Parikia in Paros

The approach to Parikia (4,300 inhabitants), the capital of Paros, is incredibly beautiful, If you stand on deck, you'll see the old town to the right where a warren of narrow alleys are waiting to be discovered. The bus stop is on the right in the picture below. From there, buses go to Aliki, Lefkes, Naoussa, Piso Livadi, and the port of Pounda, if you're going to Antiparos.

Parikia seen from a ferry.

Formerly a Kastro (fortress) was located in the old town; the kastro was built in the 13th century of material from an ancient temple that stood on the same place, today only a wall and a tower remains. From the Kastro, narrow labyrinthine alleys leads in all directions, in the alleys are many tavernas, bars, cafes and shops.

What remains of the old Kastro.

One of many cozy alleys in Parikia.

One of many beautiful arches in Parikia.

The main street is called Market Street and here you will find a large number of shops of all kinds. Along the long waterfront are a plethora of tavernas, bars, fast food places and cafes.

Market Street in Parikia in one direction.

Market Street in Parikia in the other direction. Quite similar to Chora in Mykonos.

The really old parts of Parikia are near Market Street.

One of many cool restaurants in Parikia.

One of many cozy bars and beautiful churches in Parikia.

The genuine parts of Parikia.

If you like photographing old doors and windows, you will love Parikia.

The giant square near the port of Parikia.

One of many old churches in Parikia.

The waterfront is closed for all vehicular traffic in the evening and the tavernas get filled with expectant guests. Many come early to enjoy the beautiful sunset behind Portes, two small rocks just off Parikia.

The port promenade in Parikia in one direction.

The port promenade in Parikia in the other direction.

The sunset seen from Taverna Mouragio in Parikia.

On 26 September 2000, the ferry Express Samaina ran aground at the Portes rocks, she sank and took 80 people into the depths, 450 people survived the disaster. The reason why the ferry ran aground was bad weather - it was full storm - and inattentive staff. It is said that the staff watched football. The captain and several officers was arrested and were held responsible for the accident.

Here at the Portes Islands, the ferry Express Samaina sank on September 26, 2000.

Parikia is one of Greece's busiest ports. If you are travelling around in the Cyclades you will end up here sooner or later, whether you like it or not. The bustling port is normally full of travellers who had just arrived or is on the way to leave the island. Travel agencies crowd together with letters of rooms, scooter and car rental places, fast food places and tavernas.

The windmill in the port is something of a symbol of Paros and Parikia.

In the midst of this chaos stands a windmill, many sits and waits for ferries here. The windmill is depicted on many postcards and is something of a trademark of the island. Another important building, also well-photographed, is Panagia Ekatontapiliani located in the city park, not far from the port.

We have lain here waiting for night ferries many times.

The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is also called the Church of the Hundred Doors.

Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is located in the city park where I have drawn a red ring.

In the middle of Parikia is a small beach which is good enough for a dip, but it is not a beach where you want to spend a whole day.

The beach in Parikia in one direction.

The beach in Parikia in the other direction.

Luckily you are close to two good beaches: Livadia and Krios. Livadia beach about 700 meters north of Parikia is a much better option. Livadia is a popular tourist large with several taverns and boarding houses. After Livadia are Krios beach considered by many to be the best beach around Parikia. For Krios you can go beach boat from the port of Parikia, or are you here on your own.

Livadia on the left and Parikia on the right.

ACCOMMODATION IN PARIKIA

Just like in Naoussa, there is a huge range of accommodation in Parikia. In other words, it is difficult to choose where to stay. The first thing to decide is whether to stay in the Parikia, or at Livadia beach where there are also many pensions. Select Parikia and you want city life, choose Livadia if you want really close to the beach. Below are suggestions for good hotels in Parikia.

Book Anna Platanou Hotel here »

Book Akrotiri Hotel here »

Book Eri Hotel here »

Book Paros Palace here »

Book Villa Katerina here »

Book other hotels in Parikia here »

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