Page 97 - EMPIRIA 2025

JOYFUL EXPLORATION I PAROS

PAROS FESTIVE CALENDAR

June 23 – Festival of Klidonas
Celebrated with traditional rituals and bonfires in Aliki,
Naoussa, and Prodromos. Locals burn their May Day wreaths
AN ISLAND OF ENDLESS SHORELINES Its irregular shoreline offers pockets of privacy and reverie. in the fire, followed by music, dancing, meze, and wine. Young
Paros boasts over 55 kilometers of coastline, and within that Mikri Santa Maria, by contrast, is small and idyllic—preferred people jump over the flames to ward off evil spirits, according
stretch lies a beach for every temperament. Kolymbithres, near by locals for its calm waters and easy charm. to custom.
Naoussa, stuns with surreal granite formations, smoothed Other beaches—each distinct—complete the mosaic. Ambelas June 30 – Feast of Saints Anargyroi
by centuries of sea and wind into natural sculptures. and Farangas offer understated elegance. Piso Livadi, Celebrated on the eve of the saints’ day at the Monastery of
Shallow, clear waters make it a haven for swimmers and framed by trees and tavernas, is where lunch becomes a Agioi Anargyroi, near Parikia.
photographers alike. long conversation beside the sea. From Aliki to Dryos, from July 2 – Fish & Wine Festival
Golden Beach, a 700-meter stretch on the southeastern Lolantonis to Marcello, every shore is a chapter in Paros' A vibrant event in Naoussa featuring local seafood, Parian
coast, lives up to its name. Its sun-bleached sands and steady unwritten novel. wine, and live traditional music.
winds make it a world-class destination for windsurfing, July 8–18 – “Images in the Enchanting Cyclades” by Nikos
hosting the PWA World Cup at nearby New Golden Beach LEGACIES IN STONE AND STORY Sotiropoulos (St. Athanasios Art Hall, Naoussa, Paros)
since 1993. On the western side, Pounda Beach draws kite The soul of Paros runs deep beneath its hills. The Ancient A visual journey through the Cyclades, presented in the scenic
village of Naoussa.
surfers from around the globe, who dance with the wind in Marble Quarries in Marathi once provided the purest material
the strait between Paros and Antiparos. in the ancient world. Walk among the remnants of tunnels July 17 – Tsambouna Revival
A cultural celebration in Naoussa dedicated to the traditional
More tranquil havens await as well. Kalogeros, with its and chisels, and history comes alive in the echo of silence. island bagpipe, the "tsambouna."
pebbly edge and clay-rich cliffs, offers natural spa moments This is the birthplace of the finest Parian marble, once used
where bathers spread the healing earth across their skin. to sculpt gods. July 24 – Feast of Saint Anna
Held in Parikia with a traditional celebration honoring Saint
Monastiri Beach, set against dramatic rocks and near the Nearby, Paros Park offers another kind of monument. This Anna.
Ai Giannis Detis Monastery, provides comforts like sunbeds protected peninsula north of Naoussa is a sanctuary of
and snacks without sacrificing serenity. biodiversity and history. Trails wind through dramatic rock August 6–17 – Contemporary Art Exhibition (curated by Iris
Kritikou) (Municipal Art Space, Parikia)
For those seeking seclusion, Laggeri remains a hidden formations and lead to hidden coves and the 18th-century A curated showcase of contemporary visual art, featuring
sanctuary. No signs, no sunbeds—only soft sand and silence. Ai Giannis Detis Monastery. Cultural events light up its emerging and established voices, set in the cultural heart of
Parikia.
August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Panagia
INSIDER TIPS Are there any hidden gems on the Located just next to Molos Beach on the Ekatontapyliani)
To truly experience everything Paros island you personally suggest? eastern coast, it’s peaceful and beloved The island’s most important religious celebration, drawing
thousands of worshippers to the historic church in Parikia.
has to offer, feel free to speak with our Absolutely. One of my favorites is Moraitis by locals. Known for its natural clay-rich Includes a solemn procession, a parade, illuminated boats in
