Parikia Paros: Guide to Paros Island’s Chill Port Town

Parikia, with its idyllic old town, whitewashed quintessentially Greek architecture, wide promenade and beautiful sunsets, make it one of the best places to stay and visit on Paros Island. 

As the capital of the island, Parikia Paros offers a lively, yet relaxing vibe, plenty of amenities, and the convenience of the Parikia port. Parikia Greece is where you will land via ferry from Athens and other neighbouring Cycladic islands, like Milos and Naxos on your island-hopping adventure.

With its location on the central west coast of Paros, you can reach all of the highlights of the island within a 30-minute drive, including some of the top sights like the charming hilltop town of Lefkes, and the chic harbour village of Naoussa. Plus, there is no shortage of scenic beaches to spend the day near Paros Parikia.

This guide on Paroikia Paros will give you all the details about where to stay in Paros Parikia, things to do, nearby attractions and the best restaurants in Parikia Paros Greece, plus more!

Parikia is your Paros base in this epic Cyclades hopping Greece itinerary

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Parikia Paros Map

Parikia town is located on the west coast of the island of Paros Greece, nestled into Parikia Bay. The town is spread out from the Parikia port Paros at its centre and is very walkable since it enjoys a mostly flat geographical landscape. 

The location of Parikia town Paros can be found on the Paros map below. Click on the image to be taken to an interactive version of the Paros Parikia map on Google Maps.

Best Time to Visit Parikia Paros

If you plan to base yourself on Paros in the chill town of Parikia Greece, then you can enjoy the town at all times of the day.

But if you are staying in Naoussa or Lefkes, I’d suggest day-tripping to Parikia in the afternoon and evening during sunset. It’s a beautiful experience to sit on the rocks, or in a cafe along the promenade and enjoy the sun go down.

In regards to the best time of year to visit Parikia Paros, it’s always a good idea to visit in the shoulder months of April-May and September-October.

These months bring pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds, since the summer months are when most people flock to the Cycladic islands in Greece. As the popularity of Paros grows, it’s a good idea to avoid the summer months if you can.

Where to Stay in Paros Parikia
or Naoussa or Lefkes?

Alright, so you’ve decided to spend a few days or a week on the island of Paros, but where to stay? Well, while spending 10 days on this beautiful island, I visited Lefkes, Naoussa and Parikia at length and can give you my recommendation based on your travel style and priorities:

Parikia Paros | Convenient, loads of amenities

Lefkes Paros | Quiet, authentic, traditional

Naoussa Paros | Lively, upscale, metropolitan

All in all, I’d recommend Parikia for first-timers (this is where I stayed), Naoussa for people who want to enjoy nightlife and shopping, and Lefkes Paros for a quieter, more authentic Greek experience.

Plus, no matter where you decide to base yourself on your trip to Paros, you can reach Parikia to Naoussa or Parikia to Lefkes in under 20 minutes by rental car anyway.

How to Get to Parikia Paros

You will either be arriving in Parikia Paros from neighbouring Cycladic islands or via Paros island destinations like Lefkes and Naoussa. So, I’ve outlined how to get to Paros Greece as a whole and also the best ways to get from other spots on the island to Parikia.

By Guided Tour Starting in Parikia

If you are limited on time and you already have accommodation on nearby islands like Naxos, Mykonos or Santorini and at least want to experience a day on Paros island, then a full-day guided tour of Paros Greece is for you.

Catch an early morning ferry to the Parikia Paros port. Your full-day guided tour will start at 9AM by meandering the alleyways of Parikia Paros.

Then take the 10-minute ferry to Antiparos to see the Venetian fortress. After lunch in Piso Livadi, spend the rest of your day discovering the highlights and hidden gems of the hilltop town of Lefkes and the stylish port town of Naoussa.

