Ancient Cemetery Parikia
A well-organized ancient burial ground near Parikia port, featuring remarkably preserved sarcophagi easily viewed from the roadside.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quick stop, always accessible
Ancient Cemetery Parikia
Best Time
Quick stop, always accessible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-organized ancient burial ground near Parikia port, featuring remarkably preserved sarcophagi easily viewed from the roadside.
"Worth a few minutes to stop and look while walking along the nice harbor."
Combine with Port Walk
Perfect for a brief stop while strolling along the scenic Parikia harbor. Don't miss it!
Look for the Sign
It's easy to walk past! Keep an eye out for the cemetery sign near the main road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Sarcophagi
Visible from the main road
See ancient stone coffins, remarkably preserved and easily viewed from the roadside. A tangible link to Parikia's past.
Organized Burial Site
Entrance area
Recognized as a well-organized ancient burial ground, offering a glimpse into historical funerary practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Stop Near the Port
Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Port Walk
Perfect for a brief stop while strolling along the scenic Parikia harbor. Don't miss it!
Look for the Sign
It's easy to walk past! Keep an eye out for the cemetery sign near the main road.
Research Ahead
Enhance your visit by learning about ancient Greek history and burial customs beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Port Walk
Perfect for a brief stop while strolling along the scenic Parikia harbor. Don't miss it!
Look for the Sign
It's easy to walk past! Keep an eye out for the cemetery sign near the main road.
Research Ahead
Enhance your visit by learning about ancient Greek history and burial customs beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ancient Cemetery in Parikia to be an interesting, easily accessible site, especially due to its proximity to the ferry port. While appreciated for its historical significance and well-preserved sarcophagi, some feel it lacks detailed information and isn't a destination for a lengthy visit. It's best enjoyed as a brief stop during a harbor walk.
"Old burial ground that is fenced off but you can easily see in. The sign says this is one of the best and most organised ancient burial sites in The Cyclades. There is a sign in front with some details but was expecting something more interesting or better details to make it more interesting given the claim.
In my opinion not worth a big detour but as the harbour is so nice to walk along it’s worth walking along the harbour and taking a few minutes to stop and look."
Sue Vogt-Skard
"Walked right past the cemetery first time around and nearly missed it. Shame that the little building with photos of the excavations and full skeletons and cremated remains was closed. Looks like it’s used as a maintenance hut. Still amazing to see."
Darren Parsley
"you'll notice something when walking by but without knowing it's a cemetery you wouldn't know.
it's okay, there are other things nearby that are more worth it to visit
seeing as this is near where the ferry stops, you can take a small detour to visit it but there's nothing that you're missing out on"
wintr moon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ancient Cemetery is conveniently located near the Parikia ferry port. It's easily accessible on foot as you walk along the harbor. Many visitors find it a pleasant stroll from the main town area.
While specific parking for the cemetery isn't designated, there is generally parking available in the vicinity of the Parikia port and along the harbor road, making it easy to access if you're arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to view the Ancient Cemetery is generally free. It is fenced off, but you can easily see the sarcophagi from the outside without needing a ticket.
The cemetery itself is an outdoor site and can be viewed at any time. However, any on-site exhibition buildings or facilities may have limited or irregular hours, as noted by some visitors.
The main viewing area of the sarcophagi is accessible from the roadside. However, the site is an ancient burial ground, so navigating the immediate vicinity might be uneven. The exhibition building's accessibility is unknown if it's open.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see numerous ancient sarcophagi (stone coffins) that are well-preserved and organized. It's considered one of the best-organized ancient burial sites in the Cyclades, offering a glimpse into historical funerary practices.
Visitor opinions vary. Many find it an interesting, quick stop, especially if they appreciate ancient history and are already near the port. Others suggest it's not worth a significant detour if you have limited time, as there isn't extensive information on-site.
There is a sign at the entrance with some details about the cemetery. However, some visitors have noted that a small building that previously displayed photos of excavations and remains was closed and appeared to be used as a maintenance hut.
This site is recognized as a significant and well-organized ancient burial ground in the Cyclades, providing insights into the funerary customs and history of ancient Parikia.
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking photo opportunities are the ancient sarcophagi themselves, especially when framed by the surrounding landscape. Capturing the scale and preservation of these stone coffins can make for compelling shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the sarcophagi from outside the fence. The site is designed for viewing from the perimeter, so photography is generally permitted from these vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given its location near the harbor, it's easy to incorporate into a walk without requiring a long commitment. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting historical sites. The main draw is the visual aspect of the ancient burial ground, making it a brief but potentially memorable part of a family's exploration of Parikia.
🚶 Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with a stroll along the harbor and perhaps a quick exploration of Parikia town. It’s a perfect way to add a touch of ancient history to your limited time on the island, offering a glimpse into the past without consuming valuable sightseeing hours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Ancient Cemetery
While the site is fenced off for preservation, the layout allows for clear viewing of the sarcophagi from the adjacent road. Some visitors have noted that a small exhibition building, which previously showcased excavation findings and human remains, was closed during their visits and appeared to be repurposed. This lack of readily available interpretive material means that visitors with a background in ancient Greek history or those who have done some prior research will likely gain a deeper appreciation for the site.
Its proximity to the Parikia ferry port makes it an easily accessible point of interest for day-trippers and those arriving or departing by sea. While not typically a destination that requires a long visit, it serves as a valuable, albeit brief, historical stop for those interested in ancient civilizations and the enduring legacy of burial customs.
Visitor Experience and Expectations
However, some travelers express that while the site is historically significant, it might not warrant a dedicated trip or a long stay. The limited on-site information and the occasional closure of interpretive facilities can lead to a less engaging experience for those expecting more detailed exhibits or explanations. It's recommended to manage expectations and view it as a supplementary attraction rather than a primary one.
For those who do visit, the key is to appreciate the site for what it is: an accessible window into ancient funerary traditions. A few minutes spent observing the sarcophagi can be a rewarding experience, especially when combined with other nearby attractions like the harbor promenade or the town of Parikia itself.
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