Parikia is situated  on a bay on the northwest side of the island, occupying the site of the ancient capital. It is also known as Paros Town or Chora and is the island’s capital and port. Parikia is the commercial and cultural center with a population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants. Built amphitheatrically around the port it has a typical Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses, churches and windmills. Indeed, the trademark of Paros is the windmill standing on the entrance of the island.
In the centre of the town, the visitor can see the ruins of the castle surrounded by vines and gardens of oranges and pomegranates. More precisely, the castle was built on the site of the ancient acropolis and much of that building material comes from the ancient structures. In various parts of the town there are old mansions belonging to eminent island families, some even with their coat of arms incorporated over the lintel.The visitor can find here numerous hotels, tavernas, cafeterias and bars.