to leave behind those latent stresses. Meditation, qi gong, yoga and dance classes combine with massage therapies to provide an idyllic peaceful getaway spot, even amidst the serenity of the Greek isles.

Shopping in Paros

The port of Paros features plenty of locally crafted souvenirs, yet a visit to Market Street in Parikia means a tour of the shopping hub of the entire island, with a wealth of jewellery, fine leather goods, and pottery to browse through.

Eating out in Paros

For the finest cuisine Paros has to offer, make a visit to Levantis at the heart of the Kastro area. The exquisite menu is perfectly complemented by a courtyard garden setting. Expect gourmet fare like aubergine puree, stifadho and fresh codfish.