Paros
Population: 6,058 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Paros lies west of Naxos and approximately 150 km (93 miles) south-east of Athens. It is 21 km (13 mi), by a greatest breadth of 16 km (10 mi) formed by a single mountain (724 meters) sloping evenly down on all sides and is composed primarily of marble. To the west of Paros lies its smaller sister island Antiparos.
Historically, Paros was known for its fine white marble, but today although abandoned marble quarries and mines can be found on the island, Paros is primarily known as a popular tourist spot.
The two main villages of Paros (and also where the heart of the island’s nightlife beats) are Parikia and Naoussa. Full of traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants and sophisticated bars, Parikia and Naoussa overflow with young crowds every night. If crowded places and loud music aren’t your cup of tea, you can wander in the tranquil traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa.
Thanks to the “Meltemi” wind, it ranks as a top destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Professional Windsurfing World Cup is held every summer in Paros.
In 2000 Paros was sadly the site of a terrible ferry disaster when the Express Samina hit rocks in a Force 8 with the loss of 82 persons due to the poor management and operation of the ferry.
Today ferries to Athens take between 4 – 6 hours, widely avoiding the same rocks.
The Island & Its History
click image to view in Google Maps
In 1537, Paros was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and remained under the Ottoman Empire until the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829).
Under the Treaty of Constantinople (1832), Paros became part of the newly independent Kingdom of Greece, the first time the Parians had been ruled by fellow Greeks for over six centuries. At this time, Paros became the home of a heroine of the nationalist movement, Manto Mavrogenous, who had both financed and fought in the war for independence. Her house is today a historical monument.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
ADOPT THIS ISLAND
If you are committed to praying for this island and its region, please drop us a note, we would love to know about it and keep you posted with prayer updates!
By completing this form, I consent to receive content from Broad Reach Maritime in accordance with our Privacy Policy.