Lefkes is a small village on the Greek Island of Paros. This charming village is known for its traditional whitewashed houses, white cobblestoned streets, and blooming bougainvillea. In this post, I am going to go over everything you need to know before visiting the village of Lefkes in Paros, Greece, as well as the nearby villages of Prodromos and Marpissa. These beautiful villages are worth the visit if you are spending time in Paros on your Greek island-hopping journey. I hope this guide to the village Lefkes is helpful for planning your visit!
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Guide to the Village Lefkes in Paros, Greece
How to Get to Lefkes
The two main ways to get to Lefkes if you are on Paros are either by bus or by car/ATV. If you are traveling by bus, you can view the bus schedule here. If you are staying in Parikia, the bus station is to the right after getting off of the ferry. The correct bus to board will be the bus from Parikia to Drios. It makes stops at Marathi, Kostos, Lefkes, Prodromos, Marmara, Marpissa, Piso, Livadi, Logaras, Punda Beach, Golden Beach, and Drios. The returning bus will be the bus from Drios to Parikia. Bus tickets are €2 for each connection. If you’re coming from Naoussa, it can be a bit trickier. Check on the website for the bus routes as there are a few different options.
If you are driving, a rental car is recommended over an ATV since Lefkes is up in the mountains. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Parikia and there is a free public parking lot behind some of the main shops. In the nearby towns of Marpissa and Prodromos, there are public parking lots as well.
Things to do in Lefkes
Walk the Byzantine Road
The Byzantine Road is over 1000 years old that connects Lefkes to Prodromos. It’s now a hiking trail that offers beautiful views as it winds through olive groves and vineyards. Along the way, there is also a ruined church from the 13th century, as well as an ancient Byzantine aqueduct that was used to transport water to Lefkes from a nearby spring. The hike takes around 45 minutes to complete one way and does not have much shade cover.
The road is well preserved and played an important role in developing Paros as it made it easier to transport goods and people between villages. Now, the road is a popular tourist destination.
Visit the Agia Triada Church
The Agia Triada Church is a historic Byzantine church. You can see the church from miles away and it stands out when you first arrive in Lefkes. It offers a great view of the Byzantine road. If you would like to go inside, the church is open to the public during certain times. However, it is required to be dressed appropriately (covering shoulders and knees) and as always, be respectful.
Shop for Souvenirs
Lefkes has many unique souvenir shops that aren’t offered in Parikia or Nauossa. Many of the shops offer handmade products with some of them being made right before you. Most of the shops are located in the main square, however, there are a few small shops along the alleyways. Many of the souvenirs were pottery, jewelry, local products (honey, wine, olive oil), and handmade goods.
Grab a Pastry from the Bakery
Stratis Bakery is a family-run bakery that has been around for over 100 years. If you are ready for a snack, you can stop at the bakery for bread, a pastry, or another sweet. The bakery is open every day from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. It’s located in the main square of Lefkes and just below the free public parking lot.
Stroll the Streets
Lefkes offers a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways lined by the traditional Cycladic houses. There is something new to see on every street. If you have time, exploring the charming squares and hidden courtyards throughout the village is a really enjoyable experience.
Tips for Visiting Lefkes
- While the weather is mild most of the year, the summer can get hot! Be prepared for some heat, and bring sunscreen as well!
- The peak season is June through September. For fewer crowds and milder weather, visit during the end of September/early October, or May. By the end of October, many of the businesses are closing for the season and people are returning to Athens for the off-season.
- Cars are not allowed within Lefkes. The free public parking lots are located along the outskirts of the town. While exploring the village, you can only do so by foot.
Nearby Towns
Marpissa
Although small, Marpissa has all of the same charm as Lefkes. There are many different churches in Marpissa. There is less to do in Marpissa and not as many shops to visit. However, it’s worth the visit since it’s so close to Lefkes.
We grabbed Dakos and a drink at Charoula’s Tavern. The Dakos ended up being some of the best that we had while in Greece! I would recommend making the stop if you are hungry by the time you make your way to Marpissa.
If you are taking the bus, be sure to check when the next bus will be departing. Bus times can be infrequent and you only need about an hour to explore this village.
Prodromos
Prodromos is another small town near Lefkes and Marpissa. There are lots of cafes, opportunities to shop for souvenirs, and white narrow cobblestone streets to explore. If you are up for a hike, rather than taking the bus from Lefkes, you can walk the Byzantine road.
Guide to the Village Lefkes in Paros, Greece
Lefkes, Prodromos, and Marpissa are worth the visit if you have a free day on Paros. If you had to choose between the three towns, I would say that Lefkes is the best option if you want to visit just one.
I hope this travel guide to the village Lefkes in Paros, Greece was helpful. Looking for more islands to visit? I recommend Milos and Naxos! As always, you can find me on Instagram @maddie_deer here, or can follow me on my Facebook page to be alerted of any new posts here. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Great info and the pics were stunning. Wow!
Author
Thanks, Stephanie! 🙂