Parikia
Parikia is the capital of the island and is located almost in the center of the west coast of the island. The settlement extends from the sea to the outskirts of the hill, where is the monastery of Saints Anargiri. Its name keeps from the first Byzantine years when the today’s jewel of the island, Panagia Ekatontapyliani was a shelter for the residents who gradually settled down in the old city.
Walking in the narrow, with pebbles, paths, you will be beguiled by the magnificent atmosphere of Cyclades. Whitewashed houses, blue windows and pots with coloured flowers combine the perfect scenery for your holidays. In the main street the market , as in all Cycladic islands , the flowers, the terrace , the narrow curved alleys complete the folk cycladic architecture where the white and blue are dominant.
Pictures follow one another and fascinate every visitor. Highly impressive is the castle of Venice of the 13th century in the center of the traditional settlement. The houses of the small castle town are built others on the road and others incorporated to the walls of the castle. Like a live art picture, it takes visitors back to romantic times.
Moreover, you should visit Panagia Ekatontapyliani or Church of 100 doors, that rises in the center of the city and is one of the most significant monuments of Greece. The stroll around Ekatontapyliani keeps many surprises such as the Archaeological Museum, the Monastery of the Franks, Manto Mavrogenous house and the imposing neoclassical mansions. The archaic cemetery in the beach of Parikia was in use from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century BC.
The nearby beaches are famous for their good organization and clarity. Most popular of them is beach Livadia located in the north side of the town. It is an extend beach with very clean waters that provides all comforts of an organized beach. The beaches of Krios, Kaminia, Agios Fokas, that can be approached only by boat, are an exceptional proposal.
Close to Parikia harbour is the main bus station with connections around the whole island. In Parikia you will find many banks, supermarkets, travel agencies, health center and pharmacies. A lot of restaurants and taverns with recipes of the local cuisine can promise you delicious meals. Also you can find bars with greek and foreign music and the clubs with live music promise you unforgettable times. Finally in Parikia you can find all type of accommodation and car rentals.
