Naoussa, Paros: Ultimate Guide To An Enchanting Village
If you’re planning a trip to Naoussa and want help planning your trip, you’re in the right spot! We’ve pulled together everything you need to know, from the best restaurants to local transportation and all the best things to do in Naoussa, Paros.
Our goal is that this would be your one-stop guide to Naoussa!
We first heard of Naoussa a few years ago, and while researching for our two-month trip to Greece, everyone kept talking about this endearing village in Paros. They spoke about its picturesque landscapes, awesome beaches, and cosmopolitan vibes.
Now, after spending a lot of time there ourselves, we’re also trying to get the word out. The town is tasteful, and the charming tourist shops and restaurants add to its appeal.
However, Naoussa is rising in popularity, so hopefully, you can get here before it becomes too crowded.
Throughout this guide, we’ll share all the best things to do in Naoussa and give you our recommendations for the best places to stay, where to eat, and how to get there (both from the airport AND from other Greek islands)!
The Enchanting Village of Naoussa
Naoussa is exactly what you’d hope for when you are visiting the Greek islands. There are great beaches, local restaurants on the water, and whitewashed buildings everywhere.
The village has become more popular in recent years as people look for alternatives to overcrowded and expensive islands in Greece, such as Mykonos and Santorini.
Naoussa has a lot of the same features, but with half the crowds and for much more affordable prices.
What is Naoussa known for?
Naoussa is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, which is simultaneously exciting, relaxing, and romantic.
That’s what makes this town great for any type of traveler. Backpackers will find vibrant nightlife, honeymooners have luxury resorts and romantic dining, while adventurous travelers will love heading out on the boat for the day and the hiking trails along the coast!
6 Best Things to Do in Naoussa
Some of the top things to do in Naoussa include shopping at local boutiques and markets, exploring the beaches and hiking trails nearby, or enjoying some nightlife at one of the many bars and clubs in town.
Personally, we had the most fun just wandering around town. Although small, it seemed like there was always a new street to explore. We also loved how close the beaches were to town!
Here is a detailed overview of each of the top things to do in Naoussa!
1. Visit the Beaches Near Naoussa
The beaches near Naoussa are some of the most beautiful in all of Paros. Whether you want to relax on a sandy beach or explore the crystal blue waters by kayak, Naoussa’s beaches are great for spending the day in the sun.
The most popular beach in Naoussa is Kolymbithres Beach. This small coast is just 5 minutes by car across the bay from town, and the most popular thing to do here is sunbathe and enjoy water sports, like paddle boarding, wakeboarding, and even sailing lessons!
A bit further down the coast is Monastiri Beach, which is way less crowded than Kolymbithres but has all the same amenities, like sunbeds, restrooms, and Monastiri Beach Bar! There are even some hiking trails along each side of the bay, leading to lookouts and more remote beaches!
There are also 2 town beaches, Piperi Beach and Agioi Anargyroi Beach, which are surprisingly nice for sunbathing/swimming but tend to get a little too busy for us in the summer.
For a more secluded beach experience in Paros, you can go east five kilometers to Santa Maria Beach or take the highway south 12 kilometers to Kalogeros and Moles Beach!
2. Naoussa, Paros Nightlife
Naoussa has a vibrant nightlife scene and is the best place in Paros to be on a summer evening. There are plenty of cocktail lounges, bars, and live music venues to choose from throughout the town.
The most popular place to head for the evening is Barbossa Restaurant. This upscale seafood restaurant is also an elegant place to hang out on the water in the evening. The food is pricey, but the drinks are comparable with those of other bars in Naoussa.
Two more hotspots for travelers looking for a great night out are Fotis All-Day-Bar and Kosmos Cocktail Bar. Fotis is perfect for an afternoon drink with friends, while Kosmos is more suited for a romantic evening with your person.
3. Go Shopping in the narrow streets of Naoussa
Naoussa has a quaint, cosmopolitan charm that is immediately apparent as you explore its whitewashed streets.
The town’s architecture is a unique blend of classic Greek and Venetian styles, with arched doorways, white-washed walls, and narrow lanes providing the perfect backdrop for your exploration. Be sure to visit some of the town’s Greek Orthodox churches to get a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage.
These narrow streets in Naoussa are full of unique souvenir shops and local goods. There are endless local boutiques with jewelry and larger markers with traditional souvenirs.
