The third largest island of the Cyclades and a European tourist hotspot, surrounded by the islands of Sifnos, Syros, Naxos and Ios, halfway between Athens and the island of Santorini. Paros is a traditional Greek island offering crystal clear natural beauty and excellent beaches with water sport capabilities, and the Windsurfing World Cup taking place once a year in the Golden beach. The climate is typical Mediterranean, similar to the climate of other Cycladic islands with hot and humid summers followed by mild winters.
The beaches on the island cover every possibly need and taste, either be water sports, tanning or plain swimming. Popular destinations are Parasporos, The Golden Beach and Pounta beach which is one of the most crowded places you can encounter. Finally, one could also visit Naoussa, a beautiful fishing village in the North side of Paros which includes Kolymbythres beach and Agios Ioannis beach both of them reachable by foot walk.
Like every other Greek island various festivals take place on the island. Nine days after the Assumption of the Virgin, a big feast representing the attack of pirates in the village of Paros is organized and is accompanied by local food, wine and music. Other noteworthy feasts include the feast of Agia Marina on July 16 th , the feast of Panagia Faneromeni on September 8 th , and the feast of Panagia Ekatontapilliani on August 15 th .
