Paros Walking And Trekking

Although not a typical hiking island, due to its large size, Paros does have outstanding scenery and lots of delightful little footpaths that were used right up to the 19th century by peasants travelling from one part of the island to another.

These footpaths traverse traditional mountain villages, isolated hill-top monasteries, ancient monuments, chapels, windmills and beautiful sandy coves and beaches. Recommended trails include: following the Byzantine road from the village of Marpissa on the southern coast, via Prodomos, to the mountain village of Lefkes or; following the trail from the monastery of Aghios Anargyri and, resting at the highest point of the island at Aghios Pandes where you can enjoy the outstanding views, continue by walking on down to the village of Lefkes.

If you crave more coastal walks, try climbing the rocks at Koukounaries at Kolymbithres and then walk from Monastiri at Naoussa to the lighthouse that lies behind the beach; or just walk along the coastal road from Drios to Pisso Livadi and marvel at the incredible views of the coastline.

Finally, beginning at the small chapel on the headland of Aghios Fokas you can walk to the twin-roofed chapel on the headland to be bowled over by the striking views of the bay of Parikia. Whichever trail you decide to take it will reward you with some very impressive scenery.

There are, however, not many good hiking maps which show these trails although a hiking map of Paros in the Road-series (no. 112) does show some of them. Finally, all of the above trails can also be explored using mountain bikes which can be hired in many of the larger towns on the island.