Charming Laneways and Epic Sunsets: Our Guide to Parikia, Paros' Alluring Capital
Vibrant Parikia is a must-see town on Paros Island. Our complete guide includes what to see in Parikia, plus our personal recommendations on where to stay, eat and how to get there.
When compared to the effortless calm and beauty of Naoussa, Parikia feels jarring, like the chaos of Athens.
However, spend time strolling the whitewashed streets and historic laneways and you’ll begin to realise that Parikia has its own charm.
The Islands’ historic capital is nestled on a small hill overlooking the Port, and the old town is filled with cobbled laneways, old churches, shops, restaurants and the historic Frankish Castle.
It’s also the epicentre of life and commerce on Paros; it’s here where locals do go about their daily lives, so the town has a far more raw feel to it. The town caters not only for tourists, but for locals too, so prices are cheaper, and you can find just about anything you need on the streets.
While we wouldn’t spend any longer than a day exploring the town, it is worth your time, especially for the strong culinary scene, and for the somewhat cheaper, yet equally cool sunset bars which line the coast just south of the port.
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PARIKIA
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Paros Island, Cyclades
HOW TO GET THERE | Ferry from Athens, Bus/Car from Naoussa
WHAT TO SEE | Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Frankish Castle, the old town laneways, watch sunset
WHERE TO EAT | Stou Fred, Boutaraki, Hops & Colors, Cuoro Rosso
PARIKIA PAROS ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
WHERE IS PARIKIA, PAROS
Parikia (sometimes known as Paroikia) is the capital and largest town on the island of Paros, in the Cycladic Archipelago, Greece.
The port town is located to the west of the Island, about 190 km southeast of Athens. The ferry journey takes around 3 - 5 hours depending on boat type.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN PARIKIA?
You can see and experience the best things to do in Parikia Paros in a day, as the town is small enough to walk to each major attraction.
However, given the myriad of restaurants and bars in the town, we’d recommend visiting more than once, depending on how long you plan to visit Paros Island.
WHERE TO STAY IN PARIKIA
From cosy, family-run hotels to extravagant beachside villas, there are plenty of accommodation options on Paros to suit every style, traveller or budget.
YRIA ISLAND BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Yria Boutique Hotel, situated high on a verdant hill overlooking the yawning bay of Parasporos, is every bit the laid-back luxury stay you’d imagine on a Greek island.
From pink bougainvillaea climbing whitewashed arches to the open-air spa surrounded by fruit trees, to the palm trees fringing the pool, Yria looks idyllic. It also makes claims to be eco-friendly, which we like.
But dig a little way into the reviews, and you’ll see it might be too good to be true. There are better places to stay for the price, closer to Parikia or Naoussa.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | YRIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
BETHLEHEM HISTORIC TOWNHOUSE
Despite being in the middle of Parikia, with its twisting lanes and squares that come alive on a summer night, Bethlehem Townhouse is a nest of tranquillity for a chilled-out family stay.
The two-bedroom home was built in 1600 and renovated more recently in 2016. From the traditional Cycladic furniture to the sunny rooftop terrace, the restorations blend original charm with loads of natural materials and natural light.
It’s everything that makes Parikia more appealing than Naoussa for experience-seekers; laid-back and unpretentious, yet still overflowing with the charm of Greek island life.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | BETHLEHEM TOWNHOUSE
PAROS BACKPACKERS
If you’re looking to save money and make friends book a bed at Paros Backpackers. There are standard dorms and private rooms for groups, all with refrigerators and en-suite bathrooms.
But the social scene is the real attraction. Whether lounging by the pool, congregating on the rooftop to watch a stunning sunset or cooking together in the kitchen, you’re guaranteed to meet all kinds of friendly folks.
The owner will invite you to a WhatsApp group that’s great for finding adventure buddies. And the party moves on when the rooftop closes at midnight, so you can still get a good night’s sleep.
THE DETAILS
BOOK | PAROS BACKPACKERS
Use the following links to check rates, and availability or to book accommodation on Paros.
HOTELS | Find the perfect hotel for you on Booking.com here
VILLAS | Search the best Villas on Paros here
HOSTELS | Search prices and hostel availability on Hostelworld here
READ MORE | Where to stay on Paros
THINGS TO DO IN PARIKIA, PAROS
STEP INSIDE THE HISTORIC PANAGIA EKATONTAPILIANI CHURCH
Parikia’s main attraction is its storied ‘Church of 100 Doors’, Ekatontapiliani.
