Panagia Ekatontapyliani

Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Our Lady of a Hundred Doors) is a spectacular 4th century Byzantine Church in the port town of Parikia. It is considered one of the most important sacred sights in Greece as the oldest remaining Byzantine. The legend says that 99 doors have been found in the Church and the 100th will be discovered only when Constantinople is Greek again. The icon of Panagia in the church is considered miraculous.

The natural, unspoiled rock formations that are a great sample of Cycladic beauty are one. The walking paths that introduce you to the beautiful nature on the island all year round are another. If you visit during the summer you should definitely have a swim at the gorgeous beach of Monastiri (AiYannis), or watch a film for free under the stars at the open movie theater Cine Enastron. During the yearly festival of the Park (June-October) a number of jazz, classical music and traditional Greek concerts and fascinating cultural events also take place. The Cycladic monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis and the Museum of the Park with the permanent historic exhibition ‘The Island of Paros through the Russian cartography 1770-1774’ are also well worth a visit.

The port town of Parikia is a charming, traditional settlement with beautiful cobblestone alleys, white washed houses and countless attractive little shops and cafés. The boutiques in Parikia offer great shopping opportunities with famous brands and popular clothes and accessories collections. The traditional shops that sell local art, Greek style jewellery by talented artists, and various imaginative souvenirs are also worth exploring.

To the east of the picturesque settlement of Marathi and 5 km southeast of Parikia, there are the ancient underground marbles of Paros. The mining of marble began from the Early Cycladic era (3200 BC – 2000 BC). From here was the famous Parian marble, the main source of wealth for Paros in all periods of history, used in architecture and mainly in slavery of classical times. The “pary bridge”, as it was known in the Parian marbles during antiquity, has been an important source of growth for the island since the 7th century BC. which began its systematic extraction and exploitation.

The island of Delos near Mykonos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. The excavations in the island are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean many of the artifacts found are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Delos and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Delos had a position as a holy sanctuary for a millennium before Olympian Greek mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

As the name suggests, Little Venice Quarter is a section of Mykonos where the barrier between the buildings and the sea is nonexistent. Waves lap the sides of the charming houses, cafes and restaurants that sit elegantly perched on the water’s edge. Built during the 16th and 17th Centuries by wealthy sea merchants, Little Venice Quarter is situated on the western edge of Chora near Alevkantra beach. The romantic atmosphere and ethereal beauty of Little Venice Quarter make it a favorite hangout for artists who have recreated the scene in countless paintings.

Kato Mili, or the “lower windmills” in Greek, is a row of historic windmills that stand facing the sea in the town of Chora. A defining feature of the Mykonos landscape, the wood-and-straw capped windmills were first constructed in the 16th Century by the Venetians. Today, the preserved windmills are iconic relics that have been converted to museums and are among the most popular attractions in Mykonos. There are currently 16 windmills on Mykonos of which 7 are situated on the famous landmark hill in Chora. Visit the windmills to see how the Venetians harnessed the power of the wind, and enjoy a panoramic view of the town and ocean.

Historic religious sites on Mykonos can also be found along the coastline, and Panagia Paraportiani is one of them. Located at the entrance to the Kastro neighborhood of Chora, the whitewashed walls of this seaside church form a unique shape due to the building’s unusual construction. Five small churches that were built on top of each other beginning in the 14th Century became the Panagia Paraportiani that can be seen today. The asymmetrical shape and rare combination of architectural styles combined with the ocean view have helped to make Panagia Paraportiani one of the most photographed sites in the world.

You have not really seen Paros if you haven’t walked the white-washed cobblestone alleys of the Old Town in Naoussa which lead to its picturesque port. A trademark of Paros’ identity and local architecture, these little, narrow maze-like passages may be peaceful and quiet during the hot summer mornings, but as soon as the night comes they team with people and life. Take the opportunity to sit in one of the numerous bars and restaurants that place their tables outside to enjoy the island vibe and indulge into some people-watching.

Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Our Lady of a Hundred Doors) is a spectacular 4th century Byzantine Church in the port town of Parikia. It is considered one of the most important sacred sights in Greece as the oldest remaining Byzantine. The legend says that 99 doors have been found in the Church and the 100th will be discovered only when Constantinople is Greek again. The icon of Panagia in the church is considered miraculous.

Lefkes is a picturesque mountain village in Paros that is famous for its traditional character. Lefkes had been the first capital of Paros which was built by immigrants from Crete and locals who were looking for protection against pirate attacks. It is built in an amphitheatre shape with many beautiful, neoclassic buildings, quirky little passages and charming ‘hidden’ cafés where you can enjoy the architecture. Lefkes is also known for its tavernas, such as taverna Klarinos, that specialise in delicious grilled meats.

The natural, unspoiled rock formations that are a great sample of Cycladic beauty are one. The walking paths that introduce you to the beautiful nature on the island all year round are another. If you visit during the summer you should definitely have a swim at the gorgeous beach of Monastiri (AiYannis), or watch a film for free under the stars at the open movie theater Cine Enastron. During the yearly festival of the Park (June-October) a number of jazz, classical music and traditional Greek concerts and fascinating cultural events also take place. The Cycladic monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis and the Museum of the Park with the permanent historic exhibition ‘The Island of Paros through the Russian cartography 1770-1774’ are also well worth a visit.

