Tucked away in the mountains in the centre of Paros, there is a beautiful hilltop town... Lefkes feels completely different from the island’s beach towns and busy harbours. I first went in 2019 and fell in love, then headed back in 2026 for another quick visit before heading over to another island.
With marble alleyways, whitewashed houses, bougainvillea-covered staircases and views stretching across the Aegean Sea, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades, and one of my favourite places in Paros. And yet... so many people skip it.
If you’re wondering whether Lefkes is worth visiting, here’s everything you need to know, including what it’s really like, how to get there, the best things to do and why I think it offers a quieter, more authentic side of Paros.
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Normally I'm quite on the ball when I travel, I look up all the places to go and I know the destination inside and out before I have even stepped on the plane. But my trip to Paros was different, this was a holiday with my sister, this wasn't a photography trip.
However, anyone that knows me knows that part of my enjoyment of a holiday is taking hundreds of photos, I can just take them without the pressure of having to capture certain content. My sister knew I would be wanting to visit some different places on the island and it was actually she who stumbled upon Lefkes.
I had seen photos of this town before but I never knew where exactly it was, so I was pretty chuffed to discover it was only a 20-minute drive from where we were staying in Naousa!
How to get to Lefkes
🚗 Traveling to Lefkes by Car or Scooter
From Parikia (The Main Port)
- The Route: Head east out of Parikia following the main central island road toward Kostos and Lefkes. The road is fully paved, wide, and well-maintained, but it climbs steadily into the mountains with several sweeping bends.
- Distance & Time: It is 11 kilometers and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to drive.
From Naoussa
- The Route: Head south out of Naoussa toward the center of the island. You will pass through the village of Marathi before merging onto the main mountain highway that climbs up to Lefkes.
- Distance & Time: It is roughly 10 kilometers and takes about 15 minutes to drive.
🅿️ The Parking Reality in Lefkes
- Where to Park: As you approach the village, you will find a couple of public car parks spread along the main ring road at the entrance.
- Tip: Head there early if you are travelling in peak season or it's difficult to find a space
🚌 Traveling to Lefkes by Public Bus (KTEL)
bus from parikia to lefkes
- How it works: Head to the main central bus station located right next to the ferry port. Look for the bus route heading toward Piso Livadi / Dryos.
- Cost & Time: Tickets cost between €2.20 to €3 each way. The journey takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
bus from naousa to lefkes
- How it works: Head to the secondary bus hub, look for the bus that's headed to Lefkes and Kostos.
- Cost & Time: Tickets cost €2.20 to €3 each way, and the direct route takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes
How often do buses run? In shoulder season there are just three buses a day from Naousa to Lefkes but this increases in summer. In spring you need to spend the morning in Naousa as there are no afternoon buses to Lefkes, just a 14:30 bus back to Naousa from the village. The buses from Parikia are more frequent in all seasons.
For more information on bus routes to and from Lefkes, check out the KTEL website here.
What Lefkes is REALLY Like
Lefkes is small and the main reason people go is to wander around and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
The village was the original capital of Paros, now Parikia, and began to thrive in the 15th century. The original residents came over on boats from Crete, they built their village on the mountain to protect them from pirates.
Walking through Lefkes is like walking through time, backwards. The whitewashed sugar cube houses are still inhabited by local people. The population of the town dropped rapidly as many of its people moved to Athens for economic reasons, however, now that tourism has reached the island, the 545 inhabitants are able to live a largely peaceful life with some economic prosperity.
It is a photographer's paradise, and if I had the time to get back into painting, I would have loved to sit here with an easel for the day and painted until my heart was content.
There are a number of churches in the village, as well as tavernas for eating and drinkings and a couple of tourist shops too. The Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) is the largest church and overlooks the village. This Byzantine church is made of fine white marble that shines in the sun, it is also home to rare and valuable Byzantine icons that you can look at.
Luckily the village has retained its authentic feel, with many of the residents tending to their olives, grapes, chickens and even donkeys! I imagine if we all had the chance to live here for a while we would have improved attention spans, blood pressure and our stress levels would be minimum!
My sister and I visited in early June which I would highly recommend. The sun shone and the temperature peaked around 27°C (80°F), we were treated to undisturbed views over to neighbouring islands. It was also a pretty quiet time to visit, during the height of summer many more tourist buses arrive.
Please note if you have mobility issues you will struggle to walk in and out of the village as it is very hilly with some steps.
Things to do in Lefkes
Wander the Flagstone Alleyways
The number one thing to do in Lefkes is simply get lost. The entire village is a pedestrianized maze of whitewashed houses, vivid blue doors, and bright pink bougainvillea draping over stone arches. Unlike the coastal towns, Lefkes is built on a steep hillside in an amphitheater shape. As you wander deeper into the labyrinth, the streets turn into beautiful winding staircases that open up to sweeping views of the surrounding olive groves and mountains.
Visit the Magnificent Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity)
Standing proudly at the lower end of the village is the Church of Agia Triada, the crown jewel of Lefkes. Built in 1839, this massive Byzantine-style church is crafted entirely from rare white Parian marble. The intricate detail on the twin bell towers is absolutely stunning up close.
- The Photography Angle: The best view of the church is actually from above as you walk down the main village ramp. Capture a shot framing the towering marble facade against the backdrop of the rugged green valley.
Stop for a Traditional Village Lunch
Exploring the steep hill steps will definitely work up an appetite. There are plenty of places to eat in the upper village and this is where you will find the majority of the tourists (easy to access from parking).
