Parikia offers a practical starting point on Páros for exploring the harbor, history and hiking: the KTEL bus station is next to the harbor, the ancient cemetery was the official cemetery of the ancient city of Parikia, and a hiking trail starts at Livadia Beach and passes through several places before reaching Piso Livadi. These different starting points can help you tailor your stay to your cultural interests or a hike.
Parikia: Harbor Location and Hiking Starting Point
Parikia’s KTEL bus station is right next to the harbor. If you’re planning to travel by bus, check the current timetables before setting off: routes and departure times may change. The hiking trail starts at Livadia Beach in Parikia and passes through Marathi, Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa and Agios Antonios before reaching Piso Livadi. Its named stops make clear that the route continues beyond Parikia. The ancient cemetery offers another perspective on the city’s history: it was the official cemetery of the ancient city of Parikia.
Churches and Architectural History
Panagia Ekatontapiliani is in the northeast of Parikia, near the harbor, and is one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. In the southern part of the church is a baptistery dating from the 4th century, considered the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. The monument also houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia. Its collections include rare icons, wood carvings and other religious relics from the Byzantine period and the period of Ottoman rule.
The Kastro of Parikia preserves the ruins of a Venetian castle built from columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. Together with the baptistery, these sites showcase different chapters in architectural history: reused ancient building materials alongside an early Christian church and its furnishings.
Cultural Sites on Paros
Other named places on Paros are also home to distinctive cultural attractions. In Lefkes, Agia Triada is a listed church building dating from 1835, built from Parian marble. The church is a three-aisled basilica with a raised central aisle and two bell towers. In Marpissa, the Sculpture Museum of sculptor and engraver N. Peratinos displays 192 of his works.
The B. Skiadas Museum of Cycladic Folklore presents the history and traditions of Paros and the Aegean. In Naoussa, the Folklore Museum houses the collection of Doctor Othon Kaparis, a library, an extensive photographic archive and several archaeological finds. The museums offer different focuses, from a single artist’s collection to folklore, archival material and archaeological objects.
Nature, Trails and Events
Paros Environmental and Cultural Park offers a seven-kilometer network of hiking trails, organized and unspoiled beaches, and a 700-seat amphitheater for concerts and performances. Since 2009, the park has organized “Festival at the Park,” a summer program of cultural, sporting and environmental events. If you want a trip that combines nature and culture, you can find a variety of experiences in one place; be sure to check the specific event details in advance.
Another natural attraction is the Butterfly Valley on Paros, a rare habitat for Jersey tiger moths, which can be seen there in large numbers on tree trunks. In Aliki, the island’s most important wetland, hiking tours, nature walks and cycling tours are organized for international visitors. The Alyki Cultural Festival takes place every year in June and lasts three days. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates and current program before making plans.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Piso Livadi, Paros, Sarakiniko, Lefkes, Drios, Parasporos, Náousa, Santa Maria.
For the main travel overview: Paros.