The port town of Parikia is a charming, traditional settlement with beautiful cobblestone alleys, white washed houses and countless attractive little shops and cafés. The boutiques in Parikia offer great shopping opportunities with famous brands and popular clothes and accessories collections. The traditional shops that sell local art, Greek style jewellery by talented artists, and various imaginative souvenirs are also worth exploring.

To the east of the picturesque settlement of Marathi and 5 km southeast of Parikia, there are the ancient underground marbles of Paros. The mining of marble began from the Early Cycladic era (3200 BC – 2000 BC). From here was the famous Parian marble, the main source of wealth for Paros in all periods of history, used in architecture and mainly in slavery of classical times. The “pary bridge”, as it was known in the Parian marbles during antiquity, has been an important source of growth for the island since the 7th century BC. which began its systematic extraction and exploitation.

The island of Delos near Mykonos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. The excavations in the island are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean many of the artifacts found are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Delos and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Delos had a position as a holy sanctuary for a millennium before Olympian Greek mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

As the name suggests, Little Venice Quarter is a section of Mykonos where the barrier between the buildings and the sea is nonexistent. Waves lap the sides of the charming houses, cafes and restaurants that sit elegantly perched on the water’s edge. Built during the 16th and 17th Centuries by wealthy sea merchants, Little Venice Quarter is situated on the western edge of Chora near Alevkantra beach. The romantic atmosphere and ethereal beauty of Little Venice Quarter make it a favorite hangout for artists who have recreated the scene in countless paintings.

Kato Mili, or the “lower windmills” in Greek, is a row of historic windmills that stand facing the sea in the town of Chora. A defining feature of the Mykonos landscape, the wood-and-straw capped windmills were first constructed in the 16th Century by the Venetians. Today, the preserved windmills are iconic relics that have been converted to museums and are among the most popular attractions in Mykonos. There are currently 16 windmills on Mykonos of which 7 are situated on the famous landmark hill in Chora. Visit the windmills to see how the Venetians harnessed the power of the wind, and enjoy a panoramic view of the town and ocean.

Historic religious sites on Mykonos can also be found along the coastline, and Panagia Paraportiani is one of them. Located at the entrance to the Kastro neighborhood of Chora, the whitewashed walls of this seaside church form a unique shape due to the building’s unusual construction. Five small churches that were built on top of each other beginning in the 14th Century became the Panagia Paraportiani that can be seen today. The asymmetrical shape and rare combination of architectural styles combined with the ocean view have helped to make Panagia Paraportiani one of the most photographed sites in the world.

You have not really seen Paros if you haven’t walked the white-washed cobblestone alleys of the Old Town in Naoussa which lead to its picturesque port. A trademark of Paros’ identity and local architecture, these little, narrow maze-like passages may be peaceful and quiet during the hot summer mornings, but as soon as the night comes they team with people and life. Take the opportunity to sit in one of the numerous bars and restaurants that place their tables outside to enjoy the island vibe and indulge into some people-watching.

Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Our Lady of a Hundred Doors) is a spectacular 4th century Byzantine Church in the port town of Parikia. It is considered one of the most important sacred sights in Greece as the oldest remaining Byzantine. The legend says that 99 doors have been found in the Church and the 100th will be discovered only when Constantinople is Greek again. The icon of Panagia in the church is considered miraculous.

Lefkes is a picturesque mountain village in Paros that is famous for its traditional character. Lefkes had been the first capital of Paros which was built by immigrants from Crete and locals who were looking for protection against pirate attacks. It is built in an amphitheatre shape with many beautiful, neoclassic buildings, quirky little passages and charming ‘hidden’ cafés where you can enjoy the architecture. Lefkes is also known for its tavernas, such as taverna Klarinos, that specialise in delicious grilled meats.

The natural, unspoiled rock formations that are a great sample of Cycladic beauty are one. The walking paths that introduce you to the beautiful nature on the island all year round are another. If you visit during the summer you should definitely have a swim at the gorgeous beach of Monastiri (AiYannis), or watch a film for free under the stars at the open movie theater Cine Enastron. During the yearly festival of the Park (June-October) a number of jazz, classical music and traditional Greek concerts and fascinating cultural events also take place. The Cycladic monastery of Ai Yiannis Detis and the Museum of the Park with the permanent historic exhibition ‘The Island of Paros through the Russian cartography 1770-1774’ are also well worth a visit.

The port town of Parikia is a charming, traditional settlement with beautiful cobblestone alleys, white washed houses and countless attractive little shops and cafés. The boutiques in Parikia offer great shopping opportunities with famous brands and popular clothes and accessories collections. The traditional shops that sell local art, Greek style jewellery by talented artists, and various imaginative souvenirs are also worth exploring.

To the east of the picturesque settlement of Marathi and 5 km southeast of Parikia, there are the ancient underground marbles of Paros. The mining of marble began from the Early Cycladic era (3200 BC – 2000 BC). From here was the famous Parian marble, the main source of wealth for Paros in all periods of history, used in architecture and mainly in slavery of classical times. The “pary bridge”, as it was known in the Parian marbles during antiquity, has been an important source of growth for the island since the 7th century BC. which began its systematic extraction and exploitation.