Paros and Naxos, the forgotten paradises of the Cyclades
The more than two hundred islands of the Cyclades archipelago mottle, with ocher and green tones, the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea . White sand beaches, archaeological remains, arid mountains and small towns and villages with whitewashed houses and narrow streets , doze during the winter to wake up to life, and tourism, with the arrival of heat.
Among the inhabited islands of the archipelago are some of the biggest names in tourism, not only Greek, but European. Such is the case of Mykonos and Santorini, shining stars of greek summer and an obligatory stop for almost any cruise ship that crosses the waters of this part of the world.
However, among the Cyclades there are other islands that perfectly play their role as secondary artists, like those great actresses who work in the shadows, but without whom the film would not succeed. Such is the case of Naxos and Paros . Two semi-hidden treasures in the waves of the Aegean.
The calm and sunny streets of Naxos
NAXOS, HOME OF ZEUS
Naxos Island is the largest of the Cyclades . In addition, it is one of the few islands in the archipelago that has very fertile soil and receives the amount of annual rainfall necessary for them to grow. olive trees, vineyards, vegetables, citrus, cotton plants and a good variety of fruit trees.
According to Greek mythology, between that fresh and green aroma, unbecoming of the Cyclades, the young Zeus , who would become the head of Olympus, as well as the father of gods and men. Not a bad resume.
Apparently, Zeus fled from the bad temper of his father, Kronos, and hid in the Mount Zaz. This is not the only trace of mythology on Naxos, as it is also believed that Theseus made a stopover on the island on his way back to Athens, after having killed the Minotaur.
Costumbrista scene in Naxos
These and other stories are told in the **Naxos Archaeological Museum**, located in its main city, Chora Naxos , and which houses hundreds of objects ranging from the Neolithic to the early days of Christianity. Almost 6,000 years of history concentrated inside a beautiful Venetian-style building, built in the 17th century.
The rest of Chora Naxos has that air of small greek fishing village , seasoned with a good number of small shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that give it that slight tourist touch. Its whitewashed, single-storey houses with brightly colored door and window frames overlook narrow cobbled streets that wind around each other in such a way that it seems as if they are trying to disorient the traveller.
But getting lost in Naxos is not a tragedy – much less a Greek one – if it is to reappear in one of the idyllic beaches of the island. Agios Prokopios It is the best known beach in Naxos, and one of the most beautiful in Greece. With white sand and perfect waters for diving, it extends along a 1.5 km strip of coastline, and less than 5 km from Chora Naxos.
Arrival at Naxos pier
However, it may be better to sunbathe and take a bath in a slightly less crowded place, especially in summer. The beach of Psyl Ammos , located in the eastern part of Naxos, between the beaches of Moutsouna and Panormos, is one of the best options. Tall trees and green bushes give this beach an exotic and unspoiled touch away from the madding crowd.
Although Psili Ammos can be reached by car, one of the most fun ways to get around Naxos is by buggy. Buggies can be rented for prices ranging from €20 and €40 daily . The topography of the island, with an extensive network of unpaved roads, is perfect for these small off-road vehicles.
Thus, as you drive between terraces and inhale the refreshing aroma of fruit trees, you will arrive at the grandiose marble construction called portara , the only remnant of the temple dedicated to Apollo that was built in the 7th century BC. on palatia island (today connected with Chora Naxos) .
Psili Ammos, the most secluded beach in Naxos
the monastery of Panagia Drosiani , situated between Tragaia and Moni, is a fine example of Byzantine art. Built in the 6th century, it would end up consecrating the Virgin of the Rain, to whom people prayed to mitigate the frequent droughts that strangled life on the island.
Finally, embark on a sailboat and cross part of the beautiful coast of Naxos, full of small uninhabited coves, or embark on the adventure of crossing the Aegean and arriving at the beaches of Paros.
Portara, the great window to the Aegean Sea
PAROS, MAGIC AND TRANQUILITY
Maybe it's like this, on board a sailboat, how you get to the charming port town of Parikia. Another option is by ferry, which takes about 45 minutes to cover the distance between Naxos and Paros.
Be that as it may, a good welcome on Paros is try the delicacies of the Corallis restaurant kitchen. Seafood, fresh fish and typical dishes of Greek cuisine served with elegance facing the sea.
After that, it is time to digest the food walking quietly through the romantic streets of Parikia. The smell of the sea seeps through the streets of a town that continues to live off fishing, crafts – put up for sale in small boutiques in the town – and tourism, with the sole aim of keep its air calm and not be devoured by mass tourism.
Direct your steps to the church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, considered one of the most important sacred places in Greece as it is the oldest Byzantine church in the country (it was built in the 4th century).
Stop, love at first sight
A landscape similar to that of Parikia shows the picturesque Naoussa, whose streets are the typical example of Cycladic architecture. The terraces of the bars of the old port are the perfect place to observe the daily life of Paros.
Precisely, from that same port depart the artisanal boats that will take you to Kolybithres beach. The simple fact of navigating the waters of the Aegean aboard these fishing boats that have ceased to be used for fishing is an experience in itself.
Kolybithres beach is the most popular in Paros, due to the strange geological formations that have been there for millions of years. The perfect place to take a dip before watching the nightly show at Paros Park.
On summer nights Open-air movies and concerts are held in Paros Park. During the day, a network of trails leads you to discover the natural beauty of Paros, including beaches like Monastiri, where the sunset reminds you that Naxos and Paros are still protected by the great Zeus.
The streets of Naoussa are the typical sample of Cycladic architecture