An essential thing to do on Paros, this stunning Byzantine-era stone church is situated in the heart of Parikia, and is one of the oldest and most important Christian relics in Greece.
The story of the church is fabled - St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, stopped at a chapel at this very site on Paros on her way to the Holy Land and vowed to build a church there if she found the True Cross. Find the True Cross she did, and after her death, her son began to build the basilica, a grand structure filled with arches and domes.
What you see now is that very church, which in turn sits atop an ancient Grecian temple dedicated to Aphrodite, whose pillars you can see through the glass floor below.
The centrepiece of the church is the marble screen that sits in front of the altar, which is inlaid with gold and silver icons, including an intricately carved Madonna. Instead of the standard frescoes, the walls are instead filled with beautiful stone masonry, minimalistic and humble.
It’s wonderful to witness, even for those like us who have zero religious affiliation.
THE DETAILS
Where | Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Parikia
Cost | Free
Opening Hours | Daily: 7 am - 9 pm
Tips | Act respectably, and remember to cover shoulders and knees
EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN & FRANKISH CASTLE
High above Parikia, overlooking the endless blue of the Aegean sea, the bustling port and the white-washed roofs lies the Frankish Castle of Parikia.
Built by the Venetians who presided over much of the Cycladic archipelago in 1260 AD, the Frankish Castle isn’t your typical castle, rather it incorporates many historical structures and sanctuaries from around Paros into the castle walls - what you’ll notice is vast, thick walls of marble and rock, supporting the upper parts of Parikia’s old town.
The blue-domed Church of Agios Konstantinos is the highest point of Parikia, and home to some of the best views in the town, while the narrow laneways, and cute courtyards make for a picturesque stroll through this part of Parikia, especially at sunset when the area comes alive with marmalade hues baking the laneways in gold.
GO SHOPPING ON OLD MARKET STREET
Home to cute laneways, historic churches, excellent boutiques, and traditional souvenirs
Deep within the old town of Parikia is an old market street, a labyrinth of typical tourist stores selling souvenirs such as linen, shirts, magnets, soaps etc, and boutiques, art, design, and jewellery and craft stores.
On top of this, there is a range of excellent boutiques, selling far more affordable summer threads than those found in Naoussa.
With reasonable prices, original pieces and a more laidback shopping experience than those found in Santorini or Mykonos, it’s here you need to shop on your Greek Islands getaway.
For something more upmarket, try Leto, and for something handmade, try Magissa handmade creations.
VISIT PARIKIA’S BEST BEACHES
While the best beaches on Paros are located to the east and south of Parikia, there are a number of quality beaches which can be found close to town, especially for those who are looking for a lazy afternoon by the sea.
The benefit of most Parikian beaches is that they are protected from the summer Meltemi winds, making them some of the most comfortable on the Paros.
Here are three of the best beaches close to Parikia Paros:
PARIKIA BEACH
The best beach located close to town, Parikia beach is a long, white sand beach with crystal clear water and relaxed vibes.
Due it the shallow waters, Parikia beach is also perfect for families with children or those who prefer to wade, rather than swim.
If you’re after food or want to relax on a sunbed all day, Tango Mar beach club is your best option.
Similar to Livadia, it’s also home to a beautiful sunset view.
LIVADIA BEACH
Livadia beach is located to the northeast of Parikia, and is one of the closest to town. As such, it gets super busy during the afternoon and early evening, as the sunsets from here are special.
There is also a range of good restaurants that line the shore and promenade, without the inflated prices of Parikia old town of Naoussa.
If it were us though, we’d walk slightly further to the longer, cleaner and more beautiful Parikia beach.
DELFINI BEACH
A small cove located to the south of Parikia promenade, Delfini is the closest beach to the old town.
Honestly, though, we’d probably give it a miss considering the range of better beaches just a short walk or drive away. Unless of course you just want a quick dip to cool down, then by all means jump right in!
PAROS ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Paros is filled with history dating back thousands of years, from antiquity through to the Ottoman era, so it is little wonder the Island is filled with antique treasures and artefacts to showcase.
The Archeological Museum of Paros, located in downtown Parikia, does just that, providing an in-depth overview of Paros’ rich cultural history.
There is a range of statues, including those of Artemis, Gorgon, Athena, and the Nike of Paros, Roman mosaics, ancient amphoras, pots, pans, burial casks, coins and more.
A walk through the museum takes 20-40 minutes depending on how fast you move, and information plaques are provided in English and Greek for all pieces.
So if you’re into your ancient Greek history, it’s worth a look.
