Clustered with blue and white houses, Parikia is a quintessential Cycladic settlement and the capital of Paros Island. Its harbour is lined with alfresco cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world go by while historic monuments stand as a testament to the town’s ancient past.
Things to do in Parikia
One of Parikia’s most famous landmarks is Panagia Ekatontapiliana, which translates as the “Church with 100 Doors”. According to legend, the complex has 99 doors, plus one secret gateway that will open to the Church of Hagia Sophia when it reverts to Orthodox Christianity. Originally built in the 4th century, the church has been remodelled since and is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes.
Housed within the complex is the Byzantine Museum of Paros, where you’ll find ecclesiastical artefacts and rare icons dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Admire the intricately carved wooden figures and the epitaph of Ekatontapiliani, as well as religious amphorae and silver objects. Parikia is also home to the Archaeological Museum of Paros where locally discovered findings are displayed.
A short drive from Parakia is the Monastery of Logovarda, an atmospheric, white-washed monastery that dates back to 1638. In addition to housing rare manuscripts and books, this male-only monastery also operates a hagiography workshop. Near the village of Sotires is the female-run Monastery of Christos Dasous with its domed basilica. Admire its double bell tower and arched entrance before strolling to one of the nearby beaches.
Getting around Parikia
Parikia is around 15 minutes’ drive from Paros National Airport, which has regular flights to Athens and Thessaloniki. Ferries connect from the Athenian port of Piraeus and islands across the Cyclades to Parikia. Buses travel from Parikia to towns and villages around Paros while the centre of Parikia can easily be explored on foot.