Lefkes was such a breath of fresh air — the kind of place that instantly slows you down. This mountain village sits right in the center of Paros, wrapped in bougainvillea, marble pathways, and quiet corners that feel worlds away from the coast. It is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been to in my life – and that small village, local feel is still so present here. You can’t miss stopping in Lefkes when you’re in Paros!

What’s great about the village is you don’t have to go in with a set plan — and honestly, that really is the best way to explore it. All you need to do is wander, take your time, and let the village unfold naturally.

While you don’t need to plan out every single move, there’s definitely some sights you don’t want to miss! Here are the best things to do in Lefkes, with all the little moments that made it one of the highlights of our trip.

Planning your own Greece trip? Check out my complete Greece Travel Guide or dive into more Paros coverage with my Complete Naoussa Guide for a deeper dive into one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paros.

Quick Deets for Visiting Lefkes

Time Needed?
- 1–2 hours, longer if you stop for wine or lunch
When to Visit?
- Morning for empty streets; late afternoon for golden hour
Best For?
- Slow wandering, photos, a quiet break from the beach towns
What’s the Parking Like?
- Use the main lot at the village entrance and walk down; the village is pedestrian-only
Where to Eat?
- Café Marigo — charming courtyard, friendly owner, peaceful views
What to Not Miss?
- The Bougainvillea Corner House + the church square

A Little Backstory on Lefkes

Lefkes is one of the oldest and most traditional villages on Paros, tucked high in the mountains at the center of the island. It was actually the first capital of Paros during the Middle Ages, due to its inland location that protected residents from pirate attacks along the coast.

Today, it still feels worlds away from the busier beach towns. With its hillside layout, whitewashed homes, marble alleyways, and endless bougainvillea, Lefkes has kept that old-world Cycladic charm. Many of the families who live here have been in the village for generations — including the man we met at Café Marigo, whose father planted the bougainvillea in the main square!

Lefkes has become one of the most photogenic spots on Paros, and it’s the perfect place to slow down between beach days.

How to Get to Lefkes

Lefkes is right in the heart of Paros, so it’s easy and quite quick to reach from anywhere on the island. You’ll need to park outside the village and explore on foot, though, since the town itself is pedestrian-only – don’t worry, it’s not too far of a walk in.

By Car or ATV

By far the easiest way to get to Lefkes is to drive your own rental car or ATV, which I definitely recommend having for a trip to Paros. Because Lefkes is very central in the island, it’s a quick and easy drive to get to from the major cities. The streets are maintained very well, and it’s an easy island to navigate around. Plus having your own transportation allows you to create your own schedules, so you can stay for as long or short as you’d like!

Driving Times:

From Naoussa: ~15 minutes
From Parikia: ~20 minutes
From Piso Livadi or Marpissa: ~10 minutes

Parking in Lefkes

There’s a main parking lot at the entrance of the village — use this one. There is also an overflow parking lot above it, so check there if the lower lot looks full. The roads inside are extremely narrow and not meant for cars or even ATVs. And, from the lot, it’s just a short downhill walk into the heart of Lefkes.

By Bus

If you’re not planning to rent a car or ATV, the bus system in Paros (KTEL) is quite reliable and routes run from the major cities, Naoussa and Parikia, to Lefkes throughout the day. In high-season, the buses typically run every hour, but do check the KTEL schedules before you head out!

The Top 5 Things to Do in Lefkes, Paros

1. Wander the Whitewashed Alleyways (& Don’t Miss Bougainvillea Corner House!)

Lefkes is THE place for that peaceful type of exploring, wandering through it’s narrow streets.

The village is a maze of narrow marble streets lined with whitewashed homes, overflowing pots of bougainvillea, and hidden steps leading up and down the hillside. There’s no set route — just follow whatever path looks prettiest and you’ll end up discovering something charming.

One spot you should make a point to find is the Bougainvillea Corner House, a pink-and-white tangle of bougainvillea that feels like it was made for photos — it’s a spot you might recognize from many instagram photos! It’s easily one of the most beautiful corners in the entire village, and it perfectly captures that traditional Greek village look Paros is known for.

2. Visit the Church of Agia Triada

Eventually, all those winding alleys bring you to the center of Lefkes: the Church of Agia Triada. It’s one of the most impressive churches on the island, and the courtyard around it is just as gorgeous.

We wandered into the square completely by accident, and it ended up being one of the prettiest places in the village — quiet benches covered with bougainvillea, views over the valley, and the sound of church bells in the distance. Even if you’re just passing through, make sure to spend a few minutes here soaking it all in.

3. Enjoy Coffee or Wine at Café Marigo (Right Across From the Church)

Across from the church, there’s a small local spot called Café Marigo, with outdoor seating tucked under bougainvillea and spread across the courtyard. It was so quiet when we arrived that we weren’t even sure if it was open — but we poked our head inside, chatted with the man running it, and ended up ordering two glasses of wine.

He told us his family lives across the street, and his dad is actually the one who planted all the bougainvillea you see around the square! It was such a sweet, unexpected conversation, and before we knew it, we had spent most of the afternoon sitting in the shade, sipping wine, and just enjoying the peacefulness of the village.

This is exactly why Lefkes is worth visiting — it’s small, but the experience feels so personal and so genuine. This moment ended up being one of our favorite memory in Paros!

4. Browse the Artisan Shops Around the Village

Lefkes has a handful of small, locally-owned shops that are perfect for a quick browse, with tons of options for ceramics, textiles, jewelry, handmade decor and more. It’s not as large as the shopping in Naoussa or Parikia, but there’s some adorable places worth stopping into. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of these favorites below!

Black Rose: A chic boutique with airy clothing, accessories, and neutral-toned pieces that fit the effortless Greek-island style.
Scarabee Jewelry: Handcrafted jewelry with a slightly boho-Cycladic vibe; think natural stones, gold accents, and delicate, wearable everyday pieces.
Pariano: A stylish boutique with curated textiles, home décor, accessories, and modern Greek design pieces; great for something elevated and aesthetic.
Onepia Concept Store: Trendy, design-forward shop offering ceramics, small-batch accessories, home goods, and minimal Cycladic-inspired pieces.
Aerikolefkes: Minimal, delicate gold pieces and Greek-eye pendants; a cute stop for a wearable keepsake.

Everything feels more authentic than the typical tourist shops you find near the coast, and it’s one of the best places on Paros to pick up something unique for your home.

Credit: Pariano

5. Walk Part of the Byzantine Trail (Even Just a Little)

If you want a little movement with your sightseeing, the ancient Byzantine Trail starts right in Lefkes and winds all the way down to Prodromos.

You don’t have to do the full walk — even a short section will get you sone of those peaceful countryside views! Go early in the morning or toward sunset for the best light and cooler temps.

Credit: allerhand

Optional Add-On: Visit Marpissa (If You Have Time!)

We planned to continue on to the nearby village of Marpissa, another mountain town said to be beautiful — but we completely lost track of time in Lefkes. And honestly? It was 1000% worth it.

If your schedule is more flexible, Marpissa is a nice pairing with Lefkes, but don’t stress if you end up staying longer than expected. That’s the magic of this little village.