Paros
Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapyliani
In Paroikia, Paros capital, at a short distance from the port, is the church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. It is one of the most important and best-preserved early Christian temples in Greece. According to tradition, the church was built in the middle of the 4th century. On the ground floor of the centenary is the Byzantine Museum of Paroikia.
The name of the church is dedicated to Virgin Mary & “Ekatontapyliani” means the church with 100 gates-doors, yet only the 99 have been found and are visible, while the legend says that the 100th door will appear when the secret door in Hagia Sophia in Constantinople will open.
Archaeological Museum of Paros
The Archaeological Museum of Paros was built in 1960 next to the high school and is one of the most important museums in Greece. Due to the exhibits found in excavations in Paros and Antiparos.
Other Archaeological Monuments
• Venetian Castle of Paroikia
• Sanctuary of Asclepios and Pythian Apollo
• Venetian Castle of Naoussa
• Archaeological Cemetery of Paroikia
Lefkes Village
When looking for the most authentic village in Paros, the picturesque settlement of Lefkes is just the place to visit. The former Parian capital during the Middle Ages, Lefkes is situated only 11km southeast of vivid Parikia. It hosts approximately 500 inhabitants, making it a wonderful getaway for tranquility. Additionally, by being located at a 300-meter altitude it enjoys splendid vistas of Parian landscapes and the Aegean Sea in the horizon
The Valley of the Butterflies
At 7km southwest of Paroikia is the valley with the Butterflies. It is a habitat with a small spring covered by dense vegetation. Every year during the summer months, the valley is verdant, and the Jersey Tiger Moths seem to have wrapped the entire valley thereby creating a truly breathtaking natural phenomenon. The graceful trees of the valley give out a sweet fragrance that in turn draws the butterflies like a magnet. These butterflies in Greece can only be found on Paros and Rhodes, while in the rest of the world you can admire them in a couple of places in Turkey and Britain.
