Paros

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WorldMediterraneanAegean SeaGreeceCycladesParos
Paros
37°03.230'N, 025°11.455'E Chart icon.png
lat=37.05384 | lon=25.19091 | zoom=10 | y
Paros m.jpg
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Map of Paros

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.

Although 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

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Passages

Islands

Antiparos

Antiparos/wiki/Paros#Antiparos
Island icon Antiparos [[Paros#Antiparos|Antiparos]] 37°02.4′N, 25°05.3′E

Antiparos is a small island south of Paros, separated by a narrow and shallow channel. It is a fairly popular vacation spot with the fashionable Athenian set. The main attraction of the island is its significant cave (open 10:45-15:00) complete with spectacular stalactites.

Antiparos was know in the antiquity as Oliaros. Tradition has it that the cave was discovered in the 7th century BC by the poet-soldier Archilochos from Paros who carved his name on stalactite starting a long tradition of graffiti and defacing.

The small harbor provides some protection from the meltemi but it is quite shallow (2-3 m). To the S, on the Antiparos Channel there are also several places where anchoring is possible. Any of these places are good for visiting the cave.

Warning: The Antiparos Channel is very shallow, in anything but calm weather it is better to approach these anchorages from the south.
Chart of Antiparos Channe

Dhespotico Island

There are two coves on the SE of the island. They look as promising and attractive anchorages.

Chart of Despotico Bay

Dhespotico Bay

Dhespotico Bay/wiki/Paros#Dhespotico_Bay
Island icon Dhespotico Bay [[Paros#Dhespotico Bay|Dhespotico Bay]] (Δεσποτικό) 36°58.2′N, 25°01.4′E

This is the bay between the islands of Despotico and Antiparos. The bay was a port for pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries AD.

There is good shelter and holding in the bay and it is very attractive. Restaurant ashore.

A couple of coves on the S side look very promising.

Warning: With strong S winds the bay may not be tenable.
The SE entrance to the Bay of Despotico Bay
Despotico Bay from Antiparos
Looking S towards Despotiko Island

S Cove of Dhespotico Island

S Cove of Dhespotico Island/wiki/Paros#S_Cove_of_Dhespotico_Island
Island icon S Cove of Dhespotico Island [[Paros#S Cove of Dhespotico Island|S Cove of Dhespotico Island]] 36°57.248'N, 025°00.061'E
This cove looks promising.

Communication

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12; Tel. +30 22840 21 240 (Parikia), +30 22840 51 250 (Naousa)
  • Olympia Radio - VHF channels 03 & 04

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

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.

Warning: The Antiparos Channel is very shallow. In anything but calm weather it is better to approach channel anchorages from the south.

Berthing

Ports

Chart of Parikia

Parikia

Parikia/wiki/Paros#Parikia
Harbour icon Parikia [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] (Παροικία) 37°05.4′N, 25°08.9′E

Parikia 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 Yacht Quay in Parikia paying particular attention to the boulders near the quay 3 metres on outside of west end less further east. The bottom is sand and weed — good holding.

Laundry - Opposite Graveyard. Pick up and delivery to boat. Phone +30 6974 394887.

There are now permanent mooring inside the Yacht harbor. Charter boats use the harbor on weekends so a space may be difficult to find from Friday night through Sunday morning. -- Daphnoula 2014
The Yacht Quay in Parikia
Chart of old Naoussa harbor

Naoussa

Naoussa/wiki/Paros#Naoussa
Harbour icon Naoussa [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] (Νάουσσα) 37°07.5′N, 25°14.1′E

Naoussa previously had only a small overcrowded harbor with room for only eight yachts. In 2011 it was completely rebuilt creating a nice marina with 74 places for yachts (and up to 80 yachts in calm weather). Laid lines along south wall, most other berths are side to with rafting common. If anchoring, watch for blocks and chains from the unused laid line system. Larger boats go stern to on their anchor where the large boat shows alongside in the satelite picture below (blocks did not seem to be a problem here, depth >3m) but watch for stones at the base of the pier running northward. The ferry comes and goes stern to the north end of the pier. Water and electricity was not available. Harbor master is a lady, may meet you at the end of western breakwater, show your place and help you with mooring lines. Mooring fee is €15, electricity €1.5 per kWh, €2 per 100 liters of water. Visit June 2018 - Harbourmaster on site (Youla, +30 6956 098080) water & electricity included in mooring price.

In good weather you can anchor off and visit the town.
The new Naoussa marina
Satellite view of Naoussa harbor
The old harbor of Naoussa
The Inner Harbor of Naoussa

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Part of the harbor of Naoussa is operated as a marina. See above.

Anchorages

Chart of Naoussa Bay

Naoussa Bay

Naoussa Bay/wiki/Paros#Naoussa_Bay
Anchorage icon Naoussa Bay [[Paros#Naoussa Bay|Naoussa Bay]] 37°8.36′N, 25°14.64′E
Naoussa Bay is a large bay on the NE of the island. Within the bay there is the harbor of Naoussa and several attractive anchorages. In the north east corner there is a beach and a tiny monastery. The beach taverna is under new owners (June 2016) is is trying hard to improve what is on offer. A water taxi goes to and from Nassau town during daylight. Either hail the skipper or take a dinghy to the jetty where it picks up visitors going to and from the beach. If going into town for an evening, you could leave your dinghy at the jetty and get the water taxi into town and a regular taxi back. Naoussa town is delightful with a great bakery, helpful small supermarket and good Italian ice creams. (Zebahdy of London June 2016) :

Ayios Ioannis

Ayios Ioannis/wiki/Paros#Ayios_Ioannis
Anchorage icon Ayios Ioannis [[Paros#Ayios Ioannis|Ayios Ioannis]] 37°08.576'N, 025°13.714'E

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

Plastira/wiki/Paros#Plastira
Anchorage icon Plastira [[Paros#Plastira|Plastira]] 37°07.6′N, 25°13.1′E
Same as Ayios Ioannis but somewhat more exposed and less secluded.

