The real attraction of Parikía is simply to wander the town itself, especially along the meandering old market street . Arcaded lanes lead past Venetian-influenced villas, traditional island dwellings and ornate wall-fountains. The town culminates in a seaward Venetian kastro , whose surviving east wall incorporates a fifth-century BC round tower and is constructed using masonry pillaged from a temple of Athena. Part of the base of the temple is still visible next to the beautiful, arcaded church of ayios Konstandínos and ayaia Eleni which crowns the highest point, from where the fortified hill drops sharply to the quay in a series of hanging gardens. If you're staying in town, you'll want to get out into the surroundings at some stage, if only to the beach. The most rewarding excursion is the hour's walk along the road starting just past the museum up to the Ayii Anaryiri monastery. Perched on the bluff above town, this makes a great picnic spot, with cypress groves, a gushing fountain and some splendid views.