Parikia is the hub of Paros. The large whitewashed windmill is a prominent landmark which greets visitors when entering Parikia Bay; it stands next to the ferry arrival and departure area. This windmill’s thatched roof seems to be in a state of progressed decay and its large windmill is usually just a skeleton. Typically there are several large cloths that are draped over the wood supports.
Did you know that it actually snowed in Paros in 2004?!
Parikia is a quaint town with many shops, restaurants, and attractions. There are plenty of whitewashed buildings often several stories high – walking the welcoming narrow streets is a photographer’s dream with a mix of trellises and arches and white washed walls, often covered with bougainvillea or other vine-like plants. Many shops sell local arts, crafts, clothes, and other touristy items. Streets become alive in the mid mornings and especially in the evenings. However in the afternoons everything completely shuts down and its hard to even spot dogs – apparently they take an afternoon siesta as well. Everyone closes up shop and brings all their wares from the street into their shops.
Parikia is the primary location on the island of Paros for nightclubs and night time entertainment. Most of the clubs do not open until 11pm or 12am and they stay open until the wee hours of the morning often until 6 or 7am. The clubs get quite crazy but especially so during World Cup Soccer season.
Internet Cafe (“The Wired Cafe”) is located on Market Street (the main street) and is located several blocks from the water front. Have someone give you exact directions to the cafe, because it is easy to get lost in the maze of streets or even walk right by it as I did on several occasions. This was the first Internet Cafe to open on Paros and the second among the Greek Islands. It was also among the coolest internet cafes we ever visited on all of our travels – back when net cafes were actually ‘a thing’. We originally visited this not long after they opened. Say “hi” to Nicolas, the owner for me. Damn, its been a few years!
Website
www.parosweb.com/paros-activities/cyber_cafes/wired/index.html
From the website you can view live photos, review prices and my favorite… send gorgeous e-photo postcards taken of scenes in and around Parikia to friends via email.
Church of 100 Gates is a wonderful building built of Parian marble. So far 99 doors have been counted. Legend has it that when the 100th door is found, Istanbul will return to Greece. Don’t count your breath. Long pants and long sleeve shirts are available outside the entrance for those wearing summertime beach attire who want to visit the interior.
Archaeological Museum of Paros is located directly behind the Church of 100 Gates. A number of interesting marble statues are on display along with a piece of a chronicle from the 3rd century. The museum is open every day except Monday. They are open from 9am until 3pm. Admission is several euros.
A post office is located just north of Parikia – on the road that leads to the other side of the island and Logaras. This post office is located on the waterfront.
A number of ATM’s are located in Parikia. Bring several cards or a reasonable amount of cash to last the duration of your stay. I found the success rate of actually getting money from these ATM’s on the lower side of 50% although perhaps this has improved since our visit.
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