Parikia, built roughly in the centre of the west coast of Paros around a large sheltered bay, is the capital of the island. It is also the administrative and economic centre, the harbour for passengers and goods and the arrival point for thousands of visitors who flock to the island during the summer months. It's name Parikia, goes back to the Byzantine times when many of the island's inhabitants were serfs who farmed the land belonging to the Church of Ekatontapiliani.
These people were called "pariki", hence the name Parikia. Slowly the "pariki" established themselves in the old town and eventually the name changed from Paros to Parikia.Paros is a modern town with all the conveniences which today's traveller may require. Branches of most of the Greek banks can be found, a post office, health centres, an Internet cafe and car hire and tourist offices. A wide choice of hotels and rooms to rent and camping (Livadia, Krios, Parasporos) enable the tourist to choose the most suitable accommodation.
We advise the tourist not to risk taking the first accommodation offered to them at the port, but instead to make previous bookings in some of the more comfortable, quality and approved accommodation, which is available on the island. Exploring the town we come across lots of tavernas, restaurants and cafes where starters are served and tasty local and international dishes.
In the tiny streets around the Castle (the old town) and on the beach road, there are all kinds of shops selling local and traditional produce, including objects of Greek Folk Art. Sunset in Parikia is a unique experience! As soon as the sun goes down the nightlife begins. The bars, cafes, dance places offering live music and clubs come to life and the fun goes on into the early hours of the morning.In Parikia and the surrounding area there are some wonderful beaches, which are easy to get to.

A Journey back in time: Behind the cosmopolitan facade of Parikia lies a charming town, which takes the visitor back into it's rich history. It's narrow alleyways lead to ancient monuments, small bridges, fountains, neo-classical houses next to typical Cycladic style houses, small churches dotted all over like mushrooms and balconies brimming over with geraniums and basil plants. It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum, the church of Panayia Ekatontapiliani, the Castle Hill, the Ancient Cemetery, the Ancient Workshops, the sights of Pithio, Asklipeio, Dilio and the Early Christian Basilica.