Around the island, there are many activities to keep the most energetic of tourists occupied. Beaches and water sports are very well catered for around the island, and there are numerous places where visitors can obtain their scuba certifications. There are many fantastic beaches around the island for the sun lovers. The fishing village of Naoussa is a charming place to visit and see the island at its tradition seafaring best. Inland, there are many villages, wineries and monasteries to explore.

Paros is an island of variety, and there are available a big variety of indoors and outdoors activities to experience. At Petaloudes, or the Valley of the Butterflies, situated in the island’s west, butterflies are abundant in the summer months and tours are available from Parikia and Naoussa, a must for any nature lovers. At Marathi, in the centre, the island’s marble quarries are on display, now abandoned, the site may be explored by torchlight.

An afternoon boat trip to Antiparos, half an hour by boat from Parikia to the west of the main island is another good way to spend time. Very few people live on the island but it is becoming more popular with European holidaymakers. The highlight of the tour of the island is a visit to the caves, a cathedral like in size that was once host to an orchestra for Christmas Mass. Visited by Lord Byron and many others in history; it is a site of literary pilgrimage as well as for the curious. For those visiting in summer, be aware that it is a steep thirty-minute walk to the cave from the boat landing, and good walking shoes and water are a necessity.