~ The Astir of Paros pool-side ~
PAROS, The White Marble Island
Centrally situated in the Cyclades, Paros was first settled during the brilliant Minoan
period by the Cretans who built the first city on which Parikia (or Paroika) stands today.
The island was known throughout Antiquity for its safe harbours of strategic position and
the pure-white marble in the world being used as well for Salomon's Temple in Jerusalem as
for carving famous statues.
Paros offers now a little of everything any ardent philhellene would imagine to find on a Greek island.
It's a wonderful combination of gently rolling hills, sandy beaches in crystal-blue waters, whitewashed cubic houses with blue trim in labyrinths of narrow paved alleys bordered by a multitude of geraniums and bougainvilleas, lovely chapels, monasteries or Byzantine churches. The most fascinating one - certainly the brightest jewel in the crown of Orthodoxy - which goes back to 326, under Constantine the Great, is the EKATONTAPILIANI church of "Our Lady of the Hundred Gates". In fact, no one has been able to find but 99 doors, and the legend says that when the 100th is discovered, Constantinople (Istanbul) will be returned to Greece.
Before going back yourself to your own country don't miss the rare pleasure to sip an "Ouzo" at an out-door terrace in the tiny village of LEFKES (the ancient Capital) and to visit the "Valley" of butterflies just a few km south of Parikia towards the airport. Naoussa also is a must as the most picturesque fishing village, next to Kolymbithres beach on which is situated your preferred hotel.
Enjoying an unrivalled position overlooking a private sandy beach, ASTIR of PAROS offers beautifully appointed rooms and luxury suites with balconies or patios to ensure total comfort, combining perfectly the quality of international standards with warm hospitality.
Veta and her staff have created here their own vision of the ideal place to stay in the Cyclades and ASTIR enjoys high reputation. A great number of guests are repeated visitors as this is not just any destination but a resort for a very special holiday. Absolute attention to detail is unveiled in all areas throughout the hotel. This is complemented by a charming air of elegant relaxation and the natural beauty of the Cyclades.
Hotel Astir of Paros Meeting & Conference Facilities
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A suite with salon-veranda and glorious views |
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| All carved in white marble from Paros island ... | ||
~ Victory of Samothrace ~ (Dates from around 190 B.C.) Louvre Museum - Paris |
~ Hermes of Praxiteles ~ (Dates to ca. 330 B.C.) Museum at Olympia |
 ~ Venus (or Aphrodite) de Milo ~ (Dates to ca. 150 B.C. - Found on the island of Melos in 1820) Louvre Museum - Paris |
~ Fishing port of Naoussa ~
~ “Our Lady of the Hundred Gates” - The holy place of Paros ~
~ The Lobby of the Astir of Paros Hotel ~
~ The Astir of Paros hotel beach ~
~ One of the numerous Byzantine churches ~
~ The beach-side Swimming Pool ~
~ Flowers and panorama of the bay ~
