Paros

Paros is the most balanced of the Cycladic islands — better connected than the more remote destinations, more authentic than the oversaturated Mykonos and Santorini, with excellent beaches, a thriving windsurf and kitesurf culture, beautiful whitewashed villages and the extraordinary marble quarries that produced the stone for the Venus de Milo and the Parthenon. Naoussa, the island's most charming village, has a Venetian fortified harbour surrounded by fishing boats, whitewashed tavernas and bars, and small churches at every turn — its evening atmosphere is among the most pleasant in the Cyclades. Parikia, the capital, has the excellent Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church (Church of a Hundred Doors, one of the finest early Christian churches in Greece) and a Venetian castle built from ancient temple marble. The mountain village of Lefkes, the highest on the island, is beautifully authentic. The beaches at Kolymbithres (bizarre granite rock formations creating natural swimming pools), Santa Maria (great for windsurfing and families) and Golden Beach (international windsurfing competitions) are excellent. The Paros-Antiparos tunnel offers access to the beautiful, quieter neighbouring island of Antiparos. The Paros Network ferry connections make it an excellent hub for island-hopping. The food, particularly fresh fish at Naoussa's harbour tavernas and local loukoumades (honey fritters), is excellent.