Parikia, the capital of Paros with the passenger and the commercial port and the Mill, which is the trademark of the village, is located at the island’s bay. There are beautiful settlements in Parikia, however Parikia itself will also fascinate you if you take a walk around its alleys. Ekatontapiliani and the pinewood next to it, the Venetian castle in the old market, the church of Agios Constantinos (St. Constantine), the hill of Agia Anna (St. Anna) with its two mills, which are a trademark of Paros, the perennial palm trees on the street along the coast (Giannis Parios st.) and all kinds of stores attract the visitors.
In Parikia, the port of Paros, ships come and go all year long but mainly from spring and through summer, carrying people and goods.
This city of Paros has been inhabited since the prehistoric times but in the 13th century, when it took its current form, the Venetians built the castle on the hill inside the city. Many of the parts of the ancient temple of Demeter have been used for the construction of this castle. In this part of the city, in Kastro (the Castle), there are houses and small churches (St. Mark, St. Anna, St. Stylianos), while a bit higher on the hill there is the church of St. Constantine, a Byzantine monument of Paros. From the hill and from the street along the coast (Giannis Parios st.) in Parikia you can enjoy a west-facing sunset over Parikia Bay.
The central street of the market (Lohagou Fokianou st.) in Parikia, in Paros, with stores along both its sides is quite attractive, with old buildings that are preserved in an excellent condition. Venetian mansions, the residence of the Dimitrakopoulos family and Mayor Mavrogenis’ fountains, all fit harmoniously with the small touristic shops and the antique shops of the city.
Most of the stores, taverns, restaurants, bars, cafeterias are situated on the street along the coast of Parikia (Giannis Parios st.) from the Mill in Bountaraki to Livadia.
There are many sights to visit in Parikia. There are many archaeological sites, the most important of which are: the ancient cemetery on the beach and the pottery workshop, the Archaeological Museum of Paros, which is remarkable with exhibits from Paros and from Despotiko of Antiparos, the Castle and Ekatontapiliani, which is probably the most famous church of Paros or even of Greece.
About 7 km southwest of Parikia, there is the Valley of the Butterflies, a verdurous biotope of Paros, where you will see Jersey tiger moths.
