Beautiful Lefkes In Paros: A Must-Visit Greek Village
Lefkes in Paros is an absolute must-visit Greek village and one that will almost certainly steal your heart. Surrounded by mountains and enchanting architecture, Lefkes was the first capital of Paros. Now you would never guess, as its sleepy streets and car-free roads seem far removed from the hustle and bustle of a capital.
If you’re visiting Paros island on an island hopping tour of Greece then seeing Lefkes is an absolute must. It has an atmosphere unlike many other Greek villages and towns, and you’ll wish you had longer to explore the whitewashed backstreets, sip ouzo in the local cafes and photograph the stunning views.
Quick Guide To Lefkes In Paros
Lefkes In Paros: A Little History
The first residents in Lefkes were immigrants from Crete who chose to build their village on the mountain, in order to be protected from the all too active pirates who raided the seaside villages and towns.
It was the capital during the middle ages, and you can explore Venetian architecture, churches dating from the 15th century, and whitewashed windmills that Greece is so famous for.
Lefkes has only 500 inhabitants, a lot of whom live off the tourism trade which is thriving here (we can see why!) At 300m above sea level, Lefkes in Paros gives incredible views of neighbouring Naxos island and is surprisingly green for a Greek village, making it stand out all the more.
Things To Do In Lefkes
Photograph The Beautiful Architecture
The Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) is the village’s main church and one of the best things to do in Lefkes.
This is a beautiful Byzantine church made of fine white marble. It really stands out against the mountain backdrop and is definitely worth seeing while in Lefkes. The rare Byzantine icons housed within the church are also worth seeing.
Lefkes has several other religious monuments that are worth visiting, such as the church of Panagias Ypapantis, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, and the country chapel of Agias Kyriakis in Pano Lefkes. There are several other countryside churches dotted around as well that help to make this village really special.
Enjoy The Views
Walk the outskirts of the village of Lefkes, Paros, to discover some of the old whitewashed windmills so iconic in Greece. They might not be quite as ‘staged’ as some of the more famous windmills on other islands, but they’re certainly worth a picture or two!
Learn About The Village
Lefkes has a Folk Art Museum which exhibits various local tools and clothing and the Museum of Aegean Folk Culture. It’s an interesting place to visit, especially if you need a break from the Greek sunshine!
Take A Hike
One of the main reasons to visit Lefkes for more than just a day is the hiking opportunities you’ll find here.
There are several great hikes that start from Lefkes, the most famous of which is the Byzantine Road, a paved footpath dating from the Byzantine period, leading to the village of Prodromos and ending up at the sea.
You can ask the locals of the village for more information about trekking routes starting from here, and spend several days exploring the incredible countryside.
Go Shopping
Ok, so you won’t be spending hours looking for souvenirs but Lefkes does have a small selection of shops to browse.
Ramnos, the central street of the village, is where you’ll find most of the action in Lefkes – though action is probably not the right word! This sleepy village has a traditional laid-back Greek feel, especially until the tourists arrive at around 11am!
Head to the small town square where you’ll find a war memorial and some pleasant cafes to sip coffee and watch the world go by just as the locals do.
When To Visit Lefkes, Paros
There is no ‘best time’ to visit Lefkes in Paros. I would personally avoid the winter, as there are far more rainy days and storms around this time. We found winter in eastern Greece didn’t start until around mid-November. October in Greece bought the odd thunderstorm and cloudy day.
If you visit during peak summer months you’ll obviously have glorious weather (some might find it too hot!) but you’ll also have more crowds to contend with.
Springtime is similar to Autumn, with slightly cooler sunny days and some thunderstorms. During the shoulder season, everything in Greece is greener and more colourful!
The feast of Karavolas is held in Lefkes at the end of August, to celebrate the end of summer. If you’re lucky enough to be in Paros for this then head to Lefkes to enjoy the traditional festival foods of karavoles (big snails!), garlic sauce, string beans, oven-baked chickpeas, traditional cheeses, and lots of wine! You can expect traditional music to go on into the early hours! The Greeks really know how to party!
Top Tip: Avoid the crowds by visiting Lefkes either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Tourists without their own transport will take the bus, which arrives around 11am. Most people don’t stay overnight in Lefkes, as it isn’t one of the main beachside towns, so if you really want to make the most of the quiet then why not book an overnight stay here!
Where To Stay In Lefkes
Most people will head back to their beachside accommodation in Paros for the night, so if you choose to stay here then you’ll really feel like one of the locals! As much as it’s a blessing, this also means there are limited options for places to stay. Check out the best places to stay in Lefkes below!
Traditional Windmill, Greece: You can’t get much more authentic and character-filled than a stay in a renovated Greek windmill! The only bad thing about this place to stay in Lefkes is that it’s booked up so far in advance! Check current availability and prices here.
Villa Byzantino: Byzantino is a boutique hotel overlooking the Byzantine church of Agia Triada and its scenic surroundings. It’s one of the best places to stay in Lefkes (though unfortunately, you don’t have much choice here!) Check current prices here.
How To Get To Lefkes, Paros
The easiest way to visit Lefkes in Paros is by hire car. Car hire in Greece is usually pretty cheap, and in the main towns, you can usually pick one up on the day. Just remember to get separate car insurance, as the one included often doesn’t cover you for damage done to the car.
There is also a bus that goes to Lefkes, following this route:
Lefkes: Parikia – Drios: Parikia – Marathi – Kostos – Lefkes – Prodromos – Marmara – Marpissa – Piso Livadi – Logaras – Punda Beach – Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) – Drios – Aspro Chorio
Ask at your accommodation for the most recent timetable.
Lefkes is pedestrian-only, which makes it all the better to explore. There are two parking lots at the entrance of the village where you can park if you hired a car.
As you can see, Lefkes in Paros really is a must-see village. It will certainly be one of the highlights on your stay in Paros, and maybe even a highlight in all of Greece!
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