4. Naoussa Coffee Shops
Don’t forget to stop in one of Naoussa’s many cafes for a taste of the local coffee and artisan pastries.
Truthfully, we aren’t big fans of Greek coffee, but it’s a big part of the culture here. Plus, all the coffee shops in Naoussa have delicious espresso drinks and even hand-drip coffee for travelers like us!
The best coffee in town is at Afros Sip | Bites.
But we also like Karino Cafe and Kiranos Cafe (yes, they are different) since they are much closer to the harbor and have better views. The coffee is just not quite as good as Afros.
5. Check out the Old Port & Venetian Castle
The stone wall stretching out to the castle was built on a flat reef, but unfortunately, the main part of the wall collapsed into the ocean a while ago. Now, there is a small path remaining that leads out to the castle.
The central fortress/castle is not very big, but when visiting, you can see how it would have been a strategic point of defense centuries ago.
Both attractions are well worth a visit for history buffs and anyone interested in learning more about the history of Naoussa.
6. Take a Boat Trip
If you travel anywhere in Paros, you have to spend some time in the water. Boat trips are one must-do excursion in the Greek islands, and there are several incredible places to sail to from Paros.
Boat Tour from Paros to Delos & Mykonos – This is a full-day cruise that visits both Delos and Mykonos. Delos is the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo and has numerous archeological sites from ancient Greece. Mykonos is known for its architecture, windmills, and idyllic beaches.
Sailing Cruise to Iraklia and Schinoussa – This is a swimming and snorkeling cruise with a tour guide/skipper, where you will visit two nearby islands unknown to most travelers. This is a fantastic off-beat excursion for adventurous travelers.
Full-Day Boat Rental in Paros – One of our top experiences in Greece was renting a boat in Crete. We got to captain our own boat for the entire day, beach-hopping around the island, and you can do the same thing in Paros!
Boat Tour to Santorini from Paros – If you want to check off Santorini from your bucket list without paying the exorbitant prices of hotels on the island, this tour has a very reasonable day trip from Paros!
Paros Transportation: How to Get To Naoussa
Whether you have flown into Paros Airport or arrived in Paros by ferry, it’s very easy to get to Naoussa. Even though the airport is on the opposite side of the island, Paros is so small that the trip only takes 30 minutes by car.
We highly recommend renting your own transportation to get around Paros, but there are also taxis and public transportation available across the island!
Looking for bus information to Naoussa? Here are the current timetables.
Renting a Car in Paros
Our top piece of advice for people traveling to Paros is to rent a car in Paros. It will make all the difference in your trip, for real. It’s so affordable that when we’ve done all the math, it ends up being cheaper to rent a car than taking 2 taxis each day. Just 2!
We noted that this was true all over Greece, whether in Paros, Naxos, Crete, Corfu, or Santorini
DiscoverCars.com is our favorite website for finding deals on rental cars. During our 10-day trip to Paros, we spent just €20/day!
Since we had our own car, we could travel anywhere on the island whenever we wanted. To us, this is worth double the price we paid for it.
When renting a car in Paros, it is essential that you book ahead. Rental cars book up fast, even in the winter, and agencies usually don’t keep more cars on hand than they currently have bookings for. Even in November, we overheard some fellow travelers being told that there were no extra cars available.
Rent a Scooter/ATV in Paros
Another popular way to get around the island of Paros is by renting a scooter or an ATV. This is definitely more fun than renting a car, but also riskier.
One of the reasons we love renting scooters is that they help us cut through heavy traffic quicker and are so much cheaper, but this isn’t the case in Paros.
A scooter rental will cost about€20/day, while an ATV costs €30/day. And the traffic is not dense enough for traveling in a car to be inconvenient.
Still, riding a scooter or ATV around Paros is definitely intriguing, and we could see ourselves trying it the next time we visit the island. If you decide to go this route, make sure to wear a helmet and always have travel health insurance (it’s not included with the bike rentals).
Take a Taxi To Naoussa
Of course, taxis are plentiful in Paros, especially in the summer, but they are not very cheap. One way to get around the island of Paros is by taking a taxi. Taxis are easily accessible in Paros and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance.
If you fly to Paros, a taxi from Paros Airport to Naoussa will cost about €30-50, depending on the season and traffic conditions.
