Geography

Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. It lies approximately 100 mi (161 kilometers) south-east of Piraeus. The Municipality of Paros includes numerous uninhabited offshore islets totaling 196.308 square kilometers (75.795 sq. mi) of land. Paros Island area covers 165 km2 (64 sq. mi). Its greatest length from N.E. to S.W. is 21 km (13 mi), and its greatest width is 15 km (9 mi). The island is almost of a round shape, formed by a single mountain 724 m (2,375 ft)) sloping evenly down on all sides to the sea.

The island is composed almost all of marble and rocky terrain. Small trees and bushes is the natural landscape. Its nearest neighbor is the municipality of Antiparos, a sister much smaller island than Paros which lies to its southwest. The channel between the two islands is less than 2 km (1 mi) wide. A car-carrying shuttle-ferry operates all day (to and from Pounda, 5 km (3 mi) south of Parikia). In addition quite a few smaller islands and rocks surround Paros Island.

Across from Paros Island on the east side, is Naxos Island a bigger Island with a mountainous terrain. The constant strong wind in the strait between Paros and Naxos makes it a favorite windsurfing location. That is also were Nea Chryssi Akti beach is located and were the world windsurfing championships take place every year. Blue Dolphin is right on the beach offering incredible sea view and delicious food!!!