Parikia Paros

holiday report and Paros map

Parikia Paros

PARIKIA or PAROIKIA is the main port and town of Paros, located on the western side of the island at the southern end of a large and sheltered bay.
Parikia is immediately recognisable on arrival by the windmill that sits at the entrance to the harbour - a favourite meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
The seashore is lined with a main road and along it sit rows of tavernas, bars and cafes. Further back are a large square and small park and, beyond that, a warren of more traditional streets and houses that make up the centre of the town.
Near the Parikia square is the famous Ekatontapiliani Church, or Church of 100 doors, noted as one of the finest Christian churches in Greece.
Other Parikia attractions are a 13th century Venetian castle, an ancient cemetery, some good Byzantine churches and several good museums.
Close to Parikia harbour is the main bus station with connections around the whole island. Nearby you'll also find boat taxis to take you to the beaches across the bay.
At the hub of the Cyclades group of islands, Paros has many ferry links to other islands and to the Greek mainland and it is one of the main destinations for backpackers and the more independent island hopping tourists.
Without an airport big enough to take charter flights Parikia, like the rest of Paros, has stayed off the main package holiday trail and the downmarket trends that tend to follow in its wake.
Paros is still very much in the mould of a traditional Greek island with plenty of atmosphere, and much in Paros as a whole, and Parikia in particular, strike visitors as authentic.