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Parikia: The gleaming white town is the island's commercial centre and is constantly bustling with life and tourists. The charming lanes are full of restaurants and chic bars that mostly attract foreign tourists, as opposed to Naousa, which is a favourite with domestic tourists.

Castle Hill: Overlooking the port of Parikia is the impressive Castle Hill and the remains of the Frankish castle, the fort that Venetian Governor of Naxos Marco Sanudo built in the 13th century to protect the town from pirates. Climb the steps and admire the breathtaking view as well as the peculiar wall built from pieces of ancient columns and parts of other buildings.

Panagia Ekatontapyliani: Just a short distance from the port of Parikia is the oldest Byzantine church in the Aegean, founded by Saint Helen 17 centuries ago. It is one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece, a cruciform basilica with a dome that has suffered much damage throughout its long history. It is noteworthy that the sculptures decorating the interior of the church originated from the ancient temple of Demeter that was in Parikia, while the baptismal font in the south side of the church is the oldest in the Orthodox Church. The Ekatontapyliani church, meaning "church of 100 doors", also houses the Byzantine Museum in Parikia with an exquisite collection of rare icons and other ecclesiastical artefacts.

Naoussa: One of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades is located 10 km north-east of Parikia. Naoussa is famous for its charming harbour, lined by dozens of cafés and bars, as well as for its maze of back streets. It is worth visiting the half-sunken Venetian castle dating back to the 15th century that protects the Naoussa harbour to the north. It was built by the Sommaripa dynasty and is a unique fortification work.

Folklore Art Museum of Cycladic Civilisation: It houses the incredible miniatures of ships and characteristic Cycladic buildings made by Benetos Skiadas. See Our Lady of Tinos Church, the Monastery of Hozoviotissa in Amorgos, the windmills of Mykonos, the cave of Antiparos and the Santorini caldera - all in miniature.
Address:  Alyki, (next to the airport), Tel.: +30 22840 91129

Ancient Cemetery: A site of particular historic interest. A significant find is the mass grave (burial ground) of the Geometric period, the only one in the Aegean dating back to the end of the Geometric period in the 8th century BC. The site currently serves as an archaeological park, and includes an exhibition hall where one can view many more findings.

Settlements: Lefkes, the largest mountain village in Paros, is ideal for an afternoon stroll through the picturesque lanes and main Byzantine road that ends at the local café. Enjoy its shady square, the school building, the Paros Folk Art Museum at the Lefkes Village Hotel and of course the panoramic view that draws the eye toward the neighbouring island of Naxos. Drios, a minute fishing village, does not resemble the rest of lively Paros at all. It has a small quiet beach, charming fish restaurants and quite a few rooms with a view of the sea. Don't forget to venture to Prodromos, the inland village best distinguished by the white domed gateway that serves as the entrance to the settlement.

Antiparos: This Lilliputian gem of the Aegean is just half an hour away from Paros. You can cross over on a small boat from Parikia or a ferry from Pounta for a swim in its crystal-clear waters, or to admire the tiny but fascinating cave with the oldest stalagmite in Europe dated as 45 million years old. It is worth going for a swim at the small beach of Agios Georgios, opposite the uninhabited island of Despotiko.
Information: Paros Port Authority, Tel.: +30 22840-21240

Valley of Butterflies: Would you ever expect to find yourself in the middle of a thick forest on a Cycladic island? Well, you just might. The Valley of Butterflies, in Psychopiana south-west of Parikia, is a green oasis with thousands of butterflies in an orgy of vegetation, stone-paved paths and rest areas. Don't miss it!

Quarries: Near the road that connects Parikia and Lefkes, at Marathi, you come across the island's ancient quarries. This is where the famous Parian marble was quarried, serving as a profitable resource throughout the island's history. A unique stone with a dazzling whiteness and clarity, it was turned into immortal works of art in the hands of great sculptors. Venus de Milo, Hermes of Praxiteles, the Acropolis Kores, Nike of Delos, the temple of Apollo, the temple of Zeus in Olympia and many others were created out of this material. Nowadays, you can wander round freely through the corridors and galleries to view the inscriptions of the ancient artists and the ruins of walls and other structures.

Beaches: Paros is a favourite among wind and kite surfers and is the site of the world championship. Good beaches for windsurfing and kite surfing are Santa Maria, Chrysi Akti and Pounta. Other well-known beaches on the island include Kolymbithres, with the distinct rock formations creating small coves, and Monastiri, with the shallow waters and lovely beach bar. At Santa Maria, you will find golden sand, crystal waters and a beach bar with eclectic music. Pounta is frequented by the younger set. Those who prefer a quieter spot go to Langeri, with the pristine sand dunes and salt cedars. Voutakos offers a view of Antiparos and has been a gathering place for nudists for years. South of Parikia is Agia Irini, a beach protected by palm trees that give it an exotic air. Other options for swimming include Farangas, Kalogiros and Parasporos.

You will find dozens of tasteful shops for clothing, jewellery and accessories in Naoussa and Parikia. There are also plenty of shops with folk art, housewares, embroideries and artwork. The Agricultural Products Cooperative in Parikia offers spoon sweets made from watermelon, figs or carrots. You can also buy thyme honey and the local sweet Malvasia wine.

Paros is a gourmand's paradise. Try the octopus pilaf, sweet cheese pies with unsalted mizithra, sugar and cinnamon, and rabbit stew (the meat is marinated for 12 hours). Don't miss out on "gouna" (sun-dried fish), a spicy appetiser that pairs well with wine or ouzo, grilled octopus, green beans, tomato patties, chickpea patties and chickpea soup. Lively hangouts, cozy meze cafés and restaurants offering a variety of dishes and fresh fish can be found in Parikia, Naoussa and other seaside settlements. If you prefer a juicy cut of meat or spit roasts, head for the mountain village of Lefkes. For entertainment, just follow the lively crowds in the Naoussa harbour, where you will find most establishments packed with patrons spilling out onto the streets, while Parikia offers other enjoyable options for a night out.

• Environmental and Cultural Park: a festival with a variety of musical and theatre performances takes place every summer in Agios Giannis Detis near Naoussa.
• Easter: If you happen to be in Paros at Easter, visit the village of Marpissa on Good Friday, where the Passion of Christ is re-enacted by the local residents.
• Saint's day celebrations: The Parians are known throughout the Aegean for their lively feast days and light-hearted music. You are always welcome to attend one of the island's more important feast days during summer: on 6 August in Marpissa, on 15 August in Parikia, and on 29 August, the celebration of Agios Ioannis in Drios and Lefkes.

Transport from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands at Paros Airport located 9 km south-west of Parikia, near the village of Alyki. You can get around by regional bus (KTEL) or by taxi. The journey to Parikia takes about 10 minutes and about 25 minutes to Naoussa.