Taking a guided tour is one of the best ways to see Paros if you are short on time. Plus you get to learn the local history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

Flights to Paros Parikia

A flight to Paros is pretty easily come by from hubs like Athens. Flights to Paros from Santorini and Mykonos during the high season are also plentiful. 

I use Skyscanner to book short-haul flights.

Parikia Paros Airport

The small airport Paros is located on the southwest side of the island. It takes approximately 15 minutes to drive to the ferry port town of Parikia.

You can either grab the KTEL bus to reach the Parikia bus station for €3 (runs 4 times a day) or arrange a private taxi service. The bus runs from 9AM – 7:30PM daily.

Ferries to Paros Parikia

Travelling by ferry is the main means of transport in the Cycladic islands. I used ferries for the two months I spent in Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Naxos and Paros and can recommend it to you. A ferry to Paros from neighbouring islands is common and plentiful. 

The nice thing about staying in Parikia is the ferry port is conveniently located in the centre of town. Making it easy to reach your accommodation on foot or a short taxi ride or via a Parikia car rental.

Based on your budget, you can choose from multiple ship sailings a day. Speed boats are the most expensive but will get you from island to island quickly. If you would rather be spending your hard-earned money on Paros island experiences, slow ferries are also available. 

I used Ferry Hopper for the entirety of my trip in the Cycladic Islands and booking a ferry Paros was no exception.

How to Get Around Parikia Paros

It takes about 25 minutes to walk from one end of Parikia Paros to the other. This is the means of transportation I used to explore Parikia and can recommend it to you. 

The sidewalks of Paroikia and even the cobblestone alleyways of Parikia old town are considered well maintained and easy to walk on, so don’t worry about any possible tripping hazards.

If it’s absolutely necessary, you can find local taxis based around the Parikia port if you are wanting to arrive somewhere on four wheels. But be warned, taxis charge a hefty flat rate for trips from the Paros Bay Parikia port. 

How to Get Around Paros

For islands like Paros, Naxos and Milos, I will always recommend renting a car as your best means of getting around. This is simply the most convenient, comfortable and efficient way to see what Paros has to offer. But, of course, you can also rent yourself an ATV or scooter if that speaks to you more. 

Renting a Car in Paros Parikia

Car rental Paros Greece is pretty easy to find at the port town of Parikia, but if you are planning your trip to Parikia Paros Greece, I recommend booking in advance with Discover Cars. 

What’s great about Discover Cars is they compare local, national and international rental companies to give you the best price, plus they give you full insurance coverage for only $7USD a day (30% lower than booking directly with a local company). You can expect to pay approximately $280USD base for a one-week economy car rental via Discover Cars. 

Arriving in Parikia to find that all the car hire Paros companies are sold out would be devastating to your trip to Greek Paros. And, since exploring Paros by car is the best way to see the island, you want to make sure you book in advance!

Remember to check if you need an international driver’s permit before booking a car rent Paros Greece.

If you do decide to wait and book a car rental Paros Greece when you get there, you will find a huge concentration of companies close to the ferry port to find a rental car Parikia Paros.

Parikia Paros ATV Rental

I’d recommend hiring an ATV as your second-best option through DK Scooters ATV Rental Paros. You can find this Paros ATV rental company within a 3-minute walk from the Parikia Paros port. They are open weekdays from 9AM-6PM. 

Make sure you have a properly classified driving license specifically for ATV or quad rentals. You will be denied a rental if you don’t have this. 

TIP | Negotiate the price! There’s always a little wiggle room when it comes to prices on the Greek islands, especially if you offer to pay in cash.

Bus Paros

Although I recommend renting a car, ATV or scooter for your time in Paros, especially since the roads on Paros are well-maintained and easy to navigate, you can always catch the bus in Paros instead. The bus system services the most routes out of Parikia multiple times a day, including to places like Naoussa and Lefkes.

The Paros bus schedule will give you the latest times for the bus route of your choice.

