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Villages and Beaches
around Paros
Lefkes and area
Lefkes is the highest village on the island, located in the mountains at the center of the island. In the Middle Ages, Lefkes was the capital of the island.
The road to Lefkes passes through the ancient marble quarries at Marathi.
Of interest in Lefkes is the magnificent Agias Trias Cathedral, the Museum of Popular Aegean Civilization, an amphitheatre and an interesting library.
If you are visiting Lefkes, follow the Byzantine pathway that leads from the main square for 2 miles to Prodromos in the southeast. This is an old fortified farming village. Just outside of town the path forks. Make sure you follow to the left, and not the wider route straight ahead. The walk takes about an hour and takes you through olive groves and beautiful countryside.
Walking a short while further, about 15 minutes, you'll come to Marmara village with it's marble-paved streets. Marpissa is a pretty hamlet that lies about 1 mile south.
On the east coast below Lefkes is Piso Livadi, the fishing village with the sheltered sandy beach. Because of its beauty, and protection from the winds, this area has become a pleasant small resort area where you can find all the tourist facilities that you would require, in a more tranquil environment. There is a wide choice of bars and tavernas and a disco nearby.
East Coast Beaches
Piso Livadi, on the east coast, was once the port town for the hill villages and marble quarries. Today, you can find regular boats to the beautiful beach of Agia Anna in Naxos.
Views of Paros
4 miles north of Piso Livadi you'll find the wind-surfing capital of Greece at Molos. Just south of Molos is Pounta beach, one of the most fashionable in the Cyclades.
The most famous beach of Paros is Chrysi Akti, or Golden Beach, south of Molos. Golden Beach was once host to the World Windsurfing Championship. 700 metres of golden sand make this an ideal beach for families.
Antiparos
1 km south west of Paros lies the tiny island of Antiparos. From Parikia by boat, the trip takes 45 minutes. Antiparos was once joined to Paros by a causeway. Today, you can get to Antiparos by short boat trip from Paroikia or the town of Pounta on the west coast.
The main attraction of the island is the Cave of Antiparos, with its breathtaking display of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was discovered during the reign of Alexander the Great. In summer, you can reach the cave by boat from Antiparos Town or Pounta on Paros. Be forewarned, from the boat you will have to walk for half an hour up the hill to the mouth of the cave, or take a donkey ride. From there, it is a dramatic 230 ft descent into the cavern.
In 1673, a Christmas Mass complete with large orchestra was arranged at the site for 500 Parians by the French ambassador Marquis de Nointel.
Watch the walls as you descent for the ever present graffiti of Lord Byron (he also carved his name at Cape Sounion and other sites and ancient monuments throughout Greece).
The town of Antiparos has tavernas and cafes and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. The Kastro is a 15th century Venetian fortress, with delightful inner courtyards and maze-like narrow streets.
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