There are about 2,000 islands in Greece, but the beautiful city of Parikia is endowed with the finest island Greece has to offer. Distinguished by old churches, small shops, narrow cobbled pathways with its houses in blue and white, Parikia is the capital and the main port of Paros island. It is located in the center of the Cyclades islands. Apart from beauty, there are other amazing facts about Parikia that would interest you.
Beaches
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There are a variety of beaches in Parikia. Of course, you would love to hang out with friends, but making a choice could be hard because every beach has its awesome features to behold. Due to its remarkable and beautiful sand, the golden beach is known as the most popular beach in Paros. There is a wide range of free parking space on the beach.
Although said to be quite rough, windsurfers are always attracted by the wind from all over. You may want to engage in windsurfing competition while visiting and trying out its best sporting facilities. Umbrellas and bars are present on the beach to provide you with comfort. Other beaches you could have amazing experiences in Parikia include the beaches of Ambelas, Kolymbithre, Santa Maria, Lageri, and Xifari.
Shops
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Parikia is also a nice place to engage in shopping as you will find some of its items relatively cheap. The city is blessed with amazing jewelry shops where you will discover different shapes of marble gotten from the island. Visiting the local wine and embroidery shop would also be an awesome experience. Honey and other products can be found at Mando Square under the police headquarters where the shops of members of the Farmers Association of Paros are located. Parikia has the finest bakeries in Greece, which produces one of Greece’s finest pieces of bread.
Religious Festivals
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Festivals are occasions celebrated by the people of Parikia to promote their cultures and traditions. While visiting this beautiful city, you could engage in festivals like Easter celebration, which is celebrated all over the world but uniquely celebrated in the villages of Marpissa, Prodomos, and Marmara. The sweet-smelling wine produced in the city is something you should taste while attending these festivals. August 15th is another remarkable day you should plan to spend in Paros by visiting the Church of Panayia, Ekatontapyliani where cultural events are being organized with outstanding performances.
Villages
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Taking a walk through the beautiful traditional villages of Parikia will give you a memorable experience. Having the ruins of a Venetian fortress stand at the entrance of its small harbor is a colorful village known as Naoussa. Founded in the 15th century is also a traditional village known as Marpissa located on a hill, a few kilometers away from two popular beaches in the city. You can also visit other villages like Psychopiana and Lefkes to view the adornments on the streets.
The Valley Of Butterflies
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Paros is also renowned for inhabiting several species of butterflies of all sizes, shapes, and color. The valley is close to the Monastery of Christo Dasous and located between Parikia and Pounda at a place called “Petaloudes.” It is best visited between May and July because it is the period when the butterflies reproduce.
