Parikia Paros

Parikia Paros is the capital of the island, where the main port is located. When you approach Paros, first of all your will see the well-known Portes (doors) islets just outside the Gulf of Parikia.
The characteristic spot of the port of Parikia is a windmill, inside of which there is a tourism office. Therefore, you can get information and various brochures about Paros from the beginning of your stay.
Parikia and the surrounding area has been inhabited for thousands of years. The ancient city was at the same spot where of the modern town of Parikia Paros is today. There is an ancient cemetery, which was used from the 8th century BC till 2nd century AD. This is  the proof of the existence of organized society at that time. Paros Archaeological Museum, houses objects and findings from Neolithic, Archaic Cycladic Era etc. found on Paros island. It also hosts findings from the archaeological site of Despotiko, an islet south of Antiparos. Another interesting fact is that on the hill of Agia Anna there are two more archaeological findings: the Asklepieion and the temple of the Pythian Apollo. The Asklepieion is a temple built in order to worship Asclepius, the God of Medicine, worshiped all over Greece. Furthermore, three kilometers north of Parikia, on a hill, there is a temple of Apollo of Delos and it is facing Delos, an ancient city built on an islet opposite to Mykonos island. In addition, there was also a temple of the goddess Artemis, as well as an ancient cemetery.
Another attraction in Parikia, are the ruins of a Venetian castle, built in the 13th century by the Duke of Naxos, Sanudos and it is one of the most popular attractions of Paros. That is, most of all,  because of its construction. Ancient inhabitants of Paros were using marbles and pieces of ancient temples columns of Paros to build the wall. The Castle is at amphitheatrical on a hill.
Most noteworthy in Parikia and the most famous of all the attractions of Paros, Ekatontapiliani church, is very close to the port. It's one of the largest and the most important early Christian monument in Greece. It was built in the 4th century and took its name, according to tradition, because of its 100 gates or doors. 99 of them are visible and the last one will reveal it self after opening a secret door in Agia Sophia in Istanbul.
Next to Ekatontapiliani church there is the Byzantine Museum of Paros, where visitors can admire exhibitions of icons, wood carvings and other objects and relics of Paros.
There are many beaches near Parikia which cover all the tastes of visitors. The nearest one is Livadia. This is a long sandy beach with umbrellas, sunbeds and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Within the Bay of Parikia and opposite to the town, there are other beaches such as Krios and Marcello, both sandy and very well organized. Visitors of the island consider them as some of the best in Paros. Furthermore, if you are looking for something more quiet and secluded, there is the beach of Agios Fokas, on the northern part of the bay. There are two ways to get to the beaches of this part: using a car, or taking a boat from the port of Paros.
Southwest of Parikia, there is another famous beach, Parasporos, which is also sandy and organized with umbrellas and sun beds. In addition it is suitable for children. Closer to Parikia, you will find a small beach, called Delfini.
In Parikia, there are many cafes. You will find the most famous of them west of the port. From there you will be able to admire the beautiful sunset, while enjoying your cocktail. In addition, there is also a variety of taverns and restaurants. Consequently on this side of Parikia, you will taste delicious dishes, both seafood and meat.
You can also discover the alleys of Parikia, full with small shops, from where you can buy gifts as well as cafes and small taverns.
Finally, you can use local buses from Parikia, in order to have access to most parts of Paros island during your stay.