Paros & Naxos, greece
Attractions Guide
Introduction
Paros and Naxos are two neighboring islands located in the middle of the Aegean Sea, in between Mykonos and Santorini Islands. The main towns of both Paros and Naxos are named after their islands (Paros and Naxos, or Paros Town and Naxos Town).
Paros Town
The main city and ferry terminal on Paros Island is the town of Paros. In Paros you'll find the impressive ancient Byzantine Temple of Panaya of Ekantontapiliani (or Panagia Ekantontapiliani), with origins dating back to the 4th century. Next door you can visit the Paros Archaeological Museum to see ancient artifacts found on the island, showcasing the Paros's long history.
Among the island's best beaches is Kolympethres, a sandy beach with many strange rock formations and very clear waters, surrounded by striking scenery.
Naxos Town
The island of Naxos is located just a few miles/kilometers east of Paros. The island's main city and ferry terminal are located in Naxos Town on the island's west coast. It's a very short and easy ferry ride between Paros and Naxos.
One of the most unique attractions in Naxos is the Portara - Apollo Temple. The only part of this ancient Greek temple still standing is an impressive stone portal looking out to sea. The portal sits atop a small peninsula jutting out into the ocean from town and offers great views looking back at beautiful Naxos.
In town you can wander the labyrinth-like narrow pathways and passages around the Castle of Naxos, where you'll find many small stores and restaurants, as well as lovely white churches. The castle sits atop a hill in the center of town and is surrounded by many charming white buildings and castle walls.
Also within the castle complex you'll find the Archaeological Museum of Naxos housing many of the island's ancient treasures.
Naxos Island Beaches
Some great sandy beaches near town with clear waters include Agios Prokopis and Plaka Beach. Both beaches offer striking vibrant blue waters and are located just south of Naxos.
Temple of Demeter (Car or Motorbike Only)
If you venture inland from Naxos you can visit the 2,500 year old ruins of the Temple of Demeter, which is surprisingly well-preserved and features a small museum of artifacts.
Mount Zas & Cave of Zeus (Car or Motorbike Only)
An amazing adventure on the island of Naxos is the hike to the top of Mount Zas (or Mount Zeus), which is the mythical birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. The peak is approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 m) above sea level and is the highest mountain in the Cyclades Islands (which includes Mykonos and Santorini).
From the top of Mount Zas you're rewarded with panoramic breathtaking views over many different islands. The exact mythical birthplace of Zeus is located just below the peak in the Cave of Zeus, a decently large cave that is safe to explore on your own.
Hiking Instructions
There are two different starting points for the hike, either the 5 mile (8 km) round-trip route starting from the Church of Agia Marina, or the shorter but steeper and more difficult 3.7 mile (6 km) round-trip hike starting from the Aria Spring. The Aria Spring hike passes by the Cave of Zeus, on the way to the peak.
If you choose the route from the Church of Agia Marina, you'll need to add an extra 1.4 miles (2.3 km) round-trip to your route in order to see the Cave of Zeus, which you can hike down to from the peak of Mount Zas.
Google Maps Attraction Lists
Save Paros & Naxos Attraction Lists to your Google Maps Account:
1. Click Link above while logged into Google account on your device.2. Click Follow, and the attraction pins will be saved in your Google Maps.