Langeri

Langeri/wiki/Paros#Langeri
Anchorage icon Langeri [[Paros#Langeri|Langeri]] 37°08.2′N, 25°16′E
This is also a good anchorage but not as pleasant as Ayios Ioannis because of the nearby power plant.

Near Parikia

Near Parikia/wiki/Paros#Near_Parikia
Anchorage icon Near Parikia [[Paros#Near Parikia|Near Parikia]] 37°05.6′N, 25°09.1′E
More quiet off-shore anchoring is possible to the north of Parikia but within dinghy distance, behind Cape Ayios Fokas. These anchorages are exposed to the south wind but are well protected from the meltemi.

Marpissa

Marpissa/wiki/Paros#Marpissa
Anchorage icon Marpissa [[Paros#Marpissa|Marpissa]] 37°01.907'N, 025°15.477'E
Possible anchorage off the picturesque village with good shelter from the meltemi.

Befalls

Befalls/wiki/Paros#Befalls
Anchorage icon Befalls [[Paros#Befalls|Befalls]] 37°03.2′N, 25°16.3′E
Somewhat exposed to meltemi.

Aliki

Aliki/wiki/Paros#Aliki
Anchorage icon Aliki [[Paros#Aliki|Aliki]] 36°59.725'N, 025°07.938'E
This large bay on the south side of the island offers good protection from the meltemi. The town is pleasant, less crowded than Parikia or Naoussa and it is much closer to the airport. Look before you anchor as there is a huge anchor near the center of the bay. Good holding in sand. -- Daphnoula

Amenities

Facilities
Water On the quay in both Parikia and Naoussa
Electricity Naoussa on quay, Parikia N/A (Not Available)
Toilets N/A
Showers N/A
Laundry In Parikia and Naoussa (in the town)
Garbage There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages
Supplies
Fuel A fuel truck also delivers in both Parikia and Naoussa, fuel station iIn Parikia within 200 m and in Naoussa near the quay
Bottled gas ?
Chandlers Only fishing supplies
Services
Repairs If you need repairs, it will be better to go to Syros
Internet In Internet cafes
Mobile connectivity Strong 3G and in places 4G on the island
Vehicle rentals Possible in both Parikia and Naoussa

Provisioning

Many food stores in both Parikia and Naoussa.

Eating out

Zorbas/wiki/Paros#.27.27Zorbas.27.27Eatingout icon Zorbas [[Paros#Zorbas|Zorbas]] has good food (with live Rembetika music).
Tamarisko/wiki/Paros#.27.27Tamarisko.27.27Eatingout icon Tamarisko [[Paros#Tamarisko|Tamarisko]] has good food.
There is a very good bakery (open on Sundays), just a few meters S of the quay

Transportation

There are daily flights and ferries to and from Athens.

Tourism

History

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.

Places to Visit

In Paros

Both Parikia and in Naoussa are picturesque towns with wonderful Cycladic architecture. Naoussa with its small fishing harbor ( a sunken small Venetian castle) is a jewel.

In Parikia, in addition to the Venetian Castle, there is Paros' most significant monument, the Ekatontapyliani (of a hundred doors) Cathedral. Legend has it that St. Hellen, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, stopped here, during a gale, on her way to Palestine to recover the Holy Cross. She prayed for the success of her journey and promised that if she was successful she would built a church. That she did. Today's church was built by Justinian on the site of the original one. According to the legend, whenever the all 100 doors or entrances are found, Istanbul (Constantinoupolis) will once again be Greek. The architect of this church was Ignatios, a student of Isidoros the builder of Ayia Sophia. According to one legend when Isidoros came to inspect his pupil's work was so jealous that he dragged Ignatios down a well. There is a representation of this incident on one of the columns of the marble gate to the north of the church. Again others say that the column is more ancient, from a temple of Dionysos, and it actually depicts two satyrs. At any rate, the marble iconostasis is a "must see" item. The Baptistry, to right of the church, dates from the 4th century AD and is believed to be the oldest Orthodox baptistry. Another story concerns Ayia Theoktisi whose tomb is in the church. She was a 9th century nun who was captured by pirates on Lesvos. She escaped the pirates and hid in the forests of Paros where she lived for 35 years until she was found by a hunter. He brought her to the cathedral where she had communion. As soon as she did so she died. The hunter realizing that she was a saint, cut off her hand so that he would have a valuable holy relic. He was unable, however to sail away from the island until he returned the hand.

The Museum in Parikia contains among many other significant exhibits a series of marble tablets, the Parian Chronicle, depicting the history of Greece from 1500 to 264 BC. Also at the outskirts of the town there is a second century BC Cemetery.

Near Parikia at Tholos there is third century BC Ancient Pottery Workshop worth seeing. To the east of Parikia at Marathi are the ancient quarries that have provided the fabulous Parian marble.

The beach of Kolimbithres near Naoussa with its strange rock formations is well worth a visit. So are the picturesque villages of Marpissa and Marmara (also possible anchorages).

When you drive around Paros note the many pigeon cotes built with stones in a typical Cycladic style.

A Street in Paroikia
The Ekatontapyliani Cathedral
The Castle in Parikia
A Street in Naoussa
A Kafenio in Naoussa
The Ancient Quarry
A Hill
A Pigeon-house
Beauties at the Beach
In Antiparos

Visit the stalactite cave.

The Antiparos Cave
View from the Antiparos Cave

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References

See Greece.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

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Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Almaz, Monterey, Daphnoula


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