Paros: The Hidden Gem of the Cyclades

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ochi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είσαι;
  [Pos ise;]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi;]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάς Αγγλικά;
  [Milas Agglika;]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Στην υγεία μας!
  [Stin igia mas!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astynomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε έναν γιατρό!
  [Kaleste enan giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hafi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi;]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi;]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine;]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννέα
  [Ennea]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...;]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi;]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti);]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio);]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (gia ....)]

Paros has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, around 3200 BCE. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island's first inhabitants were likely drawn by its fertile land and abundant resources. The ancient town of Parikia, now the island's capital, became a significant settlement during the Cycladic civilization era. Paros was known for its marble quarries, which produced the famous Parian marble used in notable sculptures like the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace.

During the Classical period, Paros was a prominent player in the Aegean Sea. The island allied with Persia during the Persian Wars, which led to its temporary subjugation by Athens. In 490 BCE, Paros supported the Persian fleet at the Battle of Marathon. Following the Persian defeat, the Athenians imposed a hefty fine on Paros, and the island became a member of the Delian League under Athenian control.

Following the decline of Athenian power, Paros came under the influence of the Macedonian Empire during the Hellenistic period. The island experienced a period of prosperity and growth. In 166 BCE, Paros was incorporated into the Roman Empire. Under Roman rule, Paros continued to thrive, largely due to its strategic location and the ongoing demand for its high-quality marble.

With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Paros became part of the Byzantine Empire. The island saw the construction of many Christian monuments, including the iconic Panagia Ekatontapiliani, also known as the Church of 100 Doors, built in the 4th century CE. During the medieval period, Paros was frequently targeted by pirates and experienced fluctuating control between various powers, including the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks.

From the 13th century onwards, Paros became part of the Duchy of the Archipelago, a maritime state established by the Venetians. The Venetians fortified the island, and many of their architectural influences remain visible today. In 1537, the Ottomans conquered Paros, and it remained under Ottoman rule until the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. During Ottoman rule, Paros was a relatively quiet and rural island, though it occasionally faced pirate raids.

Paros played an active role in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830). The islanders joined the struggle against Ottoman rule, contributing ships and fighters to the cause. Paros was eventually liberated and became part of the newly established Kingdom of Greece. In the modern era, Paros has transformed from a quiet agricultural island to a popular tourist destination, known for its charming villages, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Paros is accessible via several transportation modes. The nearest international airport is Athens International Airport (ATH). From Athens, you can take a domestic flight to Paros National Airport (PAS), which is approximately 10 kilometers from Parikia, the island's capital. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus or Rafina near Athens. Ferries also connect Paros with other Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos.

Paros boasts a well-organized transportation system. Local buses connect the main towns and beaches, and schedules are more frequent during the summer season. Taxis are readily available, but it is advisable to agree on the fare beforehand. Renting a car, motorbike, or bicycle is a popular option for those wanting to explore the island at their own pace. Additionally, boat rentals offer a unique way to visit secluded beaches and neighboring islands.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages or remote areas. ATMs are available in Parikia and Naoussa, as well as other major towns on the island. Currency exchange services can be found in banks and some travel agencies.

Paros is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should still be taken. Avoid carrying large sums of money and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas such as markets and during festivals. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Paros has a hospital located in Parikia, and there are several pharmacies throughout the island. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacists can provide over-the-counter medications and advice.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches and monasteries. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm 'Kalimera' (Good morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good evening). A handshake is also customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Paros like a local, visit the traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa, where you can stroll along cobbled streets and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend local festivals, such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani celebration in August. For a unique experience, explore the Paros Park, which offers hiking trails, open-air cinema, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.