You can find tickets at the Parikia and Naoussa terminal stations as well as stores and mini markets in Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Prodromos, Marmara, Marpisa, Piso Livadhi, Drios, Aliki, Pounta, Voutakos and Antiparos. Paros bus tickets range from €1.80 to €3.00 based on the route.

Taxi Paros

Private transfer services are plentiful in Paros, just search on Google and you can have your pick of the litter. I will warn you now though, private taxi services are offered at a pretty high price here in Paros, so I’d opt for a car rental or if you are simply coming from the airport, you can hop on the local bus instead.

Where to Stay in Paros Parikia

Parikia Paros is the main hub for visitors to the island, therefore the hotels in Parikia Paros come in every budget range and comfort level. Anything from beach hotels with great views to luxury Paros boutique hotels, to economical homestays, Parikia has it for you.

So you might be wondering what are the best hotels in Paros Parikia? Well, this shortlist I’ve created is my top pick for aesthetically pleasing places with small luxuries that won’t break the bank. But, of course, I had to throw one in there for all you upmarket accommodation seekers:

Things to Do in Parikia Paros

What to do in Paros Parikia? Well, 4,500 people live in the lively harbour town of Parikia, meaning it has plenty to do if you are tired of laying on the beach. A particular highlight of Parikia is its old town district and famous Church of the Virgin Mary Ekatontapyliani. 

Here is my list of Parikia Paros things to do that I can full-heartedly recommend to you:

1. Holy Temple of Zoodochos Pigi

I have such fond memories of this church. I was staying nearby in Parikia and would look upon it when having my breakfast in the morning. It’s a beautiful church, and the exterior warrants a visit. 

It’s currently a working church, so the bell tolls and mass is held here. So be respectful if you end up poking your head in to see the interior. The courtyard in front of the church makes for some good photos.

WHERE | Holy Temple of Zoodochos Pigi, Parikia Paros

2. Parikia Old Town

What I believe to be the top attraction (other than the beaches, of course) in Parikia Paros. The old town alleyways are quintessentially Greek with whitewashed buildings, blue accents, bougainvillea draped and grey and white cobblestones.

Other than losing time meandering and discovering the little nooks and crannies of Parikia old town, there are a couple of sites here worth mentioning.

Frankish Castle Paroikia

The Frankish Castle was built in the 1200s by the Venetians and was said to be constructed from many buildings scattered through the island of Paros. Its unique architecture stands out against the white of neighbouring buildings and features a large hundred-foot Hekatompedon​.

Not the main attraction in Parikia Paros in and of itself, but worth a visit if you are already exploring the Parikia old town.

WHERE | Frankish Castle, Parikia Paros

Church of Agios Konstantinos

Right next to the Frankish Castle and around the corner towards the Bay of Parikia is the charming little Church of Agios Konstantinos. Sitting prominently on top of Parikia old town, you can see its small steeple from the main promenade along the harbour’s edge. 

Make sure to visit this church, especially at sunset. The views of the bay and westward make for the perfect place to watch the sun go down over Paros and the Aegean waters.

WHERE | Church of Agios Konstantinos, Parikia Paros

3. Bay of Parikia Paros Windmill

Located on the most southerly spit of Parikia’s shoreline is the picturesque windmill overlooking the bay of Parikia Paros. This windmill was converted into a cafe years ago which makes a great spot to watch the bay and Parikia beyond. 

If you are travelling solo, this is a great place to watch the sunset along the concrete wall just above the windmill, on the rocks below, too. If you are looking to take photos here, the morning light lets you include the bougainvillea bush in your image, or visit during sunset for pictures of the Parikia in the background.

WHERE | Bay of Parikia Windmill, Parikia Paros

4. Watch the Parikia Paros Sunset 

Due to the westerly facing harbour that the town of Parikia sits on, it makes it ideal for watching the sunset from almost anywhere in the area and on the shoreline. A couple of favourites of mine are the wall in front of the Church of Agios Konstantinos, the rocks in front of the promenade at the water and at the Parikia windmill. 