THE DETAILS
Where | Archeological Museum of Paros
Cost | €2 per person
WATCH A FAMOUS PAROS SUNSET FROM PARIKIA
Watching a Greek summer sunset is a ritual, and watching it with a cocktail in hand is an essential part of said ritual. And on Paros, the sunsets are breathtaking.
No matter where you are on the Island, you’ll be enchanted by the outrageous array of colours that seem to change every few minutes, and then linger long into the night.
Parikia is one of the best places on Paros to watch the sunset, with a huge array of classy cocktail bars coming alive in the late afternoon each day, the best of which provide uninterrupted views of the sunset, similar in many ways to the Santorini sunsets over Oia.
There are a huge array of bars located in the laneways of the Castle, but our favourite is Bebop, a boho-chic bar and restaurant serving some of the best cocktails in Parikia Paros, and Peruvian small plates, and with a huge outdoor terrace that has views for dayyyyyys.
For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a sunset cocktail (€11 - €15 each) - either an Aperol Spritz or Negroni goes down well, but for something different, try the Bebop Zombie - a delicious mix of rums (yes, multiple!), lime, passionfruit, pineapple, syrup and aromatic bitters.
They also serve a Cycladic craft beer called 56 Islands, which is refreshing on a hot afternoon.
We also suggest Kastro if Bebop is booked out.
VISIT PETRA FARM
Long time readers of The Common Wanderer will know that we always like to seek out attractions and activities that are a little off the beaten track, especially in the sustainability and eco-tourism space, and Petra Farm is one such place.
The family-run Petra Farm, located above Kolymbithres about 10 minutes from Parikia, was set up in the late ’80s, a small scale area of 5 acres, growing typically Mediterranean crops such as olive and grapevines.
However it wasn’t until Alkis, a hip, late 20-something with a passion for modern agriculture and the environment, took over the family farm, did it turn into its current guise.
Alkis runs the Organic Farm Tours and Tasting experience, which is both informative, fun and highly recommended. He has a knack for teaching and informing with personality, which makes the tour both entertaining and educational.
The tour starts at the entrance of their traditional, organic farm that overlooks the beautiful bay of Naoussa, before taking in the terraces which are home to a range of Mediterranean crops. Here, Alkis tells you all about sustainable cultivation practices, and how they impact the flavour profiles of each crop.
After seeing the ridiculously cute goats and chickens, the tour moves to the balcony of the family home, where a tasting session (or lunch) occurs while overlooking Naoussa bay.
Here, you’re in for a taste sensation, sampling the locally grown products including the tastiest capers you’ll eat in your life, all accompanied by Petra wine.
A visit here, to Petra farm, is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Paros.
Note: If you wish to purchase any Petra farm products, there’s a store located in downtown Naoussa. We grabbed ourselves some capers and dried oregano to take home.
THE DETAILS
Where | Petra Farm, Paros Island
Cost | From €25 per person for tour & tasting, from €35 per person for tour tasting, tasting & lunch
Tour duration | 2 hours
Tips | Organise 48 hours in advance. Book here
EAT ALL THE GELATO
Being the ice cream enthusiasts that we are (our life motto is “an ice cream a day keeps the doctor away"), we couldn’t help but try gelato in Parikia, especially given the extreme heat which accompanied our visit.
The best gelato in town is Vanilla Gelateria, located right in the heart of Parikia old town.
Home to fresh, homemade gelato in that quintessential Greek-style - thick, creamy, and smooth (we definitely feel gelato is heavier in Greece than in Italy!), as well as fruit sorbet, there’s something for everyone here.
We recommend the pistachio and Kinda Bueno flavours, which were fresh and mouth-watering when served with a waffle cone (always go the waffle cone!). If you’re into sorbets, the mandarine flavour is a winner.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN PARIKIA, PAROS
Parikia is home to a surprising selection of quality restaurants, with everything from high-end culinary experiences, down to your traditional street food options.
