Parikia, built roughly in the center of the west coast of Paros around a large sheltered bay, is the capital of the island. It is also the administrative and economic center, the harbor for passengers and goods and the arrival point for thousands of visitors who flock to the island during the summer months. It's name Parikia, goes back to the Byzantine times when many of the island's inhabitants were serfs who farmed the land belonging to the Church of Ekatontapyliani.

These people were called "pariki", hence the name Parikia. Slowly the "pariki" established themselves in the old town and eventually the name changed from Paros to Parikia.
Paros is a modern town with all the conveniences which today's traveler may require. Branches of most of the Greek banks can be found, a post office, health centers, an Internet cafe and car hire and tourist offices. A wide choice of hotels and rooms to rent and camping (Livadia, Krios, Parasporos) enable the tourist to choose the most suitable accommodation

We advise the tourist not to risk taking the first accommodation offered to them at the port, but instead to make previous bookings in some of the more comfortable, quality and approved accommodation, which is available on the island. Exploring the town we come across lots of tavernas, restaurants and cafes where starters are served and tasty local and international dishes.

In the tiny streets around the Castle (the old town) and on the beach road, there are all kinds of shops selling local and traditional produce, including objects of Greek Folk Art. Sunset in Parikia is a unique experience! As soon as the sun goes down the nightlife begins. The bars, cafes, dance places offering live music and clubs come to life and the fun goes on into the early hours of the morning.
In Parikia and the surrounding area there are some wonderful beaches, which are easy to get to.

A Journey back in time: Behind the cosmopolitan facade of Parikia lies a charming town, which takes the visitor back into it's rich history. It's narrow alleyways lead to ancient monuments, small bridges, fountains, neo-classical houses next to typical Cycladic style houses, small churches dotted all over like mushrooms and balconies brimming over with geraniums and basil plants. It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Castle Hill, the Ancient Cemetery, the Ancient Workshops, the sights of Pithio, Asklipeio, Dilio and the Early Christian Basilica.

 

Naoussa:

Naoussa is a traditional fishing village in the north of the island, approx. 10 km away from Parikia, settled around a little hill in the Bay of Naoussa with a church at its peak. It is the second biggest & most important town after Parikia. Naoussa is said by many to be one of the most beautiful fishing ports in Greece, and it has kept its authentic character despite growing tourism.

Just sit peacefully in one of the many taverns around the port, enjoy the sun and some fresh fish with a little ouzo and watch the motion on the fishing boats - it's an experience you won't forget. Or have breakfast under the big Eucalyptus trees in the main square of Naoussa and watch the people pass by, later go for a stroll through the town (be sure you'll get lost!) and then take a little boat taxi to one of the marvelous beaches and chill out... And in the evening, enjoy the nightlife in a cozy little bar directly by the sea, with a view into the old harbor.

There are great and most popular beaches for all tastes in and around Naoussa ("Kolymbithres", "Monastiri Beach", "Santa Maria" e.g.). Some are long and wide, some are small and cozy and several have special activities to offer (for example Wind Surfing and Scuba Diving). Some are quiet and with very shallow water, ideal for families with young children, some offer concerts and beach parties and one allows nude bathing.

There is also a very good & frequent bus service so you can move back to Parikia easily or visit other parts of the island. During the high season, the busses even run all through the night!

 

Lefkes:

Lefkes is the island's probably loveliest little town situated in the "mountains" in the middle of the island, approx. 12 kms away from Parikia, facing east with a beautiful view towards Naxos. It is an extremely quiet and remote place, and if you visit Paros, we say you haven't really seen Paros if you didn't go to Lefkes.

Just hop on the bus and go there for a daily trip. Lefkes is very green with a little forest above it. Go there and enjoy the traditional atmosphere of a magical Greek village, see the impressive cemetery that is still in use in a "secret garden" behind the cathedral "Agias Trias" and understand why this imposing town used to be the capital of a prosperous island. Enjoy the exquisite architecture (combining Cycladic and Venetian style), admire the little houses with entrances and windows you think are too small to be in use, with porches full of flowers and herbs, and wonder how the postman knows where to deliver the post!

Afterwards, visit a few of its traditional pottery shops or watch the Greek ladies weave, then have a Greek coffee in a hidden little café with homemade cake! You can't miss its charms. There is also a famous trail for walking, the "Byzantine Trail", a paved path that leads you through beautiful countryside within approx. an hour down to the village called Prodromos and then further down to the sea.

The sleepy village Kostos nearby Lefkes has a charming atmosphere and is a great place for a traditional Greek dinner!

 

Pisso Livadi:

Pisso Livadi is a nice little town with a fishing port on the south-east of the Island, with some of Paros' most important beaches (e.g. "Golden Beach", "Pounda Beach") and the small and similar villages Logaras & Drios nearby.

Pisso Livadi is an important holiday resort approx. 25 km away from Parikia, with access to daily trip boats heading for Naxos, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini and Amorgos. Pisso Livadi, like Logaras, is also recommended for traditional Greek Cuisine - when you're there, enjoy a nice meal and admire the breath-taking view towards Naxos!

 

Aliki:

Aliki is similar to Pisso Livadi, a fishing port on the south-west coast of Paros, facing the little island Antiparos. Aliki is mostly known for the airport, which is further north and used by Olympic Airways and Hellenic Star for domestic flights. Chances are that it is the smallest airport you have ever seen - the planes Olympic Airways use have approx. 18 seats and are called "mosquitoes"!

 

Marpissa:

Marpissa is a picturesque village upon a hill within approx. 20 km distance from Parikia, just above Pisso Livadi. It lies a couple of km off waterfront. Here you find beautiful alleys with tall trees, traditional Greek life (farms!) and not too many accommodations. Within walking distance, atop a hill, there is the 16th-century monastery "Moni Agiou Antoniou" (St. Antonios).

 

Prodromos, Marmara and Ambelas:

Prodromos lies within little distance north-west of Marpissa. It is on the road about 1/3 of the way to Lefkes. Marmara is similar and lies approx. north-east of Marpissa, as the third corner of a triangle, also a very small village and offshore. Ambelas is a very small fishing port on the north-east of the island approx. 7 km away from Naoussa.