WHERE | Anywhere in Parikia!

5. Church of the Virgin Mary Ekatontapyliani

The Church of the Virgin Mary Ekatontapyliani (Panagia Ekatontapiliani) is the most famous church in Parikia and one of the best-preserved Paleo-Christian monuments in the country. Built in the 4th century AD by the Byzantines and is known as the church of a thousand arches. 

The three-aisled basilica is a must-visit when in Parikia and just walking into the main courtyard is breathtaking. The brownish stone exterior stands out as unique amongst other more traditionally Greek-looking architecture that we imagine these days.

WHERE | Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Parikia Paros

6. Go Shopping in Parikia

Parikia shopping can be found throughout the town, but perusing the alleyways of the old town is probably the best time and place to do it. Quaint shops are mixed in amongst more modern brands, so you get the best of both worlds. 

Do some souvenir shopping, get a handmade summer dress, or have custom-made greek sandals made to remember your time on the Greek islands and more specifically your time spent on Paros in Parikia.

7. Paros Archaeological Museum

If learning about the archaeological history of Paros island, then pop into the Paros archaeological museum. The museum is located right behind the popular Panagia Ekatontapyliani Church so it’s easy to combine the Parikia attractions.

You will find many treasures dating back to prehistoric times all the way up to Roman times throughout the courtyard and two halls, including pots, casks, coins, ornaments, and pots. 

To enter, museum tickets are only €2, but make sure to skip the midday sun, since part of the museum is outdoors.

WHERE | Paros Archaeological Museum, Parikia Paros

8. Parikia Windmill + Small Church at the Port

You’ll most likely notice these two Parikia attractions just simply by walking the promenade in town, but I think it’s worth mentioning them, just in case they interest you.

Right at the Parikia port, you will find a windmill in the centre of the road about and a small white and blue church called Christoi Konstavtopoiloi off to the left. Both create such a nice background for exploring the town.

WHERE | Windmill at the Port, Parikia Paros

WHERE | Christoi Konstavtopoiloi Church, Parikia Paros

Best Paros Beaches Near Parikia
(10-30 minute drive)

Paros isn’t as well known for its beaches as neighbouring Cycladic islands like Naxos, but gosh, you can still find some beautiful gems here. Paros beaches can be found all over the circumference of the island and aren’t necessarily concentrated in one area.

Rent a car to visit all of the best beaches in Paros and make the most of your sun-drenched Greek holiday.

While visiting Parikia, you can definitely indulge in the blue waters and golden sands of the two main beaches of Parikia Beach and Livadia Beach, but if finding the best beach in Paros is important to you, I’d explore other areas of the Paros outside of Parikia.

Parasporos Beach Paros

Located in the small village of Parasporos Paros, just a 5-minute drive south along the coast from Parikia, you can find the tiny but idyllic Parasporos Beach tucked into a harbour. This beach seems to be for people ‘in the know’ as when we visited, we only saw a few locals and long-term visitors. 

The water was such a beautiful turquoise blue colour and crystal clear. I think this was the biggest surprise when it came to the best beaches in Paros and a must-visit! 

WHERE | Parasporos Beach Paros

Monastiri Beach Paros

You can reach the secluded inlet of Monastiri Beach from Parikia in 25 minutes by car. Tucked into a shallow cove, the Monastiri Beach Bar Paros features a sandy inlet with loungers and umbrella rentals (€25 a day). Due to the shallowness of the cove, you can walk out quite far from the beach. You can even rent a paddleboat to float around the cove.

Make sure to take the short walk up to the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti, just above Monastiri Paros for great views of Naoussa Cove and Naoussa Paros Island as a whole. 

