Naoussa Paros: Guide to Paros Island’s Stylish Seaside Town

As Paros Island grows in popularity as an alternative to more frequented islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Naoussa Paros is becoming a hotspot in the Greek Cyclades (also known as Naousa). 

This small but lively harbour town on the north side of Paros Greece is quickly turning into a refined and stylish destination. Chock full of trendy global eateries and suave bars, they take place of more traditional cafes and guesthouses (that you can find elsewhere on Greece Paros).

While Naoussa Greece can be described as the next Mykonos Chora, it also has an abundance of charm. Meandering the streets of Paros Naoussa, ducking into eclectic yet metropolitan shops, sitting al fresco and enjoying a seafood dish while watching the people go by.

It can all be found in Naousa Paros. Plus, some of the best beaches in Paros can be found within a 10-minute drive.

Naoussa Paros is included in this Cyclades hopping Greece itinerary

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This guide about Naoussa on the island of Paros Greece gives you all the information you need to enjoy your next trip to Greece, including how to get to Naoussa Paros, where to stay in Naousa, the top Paros boutique hotels in Naoussa, things to do in Naoussa and where to eat. 

Interesting Fact: Naoussa Paros was once the home of notorious pirate Barbarossa.

Cheers to your next European summer in Greece!

Naoussa Paros Map

Nestled into the northern Naoussa cove, the township of Naoussa sits perched on the shoreline. Naoussa enjoys a central coastal location with access to some of the best beaches on Paros within a 10-15 minutes drive and Naousa can be reached from the Paros port in Parikia within 15 minutes.

Click on the Naoussa Paros map below to access an interactive Google Maps version of the location Paros Naoussa.

Naoussa Paros Greece:
Who is it Best For?

Are you wondering where to stay in Paros Parikia or Naoussa? Well, luckily there is a pretty big difference between Naoussa or Parikia and who each is best for. 

If you are travelling to Paros for the first time and only have a few days and you crave the authentic quiet island life. Or, you want to base somewhere convenient for day trips and you want the convenience of the ferry port within walking distance, then Parikia is for you. 

However, if you are visiting the Greek Islands to have some fun, nightlife, and experience a more social upmarket vacation, then Naoussa village is for you. Either way, whether you stay in Parikia or Naoussa town, you can visit the other Paros highlights within 15 minutes, so you won’t be losing out.

TIP | If you want to really get off the grid and experience Greek island life, book your villa in Lefkes Paros, a charming hilltop town

How to Get to Naoussa Paros

You’ve decided on staying in Naoussa Paros, but how do you get from Paros port to Naoussa (or Naoussa to Parikia)? Well, there are a few convenient ways to get there including car hire Paros, Paros ATV rental, taking buses in Paros or even grabbing a ride in a taxi Paros. I’ll go into more detail below:

Renting a Car in Paros + Naoussa

Car rental Paros Greece is pretty easy to find at the port town of Parikia, but if you are planning your trip to Paros Greece and specifically to Naoussa, I recommend booking in advance with Discover Cars. 

What’s great about Discover Cars is they compare local, national and international rental companies to give you the best price, plus they give you full insurance coverage for only $7USD a day (30% lower than booking directly with a local company). You can expect to pay approximately $280USD base for a one-week economy car rental via Discover Cars. 

Arriving to find that all the car hire Paros companies are sold out would be devastating to your trip to Greek Paros. And, since exploring Paros by car is the best way to see the island, you want to make sure you book in advance!

Remember to check if you need an international driver’s permit before booking a car rent Paros Greece.

If you do decide to wait and book a car rental Paros Greece when you get there, you will find a huge concentration of companies around the Paros port. Picking up a car rental at the Paros port, rather than waiting until you get to Naoussa via bus or taxi, is your best option for reaching Naoussa at ease.

Paros ATV Rental

If driving a car in a foreign country is not your jam, or if you like the maneuverability of a smaller transport, then I’d recommend hiring an ATV through DK Scooters ATV Rental Paros. You can find this Paros ATV rental company within a 3-minute walk from the Paros port. They are open weekdays from 9AM-6PM. 

If you are already staying in Naoussa, or only want to rent an ATV for a single-day trip, then I recommend Paros on Wheels.

Make sure you have a properly classified driving license specifically for ATV or quad rentals. You will be denied a rental if you don’t have this. 

TIP | Negotiate the price! There’s always a little wiggle room when it comes to prices on the Greek islands, especially if you offer to pay in cash. If you are renting a scooter, don’t pay more than €20 a day in cash.

Bus Paros + Naoussa

Although I recommend renting a car, ATV or scooter for your time in Paros due to well-maintained roads, you can always board the bus in Paros instead. The bus system services the Naoussa to Parikia route multiple times a day. 

The Paros bus schedule will give you the latest times for the bus Naoussa Parikia route.

In general, if you are worried about renting a car, ATV or scooter in a foreign country, you can definitely make due taking the Paros bus from town to town. 

