Parikia, Paros

Parikia, the capital of Paros with the passenger and the commercial port and the Mill, which is the trademark of the village, is located at the island’s bay. There are beautiful settlements in Parikia, however Parikia itself will also fascinate you if you take a walk around its alleys. Ekatontapiliani and the pinewood next to it, the Venetian castle in the old market, the church of Agios Constantinos (St. Constantine), the hill of Agia Anna (St. Anna) with its two mills, which are a trademark of Paros, the perennial palm trees on the street along the coast (Giannis Parios st.) and all kinds of stores attract the visitors.

In Parikia, the port of Paros, ships come and go all year long but mainly from spring and through summer, carrying people and goods.

This city of Paros has been inhabited since the prehistoric times but in the 13th century, when it took its current form, the Venetians build the castle on the hill inside the city. Many of the parts of the ancient temple of Demeter have been used for the construction of this castle. In this part of the city, in Kastro (the Castle), there are houses and small churches (St. Mark, St. Anna, St. Stylianos), while a bit higher on the hill there is the church of St. Constantine, a Byzantine monument of Paros. From the hill and from the street along the coast (Giannis Parios st.) in Parikia you can enjoy a wonderful sunset, maybe the most beautiful sunset in Paros.

The central street of the market (Lohagou Fokianou st.) in Parikia, in Paros, with stores along both its sides is quite attractive, with old buildings that are preserved in an excellent condition. Venetian mansions, the residence of the Dimitrakopoulos family and Mayor Mavrogenis’ fountains, all fit harmoniously with the small touristic shops and the antique shops of the city.

Most of the stores, taverns, restaurants, bars, cafeterias are situated on the street along the coast of Parikia (Giannis Parios st.) from the Mill in Bountaraki to Livadia.

There are many sights to visit in Parikia. There are many archaeological sites, the most important of which are: the ancient cemetery on the beach and the pottery workshop, the Archaeological Museum of Paros, which is remarkable with exhibits from Paros and from Despotiko of Antiparos, the Castle and Ekatontapiliani, which is probably the most famous church of Paros or even of Greece.

4 km. to the southwest of Parikia, there is the Valley of the Butterflies, a verdurous biotope of Paros, where you will see Tiger moth butterflies.

In Parikia you will find services that you would normally find in a big city. There are branches of the National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank and Piraeus bank, a post office, a branch of OTE-COSMOTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization), tourist agencies and places to rent any kind of vehicle. In Parikia there is also the Health Center, private clinics and private practices. Here, you will also find easily a place to stay and there are many choices depending on how much money you want to spend. Hotels, rooms to let, pensions and camping sites in Livadia, Krios and in Parasporos.

Food is not going to be a problem in Parikia.

There are places where you can taste a variety of small dishes with your drink, taverns, traditional and international cuisine restaurants. When it comes to entertainment there are also many choices; cafés, bars, live music stages, clubs etc., where you can party till the small hours. There are also many beautiful beaches that are located near Parikia such as Livadia, the beach in front of the Nautical Club of Paros, Krios, Agios Fokas, Delfini and Parasporos.

The Paros Festival began in 2018 as a series of cultural events revolving around the island's capital, Parikia. The main purpose of the Festival is to showcase the diverse culture of the place and its people. If you happen to be at Paros during those days don’t miss the opportunity to experience the island's cultural heritage, connecting past and present. Concerts, exhibitions, screenings, debates, lectures, guided tours, educational programmes for children and adults, workshops with local artisans and a swathe of activities aim to highlight a side of the island yet to be discovered.