WHERE | Monastiri Beach Paros

Santa Maria Beach Paros

Located at the far northeast corner of Paros, you can find the white sands of Santa Maria Beach. From Parikia, it can be reached in 25 minutes via rental car. This is one of the largest and most expansive beaches on all of Paros island, and you can find everything you need here. 

Park your car or ATV in the ample dirt parking lot and either take up one of the many lounger and umbrella rentals (€9 a day) or throw a blanket on the soft sand. You can also find a couple of restaurants and beach bars at the southern end of the beach. The clear blue waters are so inviting.

If you are up for something more adventurous, you can try diving with ProDivers Paros. 

WHERE | Santa Maria Beach Paros

Lageri Beach Paros

Located on the same peninsula as Santa Maria Beach on northeastern Paros, you will find the secluded Lageri Beach. If you are looking for quiet, this is the place for you. Do note, that Lageri (one of the best beaches in Paros) is classified as a nudist beach, but you are welcome either way. 

Lageri Beach also doesn’t have much access to amenities, so bring water and snacks with you. Park your car at the Lageri Beach access point, and make the 10-minute walk to the beach. Because a day at the beach equals rest and relaxation for me, this was definitely my favourite Paros beach. 

WHERE | Lageri Beach Paros

Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach)

Chrisi Akti Beach, otherwise known as Golden Beach due to the deep golden colour of the sand, and complemented by the very clear Aegean sea. Its located centrally along the eastern coast of Paros. You can reach Paros Golden Beach via car through the verdant hills of central Paros in about 30 minutes. 

One of the trendier beaches on Paros in my opinion, you have access to sunbeds with umbrellas, cute shops, restaurants, and bars plus you can trip your hand at kitesurfing, too. 

WHERE | Chrisi Akti Beach, Paros

Drios Beach

Just a 5-minute cruise south of Golden Beach is the quiet stretch of sand called Drios Beach. Attached to an even quieter township, the small beach is perfect for those seeking relaxation. The town of Dryos Paros offers some pretty upscale dining experiences and villas. 

WHERE | Drios Beach, Paros

Aliki Beach Paros

Aliki Paros, located on the south end of the island is a popular place to stay for long-term ex-pats and travellers. Of course, a decent beach is offered in the town, too. The harbour in Aliki also attracts many sailors that moor their boats there to enjoy the amenities in town. 

My friend and I stopped here while touring the entire island and really enjoyed lunch at Apoplous Greek Restaurant and time at the beach. 

WHERE | Aliki Beach Paros

Piso Livadi Beach

It’s worth mentioning the small town of Piso Livadi when it comes to Paros beaches. The small stretch of sand is smack dab in the middle of the seaside restaurants and boat docking. It still looks like the perfect spot to catch some sun if that’s the goal. 

WHERE | Piso Livadi Beach, Paros

Nearby Towns to Parikia 
(within 15-minute drive)

Best Restaurants in Parikia Paros

When it comes to Parikia restaurants, you have a lot to choose from. Traditional Greek cuisine, street food, upscale dining, you name it. Parikia Paros restaurants that tickled my fancy are listed below for your perusal.

One thing I can say about the best restaurants Parikia Paros is there enough of them to eat out breakfast, lunch and dinner if you want to. 

Here’s my Parikia Paros restaurant shortlist:

HELLAS | the best handheld takeaway Greek gyros with vegetarian options

BOUNTARAKI | deeply traditional Greek cuisine with charming digs featuring seafood

ENJOYMENT | underrated breakfast spot with a view of the Holy Temple of Zoodochos Pigi

NICK’S HAMBURGERS | large-sized hamburgers if you are craving western cuisine

More Greece Travel Guides

10 Days in Greece Itinerary
Naousa Paros Travel Guide
Parikia Paros Travel Guide
Visiting Lefkes Paros
Where to Stay in Milos
Top Milos Boutique Hotels
Best Town to Stay in Paros
Designer Boutique Hotels in Paros
Top Areas to Stay in Naxos
My Fave Naxos Boutique Hotels