The bus runs from main villages such as Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Drios, Aliki, Antiparos Port, and Paros airport. It’s doable, just make sure to plan out your trip based on the bus schedule in advance, if possible. 

You can find tickets at the Parikia and Naoussa terminal stations as well as stores and mini markets in Parikia, Naoussa, Lefkes, Prodromos, Marmara, Marpisa, Piso Livadhi, Drios, Aliki, Punda, Voutakos and Antiparos.

Paros bus tickets range from €1.80 to €3.00 based on the route.

Taxi Paros

Private transfer services are plentiful in Paros, just search in Google and you can have your pick of the litter. I will warn you now though, private taxi services are offered at a pretty high price here in Paros, so I’d opt for a car rental or hop on the local bus.

Where to Stay in Paros Naoussa

Think white-washed Cycladic architecture, crystal blue pools, trendy decor, welcome to hotels in Naoussa Paros. Due to its popularity as the little Mykonos of Paros, Naoussa offers many luxury suites and upscale Paros boutique hotels. If you are used to the finer things in life, then a Naoussa hotel Paros is for you. 

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a whopping budget, though. This stylish village also offers a Paros Naoussa hotel that won’t break the bank, too.

If you are wondering where is the best place to stay in Paros Naoussa, the following list of Paros hotels Naoussa has you covered:

Naoussa Beaches Paros

There are two Naoussa Paros beaches to choose from when staying within the stylish village of Naousa: Piperi Beach Paros and Agioi Anargyroi Beach. While these aren’t the most scenic beaches, they are great if you want to spend the day at a Naoussa beach within walking distance.

If you are determined to get the most out of your visit to Naoussa Grece like I was, then I recommend renting a car and making the quick 10-15 minute drive along the coastal roads to a few of the best beaches in Paros:

Santa Maria Beach Paros

Located a 10-minute drive northeast of Naoussa Paros, you will find the white sand Santa Maria Beach. This is one of the largest and most expansive beaches on all of Paros island, and you can find everything you need here. 

Park your car or ATV in the ample dirt parking lot and either take up one of the many lounger and umbrella rentals (€9 a day) or throw a blanket on the soft sand. You can also find a couple of restaurants and beach bars at the southern end of the beach. 

The clear blue waters are so inviting, and making the trip to Santa Maria Beach from Naoussa Paros is a breeze. If you are up for something more adventurous, you can try diving with ProDivers Paros. 

WHERE | Santa Maria Beach Paros

Lageri Beach Paros

Located on the same peninsula as Santa Maria Beach on northeastern Paros, you will find the secluded Lageri Beach.

A little harder to get to means you won’t run into many other visitors, so if you are looking for quiet, this is the beach for you. Do note, that Lageri (one of the best Paros Beaches Naoussa has to offer) is classified as a nudist beach, but you are welcome either way. 

Lageri Beach also doesn’t have much access to amenities, so bring water and snacks with you. Park your car at the Lageri Beach access point, and make the 10-minute walk to the beach. Because a day at the beach equals rest and relaxation, this was definitely my favourite Naoussa Paros beach. 

WHERE | Lageri Beach Paros

Monastiri Beach Paros

A 15-minute drive northwest of the Naoussa Paros island is Monastiri Beach. Tucked into a shallow cove, the Monastiri Beach Bar Paros features a sandy inlet with loungers and umbrella rentals (€25 a day). Due to the shallowness of the cove, you can walk out quite far from the beach. You can even rent a paddleboat to float around the cove.

If you are looking for something truly unique to do nearby Naoussa Village Paros, you can catch a movie at the outdoor cinema located right next to Monastiri Beach. Showings are at 21:30 on select days. 

Make sure to take the short walk up to the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti, just above Monastiri Paros for great views of Naoussa Cove and Naoussa Paros Island as a whole. 

WHERE | Monastiri Beach Paros

What to Do in Paros Naoussa

If you are wondering what to do in Naoussa Paros, I got you covered. The absolute best thing to do in Naoussa is simply to roam around the charming whitewashed alleyways and discover all the nooks and crannies of this trendy seaside village. 

But if you are staying for more than 1 or 2 nights, then this list of things to do in Naoussa Paros will give you some ideas:

1. Venetian Castle

Situated on a thin spit of sand in the centre of Naoussa cove, are the ruins of an ancient Venetian castle. The castle was once built in the 15th century by the Sommaripa dynasty to protect the port from pirate attacks. 

Take the narrow cement walkway out to the circular stone foundation and for a unique view of Naoussa Paros island Greece, take a peek through the windows inside the ruins. 

Please note, that the narrow seawall used to access the archaeological site can be slippery when wet and take care when those pesky Greek island winds take flight. 

WHERE | Venetian Castle in Naoussa Paros

2. Agioi Anargyroi Church

The Agioi Anargyroi Church sits prominently above the village of Paros Greece Naoussa. 

What’s special about the church other than the picturesque exterior with broad staircase, is the view over the trendy seaside town of Naoussa. You can see a good portion of the town, plus great views of the Naoussa cove beyond. 

