The Paros - Antiparos cluster is situated in the centre of the
Cyclades, between Naxos and Sifnos. It lies at a distance of 90
nautical miles from Piraeus.
Paros is the fourth largest island in the Cyclades, egg-shaped,
covering 198 square kilometres with coastal length of about 120
kilometres, while nearby Antiparos isle covers just 38 square kilometres.
The ground of Paros is rocky, composed mainly of granite and
marble. Like all the Cyclades, there is no rich vegetation and green
is mostly seen on the central parts of the island where more springs
are. The highest peak on Paros, as well as on Antiparos, is Profitis
Ilias, 771 metres and 300 metres high respectfully.
Both islands' climate is temperate, with mild winters and cool
summers with northern winds.
The good climate and the abundance of water, mostly observed in the south-east of Paros, is what makes the island one of the most fertile and productive in the Cyclades. The most significant cultivations are potatoes, cereals, olive oil and of course the Parian wine which has been known since antiquity. The island has also been famous for its white marble quarries.
The population of Paros reaches 8,000 inhabitants, while
Antiparos is inhabited by only 650 people. Their main occupation has to do with the cultivation of the earth, cattle-raising and fishing, as
well as the extraction of marble. Nowadays, the majority of the
population lives on tourism.
The peaceful Parians, in accordance with their beautiful island, are cordial, optimistic, gentle, as well as commercial people. Like all
the inhabitants in the Cyclades, they love the tourists that flood the
island every summer, and they have followed the quick pace of the
tremendous tourist growth. In Antiparos, opposite Paros, the people
are also friendly, hospitable and willing to serve their visitors.
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