If you are taking the ferry to Paros, a taxi from Paros Port to Naoussa will cost between €20-30 (sometimes more during high season).
Be aware that during the off-season (November – March), taxis are less frequent in Paros (especially during the off-season). This makes it harder to find a taxi on the street, so arranging a pickup before you arrive is even more important.
Take the Bus to Naoussa
There are public buses in Paros, but they do not travel directly from Paros Airport to Naoussa. You must take two separate buses to reach Naoussa by bus.
First, take the bus from the airport to Parikia. This bus runs 5 times per day and costs €2.50
Then, transfer to a second bus from Paroikia to Naoussa. This bus is much more frequent at 6-8 times per day. The main bus stop in Naoussa is only about a 20 – 25 minute bus ride from the main town of Parikia, and the ticket fare is also €2.50
You can check the current timetables on the KTEL Bus Website!
Buses are sort of inconvenient for traveling from the airport to Naoussa, but they are a very budget-friendly way to travel around the rest of the island. There are stops at all major towns and beaches, including Piso Livaldi, Lefkes, Aliki, Punda Port, and Chisi Akti (Golden Beach).
Best Restaurants in Naoussa
Naoussa is also home to some excellent restaurants, serving up traditional Greek cuisine as well as international favorites like pizza and pasta. Some popular local spots include Soso, Yemeni, and Safron, each known for delicious Mediterranean food, a welcoming atmosphere, and great service.
There are also plenty of International options, bakeries, and fast food options in town. Here are some of the most recommended places to eat in Naoussa, Paros.
Best Mediterranean Food: Yemeni
This restaurant is known for its Mediterranean cuisine and cozy, inviting atmosphere. Entrees are a little pricey, at €12-30. The most popular dishes are octopus, meatballs, and lamb wrapped in vine leaves. Additionally, visitors can expect a long list of local Greek wines at Yemeni.
Best Traditional Greek Dishes: SoSo
SoSo is a traditional Greek restaurant that serves up some of the best moussaka and meatballs in town. The average price is €20-30 for a couple, including drinks and dessert. SoSo is a family-run restaurant with a casual atmosphere and friendly service.
This restaurant fills up fast, so make sure to get here early or make a reservation the day before!
Best Gyro: Pita Frank
Pita Frank is one of the best gyro stands in town. It serves delicious and cheap wraps and sandwiches. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal on the go or a late-night snack, Pita Frank has you covered.
Best Seafood Restaurant: Safran
Safran is an elegant seafood restaurant with a beautiful setting in the heart of Naoussa. The menu features fresh seafood dishes from all over the world, as well as a wide selection of wine and cocktails. This is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner in Naoussa.
Expect moderate prices of €10-20 per dish, excluding a few seafood specialties like shrimp saganaki and white fish ceviche.
Best Healthy/Vegan Restaurant: Almond in Paros
Almond in Paros is a vegan-friendly ‘live well’ cafe that offers delicious sandwiches and breakfast items, as well as healthy smoothies and juices. The cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and a lovely outdoor seating area.
Note: This cafe is only open in the spring/summer.
Best Bakery: Ragoussis Cafe
Ragoussis Cafe is one of the most popular bakeries in Naoussa, serving up everything from sweet pastries to savory pies. This is the first of two locations in Paros (the second location is in downtown Paroikia).
This bakery is the perfect spot for a quick snack or coffee break while you explore the town. We found ourselves grabbing a sandwich to go for brunch almost every morning in Paros. o
Do you need to book restaurants in Naoussa?
You do not usually need to make a reservation in Naoussa since the town is relatively small and has plenty of restaurants to choose from.
However, if you are planning on visiting during the high season or at popular times such as long weekends or holidays, it may be a good idea to call ahead and ask if reservations are possible!
Best Hotels in Naoussa, Paros
For those looking to stay in the heart of Naoussa, you’ll be treated to a range of options within the city’s alleys and cobbled streets, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels with beautiful views of the harbor.
We also have a full post on where to stay in Paros, so if you aren’t staying in Naoussa the whole time, that will be helpful for you!
Alternatively, for people looking for a bit more peace and quiet, we recommend staying slightly outside of town near Piperi Beach. You’ll find some fantastic beachfront villas with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
The third option in Naoussa is to choose a hotel farther away from the hustle and bustle of Naoussa across the harbor in Livadia. There are many boutique hotels and resorts just a few minutes from town, but they offer peaceful atmospheres and sometimes private beaches.
