he Cyclades have their name from the Greek word "Kyklos" (the circle). Circular are the 28 major and 200 smaller islands in the center of the Aegean Sea. Thus, the Cyclades are the largest island group. Among the best known are Kea, Milos and Serifos in the west, Tinos and Mykonos in the east, Ios, Amorgos and Santorini in the south and in the middle Paros, Naxos and Syros. Fascinated by the beauty of the Cyclades are writers, painters and architects through the "magic light" of the Aegean Sea, the world-renowned architecture of the Cyclades white cubic houses, countless chapels, the deep blue sea and fine beaches inspired time and again. Today, the Cyclades in Greece are considered as the gem of Greece and are among the most photographed landscapes.

In contrast to many other Cyclades islands the Paros scenery is characterized by gentle hills and peaceful big plains which reach up to the sea. Two low lying gulfs, in the north Naousa and in the west Paroikia, form a wind protected natural harbors. Arrived by ship in the harbor of Paros ? Paroikia - the visitor sees a typical Cyclades architecture, whitewashed cube houses, picturesque narrow lanes, many small Old-Byzantine churches. The most famous one of it is the "Hekatontapyliani" ? called the ?Hundred gates?. Many nice bays and fine sandy beaches surround the island. Very nicely preserved mountain villages and antique settlements offer a variety in activities to the visitor.