Three small sandy beaches line the coast of Ampelas, and two coastal walking paths lead from there in different directions. A natural breakwater protects the bay from northerly winds. The area's history is also connected to the sea: Ambelas was once a small fishing village known to fishermen across the Cyclades, and its waters were known for their abundant catches.
Beaches and Coastal Paths
At Aspros Gremos beach, the water is shallow, sheltered from the wind, and crystal clear. If these are the water conditions you look for when choosing a beach, Aspros Gremos may be just the spot for you.
One coastal walking path leads from Ampelas to Santa Maria; another runs from Ampelas via Molos to Marmara. Both paths follow the coast, but they have different destinations: Santa Maria lies in one direction, and Molos and Marmara in the other. This can help you choose a walk based on a particular destination. Check the current condition of the paths before setting out.
The beaches of Ampelas can be reached from Naousa by bus or by private or rental transport. If you have a particular beach day in mind, it is advisable to check the current bus timetable in advance.
A Festival in Ampelas
The festival in honor of Aghios Fanourios in Ampelas is associated with August 27 and features dancing and music. If this date matters for your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.
Paros: History and Architecture
Parikia is a cultural and historical highlight of the wider destination of Paros. Panagia Ekatontapiliani is located in the northeast of Parikia, near the harbor, and is one of Greece's most important early Christian monuments. In the southern part of the church is a 4th-century baptistery, considered the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. The church also houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia, with rare icons, wood carvings, and other religious relics from the Byzantine period and the period of Ottoman rule.
The Kastro of Parikia preserves the ruins of a Venetian castle built from columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. In Lefkes stands Agia Triada, a listed church building constructed from Parian marble in 1835. The three-aisled basilica has a raised central nave and two bell towers.
Nature and Events on Paros
The Paros Environmental and Cultural Park has a seven-kilometer network of walking paths, as well as organized and unspoiled beaches. The park also includes a 700-seat amphitheater for concerts and performances. Since 2009, the Municipality of Paros has held the “Festival at the Park” there, a summer program of cultural, sporting, and environmental events. Another natural attraction is the Butterfly Valley: it is considered a rare habitat for Jersey tiger moths, which can be seen there in large numbers on tree trunks.
Discover more destinations: Drios, Antiparos, Lefkes, Sarakiniko, Kolimpithres, Paros, Molos, Aliki.
Go to the main travel overview: Paros.
