Photowalks
A Paros Hikes original: Easy, 2.5-3h walks taking you to selected, ‘photogenic’ spots of Paros island, focusing more on the joy of taking pictures and sightseeing, than just.. taking a hike! Hotel pick-up & transfer included – available as private or semi-private tours (7 persons max.)
Level: Easy
Description If you are into photography (or always wanted to know more about using your compact or DSLR camera) and enjoy wandering and taking pictures in new, fascinating places, then our Photowalks may be just the thing for you!
So, let us take you to a Cycladic ‘photo-safari’, with some photography learning on the side! With relaxed walking of 2.5-4 hours on easy terrain, our Photowalks take you to choice locations and routes, where we mainly focus on the joy (and the process) of taking pictures, rather than just following a route! As we go, in perfect, plain English, an experienced photographer/guide will lead you to beautiful rural & urban sights, give you information about the place, its history and environment. If you like, we can also offer you a fun introduction to the basics of photography (and beyond, i.e. framing, focusing, depth of field, bokeh, macro, priority & manual modes), and hands-on advice on how to use your camera better… so you can actually capture that special sunset or the beauty of the moment! All this, in the perfect Greek island setting! No previous knowledge or special equipment required, any camera will do (compact or DSLR), all you need is desire to walk and shoot… great photos!
All of our Photowalks are circular and most are readily customizable to suit individual/group walking ability and wishes. They are available as private or semi-private tours, i.e. when possible, we make a mixed group of 3-6 persons (solo travelers or couples). Prices vary depending on Photowalk option and group size, please contact us for further details.
Photowalk options (most proposed as’golden hour’/sunset walks) :
1. The Naoussa Bay & Aghios Ioannis Detis Peninsula Photowalk (4 to 7km, 2h30 to 4h), starting from the shallow beaches of the Plastiras Bay (‘Limnes’ area of) near Naoussa bay, the spectacular Kolymbithres beach with its sculpted granite boulders, to the traditional shipyards with wooden boats and ‘caiques’, then going all the way to the 17th c. Monastery of Aghios Ioannis nested on a rocky outcrop over the sea and the Paros Environmental Park with its stunning rocky land- and sea-scapes and boundless ocean views. One can also walk all the way to the 19th c. lighthouse on Cape Korakas (+3km) to enjoy and capture the best sunset on the island.
Need more info? Ask here.
2. The Lefkes & Byzantine Way Photowalk (5-8km, 3h-4h), wandering around the narrow streets of the picturesque, old mountain capital of Lefkes, and then walking on ancient marble-paved footpaths overlooking valleys & hillsides with centuries-old stone terraces… to a string of ruined windmills dominating the E-NE flank of the village. Readily customizable, this tour can be extended to a proper hike in idyllic Parian countryside to include visits to post-medieval, Cycladic-style fortified monasteries of Aghios Ioannis Kaparos (+4km) or Aghia Kyriaki (+3km) nested deep in the valleys around Lefkes.
Need more info? Ask here.
3. The Parikia Town Photowalk/Culture Walk (4-5km, 2h30m-3h), where we wander along the scenic waterfront and around the maze-like alleys of the traditional settlement of the capital of Paros – with a history of over 3000 years. Includes visits to the famous church of Ekatontapyliani (‘Our Lady of 100 Gates’, 5th c. AD), the Old Market Street, the quarter of the medieval Venetian fortress (Castro), and many other sights, always with an ‘insider’s’, informed point-of-view. Also, we seek great vantage points to Parikia Bay, the safest natural anchorage in the Aegean Sea, and beyond.
Need more info? Ask here.
In a nutshell [Walking, enjoying… and shooting!] Photography/walking/views/tradition/countryside, easy, duration 2h30m-4h (with stops), distance 4-7 km, elevation clearance ±0-200m, various starting points.
- The streets of old Parikia
- The chapel at Aghios Konstantinos
- Sunset view from Kastro area, Parikia
- Taking a picture in the heights of Lefkes
- Wild carrot flowers in springtime
- Horses on the hills of Kostos
- Shooting at the bay of Naoussa
- Paros beach detail
- Photowalk in Aghios Ioannis Detis
- Rock formations at Paros Environmental Park
- The Cape Korakas lighthouse
- Sunset at Paros Environmental Park
- Water and rock