Posted by Parikia (5,000 inhabitants) is the main town on the Cycladic island of Paros. It is one of the major tourist resorts in the Cyclades. Parikia cannot quite compete with Mykonos, but the town is known as far away as Athens for its nightlife.
View of the town of Parikia / Paros from the ferry
Parikia has developed into a typical, modern tourist resort over the last 30 years: discos and cafes that are open until 6 a.m. During the day, the beaches are full in summer.
There is everything to eat: souvlaki stands, hamburger stalls and good mid-range restaurants with Greek or international cuisine. The price level is rather high. But McDonald’s and the like are not there yet. Despite all the hustle and bustle, Parikia has still remained Greek.
Tip: Our favorite guesthouse on Paros: Casa Di Roma
Our articles about Paros |
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| Paros Overview | island of Antiparos |
| Parikia Paros | Naoussa Paros |
| Lefkes Paros | Piso Livadi Paros |
Orientation and overview of Parikia
The town stretches for several kilometers along the coast. The center is the ferry dock of the harbor. In front of the harbor there is a small roundabout inside which stands the landmark of Parikia, a windmill.
A road that is partially closed to cars in the evening runs along the shore. Behind this road is the old town of Parikia. This is the most beautiful part of the island’s capital. Narrow streets that have been converted into pedestrian zones with snow-white houses and blue shutters. Cyclades like in a picture book.
There are beaches in Parikia too, but not directly in the center. If you walk 400 to 600 meters along the shore from the harbor, you will come to a beach in both directions. The beaches are OK, but certainly not the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades.
The bus station is conveniently located right next to the ferry dock. All buses that go to other places on Paros start here. Four important bus lines connect Parikia with Naoussa, the east of Paros (Lefkes, Piso Livadi and Drios), Pounda (port for Antiparos) and Aliki in the south of Paros. All lines run at least eight times a day in high season. See: Paros bus timetable
The campsite is almost a kilometer north of the harbor, almost directly on the beach. The hotels in Parikia are scattered throughout the city. There are many hotels and guesthouses in Parikia right on the beach. Quite a few holiday apartments and small guesthouses are in the romantic old town. The taverns and restaurants in Parikia are mostly along the waterfront road or promenade of Parikia or immediately behind it.
The busiest road is a few hundred meters behind the coast. In the north it turns into the country road to Naoussa. In the other direction you can get to Aliki and the ferry to Antiparos, among other places.
You can shop in the many small shops in the old town. As far as we know, the largest supermarket in Parikia is a Carrefour on the road to Naoussa. But you can also get everything at similar prices in the supermarkets on the waterfront of Parikia.
Sights in Parikia (Paros)
The Church and Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapylian: In Greece, Parikia is known for its large church. The Paragia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia is one of the oldest churches in the country.
There are several churches on the site (opening hours daily except Mondays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., no admission fee) that are surrounded by a main wall. Interesting in the church of Panagia Ekatontapylian are the marble pillars and the marble works of art on display. This is perhaps the best opportunity to take a closer look at the famous white marble from Paros. Translated, the name of the church means something like “Holy Mary with 100 doors”. The monastery is actually said to have that many doors. Parts of the complex date from late antiquity (4th century AD). There is another monastery above Parikia. The visit is worthwhile just for the beautiful view of the town and the bay.
About 100 meters behind the church is the Archaeological Museum of Paros (Parikia), which is well worth seeing. The entrance fee is only 2 euros. Be careful, the opening hours are short: the Archaeological Museum of Paros is only open until 3 p.m.
The old town of Parikia is built on a small hill between the sea and the market street. Many small, beautifully renovated alleys surround the small castle.
The old town of Parikia is the most visited and popular attraction in Parikia and the whole island of Paros.
Tourists like to sit at the harbor and watch the ferries dock in Parikia. From many street cafes on the shore you have a good view of the ferry dock and the sea.
Accommodation in Parikia on Paros
There are many accommodation options in Parikia. Simple rooms cost from around €45 upwards in the season. In the low season you should be able to find a double room for €30-40. There are also many expensive and good hotels (many package holidaymakers). The central room booking service at the harbor is good.
Accommodation tips: In Parikia my favorite accommodation is the Pension Alexandras (cheap, central, good rooms, nice people). The Pension Helliniko is also more than OK and not expensive.
Some time ago we booked the Hotel Stella in Parikia right by the sea via Booking.com. In June we paid around 35 euros per night for a room with a sea view in the central hotel by the sea. A bargain for a good hotel! The owner Stella is very nice and helpful.
Boat tours Paros
There are some great boat trips from Paros (day trips): More information and booking at Getyourguide
Expansion of Paros Airport (Greek island)
Current 2019: The airport on Paros has now been significantly expanded. The new airport opened around 2017. There will then be many more flights to Paros, and direct flights from Germany will also be possible. According to a study, this will increase the number of tourists in Paros fourfold in 2017 and 2018 compared to 2015. Even if this is somewhat exaggerated in our opinion, the number of tourists on Paros will increase significantly. This will also cause the prices of hotels in Parikia and on the entire island to rise.
Current note 2024 and 2025: There has been far less change than expected. As far as we know, there are no direct flights from Germany to the island of Paros.
Excursions and activities
Day trips to other islands: With the Naxos Star ferry, you can take trips to other islands from the port of Parikia on Paros almost every day during the tourist season. The destinations change on a weekly schedule. The islands of Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Iraklia, Koufonissi and Amorgos are among those visited. Tickets and more information can be obtained from the travel agencies around the port of Parikia.
Boat tour around Antiparos: The day trip “Lazy Day” with the ship Captain Ben is also interesting. Various destinations on the island of Antiparos and the uninhabited island of Despotiko are visited. The focus is on secluded beaches, snorkeling, diving and caves.
Water sports: The company Paroskite offers windsurfing and kitesurfing on the island of Paros. Courses for beginners are also available. You can also learn to dive at a diving school. Of course, there are also courses for advanced diving on Paros.
A great idea are the “Donkey Trips”, i.e. donkey rides in the form of day trips. One destination is the famous Valley of the Butterflies Petaloudes, about 7 kilometers from the capital Parikia.
Bicycle tours and bicycle rentals on Paros: The company GoCycle offers group bicycle tours on Paros. Many different levels of difficulty. On the road and cross-country. You get to interesting regions of the island of Paros that you cannot see with a rental car. GoCycle rents bicycles on the island of Paros.
All of the things described above can be booked in almost every travel agency on Paros. Unfortunately, we have not found any provider that offers island tours by bus on Paros.
Top 10 Parikia Paros
Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors)
One of the most famous and oldest Byzantine churches in Greece, dating back to the 4th century.
Old Town of Parikia
A maze of narrow, cobbled streets with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea and charming little shops.
Frankish Castle (Kastro)
A remnant of a medieval castle, built from ancient marble columns and stones. The view of the town is impressive.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
Artifacts from Paros’ ancient history are on display here, including statues, pottery and funerary reliefs.
Parikia Port and Promenade
A lively place with plenty of cafes, restaurants and sunset views.
Livadia Beach
A beautiful, easily accessible beach with clear waters, ideal for a relaxing day.
Asklepieion of Paros
The remains of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god of healing, Asklepios.
Delion Sanctuary
An archaeological site on a hill dedicated to Apollo, with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Agios Konstantinos Church
A charming little church right on the water with a beautiful view.
Nightlife and taverns
Parikia has a variety of bars and taverns where you can enjoy Greek cuisine and the relaxed nightlife.
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