Greece › Paros › Parikia
Updated: May 23, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Paros Hotels
• Parikia: Argonauta
• 5-Star: Cosme (Naoussa)
• 4-Star: Opal (Naoussa)
• Cheap: Villa Isabella (Naoussa)
• Beach Resort: Cove (Naoussa)
• For Couples: Mythic (Agia Irini)
• For Families: Poseidon (Chrissi Akti)
Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the Church of 100 Doors) in Parikia.
Staying in Parikia – My Tips
- 1. Choose Parikia for convenience, value, and a real-town feel.
Parikia is the ferry port, transport hub, commercial center, and capital of Paros. It does not have the polished boutique-resort feel of Naoussa, and that is part of the appeal. The waterfront is busy with ferries, cafes, shops, and local life. It can feel hectic when boats arrive, but it is also practical, lively, and better value than Naoussa. For short stays, early ferries, and travelers without a car, Parikia is the smartest base on the island.- 2. Stay north of the port for beaches, south or inland for atmosphere.
The best area for most visitors is either in the Old Town, just behind the waterfront, or north of the port near Livadia Beach. Old Town is best for restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and evening wandering. Livadia is better if you want a beach close by and a slightly quieter hotel setting. South of the port can work too, especially for sunset views and easier access to some good-value hotels, but the northern side is generally more convenient for beach time.- 3. Get lost in the Old Town.
The real charm of Parikia is one street back from the harbor. Step away from the ferry traffic and you find a classic Cycladic maze of whitewashed lanes, boutiques, cafes, small chapels, and quiet corners. The remains of the 13th-century Venetian Kastro sit within the old town, built partly with marble from ancient temples.- 4. Visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Church of 100 Doors, is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Greece and the best cultural sight on Paros. It dates back to the early Christian era, and the stone complex feels old in a way that many island sights do not. It is close to the port, easy to visit, and genuinely impressive.- 5. Use Parikia’s bus connections.
This is Parikia’s biggest practical advantage. The main KTEL bus station is beside the port, with routes to Naoussa, Lefkes, Piso Livadi, Golden Beach, Alyki, the airport, and Pounta for Antiparos. In summer, buses are frequent enough for most day trips, though you still need to check the current schedule and avoid cutting ferry or flight connections too close. If you do not want to rent a car, Parikia is the easiest base on Paros.- 6. Use Livadia for an easy beach, Krios and Marcello for a better one.
Parikia’s town beach is Livadia, a sandy, convenient stretch just north of the port. It is not the best beach on Paros, but it’s great if you want a swim without planning your day around transport. For better sand and water, take a small summer boat across the bay to Krios and Marcello. These beaches are more scenic, more relaxed, and have excellent views back toward Parikia. You can also drive or take a taxi, but the boat is more fun when running.- 7. Make Antiparos easy.
A day trip to Antiparos is one of the best things to do from Parikia. The most reliable route is by bus or taxi to Pounta, then the short car and passenger ferry across to Antiparos. The crossing is quick, frequent, and works well even if you are bringing a rental car. In high season, there are also passenger boats from Parikia harbor, which are more scenic and convenient if the timing works.- 8. Do sunset on the waterfront.
Parikia faces west, so it has something Naoussa does not: easy sunset views from town. The long waterfront promenade is one of the best places on Paros for a low-effort sunset drink or dinner. It is not a secret, and some restaurants are better for the view than the food, so choose carefully. But on the right evening, watching the ferries move through the bay as the sun drops behind the water is one of Parikia’s best moments.- 9. Do not dismiss Parikia as “just the port.”
This is the mistake I see most often. Naoussa is prettier at first glance, but Parikia is easier, more useful, and more interesting than many visitors expect. It has the better transport links, good restaurants, real history, a proper old town, nearby beaches, and the best access to Antiparos. For many travelers, especially first-timers doing Paros without a car, Parikia is the better base.The 3 Best Hotels in Parikia, Paros
1. Argonauta Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22840 21440
Warm and inviting family-run hotel in the town center, a short walk from the ferry port. The single, double, and triple rooms are modern, elegantly furnished, and cozy, with several featuring private balconies. It is one of my favorite places to stay in Parikia. Excellent central location on the main square with wonderful traditional Greek breakfasts served daily.2. Apollon Boutique Hotel
Hotel phone: +30 22840 22364
Small midrange boutique hotel located just a minute’s walk from Livadia Beach. Every room is uniquely designed with elegant decor, luxury amenities, and very comfortable beds. The hotel offers a Greek buffet breakfast, snack bar, and massage treatments. The port and the restaurants of the old town are within easy walking distance.3. Pension Sofia
Hotel phone: +30 22840 22085
Excellent midrange hotel set within a lush garden of roses and bougainvillea. Rooms are homey and well-furnished, each featuring a small balcony or patio. The atmosphere is very peaceful despite being so close to the center. It is an easy walk to the ferry port, Livadia beach, and the main waterfront shops.
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