"PAROS - PIRATES, MARBLE AND VENETIANS" Paros by mtncorg

Paros Travel Guide: 165 reviews and 367 photos

Eastern Parian country from marble road by Lefkes

One of the larger islands in the Cyclades, Paros is an agricultural island that is most famous in history for the marble mined from its old quarries. Parian marble was used for many of the structures on Delos, Venus de Milo and Napoleon's Tomb. After the Crusader sack of Constantinople, most of the Cyclades were divided into fuedal Venetian fiefdoms which eventually fell under the rule of Marco Sanudo, the Duke of Naxos. Innumerable pirate raids led to the interior town of Lefkes being made as the medieval capital.

Most people come to Paros for the beaches, but the island boasts several charming villages, a famous Byzantine cathedral and a summertime butterfly-filled valley - Petaloudes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beaches, quaint villages, history at your fingertips
Cons:Not too far off the beaten path in the Cyclades
In a nutshell:Where Napoleon and Venus de Milo come together

Intro Written Dec 20, 2003
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Reviews (7)

The Sea Crown leads the MS Nicholas into Paroika - Paros

BOATS TO AND FRO Transportation (1)

Paros is a main destination for Cycladic ferries. There is a direct connection to Pireaus. Paroika is the main harbor.... more travel advice

Down the kalderimi; Naxos across the water - Paros

BYZANTINE WALKABOUT Things to Do (6)

The kalderimi is lined with old marble and takes you down through the rural countryside of eastern Paros for 3-4 km.... more travel advice

Byzantine marble road starting out from Lefkes - Paros

KALDERIMI Things to Do (6)

We took the bus from Paroika to Lefkes, in order to first see Lefkes and then to walk an old Byzantine road down to... more travel advice

CATHOLIC CHURCH AT LEFKES Things to Do (6)

Medieval times in the Cyclades meant feudalism Venetian-style. After Byzantine feudal authority collapsed wtih the... more travel advice

Comments (7)

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Fam.Rauca Nov 23, 2005 at 6:56 AM

Simply, wonderfully!!! A great page. Fam. Rauca
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Paul2001 Aug 18, 2005 at 4:58 PM

Looks like a splendid place to relax for a few days.
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mazzap Jul 30, 2005 at 11:26 AM

Beautiful piccies - I am a great fan of the Greek islands, so will keep this one in mind for a future visit ;-) Marion.
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magor65 Jul 27, 2005 at 10:45 AM

I'm thinking of going to Paros in late October. From your page I can see there are plenty of things to do apart from lying on the beach.
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windsorgirl Dec 26, 2004 at 8:22 AM

I visited Paros back in 98, your photos have brought back fond memories...love looking at warm destinations while there is snow out my window! All the best for 2005!
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gosiaPL Jan 3, 2004 at 3:03 PM

Charming scenery, I love the whitewashed houses. And to think that Napoleon enjoys only the Parian marble! ;-)
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pepples46 Dec 20, 2003 at 11:47 PM

wonderful page