[2025 Paros Attraction] Travel Guide for Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary Ekatontapyliani (Updated May)

In the Mediterranean sun, an encounter with Parikia As the plane gently landed in Greece, my heart was already soaring towards Parikia, Paros. As soon as I disembarked, the salty sea breeze embraced me warmly, and a wonderful stroll began. Stepping into Parikia felt like entering a white dream forgotten by time. The stone paths under my feet meandered, leading me through the scattered white houses. The sun shone generously, gilding every house, and the walls reflected dappled light and shadow, like poems written by time. Not far away, the Church of Ekatontapyliani appeared before my eyes. This ancient Byzantine building has stood quietly for thousands of years, solemn and mysterious. Stepping into the church, the air was filled with a faint scent of incense. Although the colors of the frescoes on the walls had faded, they were still vivid, as if telling distant stories. I couldn't help but be awed by the weight of history. Leaving the church and continuing my walk, small shops lined the streets, like small boxes hiding countless treasures. I entered a characteristic handicraft shop, and the dazzling array of goods instantly attracted me. Hand-woven carpets, brightly colored ceramics, each piece imbued with local customs. I couldn't resist picking a few as souvenirs. Tired from walking, I found a small cafe on the street to sit down. I ordered a local specialty drink and watched the people passing by: children laughing and playing, couples strolling hand in hand, and elderly people basking in the sun. Here, time seemed to slow down, and life returned to its most authentic form. As the sun set, the sky was dyed a brilliant orange-red. With joy and nostalgia, I ended my stroll in Parikia. The beauty of this small town has been deeply etched in my memory, becoming an unforgettable beautiful time in my life.

Hey everyone! Today, we're taking you to Parikia, the capital of Paros! This is the heart of Paros, boasting not only a maze of blue and white alleys but also the oldest churches, bustling seaside restaurants, and stunning sunset beaches 🌅✨! If you love the laid-back atmosphere of Greek towns, you must stay here for a night!💙🏝️ ⸻ ⛱️ Must-See Attractions 🏛️ Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Church of 100 Doors)—One of the oldest churches in Greece! ✔ Over 1,700 years old, built in the 4th century AD, it's a landmark of Paros 🏰 ✔ "100 Doors" doesn't literally mean 100 doors, but carries a deeper meaning. Legend says the 100th door is controlled by the gods ✨ ✔ Solemn and mysterious interior, ancient stone walls, frescoes, and altars—full of history! 🏝️ Livadia Beach—Lie down and watch the sunset! ✔ A 10-minute walk from the city center, with soft sand and clear water 🌊 ✔ Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a cocktail while embracing the slow pace of Greece 🍹 🌅 Parikia Old Town—A maze of blue and white alleys! ✔ Typical Cycladic style, white houses + blue windows, an Instagram-worthy photo spot 📷💙 ✔ Cafes, craft shops, and traditional taverns everywhere—strolling around is super relaxing! 🏰 Frankish Castle Ruins—The highest point overlooking the entire city! ✔ Built during the Venetian rule in the 13th century, although only some walls remain, it's still worth a visit! ✔ Overlooks the entire Parikia harbor, offering stunning views at dusk 🌅 ⸻ 🚗 Transportation Guide 📍 Location: West of Paros Island, the main city of Paros 📍 🛳 How to get there? ✔ Take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens, about 3 hours by high-speed ferry, about 5 hours by slow ferry 🚢 ✔ You can also take a boat from Santorini, Mykonos, and other islands, with daily departures ⛴️ 🚕 How to get around Parikia? ✔ The city center is suitable for walking, as the attractions are concentrated in the old town 🏃‍♂️ ✔ To get to other parts of the island (Naoussa, etc.), you can take a bus or rent a car 🚖 ⸻ 💗 Other Tips ✔ Best time to travel: May–October, avoid the peak season of July–August, May and September are the most comfortable ☀️ ✔ Accommodation recommendations: Stay in the seaside area, within walking distance of the old town, so you can watch the sunset anytime 🌅 ✔ Food recommendations: Be sure to try the local seafood restaurants, we recommend "Dionysos" and "Taverna Mouragio" 🍷🐙 If you want to experience the romantic atmosphere of the Greek islands without the crowds, Parikia is definitely a tranquil and beautiful choice!💙✨