Concierge team about your interests and Winery, located near Agioi Anargyroi sand, visitors often use the clay for a the harbor, fireworks, and a night of music and dancing on the
seafront.
preferences. Whether you’re seeking Beach in Naoussa. This family-owned DIY spa treatment. It’s a beautiful and
seaside horseback riding at sunset, winery offers not only excellent local wines enriching beach experience. August 22–24 – “Elements Unshaped” (Marpissa Routes
romantic fishing excursions, high- but also a charming tasting experience What’s a great village for a road Festival)
A three-day experiential cultural festival in the traditional
adrenaline water sports, local brewery in a serene Cycladic garden—perfect trip, and what should guests do village of Marpissa, blending art, local heritage, and
tours, or immersive cultural walks, a for those looking to unwind and savor there? community storytelling.
variety of curated experiences await. the flavors of the island. Definitely take a drive to Lefkes. It’s one August 23 – Pirate Festival
And if you’d like to explore the island Where should guests go for shopping, of the most charming and traditional A lively reenactment in Naoussa commemorating the 1537
on your own terms, we’ll be happy to especially for local or handmade villages on the island, where time feels pirate raid by Barbarossa. Locals stage a theatrical sea battle
and festivities follow, with dancing and music.
arrange a rental car or a quad so you items? suspended. Stroll through its marble-
can discover Paros at your own pace. We recommend exploring Naoussa, the paved alleys, relax at a local kafeneio August 27 – Feast of Saint Fanourios
jewel of Paros, just moments away from with a Greek coffee and homemade Traditional village celebration in Ambelas with food, music,
and dancing.
ATHANASIA – COSME CONCIERGE Cosme. This picturesque harbor town is spoon sweets, and be sure to stop
When do locals usually dine, not only rich and soulful, but also home by Yria Interiors and Todd Marshard’s August 28 & 29 – Feast of Saint John Detis
and which restaurant would you to a curated selection of boutiques and ceramic studio for a deeper dive into Celebrated at the monastery in the Environmental & Cultural
Park and also in the mountain village of Lefkes, with traditional
recommend for both cuisine and artisan shops. Guests will find locally made Parian craftsmanship. festivities.
atmosphere? jewelry, handcrafted ceramics, woven Where can someone find the best
In Paros, locals typically enjoy dinner textiles, and contemporary pieces that panoramic views of the Aegean? September 9–19 – Visual Art Exhibition by Giorgos Vouros
(Naoussa, Paros)
later in the evening, around 9:00 to reflect the spirit of the Cyclades—perfect Head to the Frankish Castle in Parikia. An intimate exhibition of recent works by painter Giorgos
10:00 PM. For a truly authentic culinary for bringing a piece of the island home. Built in 1260 using marble from ancient From top left and clockwise: Vouros, hosted in the atmospheric setting of Naoussa.
experience, I highly recommend temples, this historic site offers one of Swimmers explore the surreal September 14 – Feast of the Holy Cross
granite rocks and turquoise
Tsachpinis. Located in the picturesque VASILIS – PARĪLIO CONCIERGE the most breathtaking views over the waters of Kolymbithres. Morning liturgy in Agkairia with local treats offered in the
harbor of Naoussa, it serves traditional Can you recommend a quiet beach, Aegean Sea. It’s the perfect blend of Cycladic simplicity in Parikia— churchyard. In the evening, Aliki’s harbor comes alive with
traditional dances and songs from across Greece.
Parian seafood mezze in a relaxed away from the crowds? history, architecture, and scenery— where blue doors meet sunlit
stone. Laid-back lunch in
yet vibrant setting. Kalogeros Beach is a fantastic option. especially at sunset. Naoussa. The twin bell tow- September 20 – Ifestia Festival
ers of Agia Triada rise above A modern cultural festival that celebrates Paros with music,
performances, and community events.
the hilltop village of Lefkes,
standing proud in shimmering
96 Parian marble. 97