But is Parikia worth visiting? And what are the best things to do here?
Where is Parikia?
Parikia is located on the west side of the popular Greek island of Paros, around 190 km from the Greek capital, Athens.
You can easily get to Parikia from Athens by plane or ferry. The ferry ride takes 3-5 hours from Athens, depending on the type of boat you choose to travel.
For international visitors for a short break or summer holiday in Paros most of the over 500,000 annual arrivals fly into Paros Airport and stay in holiday resorts. There are connections with lots of European airports
Top Activities in Parikia
Parikia is situated on a small hill near the port and features many restaurants, churches, shops, and historical monuments. It is also where most of the locals live. Prices are cheaper than in other areas, and you can find everything you need.
Parikia is a great city to explore and a popular day trip for any relaxing holiday in Paros. You can find a variety of activities and attractions for everyone, solo cultural explorers, families and friends.
Some of the main highlights include:
1. Visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani
Also known as the “Church with 100 Doors,” Panagia Ekatontapiliani is an awe-inspiring church dating back to Byzantine times. It is one of the most important religious relics in Greek culture, situated above an ancient temple to Aphrodite.
The church features visible ancient pillars through its glass floor. The focal point is the marble screen in front of the altar, adorned with intricately carved images of the Madonna and inlaid with gold and silver iconography. Instead of the usual murals, the walls are decorated with elegant, modest, and minimalist stone masonry.
Even non-believers find it genuinely impressive.
2. Wander the Old Town
Explore the old town, and get lost in the pretty maze of streets with old cobbled stone, white buildings and flowers. The highest point is the Church of Agios Konstantinos and this spot provides the best view of the town. Take your time to enjoy this exceptional view.
3. Frankish Castle
The Frankish Castle, built by the Venetians in 1260 AD, is located above Parikia and offers a stunning view of the Aegean Sea. The castle is a gem of the area, with its walls supporting the upper parts of Parikia’s old town.
4. Relax on Parikia’s Best Beaches
In Paros, the most popular beaches are on the east and south sides of the island. However, there are many beautiful beaches close to Parikia that are ideal for relaxing and enjoying some peace and quiet.
Some must-visit beaches include Parikia Beach, Livadia (pictured above), and Delfini where you can rent sun loungers, get drinks at bars or dine at one of the seafront restaurants.
One of the best benefits of the beaches near Parikia is their protection from the strong summer winds, known locally as "Meltemia." If you like watersports there are lots of options including sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling.
5. Discover History at the Paros Archaeological Museum
Paros is rich in history, with ancient treasures and artifacts that date back hundreds of years. The Archaeological Museum of Paros, located in Parikia, showcases the island's history through a variety of exhibits. Notable displays include statues of Artemis, Athena, and Nike of Paros.
During your tour, you will also see Roman mosaics, ancient amphoras, coins, and household objects. The entire tour takes approximately 20-40 minutes. Each exhibit features information plaques written in both Greek and English, so you can enjoy the museum even without a guided tour.
6. Watch the Stunning Sunset
Watching the sunset in Greece is an experience everyone should enjoy at least once in their lives and there are so many great viewing points in Parikia, from the beach to coastal bars and restaurants.
The sky takes on many colors, gradually getting darker until the light fades away completely. For some romantic moments with your partner, enjoy the sunset from one of Parikia’s cocktail bars.
Parikia Travel Tips
Here is some important travel information and things to know before you go.
Is Parikia or Naoussa Better?
The chances are if you have been researching a trip to Paros you are probably thinking about where to stay. Both Parikia and Naoussa are great places to stay or visit, but if you want to be able to walk to beaches then we recommend Parikia. Everything from the bars, shops, restaurants in the town centre are within walking distance of hotels and the coast.
The best time to visit Parikia, and Paros in general, is from late April to early June. During this period, the island is less crowded, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. The days are longer and the weather is warmer, making it ideal for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, as it is the shoulder season, prices for drinking, dining, and lodging are lower.
Where to Stay
There are accommodation for all budgets, with the peak summer season (July to September) being the most popular and also most expensive time of the year to stay.
How to Get Around
Parikia in Paros is a picturesque small town with white buildings, a traditional old town, and stunning sunsets. It is a must-see location because of its beautiful beaches, historic old town, and the Frankish Castle. Renting a car is recommended to explore Parikia and its surroundings fully.
How Long Should You Stay in Parikia?
Parikia is a small and walkable town, so you can explore all its hidden secrets in a day. However, the area boasts many bars and restaurants offering high-quality products and services. If you are spending several days in Paros, we suggest visiting Parikia more than once to fully enjoy its charm.
Plan a Trip to Paros
Yes Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu get all the attention, but visit Paros and you won't regret it. Parikia is the perfect place to stay which is affordable, and still quite untouristy compared to some of the other islands in Greece.
There are so many attractions and things to do in Parikia, from history, culture to swimming and relaxing at some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Hopefully our list has given you some inspiration for activities, now go enjoy this magical destination for yourself.
