Paros is defined by many as the 'Pearl of the Cyclades', for its position and its beauty. Paros is located in the middle of the Cyclades, and is the very image of a traditional Greek island where there is much to see and do. Today we will introduce you to the most beautiful villages on the island, which we think are definitely worth a visit! Parikia also called Chora, and the capital of Paros has about 3000 inhabitants. Parikia was built on the same site of the ancient capital city. This small town and the commercial and cultural center of Paros as well as the main port also serves, some other islands. For the many connections that Paros offers, thousands of visitors pass every summer from Parikia even just for a short visit while passing through to another island.
Parikia
Parikia is built amphitheatrically around the port, has a typical Cycladic architecture, with white cube-shaped houses, horizontal roofs with simple architectural lines, with doors, windows and colourful balconies. At the entrance to the port we find a white mill welcoming visitors: it represents the symbol of Paros. The bus and taxi stations are located close to each other. Numerous restaurants, taverns, coffee bars, night clubs are located on the coastal strip (which is closed to cars in the afternoon) while the city beach is in front of the road. The few steps from the port lead into the heart of the traditional Cycladic settlement of Parikia, clustered around the hill of Castro (Castle). This is a typical Cycladic neighborhood full of whitewashed houses and old villas separated by narrow white roads that form a maze. The castle, named Castro, was built during the XIIIth century at the highest point of the city; for its construction, materials and columns were used of an old temple of the Acropolis which in ancient times was located on that site. Today, only part of a wall and a tower remain of the Venetian castle. Around the castle, there are many churches, such as the Panagia Septemvriani (The Madonna of September), the church of Aghia Eleni (Santa Elena) and also the oldest and most important of all: the beautiful Byzantine church of Panaghia Ekatontapiliani (Madonna delle Centoporte ), considered one of the best Byzantine monuments that still exist in Greece. Currently this church is also a museum. Another interesting museum is the archaeological museum of Paros, located behind the church of Panaghia Ekatontapiliani which exhibits a review of various findings (such as sculptures, inscriptions, vases, etc.) from the Neolithic and Roman periods. Other interesting sites to visit near Parikia are the ruins of Asclipio, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Temple of Ilithia, the Temple of Jupiter Ipatos.
Naoussa
The picturesque fishing village of Nauossa is located in the vast bay south of Paros, 10 km east of the capital Parikia.
Nauossa is considered one of the most beautiful villages of the Cyclades, and despite the development of tourism, has maintained its originality, its charm, with its small white houses full of flowers and its churches and white chapels, with streets paved with stones forming mazes. The village of Nauossa is built amphitheatrically around a small picturesque port where fishing boats named caiques are moored, and from where you can see the ruins of the Venetian castle. Around the port, there are small taverns and uzerias (places where you drink uzo and eat aperitifs called mezedes) that create a friendly and traditional atmosphere. Although Nauossa is quieter than Parikia, it also has lively bars and night clubs, open until the morning. Nauossa is also famous for its numerous and beautiful golden beaches, which fill its huge bay, like the beach of Kollimbitres, Aghios Ioannis, Aghi Anarghiri, Monastiri and others. The island covers all types of needs: from the wildest and most solitary beaches to the fully organized ones that are ideal for everyone. All can be accessed through paths, paved road or caiques (small fishing boats). Nauossa also has beautiful churches to visit such as the main Kimisis tis Theotoku (the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin) located in the highest place of the village or the church of Aghio Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) which houses an interesting Byzantine museum exhibiting valuable icons of the XIIIth century. Every year, on August 23, nine days after the Assumption of the Virgin, a great festival is celebrated, during which the exploits of the pirates are represented and re-enacted by the young people of the village. Fireworks and dances, food and wine continue until morning. Many monuments and archaeological sites in the area around the village of Naoussa are very interesting to visit.