1. Best Time to Visit • April to October: This is the best time to visit Paros, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. 2. Transportation Guide • Getting to Paros: You usually need to fly to Athens or another major city in Greece, then take a flight or ferry to Paros. • Getting around the island: • Taxi: There is a taxi stand near the port, making it easy to get to various attractions. • Car rental: Renting a car is recommended as the attractions on the island are far apart, the roads are in good condition, and rental prices are relatively cheap. • Bus: There are buses on the island, but they are infrequent and only suitable for short trips. 3. Accommodation Recommendations • Parikia: As the capital and main town of the island, there are many hotels and accommodation options, and it is close to the port, making it convenient to get around. • Naoussa: A charming little fishing port that retains some of its tradition and soul, with relatively good accommodation. 4. Must-visit Attractions • Parikia: The capital of the island, with many restaurants, cafes, and shops, and well-preserved Cycladic-style alleyways. • Panagia Ekatontapiliani: One of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece, built in the 4th century AD. • Naoussa: A charming little fishing port with many restaurants, bars, and shops. • Kolymbithres Beach: Known for its unique rock formations and beautiful beach. • Butterfly Valley: One of the most important habitats in Greece, a great place for nature lovers. 5. Food Recommendations • Seafood: The fresh seafood on Paros is not to be missed, and can be enjoyed at local seafood restaurants. • Greek barbecue: Traditional Greek barbecue, served with fresh local vegetables and olive oil. • Local cheese: The cheese on Paros is also a local specialty. 6. Shopping Recommendations • Handicrafts: You can buy local handicrafts such as ceramics and woven goods. • Marble products: Paros is known for its white marble, and you can buy some marble products as souvenirs. 7. Things to Note • Respect local culture: Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites. • Safety tips: Keep your personal belongings safe and keep your valuables safe in crowded places. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Paros!

Here is a travel guide to Paros Island, Greece: 1. Basic Information • Location: Paros Island is located in the central Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades Islands. It is a Greek island located west of Naxos Island, separated by a strait only 8 km wide. It is the fourth largest island in the Cyclades. • Area: 194.5 square kilometers • Main Terrain: Mount Profitis Ilias, 771 meters above sea level • Population: The island is sparsely populated • Capital: Parikia, with good port facilities, but not as good as Naoussa Port in the north 2. Main Attractions 1. Naoussa Town: One of the main ports on the island, with fairy-tale scenery, is a favorite spot for tourists. 2. Lefkes Town: Known for its fairy-tale scenery, with blue skies, white clouds, pure white houses, colorful windows, and bright flowers, like a paradise. 3. Church of Ekatontapiliani: One of the important archaeological discoveries, said to be built by Saint Helena, with Byzantine architectural features. 4. Windmills: One of the iconic buildings of Paros Island, located near the cruise terminal, can be considered a port landmark of Paros Island. 5. Venus de Milo: Although it is housed in the Louvre in Paris, it is made of marble from Paros Island. 3. Best Time to Visit From late April to October, when the weather is pleasant, the sea is clear, and suitable for swimming and various beach activities. 4. Activity Suggestions • Beach Activities: The beaches of Paros Island are suitable for swimming. Visitors can rent scooters or bicycles to explore the town or enjoy swimming and skateboarding by the sea. • Cultural Exploration: Visit the island's churches, museums, and archaeological sites to learn about the history and culture of Paros Island. • Natural Scenery: Hike or cycle to explore the island's natural scenery, enjoy the pastoral scenery and deep blue sea. 5. Transportation Guide • How to Get There: Usually, you need to reach major nearby cities or islands such as Athens or Santorini first, then take a ferry or plane to Paros Island. • Transportation on the Island: The main transportation on the island is taxis and car rentals, and you can also take local buses. Since the attractions are far apart and the roads are good, renting a car is a good option. 6. Food Recommendations • Seafood: The seafood in the waters around Paros Island is fresh and delicious, a must-try delicacy. • Local Specialty Dishes: Such as olive oil roasted vegetables and Greek salad, with a light and healthy taste. 7. Precautions • Sun Protection: Due to the strong sunlight on the island, it is recommended that visitors bring sunscreen and sun hats for sun protection. • Respect Local Culture: When visiting churches and museums, please respect local culture and customs. • Pay Attention to Safety: When playing on beaches and mountains, please pay attention to safety and do not go to remote areas alone. I hope this guide helps you have a pleasant time on Paros Island!