The route from Parikia to Agkairia, described by the Municipality of Paros, descends to Sarakiniko above Agia Irini Beach and offers views of Antiparos; check in advance whether the route is currently maintained and marked. If you are looking for accommodation in Sarakiniko, you can first decide whether the beach setting and views should shape your stay. Other cultural and natural destinations on Paros offer a different focus for planning your trip.
Sarakiniko and Agia Irini
Agia Irini is 4 km south of Parikia and 400 metres long. Fine sand covers the beach. This gives you two points of reference side by side: Sarakiniko above the beach and Agia Irini as a stretch of coastline south of Parikia. The route to Agkairia leads to Sarakiniko and offers views of Antiparos; the beach’s length and sand, by contrast, describe Agia Irini.
Agia Irini is considered unspoilt and a beach without sun loungers or parasols. If these features matter to your plans, check the current facilities before your visit. The beach is accessible by bus as far as the public road; private transport is also an option. If travelling by bus, it is advisable to check the timetable.
Paros: Churches and architectural history
On Paros, Panagia Ekatontapiliani is located in the northeast of Parikia, near the port. It is one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. In the southern part of the church is the ancient baptistery, dating from the 4th century, considered the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. Ekatontapiliani also houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia. Its collection includes rare icons, wood carvings and other religious relics from the Byzantine era and the period of Ottoman rule.
The Kastro of Parikia preserves the ruins of a Venetian castle built from columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. In Lefkes, there is also the listed Agia Triada, built from Parian marble in 1835. The church is a three-aisled basilica with a raised central aisle and two bell towers.
Paros: Nature and events
The Paros Environmental and Cultural Park has a 7-kilometre network of hiking trails, as well as organised and natural beaches. An amphitheatre with 700 seats provides a venue for concerts and performances. Since 2009, the park has hosted the “Festival at the Park”, a summer programme of cultural, sporting and environmental events.
Another event is the Alyki Cultural Festival on Paros: it takes place every year in June, lasts three days and includes events in Alyki. The Butterfly Valley on Paros is also of interest for nature watching: it is considered a rare habitat for Jersey tiger moths, which can be seen there in large numbers on tree trunks.
Discover more destinations: Paros, Santa Maria, Marpissa, Piso Livadi, Aliki, Lefkes, Molos.
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Go to the main travel overview: Paros.