Best Luxury Hotel – Parilio Design Hotels
Parilio Design Hotels is a luxury resort just outside the main street in Naoussa, towards Kolymbithres Beach. The resort has four beautiful suite designs (Aurora, Halo, Uranus, and Sun), ranging in style, price, and amenities.
There is a buffet breakfast available each morning, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant if you don’t feel like going out each night. This is a fantastic place for honeymooners or people looking for a particularly romantic holiday in Naoussa, Paros.
Best Mid-Range Hotel – Paliomylos Spa Hotel
Paliomylos Spa Hotel is located in the heart of Naoussa, right by Piperi Beach. All of the rooms at this hotel have a balcony, as well as a kitchen or kitchenette. Buffet breakfast is also included in the price.
As a spa hotel, you can reserve a massage with one of the hotel’s massage therapists or choose from a variety of beauty treatments. The hotel also has lounge access and a full restaurant/bar. All of this is not included in the price, but it’s a great way to have luxury options with an affordable room!
Best Budget Hotel – Irini Rooms
Irini Rooms is the best place in Naoussa to stay on a budget. It’s right next to the perfect budget Venetian harbor, has comfy rooms, air conditioning, and free toiletries, and each room has its own private balcony with a view of the surrounding area.
This hotel is also in a very convenient location for exploring everything in and around Naoussa. You can walk to tons of restaurants, bars, local shops, and beaches – without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paros will not induce a crazy amount of culture shock. Like almost everywhere in Greece, English is widely spoken. However, there are a few questions routinely come up regarding travel in Paros, so we created this section to answer some of them!
Is it better to stay in Parikia or Naoussa?
Both Parikia and Naoussa have their own unique pros and cons. Essentially, Parikia is better access to transportation (including Antiparos) and is more budget-friendly. Naoussa is a little more expensive but has more options catered to people on holiday, like nightlife and resorts.
At the end of the day, the choice between Parikia and Naoussa really depends on your personal preferences and budget.
How many days in Paros is enough?
Paros is relatively small compared to other Greek islands, so two or three days should be plenty of time to explore the whole island. If you want to take a day trip to Antiparos, then consider planning an extra day for that trip!
Here is a very brief description of a perfect Paros Itinerary:
Day 1 – Settle into your hotel and get a feel for the island by visiting Kolymbithres Beach, perusing the streets of Naoussa, and having dinner at one of the local Greek tavernas.
Day 2 – Go Beach hopping along the West Coast, with stops at Golden Beach, Kalogeros Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.
Day 3 – In the morning, visit the beautiful mountain village of Lefkes, followed by the Ancient Marble Quarries and shopping in Parikia.
Day 4 – On your final day in Paros, take a boat trip to Antiparos & Despotiko. You can visit the beaches and Antiparos cave on your own or with a guided tour
Is Paros too touristy?
Despite being less known around the world than other islands, like Crete or Mykonos, you can still expect it to be very touristy in the summer months, particularly July and August.
If you want to travel to Paros without the crowds, we recommend visiting in the fall. September and October would be awesome. But don’t plan your trip too late. It’s a ghost town from December – March.
Which island is prettier, Naxos or Paros?
Both islands are very pretty places to sightseeing in Greece. The decision of which is better depends on the eye of the traveler.
Paros is a smaller island with fewer beaches and a quaint feel, making it ideal for those looking for a peaceful getaway. On the other hand, Naxos has more commercial businesses and locals, so it’s better to experience authentic Greek culture there.
Ultimately, whichever island you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time! So pick your destination and enjoy the beauty of the Greek islands!
So… Is Naoussa Worth Visiting?
Naoussa is such a charming town, and we really hope you enjoy it as much as we did. However, we don’t prefer to stay in Noussa. It gets really busy, so we like to base ourselves in Parikia or Piso Livadi and then take day trips to Naoussa.
Especially if you plan on renting a car in Paros, it’s super easy to pop over in the morning, find a parking spot, and begin exploring!
Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you may have! Also, if you have some extra space on your itinerary, consider taking the ferry over to Naxos and spending a few days exploring Paros’ next-door neighbor