Below are a selection of our favourite restaurants:
STOU FRED | Bougie fine dining in downtown Parikia. Set amongst a beautiful garden, Stou Fred has a distinctly French menu that changes weekly. Perfect if you’re after an alternative to Greek cuisine. Book well in advance, as this might be Parikia’s best restaurant
BOUNTARAKI | A popular restaurant in downtown Parikia offering the best of Greek cuisine using exceptional produce. Get the Sea Bream and Watermelon Salad
CUORE ROSSO | Hidden amongst the myriad of laneways in the Old Town, Cuore Rosso serves authentic Italian pizza in a beautiful hidden courtyard. Go for the pizza, stay for the Tiramisu
HOPS AND COLORS | Super cool craft beer bar located in the Frankish Castle, different from anything else on the Island. Sells a huge array of Greek craft beers, perfect for watching sunset
CAFE SYMPOSIUM PAROS | One of the prettiest cafes in all of Paros, serving exceptional coffee and delicious brunch
DISTRATO CAFE BISTROT | Situated in a beautiful shaded square, Distrato is a super hip cafe serving delicious food and oh-so-delicious coffee
PAROS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PAROS
No matter where we suggest travelling to in Europe, be it Paris or Hvar Island, we always suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons (either side of the peak seasons).
In the case of Paros, this is between late April - early June, when the island is green and lush, and mid-September - October, when the tourists have departed and the island slows down.
During this time, the days are still long and the weather and sea are warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the island extremely pleasant. What's more, the price of accommodation, food and drinks are cheaper during the shoulder period - and you’re helping reduce the environmental impact while extending the tourism season to locals.
HOW TO GET TO PAROS?
Paros is well connected by ferry to Athens and to nearby islands such as Naxos, Ios and Santorini. There are also direct flights from Athens during the peak months.
BY FERRY
Paros is super well connected by ferry to all other major islands and the mainland.
Ferries were our preference for getting around the islands, both for cutting down on unnecessary short flights, and also because they're generally the faster, more comfortable, and more affordable option.
We booked all our ferry tickets through the Ferry Hopper App which is super easy to use.
There are multiple daily ferries from Piraeus (the mainland Athens port) as well as nearby Cycladic islands and is serviced by Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Seajets and Fast Ferries. Check departure times and book tickets here.
From Athens, the journey time is around 4 - 6 hours depending on many factors, so we recommend grabbing foot and drinks before stepping onboard.
The ferries can get super busy in summer, so we suggest you hustle as hard as you can to get on board quickly, then head to the upper deck where you’ll have a better chance of securing a seat or sofa.
If you’re road-tripping Europe, a Greek native can also take your car via ferry to Paros.
BOOK | Check departure times and book ferry tickets through FerryHopper
BY FLIGHT
You can fly from Athens to Paros year-round, however, there are no direct flights from European countries.
Flights from Athens take around 30 minutes, and the journey from Paros airport to Chora takes around 10 minutes.
We wouldn’t suggest flying to Paros as the flights are expensive and the airport relatively small - a ferry is by far the easiest option.
If you do wish to fly, an easy alternative could be to fly directly to Mykonos or Santorini and then take a ferry to Paros, if you wish to avoid Athens.
HOW TO GET AROUND PAROS
There are a few ways to get around Paros, although which one you should opt for kind of depends on how long you’re planning to visit, and whether you’re planning to explore or relax by the sea.
RENTING A CAR ON PAROS
Normally, we wouldn’t advocate hiring a car when visiting a Greek Island, but Paros is relatively large, and if you have your own set of wheels, especially an air-conditioned set, it will make your life so much easier and allow you to see all the best things to do on Paros.
Compared to other Greek Islands such as Santorini, Car rental on Paros is actually quite affordable, especially during the shoulder seasons, but we highly recommend booking in advance!
Expect to pay around €25 - €50 per day for car rental on Paros.
Plenty of locals talked about 30-minute drives stretching into traffic-clogged 2+ hours through July and August, especially heading out of Parikia and leading into Naoussa, so keep that in mind.
SCOOTER OR ATV
For those on a budget, hiring an ATV or scooter might be a better option to explore Paros.
ATV’s and scooters afford great flexibility and freedom, however, due to the size and undulation of Paros, it can take a lot of time to get to places like Lefkes, and the comfort levels are just not there - so if you’re planning to explore the island, we’d definitely recommend a car, regardless of your budget.
For those looking to stay fairly central, and explore some of the closer beaches such as Kolymbitheres and Santa Maria, an ATV or scooter is perfect and allows you to find a parking space during the peak months (a seriously underrated feature!).
Note that to rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license.
LOCAL BUS
Buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport on Paros, and the network is pretty good and reliable, especially between Parikia port and Naoussa.
Most tickets between major hubs generally cost around €1.80 (the most we paid was €2.50 for a ticket). Tickets for the Paros bus service need to be bought prior to boarding and can be found at tourist markets throughout the Island.
Most buses connect in and out of Parikia or Naoussa and service the main beaches and towns in the hills hourly (in summer).
See the Paros bus timetable here
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | The best of Santorini, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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