Paros, the third largest island in the Cyclades, is lush, green and scented with thyme, fruit trees and olive groves. The highest mountain is Mt. Profitis Ilias at 770m above sea level. Paros is well connected by ferry to the main land and other islands in the archipelago such as Mykonos, Ios, Naxos and Santorini. Its position is therefore ideal for exploring other places nearby, but it is this ideal location that has made of Paros a very crowded tourist island where in July and August is almost impossible to find accommodation. Sold by the tour operator as the key to the Cyclades for the beauty of its white houses and windmills, the windy narrow streets opening up to hidden squares framed by colourful flowers, this island peacefulness has been spoilt by the many tourists that pour in every summer. Paros has fantastic beaches, some with tourist facilities and the best water sports in the Greek Islands. Windsurfing is particularly popular as in July and August the climate conditions are ideal with the strong winds blowing on the island. Small boats offer excursions to remote beaches.
The main towns are rather touristy especially during high season, however outside of these towns there are charming villages, vineyards and olive groves waiting to be explored. Paros is easy to visit with a good bus service linking the three main towns; the port town of Paroikia, the trendy 'fishing village' resort of Naousa to the north, and Lefkes in the central mountain region. For more autonomy to explore untouched corners at your own pace it would be advantageous to hire a car or a motorbike, which are easily available.