Parikia

Parikia - Marathi - Lefkes - Prodromos - Marpissa - Agios Antonios - Piso Livadi.

This trail comprises the Byzantine and post-Byzantine road network of the island, which connects the capital to the mountain villages and the villages of southeast Paros. It was used to transport residents and merchandise to and from the port of Parikia, the villages and the Venetian castle built on the dormant volcano that is Kefalos hill. 
There are long paved sections along the trail (particularly between Lefkes and Prodromos), as well as old arched bridges, wells and springs, olive groves, houses, pigeon houses and windmills in a natural environment teeming with scents and colors.

The route starts at the beach of Livadia in Parikia, continues along Elytas River among the plane trees and the early Christian church, heads uphill towards the Marathi plateau, passes beside the Ancient Quarries, where the renowned Parian marble Lychnitis was extracted and used to create the best sculptures and works of art in antiquity and the Roman era.

A short detour leads to Kostos, a beautiful village and the birthplace of revered teacher Athanasios the Parian.

The path at Apati in Lefkes passes through olive groves with centenarian olive trees (classified as monuments of nature). Take a break in the shady cobblestone streets of Lefkes, a village considered to be one of the most beautiful in the entire Aegean, with traditional cafés, old general stores, neoclassical mansions and the House of Literature. Every nook and cranny begs to be photographed. The duration of the hike thus far is 4 hours.

The section from Lefkes to Prodromos is the best-preserved and most reputable component of the route. It passes through olive groves, alongside windmills, springs, wells, the river Heirolaka and arrives at Prodromos. Wandering the narrow streets of the village, which are shaded by bougainvillea in all colors, taking a break at the small cafés and sampling local delicacies and snacks are all worthwhile pursuits.

The route continues toward Marpissa. It is worth making a small detour over the bridge of Makriakimnis to enjoy the beauty of Marmara, with its marble Basins (from ancient temples), the imposing Pera Panagia, the parish church with the coat of arms under the bell tower and the cafés in the pretty square. Marpissa, whose beauties are hidden at first glance, is up the hill from Marmara. The labyrinthine, traditional village deservedly numbers among the most beautiful in the Aegean, with charming cobblestone streets, the shady Volta, the many old churches with unique bell towers, the Nikos Perantinos Sculpture Museum, the Folklore Museum, the Byzantine Art Gallery, and flower-filled courtyards and streets.

The road towards the Monastery of Agios Antonios, which boasts a spectacular view towards southeast Paros and the channel between Paros and Naxos, heads uphill from Windmill square. The last stretch of the trail leads downhill to quaint Piso Livadi, the port of Marpissa. The churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Georgios Thalassitis in Piso Livadi are worth visiting. Charming ouzeries (ouzo restaurants), restaurants and cafés are the perfect places to relax after the long hike.

Distance: 19 km., 6 hours

Parikia - Monastery of Agion Anargyron

The route starts at the parking area above the pine forest of the Temple of Ekatontapiliani and heads southeast. Turn left after 700 meters and hike northwards uphill for a further 850 meters.
From this point onwards, the climb becomes more difficult through an area with no vegetation, but the monastery is just 700 meters ahead, Although tired, you will be well reimbursed by the pine forest next to the monastery, with a spectacular view of the port and Parikia. Cool down at the thermal water springs and visit the monastery, an excellent example of Byzantine architecture.

Distance: 2.5 km., 35 minutes

Parikia - Koukoumavles - Monastery of Agios Arsenios – Petaloudes

Walk southwest along the coast to the village of Koukoumavles, along the dirt roads and narrow streets of the settlement, which is past both Parikia and Parasporos. From Koukoumavles, head uphill along the dirt road that bypasses the asphalt road and comes out very near the monastery of Agios Arsenios, with the last 2 kilometers on asphalt.
A mostly level dirt road about 1 kilometer long starts at the monastery and leads to Petaloudes (Butterfly Valley).

Distance: 7 km., 1 hour and 40 minutes