One of the most popular Cycladic tourist destinations is Naoussa, a small town located on the northern coast of Paros Island. It’s not only a lively summer destination but it’s also surrounded by picturesque countryside scattered with orchards and vineyards. This area is famous for its local wine production and it’s an interesting food and wine tourist destination offering some tasting opportunities and a few typical products for your souvenirs.
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A Guide to the Fishing Village of Naoussa, Paros
The best time to visit Paros
To make the best of your stay, choose summer! In July, you’ll also have the chance to attend the Fish Festival where you’ll be able to taste some fried fish while listening to some local bands. If you happen to be there at the end of summer, don’t miss the “Night of the Corsairs” taking place on August 23rd: it is the historical re-enactment of the victory of the inhabitants over the pirates guided by Redbeard.
How to get to Paros Island (Paroikia port)
- By plane from Athens: Paros has a small airport for internal flights only. It will take 40 minutes to get there from Athens.
- By ferry from Athens: You can get the ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens. The journey takes between 3 and 5 hours depending on the type of ferry.
- By ferry from other islands: Paros is connected by ferry to other Greek islands like Mykonos, Syros, Naxos, etc.
Check here for more information on the ferry timetable and to book your ferry tickets.
How to get to Naoussa from Parikia
- By taxi: it takes about 15 minutes and the average cost is 10 euros.
- By bus: it takes about 30 minutes and the ticket costs 1,80 euros. For more information visit https://ktelparou.gr/en/tickets.html
- By rented car
Check here: My guide to Parikia, Paros
Things to see in Naoussa
Venetian Castle: it is located close to the old port and it’s the symbol of the town. It dates back to the XV century and it was a Venetian outpost to protect the island from the pirates. It was later used by the Ottomans as a defensive tower.
Old Port: busy and picturesque, it’s the heart of local nightlife. Enjoy its typically Greek colors and atmosphere and lose yourself in its winding alleys.
Byzantine Museum: it displays objects and pieces of art from a period spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era. It is useful to learn more about the ancient history of Paros Island. It is housed inside the Agios Athanasios monastery, whose church is also worth a visit thanks to its frescoes.
Church of St Nicholas: a tiny church overlooking the old port and offering a nice view.
Shopping: Just like other Cycladic towns, Naoussa is full of handicraft and souvenir shops, especially in the port area. The most typical souvenirs of Naoussa are local wine, cheese, honey, olive oil, and jams.
Nightlife: Naoussa has a lively nightlife and two of the most popular clubs of Paros: Nostos and Insomnia clubs. There are also some quieter and more refined places like a couple of nice cocktail bars overlooking the sea, other than plenty of restaurants and bars also popular among locals.
Beaches in and near Naoussa
Piperi Beach: it’s the main beach of Naoussa, it’s free and partially shaded by some trees. It’s narrow and quite small, so it’s perfect if you look for a quiet and not too busy place.
Agioi Anargyroi Beach: another free and quiet beach a little larger than Piperi.
Monastiri Beach: located on the northernmost tip of Paros Island, this beach is one of the most popular ones. It’s fully equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, boat rental, a restaurant, and a bar and it’s always crowded in summer. You can reach it in about 15 minutes by car from Naoussa.
Kolymbithres Beach: it’s located close to Monastiri Beach and it’s smaller but equally popular and crowded. Its highlights are the rocky environment and its particularly crystal-clear water.
Check here: The best beaches in Paros Island.
Things to see near Naoussa
Moraitis Winery: this historic wine estate offers some tastings of its prized local wines other than an interesting wine museum. The main wine varieties you can find here are Malvasia, Mandilaria, Aidani Black, Vaftra, and Karampraimi. Address: Epar. Od. Naoussa-Marpissas Opening hours: 12 – 4 p.m. (closed on Sunday). Website: http://moraitiswines.gr/en/
Paros Park: enjoy some scenic walks and this network of panoramic trails overlooking the sea. It’s a great place for some pictures too! Address: Ai-Yannis Detis Kolimbithres Naoussa Website: https://www.parospark.com/
Monastery of St John of Deti: it’s located inside Paros Park and it offers a great view and a perfect place to watch the sunset. Its name stems from a Greek word meaning “tie” and it has a double meaning: it refers to the action of tying a boat in the small cove below but it also metaphorically refers to the “miracles” of the Saints that could “tie” (“imprison”) illness to heal his faithful.
Check here: The best things to do in Paros
Where to eat in Naoussa
- Yemeni: it is located in the Old Town and it offers both traditional meat and fish dishes. It’s one of the most popular restaurants among tourists.
- Marmitta: located a little bit further from the busiest streets, it offers a typically Greek menu to be tasted outdoors under a nice pergola.
- Barbounaki: the perfect option for a fish dinner overlooking the sea.
You might also like: The best day trips from Paros.
Where to stay in Naoussa
- Hotel Senia – it is located just outside Naoussa but it’s easily reachable from the bus stop. Its elevated position provides an excellent view. Its highlights are a heated infinity pool and a buffet breakfast with fresh local food. Check here for more information and to book your stay.
- Adonis Hotel Studios & Apartments – located right in the centre of Naoussa, offers a car and scooter rental service. The apartments are large, panoramic and decorated in traditional style. Check here for more information and to book your stay.
Kim-Ling is the writer behind Travel-Ling. You can follow her on Instagram.