How to Hike the Byzantine Path, Paros: Everything You Need to Know
Paved with Parian marble and over 1,000 years old, the Byzantine Path is the best half-day on Paros, and one of the most rewarding walks in the Cyclades. Our guide covers the full route, the villages worth stopping in, where to eat and drink along the way, and how to get there and back.
The scent of thyme, oregano and lavender hangs on the sea breeze as you leave Lefkes on the ancient marble trail heading downhill toward Prodromos.
Even in the midday heat, it's hard to rush — the views across the Parian countryside to the mountains of Naxos are too good for that.
The Byzantine Path is the best walk on Paros — and one of the best half-days you can spend anywhere in the Cyclades.
A 1,000-year-old marble trail connecting the hilltop village of Lefkes with Prodromos and Marpissa, it passes through olive groves, over stone bridges, past crumbling monastery walls and through two villages that most visitors to Paros never find.
We walked it in the heat of early summer, rolled an ankle on the slippery marble, stopped for a long beer-filled lunch in Prodromos, and came back talking about it for weeks.
Here's everything you need to plan it yourself.
BYZANTINE PATH OVERVIEW
TRAILHEAD | Byzantine Path trailhead, Lefkes
DISTANCE | 3.5km Lefkes–Prodromos; longer to Marpissa/Piso Livadi
DURATION |1–1.5 hrs to Prodromos; 2–2.5 hrs full route
DIFFICULTY | Easy to moderate — mostly downhill, well-marked
COST | Free (€2.00–3.50 bus back)
BEST TIME | Start by 9am in summer; May or September ideal
PACK |Water (more than you think), sunscreen, hat, proper walking shoes
GETTING THERE | How to get to Lefkes — car, bus or ATV
THE HISTORY OF PAROS’ BYZANTINE ROAD
Paved with Parian marble and originally built during the Byzantine era to connect the island's monasteries, the path is the oldest trail on Paros, and one of the oldest continuously used roads in the Cyclades.
It links three ancient settlements: Lefkes (once the capital of Paros), Prodromos and Marpissa, following a road that has been walked for over a millennium.
Along the way, you'll pass the remains of ancient churches, terraced olive groves and fragrant herb gardens that have been cultivated on these hillsides for centuries.
THE BYZANTINE PATH ROUTE
The trail runs 3.5km one way from Lefkes to Prodromos, with the option to continue into Marpissa and beyond, all the way to the coast at Piso Livadi if your legs are up to it.
The path descends from Lefkes, which means the hardest part is simply getting to the start - everything after that is an easy downhill.
Start at the Byzantine Path trailhead in Lefkes; it can be tricky to find, so use the map link.
The path is well-maintained and clearly marked for most of its length, winding through olive groves and over stone bridges before arriving into Prodromos.
Allow 1–1.5 hours for Lefkes to Prodromos at a relaxed pace, and another 30–45 minutes if continuing to Marpissa.
For the full out-and-back route, AllTrails lists the trail at 4.1 miles with 931ft of elevation gain, rated moderate — worth checking for the map and current trail conditions.
WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE WAY
The landscape is quintessentially Parian — dry-stone walls, wild thyme and oregano, ancient olive trees and sweeping views down over the island's interior to the mountains of Naxos.
The marble path is beautiful, but worth noting: it gets slippery, particularly in the heat when dust settles on the stone. Proper footwear makes a significant difference (read: no Birkenstocks!).
There is almost no shade for the entirety of the path. This matters more than you'd think in July and August, which leads to our next section…
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE BYZANTINE PATH
If you’re tackling the Byzantine Path in the height of summer, take it from us, you’ll want to start hiking the Byzantine Path as early as possible.
The path has almost no shade from start to finish. By 10 am in July or August, it's genuinely uncomfortable, and by midday, it's a slog.
Start at 9 am at the latest, which puts you into Prodromos for a mid-morning snack and Marpissa comfortably in time for lunch.
For the island overall, May and September into early October are the sweet spots - warm enough to enjoy, cool enough to hike without suffering. The path in May, with wildflowers out and the trail quiet, is particularly special.
If summer is your only option, go early, bring more water than you think you need, and don't skip the hat.
THE VILLAGES
LEFKES
The starting point is worth arriving early to explore before the hike.
One of the most beautiful villages in Greece, its bougainvillea-draped squares, neo-classical architecture and unhurried atmosphere make it easy to lose an hour before you've even hit the trail.
For the full guide on where to eat, what to see, and where to stay, see our Lefkes guide.
PRODROMOS
The town of Prodromos is the natural midpoint and the place to stop for lunch.
Quintessentially Cycladic - narrow alleyways, arched entrances, whitewashed homes draped in honeysuckle and bougainvillea - it's quieter than Lefkes and, in some ways, more beautiful.
The entrance archway connecting the churches of St Nicolas and St Spyridon is the standout landmark. In the centre, Kallitechniko taverna serves generous Parian food at honest prices.
After a morning on the trail, it feels genuinely heaven-sent. Order a beer, a bean dip and whatever's coming out of the kitchen, and take your time.
MARPISSA
Marpissa is the next stop, perched on Kefalos hill. Quieter still, with cobbled streets, hillside churches and the island's famous pink door.
Charoula's Tavern is worth stopping at if you have room after Prodromos.
PISO LIVADI
For those who want to walk all the way to the sea, the path continues from Marpissa down to the small coastal village of Piso Livadi.
A genuinely rewarding endpoint if you have the legs and the time - reward yourself with a cold drink or swim at the harbour.
GETTING TO LEFKES & BACK
Lefkes is 20 minutes by car from both Parikia and Naoussa, by bus, seven daily services run from Parikia and two from Naoussa (10:00 and 12:30).
At the end of the hike, the bus back from Marpissa Windmills runs regularly to Lefkes and Parikia - tickets from €2.00.
If you've walked all the way to Piso Livadi, buses run from there too. Check the live KTEL Paros timetable before you go, as schedules change seasonally.
For full transport options, timings and booking links, our Lefkes guide has everything covered.
BOOK | Search car rental on Paros via Discover Cars
WHERE TO STAY NEAR LEFKES
There are a handful of genuinely special places to stay in and around Lefkes, from a restored 19th-century windmill you can actually sleep in, to a hilltop villa with views over the Aegean.
For the full breakdown, our Lefkes guide covers every option across every budget.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
Honest take: If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel.
Travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one, and after 8+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use and recommend.
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo — Comprehensive travel and medical cover, with an app offering 24-hour medical support and no out-of-pocket fees. Consistently our top pick. Use our link for 5% off your policy.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing — Flexible travel and medical cover with the key advantage of being able to purchase a policy while already overseas.
FOR CAR HIRE | Insurance4CarHire — A solid annual policy worth considering if you're renting cars across multiple destinations.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Make the most of your island-hopping adventure with our essential Greece travel guides.
EXPLORE PAROS
Start with these guides to help plan your time on the island:
The best things to do on Paros Island
Paros Travel Guide - Things to know before visiting
MORE CYCLADIC ISLANDS
Planning to visit nearby islands too? These guides will help:
NAXOS| Top things to do on Naxos, The best beaches on Naxos Island, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, how to get from Athens to Naxos
SANTORINI | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
MKYKONOS | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO GREECE WITH THESE POSTS!
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