Paros has a hiking trail network of approximately 35 km. Hikers will encounter houses, small stone sustainable farm houses, lime, clay, reeds, and seaweed - proof that the simple can also be beautiful. More windmills, watermills, wheel wells, wells, cisterns, threshing floors, and pigeon houses (or "virtues with four corners" according to Elytis) than you could count. Some are organized and well marked, others are old and exciting and some are ideal for adventure lovers. The hiking trails of Paros are a real revelation, even for skeptics. Set prejudice aside and devote yourself to exploration - put a pen to paper and then implement your plans.
Enviable virtues and biotope. Paros: a mesmerizing place.

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

Marmara - Molos - Fanari – Kalogeras

An easy hike in the plain from Marmara to Molos beach, and along the sand to Kalogeras beach.

You will traverse narrow and wider paths and dirt roads to the left of the paved road. Exit the village on the cobblestone street to the left and turn right at the intersection. The route is beautiful, through cultivated land and trees. At the end of the path, after about 600 meters, turn left and then right after another 200 meters. You will find yourself on the straight stretch towards Molos beach.

When you reach the sea, turn right towards Kalogeros and follow the dirt road on the sand. With the small harbor in front, turn right and follow the uphill path leading to Kalogeros beach, behind the little hill. Alternatively, turn left halfway down the short dirt road leading to the beach onto the path that leads to the tip of the headland and take in the view, the wild landscape and the sight of Kefalos hill.

Distance: 3.5 km., 45 minutes

Byzantine Road

The Byzantine road is the oldest trail on the island, and connects Lefkes to Prodromos. The Byzantine Road starts at Louki's café in Lefkes. The trail, whose history dates back to the Byzantine era (1,000 AD), is 3.5 kilometers long and is paved with Parian marble.

Except for 150 to 200 meters, the trail is downhill and takes approximately 45 minutes to walk. It is also ideal for mountain biking.

The first few meters are uphill along the slope of a ridge, through cultivated land, low vegetation and a few trees. You will find yourself above a ravine, walking parallel to the asphalt road. The sea, the west coast of Naxos and the mountains of Ikaria are visible in the distance. Head down into the ravine before the next incline and after 200 meters there is an opening with a clear view of Naxos. The rest of the hike is downhill to Prodromos, with Molos beach on the left and Kefalos and Antikefalos hills to the right and left of it respectively.

Environmental Park

The Environmental Park of Paros was created in recent years, in a region with all the elements required to develop a unique park, particularly for hiking enthusiasts and keen observers. The peninsula is located at the northwest tip of Paros and attractions worth visiting include the old shipyard that dates back to the Orlofika period, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis, which was built right above the sea at what is now the entrance of the park, and the new amphitheater where excellent cultural events are held in summer.

There are many small paths that are well marked. At most points along the route above the rough cliff, the view of the sea and surrounding islands (Mykonos, Syros, Tinos, Naxos) is endless and the breeze from the north (refreshing during the summer and cold and blustery in the winter) wafts salty air up from the sea up your face.

Bushes and low vegetation dominate, occasionally interspersed with the sea pines planted in the park, which are struggling to thrive in such harsh conditions. In spring, green tufts and colorful flowers break up the monotony.

The central path stretches ahead cyclically above the main beach and its leisure facilities to the lighthouse at the northern end of the park. After your hike, relax over a beverage or coffee at the small café, enjoy a film at the small open air cinema, or have a swim at the beach, which is completely sheltered from the winds and looks towards the bay of Naoussa and Agios Ioannis Detis.

Approximate Distance: 7 km.
Approximate duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Maps are available at the Park.

Lefkes-Lagada-Aspro Chorio-Drios

The most demanding and least known hiking trail of the four we propose. If your car can handle a fairly difficult dirt road, you can drive a few kilometers outside Lefkes on the short cut to Lagada. Leave the car at the blue sign pointing towards Lagada, uphill towards Agious Pantes.
Hike along the rocky path with low vegetation and a few crops for approximately 3 kilometers. The last 500 meters lead downhill towards Lagada, which is a small village with a few scattered houses that seems to be stuck in the 60s. Walk down into the ravine that acts as the path for the next section of the hike. The landscape is wild but idyllic, lined with green grass in the winter, like a fluffy carpet on the ground that does much to soften the Aegean terrain. Observant hikers will notice old man-made animal enclosures, hollowed out under the rocks, in perfect harmony with the natural setting.
The last 200 meters are uphill towards Aspro Chorio. The last section of the hike towards Drios starts there. Walk 200 meters downhill to the left along a path through the ravine that leads to the asphalt road. But you won't walk on asphalt. A few meters before you reach the asphalt, turn left onto a wider dirt road to the north and carry on for 200 meters through the houses and turn right at the small intersection. At the next intersection in front of two summer houses, turn left and after 400 meters right towards Drios.

