Paros is in the heart of the Cyclades Islands. It features a serene landscape with fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches and monasteries, endless sandy beaches, traditional mountain villages and picturesque fishing ports. It offers a rich cultural life as well as gourmet restaurants. Many Athenians as well as foreigners have chosen Paros to create their ideal holiday home. Parikia, the capital, is a large natural harbour fringed with lovely beaches. The quayside is filled with cafes and tavernas, colourful side streets with handicraft shops, archaeological sites, and there is the famous church of Ekatontapiliani, as well as the impressive Venetian castle. To the north there is the charming fishing port of Naoussa, with quaint stone-paved winding lanes and whitewashed houses. The harbour is crammed with fishermens 'caiques', excellent fish taverns and bars. The east district coast of Paros is very beautiful with exquisite sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.