Lefkes
One of the prettiest villages in Paros, Lefkes, is located in the central part of Paros, 11 km south-east of Parikia. Lefkes has 500 inhabitants and is built at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, on a verdant hill covered with olive trees and pines and offers an exciting view on the island of Naxos. This beautiful village, capital of Paros during the Middle Ages and full of small and traditional white houses mixed with Venetian architecture, beautiful churches dated around the fifteenth century, white mills and beautiful pigeon houses. The charm and beauty of Lefkes still untouched by the mass of tourists allow it to maintain its originality. The church of Aghia Triada and the main church of the village; and a beautiful Byzantine church of white marble that shines under the sun; in this church rare Byzantine icons of great value are shown, worthy of being admired. In Lefkes, you can also visit a folk art museum that displays various local objects and clothes and a folk museum of the Aegean. From this marvelous village, the "Byzantine Road", a paved path dating back to the Byzantine period, leads to the village of Prodromos and from there to the sea.
Marpissa
The picturesque village of Marpissa is located on the Kefalos hill just above Piso Livadi, 18 km south-east of Parikia. Built amphitheatrically (like most Cycladic villages) around the hill, Marpissa, is a traditional Cycladic village with white cube-shaped houses that lie between narrow streets, churches and mills. As one of the few traditional villages of Paros, Marpissa does not offer many lodgings, which gives it an incredible charm and pristine beauty. Marpissa is located near the beaches of Logaras, Punda, Piso Livadi, Golden Beach and Drios. The ruins of an old castle and those of Moni of Aghios Antonios (Monastery of St. Anthony) are located on the top of the Kefalos hill.
Piso Livadi
The small fishing port of Piso Livadi is located a couple of kilometers south of Marpissa and 19 km south-east of Parikia.
Piso Livadi was a small quiet village but it has been transformed and intensely developed to attract more and more tourists. This important holiday destination has many restaurants, coffee bars and shops located on the coastal road that rent various means of transport; Piso Livadi is famous for its exquisite Greek cuisine. From this small port, daily tours are organized for Naxos, Santorini and Amorgos. South of Piso Livadi you can find beautiful beaches like Golden Beach, considered one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean for slalom windsurfing. A large religious festival of this small place, and the celebration of the Assumption: on this day between one event and another, food based on fish and wine is served.
Alyki
The village of Alyki resembles that of Piso Livadi; and a small fishing village with a small port, overlooking the island of Antiparos; It is located 16 km south-west of Parikia, close to the airport. Its long and extensive sandy beach is truly a delight with its crystal clear waters; other beautiful beaches (all the famous beaches of Paros) are even further south. Alyki is well known for its exquisite taverns on the coastal road, which serve fresh fish and tasty local wines. It also has several hotels, restaurants, coffee bars and even the popular Scorpios museum, which was founded by a fisherman, and displays a collection of miniature boats and monuments that recall the past. In a location near the village of Alyki, you can find ruins of an ancient city at the bottom of the sea.
Prodomos Ambelas
To the south-east of Parikia and 7 km south of Nauossa is the small picturesque village of Prodromos built in the traditional Cycladic way, full of white cube-shaped houses, small white chapels and beautiful churches. The village of Prodromo together with that of Marmara, form the community of "Archilogos" whose name recalls that of a famous island poet. The name Prodromos was given to the village after the construction of the church of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos of the seventeenth century whose interior is decorated with beautiful icons. Ambela is the name of a small fishing village located a few kilometers south of Nauossa, famous for its exquisite traditional taverns, where fresh fish and traditional dishes delight the senses and enchant anyone who tastes them.
Drios
The village of Drios is a traditional Cycladic village, located in a beautiful green environment, 25 km south of Parikia. During the past years, the village has developed a complete tourism infrastructure. From Drios you can enjoy a magnificent view of the island of Drionissi and the Aegean. The most famous beaches of Paros are in the vicinity of the village, and there are pleasant beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand.
If you want to really make your holiday in Paros special, come and discover our list of exclusive villas and services on the island.
