Lefkes is a picturesque village nestled in the green hinterland of the island of Paros. It is located on a hill at an altitude of 250 meters and 10 km from Parikia, the capital.
It is surrounded by a dense pine forest and olive groves and vineyards and on the tops of the surrounding hills, on the outskirts of Prodromos, there are nine windmills, a couple of which have been renovated and transformed into splendid homes.
What to visit in the village of Lefkes
Lefkes is a traditional Cycladic village perched on the hill, with white houses, blue doors and windows overflowing with colorful flowers .. in short, a postcard landscape! What we always recommend in these cases is to get lost in the narrow streets of the village of Lefkes and discover this delightful village without haste, savoring every glimpse and photographing every panorama.
Along the narrow alleys of Lefkes you can admire the traditional pedestals (pezoules) from which news once spread all over the country, before the advent of newspapers and social media. The main street of the village is called Ramnos, here you will find various shops and tourist attractions, such as the splendid neoclassical buildings, the House of literature and the traditional wash houses, which are still used today. At this point something even more spectacular will make you look away from all this: it is the magnificent panoramic view that can be enjoyed from here ..
Walking, you will certainly notice an imposing marble building, which stands out among the white houses: it is the church of Agia Triada, which in Greek means Holy Trinity. It is located on a hill at the end of the village and dates back to the 19th century. The large church with three naves is covered with a completely frescoed barrel vault. The two marble bell towers located on the sides of the facade recall the Arab architecture. The church of Agia Triada is usually closed, but the caretaker is also the manager of the bar located in the small square in front.
We advise you to order something at the bar, taking advantage of the shade of the bougainvillea to relax and ask if they can open the church for a visit .. for sure you will not encounter any refusal! The inhabitants of Lefkes are all very kind and hospitable.
Among the alleys of Lefkes you can also visit the church of Agia Aikaterini, dating back to the seventeenth century: it is a two-nave church surmounted by a dome, with an imposing double bell tower.
In Lefkes you can also visit other religious monuments, including the church of Panagias Ypapantis, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the rural church of Agias Kyriakis in Pano Lefkes.
Do not miss the route on the ancient Byzantine road that starts from Lefkes. A unique path, in paved marble, dating back over 1,000 years ago. The scenic trail is 3.5 kilometers long and runs alongside the road that connects Lefkes village with Prodromos village. We assure you that this path will give you unforgettable landscapes. If you are tireless walkers you can continue the walk and visit the pretty village of Prodromos and see the characteristic windmills up close.
How to reach the village of Lefkes?
Lefkes is easily accessible by car and you will find two convenient parking spaces at the gates of the village. If you don't have a means of transport, we reassure you immediately: Lefkes can also be reached easily with one of the bus lines. In fact, the island of Paros has one of the best road and public transport networks in the Cyclades.
Typical products from the village of Lefkes
Lefkes is a hilly village and its products are those typical of the Greek hinterland, but not only .. oil, wine, honey and cheeses are typical of all Greece, but here everything follows a specific tradition in the preparation of local drinks and typical dishes: ouzo, the traditional liqueur that the inhabitants of Lefkes call "souma", grapes, figs, renowned for their delicious flavor, are also used to prepare samata (fig cake). The housewives are experts in preparing preserves and jams, in addition to traditional cakes: myzithropitakia (cakes made with local cheeses) and lamprokouloura (braided sweet bread). Other typical Lefkes dishes are baked chickpeas and karavoles (large snails) served with skordalia (a local sauce made of garlic and potatoes). If you want to taste the local cuisine, Lefkes is the right place!
Festivals and events in the village of Lefkes
As you will have understood in Lefkes, the traditions are carefully preserved and preserved. This is shown not only by traditional architecture, but also by the various popular festivals that are held every year in the village. On 25 November the Feast of Agia Aikaterini is celebrated, at the Liturgy, followed by the procession of the icon through the streets of the village, followed by the evening celebrations in memory of the Resistance of the Greeks against the invaders. The main event in Lefkes is the festival of Karavolas, which is held in late August and represents a moment of aggregation between the locals and visitors. Thanks to the abundance of food, wine, music and dancing until dawn, conviviality is automatic!
The village of Lefkes will conquer you not only for its pictorial and favorable climate, but also for the simplicity and hospitality of its inhabitants.