Distance: 10 km., 3 hours

Lefkes - Pigados - Ancient Quarry - Loggovardas Monastery - Taxiarchi Monastery

Setting off from Lefkes, the first section of the hike is uphill as far as the well at Pigados (Greek for well). There are traditional houses along the route. After Pigados, the dirt road leads downhill towards the Vounia region, with vineyards and wheat crops. The trail passes near the Monastery of Agios Minas and the Ancient Quarries, continues across the Marathi plateau and climbs up to a small forest with indigenous vegetation (shrubs) and leads to Loggovardas Monastery, which is still inhabited by monks and only men are permitted to enter. The monastery houses beautiful Orthodox frescoes, valuable icons and rare books. The path continues on to Taxiarchi Monastery.

Distance: 8km., 4 hours

Lefkes - Agia Kyriaki - Agrilies - Avkoulaki - Agios Georgios Lagadas

Hike southwest from the windmills at Lefkes for 2.5 kilometers to the monastery of Agia Kyriaki. You are already on the path to Avkoulaki. Head uphill to the trail that leads to Lagadas. After 3 kilometers, take the fork on the left. The terrain becomes rougher, heads uphill for 300 meters and then leads down to Agios Georgios.
Take a break at the monastery (1.5 kilometers) and enjoy the fresh, cool air at the well at Avkoulaki.

Distance: 6.3 km., 1 hour 20 minutes

Parikia Bay

The trail around Parikia Bay is very nice and runs parallel to the sea. Start at the port and head north. Walk through the small beach with sea pines and continue, wading though the waves, towards Livadia, the long beach at Parikia. Leave the beach and follow the dirt road above the beach as far as the first houses you meet. This is the end of Livadia beach and after crossing the narrow sandy stretch, you will find yourself on a rocky path that runs parallel with the sea, with a few houses on the right. The first cape is about 500 meters along the path. The path veers away from the sea before reaching the edge of the cliff and heads west towards Krios and Marcello beaches.

At this point the path runs quite high above the sea before heading downhill towards a small sandy beach, with a small pier at one end and a snack bar where you can stop and have a coffee and a bite to eat before continuing. The long sandy beach and sea pines are already visible in the distance. Walk along the sand across Krios, Marcello and Kamini beaches.

You will meet the road from Parikia. Follow the dirt road at the end of the asphalt towards Agios Fokas. After about 200 meters (above a small sandy beach), the dirt road turns inward. Leave it behind and follow the small path above the cliff and below the villas. You will find the little church of Agios Fokas and its beach at the end of the path.

Aliki - Agairia - Monastery of Agion Theodoron - Aspro Chorio

Moderately difficult, this is one of the most exciting hiking routes on Paros. Set off from Aliki. Walk towards Agairia through the narrow streets of the village with the settlement of Aliki on your left, and savor the architecture of the traditional Aegean houses. Leaving Aliki, the path heads slightly uphill and arrives at the few houses in Agairia after about ten minutes.

Pass the houses and walk towards the hill and ravine leading to the the monastery. The shorter route is along the asphalt, while the longer one follows the dirt road to the right that leads around the cultivated fields and meets the asphalt road where it turns into a dirt road that continues towards the monastery.

You will now leave the smooth terrain behind and head uphill for about 300 meters, through low vegetation, bushes, shrubs and a few trees, past the last two houses to a junction. Turn right and head up the last uphill stretch through the ravine, towards the monastery. For this section of the hike, only slopes are visible to the left and right, very green and with just a few crops. The profound feeling that you have left "civilization" behind will persist until the monastery comes into view.

Carry on downhill towards Aspro Chorio, with the bare cliff and mountain peak to your right. The last three kilometers are easy, with a view of Aspro Chorio ahead and the beaches of Lolantonis in the distance and Glyfas on the right.

