Paros has a core network of approximately 35km of paths. Some are well organized and well marked, some are located in old but exciting trails and some are ideal for adventure lovers.
1. Parikia – Marathi – Lefkes – Prodromos – Marpissa – Ag. Antonios – Piso Livadi.
This route is the island’s road network used during the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine era that linked the capital with the villages located on the island’s mountains and the villages of the Southeast of Paros. On this route there are large paved sections (particularly the section Lefkes – Prodromos), old arched bridges, wells and springs, olive groves, farmhouses, dovecotes, windmills, in a nature full of scents and
colors.
The route starts from the beach of Livadia in Parikia, then passes next to the riverbed of the Elitas river between the trees and the early Christian church, ascends to the Marathi plateau, passing near the area of the Ancient Quarry, the mining «garnet «from where in ancient times was extracted the famous Parian marble, that made the best carvings and artifacts of antiquity and Roman times.
The path passes through olive groves with centenarian olive trees (classified as monuments of nature). So far, the journey takes 4 hours.
From Lefkes to Prodromos is found the best preserved and the most famous piece of this route. Passing through olive groves, next to windmills, fountains, bridges, the Chirolaka river and ends in Prodromos.
The route continues towards Marpissa, while a small detour from the bridge of Makrialimnis worths it to enjoy the beauties of Marmara with the marble troughs (parts of columns coming from an ancient temple), the imposing religious elements, parish church and cafes located near the picturesque village square. From there uphill you reach the beautiful village of Marpissa. The labyrinthine traditional settlement is considered among the most beautiful of the Aegean, with beautiful cobbled streets, the old
and many churches, unique bell towers, the Museum of Sculpture «N. Perantinos», the Folklore
Museum, the Byzantine Gallery, surrounded by flower gardens and roads.
From the windmills square ascends the road to the Monastery of Ag. Antonios from which the view towards the Southeast Paros and the Paronaxia, is magnificent. Finally downhill you arrive at the
magnificent Piso Livadi. There it is worth visiting Ag. Nikolao and Ag. Giorgo the Thalassiti.
• Route: km. 19, hours 6
2. Environmental Park of Paros
The environmental Park of Paros was created in recent years, as the area had all required elements to be a unique place, especially for hiking and observation lovers. The site is located in the northwest of the island Paros and among the attractions which are worth the walk is the old admiralty since the Orlov period, the monastery of Ag. Gianis Detis built right above the sea, and a new auditorium located at the entrance of the Park, and where good cultural events are organized during the summer.
The hiking trails are pretty, small and well marked. In most parts of the route, the view is unlimited to the sea and the surrounding islands (Mykonos, Syros, Tinos, Naxos.
You can obtain a map from the Environmental Park of Paros.
• hours 2,5
3. Byzantine path
It is the more classic and oldest path of the island of 3.5 km, for hiking lovers. It links Lefkes with Prodromos , and is paved with slabs and Parian marble, while its history dates back to the Byzantine period (1000 B.C.).
The route is generally downards, except for 150-200 meters, takes about 45 minutes and is ideal for
mountain biking.
You can enjoy the seaview, the western coast of Naxos and the mountains of Ikaria. You go down the ravine before the next sub and after 200 meters you reach the point where you get an unlimited view to Naxos. From there on, your trekking is downhill, until Prodromos, having on your left Molos Beach surrounded by two hills, the Cephal and Antikefalos on the right and your left, respectively.
• Route: km. 3,5 hours 45’
More information can be found from the Municipality of Paros website www.paros.gr
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