Paros
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Paros
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Background
The island of Paros (Πάρος) has been famous since antiquity for its excellent translucent marble, called Lychnites. This marble was used for the Temple of Solomon, the Venus de Milo, the temples on Delos, and for Napoleon's tomb. It is an oval shaped island with an area of 195 km2 and 10,000 inhabitants. It has two peaks: Profitis Elias 771 m (2530 ft) and Karamboli 747 m (2451 ft). Its main town and port, Parikia, is on the W side of the island.
Paros was first inhabited by Cretans and then by Arcadians under their leader Paros, after whom the island was named. The 7th century BC soldier-poet Archilochos who is believed to be the first to write iambic poetry was from Paros. During the Persian Wars, Paros sided with the Persians. When Athens emerged victorious from those wars, they dispatched Miltiades, the victorious general from the battle of Marathon, to punish the Parians. They resisted successfully. During the Peloponnesian War, Paros was forced by the Athenians to join them in the Delian League. In the 3rd century BC, the island was conquered by the Macedonians who were followed by the Romans. The famous Hellenistic sculptor, Skopas was from Paros. In 1207 AD Paros became part of the Dukedom of Naxos, established by the Venetian Marco Sanudo. In 1389 the then-Duke of Naxos gave Paros to his daughter as part of her dowry. In 1536 the island was captured by Barbarossa and eventually became part of the Ottoman Empire, but was mostly under the control of pirates. In 1670 it became the base of operations of the famous pirate Hugues Chevaliers who inspired Byron's Corsair. In 1770 the Russian fleet spent the winter in Paros. During the 1821 war of Greek Independence, Manto Mavrogenous, whose parents were from Paros and Mykonos, led all of her ships against the Ottomans. Paros became part of the Modern Greek state in 1830. Today the island is invaded every summer by tens of thousands of tourists, yet it still manages to remain one of the most pleasant Cycladic islands.
Charts
BA 1662 Nisos Milos to Nisos Paros
Imray-Tetra G33 Southern Cyclades
NIMA 54332 Nisoi Paros & Naxos
Greek 423 Paros to Astypalia
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12; Tel. +30 22840 21 240 (Parikia), +30 22840 51 250 (Naousa)
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 03 & 04
The two main ports of Paros have tricky approaches:
Danger: Be aware of the many low-lying rocks and reefs during your approach either Parikia or Naoussa. In October 2002 a Greek ferry ran aground approaching Parikia with the loss of 78 people.
Check-in facilities
See each Port/Stop
Ports and Popular Stops
Parikia
Parikia (Παροικία) [37° 05' N 25° 09' E] is the main commercial harbor of the island. It is a fairly busy and noisy harbor but it is an excellent shelter form the meltemi and from the south winds.
Moor stern-to in the small "marina" paying particular attention to the bowlders near the quay. The bottom is sand and weed—good holding.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
See Ports/Stops
Anchorages
Naoussa Bay
Naoussa
Naoussa (Νάουσσα) [37° 07' N 25° 14.5' E] is a small harbor, very crowded, with room for only eight yachts. Moor stern-to on the outside of the quay. With strong meltemi you are exposed to considerable swell.
In good weather you can anchor off and visit the town.
Ayios Ioannis
This is an excellent all weather anchorage. Anchor either to the S of the beach at 5-6 m or to W at 8-12 m. Sand with some weed bottom, good holding. Very quiet and pleasant. Some bathers during the day but secluded in the evening. Plenty of room for many yachts. About 1 M dinghy ride to Naoussa but with a meltemi the ride can be very wet.
Near the church a new "disco" operates emitting very loud "music." It is best to stay some distance away.
Plastira
Same as Ayios Ioannis but somewhat more exposed and less secluded.
Langeri
This is also a good anchorage but not as pleasant as Ayios Ioannis because of the nearby power plant.
Marpissa
Possible anchorage off the picturesque village with good shelter from the meltemi.
Kefalos
Somewhat exposed to meltemi.
Offshore Islands
List Islands
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
See each Port/Stop
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- hParos (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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