Distance: 8.5 km, 1 hour and 45 minutes

Logara - Pounta - Mesada - Tserdakia - Chryssi Akti - Drios (along the coast)

An alternative to the asphalt road, this easy hike above the sea on varied terrain follows paths and dirt roads. A pleasant hike, interspersed with swims, that starts from Logara beach and lets you choose your route along narrow paths running alongside the sea, that arrive in Pounta in five minutes (on a cliff path that connects the two sandy beaches) and in Tserdakia in 20 minutes. At Tserdakia, the dirt road above the sea heads uphill and then downhill towards Chryssi Akti. After a ten minute walk the road leads into a smaller path that arrives in Drios approximately 20 minutes later.

Distance: 7 km., 1 hour and 30 minutes

Marpissa – Avkoulaki

A short hike along a smooth dirt road, which starts at Marpissa and heads southwest. Look for the stadium in the village. Follow the asphalt road for about 1 kilometer. Turn right onto the dirt road leading to Agios Georgios in Avkoulaki. Walk slightly uphill though the fields and past some farmhouses. After a few hundred meters, at the small village of Tourlo, the trail heads into the mountains. The path is steep and rocky, passing though low vegetation. Arriving at Agios Georgios is rewarding, and you can rest in the courtyard of the pretty monastery, and visit the well and river under it in Avkoulaki.

Distance: 5 km., 1 hour

Prodromos- Panagia Kontiani Monastery

The deserted Monastery of Panagia Kontiani is located just five minutes on foot to the west of the village of Prodromos and only the church remains in good condition. The monastery, which was built in the 16th century, is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and was owned by the Agia Kyriaki monastery in Lefkes. It was named Kontiani (near in Greek) because of its proximity to the village.

Distance: 300 meters, 5 minutes

Kostos - Agia Pakou – Naoussa

Another well-marked trail along a wide path, suitable for everyone as it leads downhill to Naoussa.

Set off from the village of Kostos and walk along the asphalt road for 7 minutes, until you reach the small church of Agia Ypakoi, or Pakous, according to locals. The path starts 100 meters from the church in the direction of Naoussa, and takes a slight detour to the right.

Walk along the left side of a terraced slope, with the bay of Naoussa and the shores of Mykonos in the distance. Reaching a three-prong fork, take the dirt road in the middle at the village of Matzoro. After 100 meters, take the left road at the fork. The trail leads through a ravine, at times along a dirt road and others a narrow path, for about 800 meters until it exits the gorge.

Naoussa is directly ahead. Continue straight on and take the fork on the left. There is another fork 300 meters further along. This time take the path on the right, and the hill with the monastery of Agios Antonios will also be on the right. Another 800 meters and you will see the first houses of Naoussa.

Distance: 6 km., 1 hour and 15 minutes

Kolymbithres - Mycenaean Archaeological Site at Koukounaries

Very near Kolymbithres beach. The ruins of the Mycenaean acropolis are preserved. Findings from the dig are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Paros.

Distance: 300 meters, 5 minutes

Ampelas - Santa Maria

A pleasant walk along the sea, at times near the sea and others along the beach, but mainly along beautiful rocky terrain. Leave Ampelas behind and walk northwards along the asphalt road for the first 1.5 kilometers. Aspros Gremos beach is another 800 meters further along. You will now be following a dirt road, with many paths leading to the sea, that leads to the headland opposite the Filidi islet. The next beach is a paradise and not particularly well known.

After indulging in a swim in the turquoise waters, continue following the path between the cedars and sand dunes. In a few minutes you will come upon the small coves of Santa Maria, just before the long beach, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to hike on the island.

Distance: 5 km., 1 hour

Ampelas - Molos - Marmara (along the coast)

Hike above wonderful sandy beaches and rugged shoreline. Set off southwards from Ampelas, and turn inland onto the dirt road leading away from the sea after 800 meters.

At 1,800 meters, the dirt road ends. Turn left towards the sea. On the narrow dirt road above the sea, walk straight on for 750 meters and bypass the right turn (don't follow the road), continuing to walk on the cliff above the sea for another 1,100 meters, You are now at the gorgeous and unspoilt beach at Tsoukalia, most probably enjoying the cool breeze. Antikefalos hill looms ahead and Kefalos hill, with its characteristic pointy shape, can be seen further to the right.

Move away from the sea to avoid Antikefalos hill and walk on the dirt road for approximately 1.5 kilometers to the sand that marks the beginning of Molos beach. Should you wish to continue as far as Marmara village, turn right on the narrow dirt road halfway along Molos beach.

Distance: 7 km., 1 hour and 30 minutes