Villa Martineli Paros: Activities in and around Parikia town

 

PERFORM THE OLD TOWN WALK

Exploring the quaint villages and towns is one of the nicest things to do on Paros, and the Old Town of Parikia is one of the most stunning places we have seen in all of Greece.

You can waste a few hours wandering aimlessly through the twisting streets of central Parikia. Begin your journey by the port and make your way through the area on the narrow streets.

You’ll find a plethora of unique boutiques, cafes, and eateries lining the streets.

The Orthodox Church, which is next to Hotel Dina, provides one of our favorite vistas in the historic district. It has the typical whitewashed facade and blue dome of a Greek Orthodox church. In addition, the road opens up slightly in front of it, making it possible to capture a picture.

Staying until the evening? After 6 o’clock, take another stroll. The best time to go shopping in Paros is in the evening, when many of the island’s smaller stores open their doors.

WALKING ALONG THE WATERFRONT.

Visit the waterfront after taking in the sights of Old Town. The promenade is a popular destination for tourists on Paros.

Numerous watering holes and eateries may be found along the waterfront. If you want to have a drink by the water, the area south of the port is perfect.

North of the port, you’ll find more dining options and a great view of the anchored sailboats.

There are some great bars and cafes along the beach that you can reach if you walk far enough. Relax with a drink or snack in the laid-back ambiance at one of their many beachside tables.

GO TO THE MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Do you wish to understand more about Paros’s past but don’t know where to start?

If you want to learn more, visit Parikia’s Archaeological Museum.

The museum may be small, but it serves its purpose well if you’re interested in Paro’s artifacts from various eras. The earliest displays are Neolithic in age, while the most recent are Roman in origin. That’s a lot of time for people to be living on the island!

The nearly complete statue of Gorgon is one of the most spectacular displays. The Nike statue was a highlight, as were some of the smaller artifacts. Compared to what we had seen in Athens, the pottery in Paros featured some unique shapes.

A Roman mosaic, along with several bigger reliefs, columns, and other architectural elements, may be found in the courtyard.

SEE THE PANAYIA EKATONTAPILIANI CHURCH

One of the most visited places in Paros is the Church of Panagia Ektontapiliani.

The earliest elements of this collection of chapels and a baptistery were built in the fourth century.

“a hundred doors” is the literal translation of the term “Ekatontapiliani.” One tradition claims that the name stems from the fact that there are 99 visible doors, with the 100th appearing after Istanbul is returned to Greek control. Katapola, meaning “towards the city,” is a more likely origin of the name.

Take your time exploring the church’s interior to take in its many shrines and priceless artworks.

You should also check out the tiny Byzantine art museum. In these three small rooms, you will see some truly stunning displays. Additionally, the baptistery and the church’s top level can be reached from the entrance.

From that vantage point, we could see for miles that the baptistry was built in the 4th century. This baptistry is the oldest one in use in any Orthodox church.

TYPICAL GREEK DISHES

Enjoying authentic Greek cuisine is a must while visiting Paros.

Parikia is home to many excellent eateries where you can try authentic Greek cuisine. If you’re a seafood fan, you should visit the harbor for some fresh catch and a relaxing meal.

Other Greek staples, like moussaka and souvlaki, will also be available.

It’s important to remember that most Parikia eateries are closed throughout the day. On the first day, we attempted a late lunch and were shocked to find such a small selection of restaurants open. The reason is that upscale eateries typically don’t open until after work.

And that’s still really early if you’re a Greek. The peak dining hour for locals is between 9 and 11 p.m. Until then, the Greek tavernas of the Old Town will be where most visitors congregate.

GO TO THE KASTRO

The ruins of a Venetian castle can be found when exploring the historic district of Parikia. The Kastro has been a landmark in the area since its construction began in the 13th century.

Even though most of the remaining walls are now part of local homes, the area’s quirky original design is still readily apparent. Ancient temples and other buildings on the island provided many of the materials used in the construction.

The fact that the Kastro seems less like a crumbling castle and more like a modern work of art makes it one of the island of Paros’s most interesting attractions.

RELAX ON THE BEACH

The beaches of the Greek islands are world-famous, so unwinding on one is a must while visiting Paros.

The nicest beaches on Paros are scattered throughout the coast, but you won’t have to travel far to get a good one.

Easily accessible on foot, Livadia Beach is located just a few hundred meters from Parikia’s harbor. You can rent loungers and umbrellas, and the water is shallow, making it ideal for families.

FIND THE OLD GRAVEYARD

There is an ancient cemetery right in the heart of Parikia.

I wouldn’t put this on the list of must-sees in Paros, but if you find yourself in the area, you should stop by. What’s more, you can get here from the port in a matter of minutes.

The oldest tomb in the cemetery dates to the eighth century BC when the Greek civilization was well established. You can’t go wandering around in the cemetery, but you can get a good look at it from outside the fence.

There is a tiny museum just next to the cemetery. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit. However, the windows provide a clear view of the artifacts and bones housed within.

LOCATE THE WINDMILLS.

White windmills are one of the first things that come to mind when I think of the Greek islands.

The most well-known ones are on Mykonos, but few people realize that Paros is also home to many windmills.

The windmill roundabout adjacent to the port is visible from the ferry. You’ll be able to find helpful travel tips inside.

If you head south along the waterfront, you’ll eventually come to a second windmill. There’s a cafe inside, and you can see all Parikia from up here.

Two other windmills can be found in the area. They are slightly more difficult to reach, but they make for adorable windmill photo ops.

CHECK OUT THE SUNSET IN FRONT OF SAINT CONSTANTINE’S CHURCH.

As the city of Parikia faces west, there are numerous excellent vantage points from which to enjoy the setting sun.

Watching the sun go down while sipping a martini is a popular pastime at waterfront bars.

The Church of Saint Constantine is also within walking distance. Easily accessible from the shore via the stairs next to the public restrooms, this chapel sits atop a tiny hill. People seeking a good vantage point from which to watch the sunset frequently visit the church because of its lofty perch. Luckily, there’s plenty of room to the right for you to spread out on a seat while the sun sets behind the water.

 

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