Town and Villages
It has many of...
quaint and traditional villages
Paros has many quaint and traditional villages.
Their bright white houses along labyrinth like streets, decorated with arches, pretty balconies, Greek pottery, bright flowers and fragrant plants will make you want to wander around for hours.
Parikia
Parikia, is the capital of the island and its main port. Pelagos Studios in located close to this quaint little town. The town lies spread out in a bay on the West Coast. When you arrive with the ferry you are welcomed by a beautiful view - Parikia settled directly on the waterfront around the harbour (and its main centre and meeting point, the windmill), framed by high hills in the background. Parikia's heart, the old quarter with its famous "Market Street", lies within an only one-minute walk from the port, behind the main square. The Market street si a labyrinth of arched streets with a abundance of small stores, cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of tasteful little shops offering Greek souvenirs, jewellery and other beautiful things, but not too many of them. As they are evenly spread out between grocery stores, little super markets, bakeries etc You will find many interesting sites to visit in Parikia, for example the 13-th-Century Venetian Castle or the Ancient Cemetery as well as the famous ekatopiliani Byzantiun church. Roughly, you'll find most of the restaurants and bars down right along the seafront. Quaint bars and Taverna's on the seafront make this a must for an evening stroll. Close to the harbour is the main bus station offering connections around the whole island. Nearby you will also find boat taxis to take you to the beaches opposite the harbour. Parikia is the biggest and most lively town.
Lefkes
Lefkes is the island's loveliest little town situated in the "mountains" in the middle of the island, approx. 12 kms away from Parikia, facing east with a beautiful view towards Naxos. It is an extremely quiet and remote place, and if you visit Paros, we say you haven't really seen Paros if you didn't go to Lefkes. It is perfect for a daily trip since buses go to it daily. Lefkes is very green with a little forest above it. Go there and enjoy the traditional atmosphere of a magical Greek village, see the impressive cemetery that is still in use in a "secret garden" behind the cathedral "Agias Trias" and understand why this imposing town used to be the capital of a prosperous island. Enjoy the exquisite architecture (combining Cycladic and Venetian style), admire the little houses with entrances and windows you think are too small to be in use, with porches full of flowers and herbs. Afterwards, visit a few of its traditional pottery shops or watch the Greek ladies weave, then have a Greek coffee in a hidden little café with homemade cake! You can't miss its charms. There is also a famous trail for walking, the "Byzantine Trail", a paved path that leads you through beautiful countryside within approx. an hour down to the village called Prodromos and then further down to the sea. The sleepy village Kostos nearby Lefkes has a charming atmosphere and is a great place for a traditional Greek dinner!
Pisso Livadi
Pisso Livadi is a nice little town with a fishing port on the south-east of the Island, with some of Paros' most important beaches (e.g. "Golden Beach", "Pounda Beach") and the small and similar villages Logaras & Drios nearby. It has excellent greek restaurants and a beautiful view of Naxos.
Naoussa
Naoussa is a traditional fishing village in the north of the island, approx. 10 km away from Parikia, settled around a little hill in the Bay of Naoussa with a church at its peak. It is the second biggest & most important town after Parikia. Naoussa is said by many to be one of the most beautiful fishing ports in Greece, and it has kept its authentic character despite growing tourism. Many small Tavernas and beaches make this little village a must to visit. There are many beaches for all tastes in and around Naoussa ("Kolimbithres", "Monastiri Beach", "Santa Maria" e.g.). Some are long and wide, some are small and cozy and several have special activities to offer (for example Wind Surfing and Scuba Diving). Some are quiet and with very shallow water, ideal for families with young children, some offer concerts and beach parties and one allows nude bathing. There is also a very good & frequent bus service so you can move back to Parikia easily or visit other parts of the island. During the high season, the busses even run all through the night!
Prodromos, Marmara and Ambelas
Prodromos lies within little distance north-west of Marpissa. It is on the road about 1/3 of the way to Lefkes. Marmara is similar and lies approx. north-east of Marpissa, as the third corner of a triangle, also a very small village and offshore. Ambelas is a very small fishing port on the north-east of the island approx. 7 km away from Naoussa.
Pisso Livadi
Pisso Livadi is a nice little town with a fishing port on the south-east of the Island, with some of Paros' most important beaches (e.g. "Golden Beach", "Pounda Beach") and the small and similar villages Logaras & Drios nearby. It has excellent greek restaurants and a beautiful view of Naxos.
Marpissa
Marpissa is a picturesque village upon a hill within approx. 20 km distance from Parikia, just above Pisso Livadi. It lies a couple of km off waterfront. Here you find beautiful alleys with tall trees, traditional Greek life (farms!) and not too many accommodations. Within walking distance, atop a hill, there is the 16th-century monastery "Moni Agiou Antoniou" (St. Antonios).
Aliki
Aliki is similar to Pisso Livadi, a fishing port on the south-west coast of Paros, facing the little island Antiparos. Aliki is mostly known for the airport, which is further north and used by Olympic Airways and Hellenic Star for domestic flights.