Parikia at a glance
Parikia is the largest town on Paros and the place where the ferries from Athens arrive. Most island bus lines start here, so many visitors spend at least a night. The old town sits just behind the harbor, with the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani at its center, the remains of a kastro nearby and a waterfront with cafes and a windmill.
Do not confuse Parikia with Naoussa or Lefkes. They are separate places on the island and not the ferry port. If you arrive from Athens you land here, and from here you go on by bus, taxi or rental car.
Panagia Ekatontapiliani
The church complex in the center of town.
History and dating
Tradition says Helena founded the church in the 4th century, and a major extension is linked to the time of Justinian in the 6th century. The date of the church you see now is debated. An older view places the main basilica in the 6th century, while newer research suggests the 7th or 8th. Treat the founding story as tradition, not as a building date.
Visiting
Entry to the church is reported to be free, with voluntary donations. The Byzantine museum inside costs about €3 (2026), which is said to include the baptistery and the upper gallery. Hours are given as about 08:00 to 20:00, but a midday closure between 13:00 and 16:00 is also reported, and the museum keeps shorter hours. Go in the morning or late afternoon and check the times on site.
The festival
On 15 August, the Dormition of Mary, the complex hosts the island's main religious festival. Expect crowds in the town that day.
Tours from Parikia
Boat trips, Antiparos excursions and island tours that start in or near Parikia, with live prices and availability.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
The key facts for 2026 in one table.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admission | €5 full, €3 reduced (2026) |
| Hours | 08:30 to 15:30, closed on Tuesdays |
| Last entry | 20 minutes before closing, about 15:10 |
| Free entry | EU citizens up to and including age 25 and non-EU children and teenagers up to and including age 18, with proof of age and nationality |
| Seniors | Greek and other EU citizens over 65 get a reduction from 1 October to 31 May, with proof |
| Closed days | 1 January, 25 March, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 and 26 December |
| Rules | No climbing on monuments, no drones without permission, no food or smoking, no pets other than assistance dogs |
| Contact | +30 22840 21231 |
The collection holds finds from Paros, Antiparos and Despotiko from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Free admission also applies on certain dates, such as 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October, and on some Sundays from November to March. Which winter Sundays count is listed differently, so check ahead. Because the museum closes at 15:30, put it in the morning.
The kastro and the waterfront
The kastro is a fortification built with ancient marble blocks and column drums. The heritage authority dates its first phase to the second half of the 7th century, with Venetian additions later. Other accounts speak of a Venetian castle of the 13th century. Today it is an open neighborhood with wall and tower remains. You can walk through it for free, but do not expect a complete castle.
The waterfront is where the town spends its evenings. The coastal road from the bus stop to the Bountaraki bridge is a pedestrian zone from 1 May to 31 October 2026, daily from 14:00 to 05:00. Easter dates from 9 to 14 April 2026 had the same rule. Emergency and supply vehicles are exempt.
Port, buses and parking
Practical details for arrival.
Ferries
The ferries from Piraeus and Rafina dock in Parikia. For schedules and fares, see the Athens to Paros page.
Antiparos
The short ferry to Antiparos leaves from Pounta, not from Parikia, and a bus line connects the two. The operator's timetable shows the direct passenger boat from Parikia paused until summer 2027. See Antiparos.
Buses
Lines run to Naoussa, Lefkes, Prodromos, the east coast, Aliki and the airport. A day ticket costs €12 and a full single ticket starts at €2.20. Check the timetable, which in October 2026 applies from the 19th to the 30th.
Parking
The municipality lists public parking on the bypass road toward Aliki and near Livadia. Fees and free spaces change through the season.
For a village away from the coast, try Lefkes. For a harbor village with a castle, see Naoussa. For rooms by area, read where to stay.
Parikia: frequently asked questions
Is Parikia the same as Paroikia?
Yes. Both spellings refer to the main town and port of Paros. Use whichever you see on tickets and signs.
How much is the Archaeological Museum?
€5 for adults and €3 reduced in 2026. It is closed on Tuesdays. Open from 08:30 to 15:30 on the other days.
Does the church of Ekatontapiliani charge admission?
Entry to the church is reported to be free. The Byzantine museum inside costs about €3 (2026). Hours vary, so check them on site.
Can I drive along the waterfront?
From 1 May to 31 October 2026, the coastal road is pedestrian from 14:00 to 05:00 each day. Exceptions apply to emergency and supply vehicles.
Where do I catch the Antiparos ferry?
At Pounta on the west coast of Paros, which a bus line from Parikia serves. The direct passenger boat from Parikia is paused until summer 2027.