However, head down into the village where there are a handful of tavernas serving simple Greek food. The best place in Lefkes for lunch is Kafeneio Marigos, it just so happens to be the most beautiful too, it’s sat right on the square in front of the church
Agiazi Cafe was my favourite place to grab a coffee - they do great desert too!
Browse the Artisanal Local Shops
Lefkes has resisted the urge to fill its streets with mass-produced tourist trinkets. Instead, the village is an exceptional hub for authentic Cycladic crafts. As you explore, pop into the independent boutiques tucked into the stone walls. You will find local weavers selling handmade linens, traditional pottery workshops, and small boutiques showcasing beautiful jewelry crafted by resident Greek designers.
Hike the Historic Byzantine Road
If you love active travel, you absolutely cannot miss walking a portion of the famous Byzantine Road. This is the oldest track on the entire island, dating all the way back to 1000 AD.
- The Route: The stone-paved path starts right at the edge of Lefkes and cuts through wild thyme fields and ancient olive orchards all the way to the neighboring village of Prodromos.
- Shoulder Season Advantage: The full hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Because the weather in shoulder seasons is more comfortable and less hot compared to the brutal summer, this is the absolute perfect time of year to complete the walk without melting in the sun.
Can you stay in Lefkes?
Yes, you can absolutely stay in Lefkes, although most people visit as a day trip from Naousa or Parikia, I actually think it offers one of the quietest and most peaceful experiences in Paros.
Unlike the busier beach towns, Lefkes feels slower, calmer and more traditional, especially in the evenings once the day visitors leave. If you’re looking for nightlife, beach clubs or lots of restaurant options within walking distance, staying in Naousa is probably a better fit. But if you want mountain views, quiet mornings, and a more authentic atmosphere, Lefkes is incredibly special.
It’s particularly ideal for:
- couples wanting a quieter side of Paros
- photographers
- slow travel
- people hiring a car and exploring the island
- visitors wanting to escape the crowds
One thing to keep in mind is that Lefkes is inland rather than coastal, so you won’t have beaches directly on your doorstep.
Lefkes does not have any hotels, just small guesthouses and home rentals.
Best Airbnbs in Lefkes
The Bougainvillaea Corner House is the most iconic place to stayin Lefkes, and maybe the most traditional.
Totally different to the Bougainvillea Corner House, Lefkes Breeze is a luxurious villa with a private pool overlooking the village.
The Green House is a brilliant Airbnb in Lefkes, and it boasts seaviews! Perfect for nature lovers, it offers a beautiful garden garden with Lemon, Orange, Pomegranate, Apricot, Avocado and Grape trees.
Is Lefkes Worth Visiting?
Yes! Lefkes is definitely worth visiting. While Paros is often associated with beach clubs, stylish restaurants and bustling harbour towns like Naousa, Lefkes offers something completely different, a slower, quieter and more traditional side of the island.
For me, it ended up being one of the most memorable places in Paros. There’s something about the marble alleyways, mountain views and peaceful atmosphere that feels timeless in a way many of the more polished parts of the island no longer do.
FAQs: Visiting Lefkes
1. Is Lefkes worth visiting?
Yes, Lefkes is worth visiting. In fact, you absolutely SHOULD visit, it is a beautiful part of Paros and shows a different side to island life here. It is so easy to add onto an itinerary, even if you don't have much time on the island.
2. Can you stay in Lefkes?
Yes, you can stay overnight in Lefkes. It is not so set up for overnight stays as Parikia and Naousa but there are some great Airbnbs in Lefkes that offer authentic stays in the heart of the village.
3. How long should you spend in Lefkes?
Unless staying overnight, I recommend visiting for 2-3 hours, maybe a little longer if you really want to relax and enjoy a slow lunch, and up to 5 hours if you want to explore the hiking trails. I recommend visiting in the morning as the afternoons get much busier.
4. Is Lefkes or Naousa better?
Lefkes is not better than Naousa, and vice versa/ They are incomparable and offer different things. Naousa is better if you're looking for beautiful hotels, sleek restaurants and fashionable boutiques, and of course it's right on the water. Meanwhile, Lefkes is better for showing a more authentic slower side to Paros.
5. Do you need a car to visit Lefkes?
No, you don't need a car to visit Lefkes. The village is well connected by bus, especially in the summer months, and the centre of the village is pedestrian.
6. Is Lefkes touristy?
Yes, Lefkes is a touristy part of Paros, but much less so than the coastal towns. Most tourists arrive around lunch time and in the afternoon. In shoulder season you largely have the village to yourself
7. What is Lefkes known for?
Lefkes is known for being right on the famous Byzantine Road, great for hikers. It's also known for being a sleepy but beautiful town with traditional shops, pink bougainvillea everywhere, a stunning church, and great tavernas.
About the author
Hannah has been travelling the world for the last 10 years but after a trip to Greece in 2019 with her sister, she can't stop going back. Whilst the Cyclades are her most visited island, she now travels to Greece every summer to find somewhere new.
Hannah loves all things pink so the summer bougainvillea that shades the Greek streets means she has her camera in her hands 24/7.
Hannah dreams of spending 6 months travelling through the Greek islands but hasn't done so yet because of her dog, Baxter, who wouldn't like the summer heat. So that's a dream for the future!
Hannah has set her sights on a number of Greek islands, mostly the Ionian Islands of which she would love to explore further. What keeps bringing her back? Aside from its beauty she loves the people, the food, and of course one of her favourite movies is Mamma Mia.
Where next? This summer she is heading back to Santorini, Milos and Paros, but has added in the tiny island of Kimolos!