WHERE | Agioi Anargyroi Church in Naousa Paros

3. Moraitis Winery

Moraitis Winery Paros is one of the most famous Greece vineyards on the island. Located an easy 10-minute walk from downtown Naoussa, Moraitis Paros offers Naoussa wine derived from the unique organic Monemvassia and Mandilaria varietals. 

You can visit Moraitis winery’s tasting room Monday to Friday between noon and 10 PM. 

WHERE | Moraitis Naoussa Winery

4. Church of Saint Athanasius

If you can’t get enough of the blue topped, white-washed churches of Paros, the Church of Saint Athanasius is no exception. Located an easy 5-minute walk west of Naoussa centre, you can visit this picturesque church of Naoussa Paros. 

WHERE | Church of Saint Athanasius

5. Dine El Fresco at Sousouro

My absolute favourite restaurant in all of Naoussa Paros, Sousouro is a foodie’s dream and the quaint surroundings don’t hurt either. Take up a seat at one of their cozy tables al fresco, and order yourself a fresh-pressed green juice and avocado toast. 

A perfect place for people-watching, socializing or journaling, you name it; Sousouro is not to be missed. 

WHERE | Soursouro Cafe Bar – Naoussa Paros

6. Take Photos at Linardo Paros

Gosh, if you’ve ever been on social media, I’m sure you’ve seen photos of this cute pink and white bar exterior. Located right by the crashing waves of Naoussa cove, Linardo Paros is an Instagrammer’s dream. 

For best results, wait to take pictures here until the sun is at its highest in the sky, or during the golden hour before sunset. Besides how photogenic Linardo Naousa Paros is, you can also enjoy an exquisitely made cocktail and watch the sun go down over Naoussa.

Linardo’s is also a great Naoussa attraction to visit along with the Venetian Castle since they are located right next to each other.

WHERE | Linardo Paros Greece

7. Monastery of St. John’s of Deti

Now, this Naoussa attraction isn’t necessarily in the village of Naoussa per se, but it’s a Paros highlight that can’t be missed. Take the 15-minute drive along the coastal road west in your Paros rental car to the Monastery of St. John’s of Deti. 

A great thing to do in combination with a day at Monastiri Beach, the monastery has unparalleled views of Naoussa cove and Naoussa Paros village. Make your way around the front side of the monastery and climb the rocks to the top.

Don’t walk on top of the roof, please! It’s dangerous and frankly disrespectful. Plus, you don’t need to, you can see the same view from the rocks. 

WHERE | Monastery of St. John’s of Deti, Naoussa Paros

8. Visit Petra Farms

Petra Farms is a food producer located just off the road to Monastiri Beach. Focused on the sustainable growth of perennial Mediterranean crops, you can find their products in some of the independent shops in Naoussa’s centre.

The Petra Farms property takes up 24 acres of land on Paros island’s northern coastline and produces crops like capers, oregano, lavender, figs, grapes and olives.

You can arrange a Petra Farm tour and tasting where you will take a 30-minute walk of the land and then take a seat on their balcony overlooking Naoussa bay and taste beautiful food and wine.

WHERE | Petra Farms

Best Naoussa Restaurants Paros

Honestly, you can stay in Naoussa for a week and not eat at a top-quality restaurant twice. Naoussa Paros is known for upscale dining experiences with international cuisine. It’s harder to find authentic Greek tavernas here. 

Nevertheless, if you are a foodie like me, you’ll never get bored with the Naoussa restaurant scene. And, if you are into tasting Naoussa wine, most restaurants in Naoussa Paros will offer a nice selection of local varietals.

Here’s my shortlist of the best Naoussa Paros restaurants:

SOUSOURO | Upscale new-age cuisine in the charming alleyways of Naoussa

ALMOND IN PAROS | Boho chic global restaurant known for brunch

MINOA | Whitewashed stylish interior open for upscale modern Greek cuisine

BARBAROSSA PAROS | Modern seafood with outdoor dining and picturesque views of the harbour

Best Bars in Naoussa Paros

Naoussa Paros is definitely the most lively town on the island, and if your goal when visiting the Greek islands is to socialize until the wee hours, Naoussa is for you. 

Because I am more of a quiet soul, I’ve asked fellow travellers their opinions on the best bars in Naoussa Paros in the downtown core, and this is the shortlist:

KOSMOS BAR | Craft cocktails with alleyway seating. Opens at 8PM

SANTE COCKTAIL BAR | Buzzing courtyard with simple global cocktails. Opens at 6PM

AGOSTA | Sophisticated cocktails and sunset harbour views. Opens at 6:30PM

How to Get to Paros by Air + Sea

Paros is located in the Cycladic island group in the Aegean Sea south of mainland Greece and is easily accessible by plane or ferry. 

Are you wondering how to get to Paros Greece? Well, it depends on the time and budget you have available. you can choose from flight or ferry. If you are coming from neighbouring Cycladic islands, a ferry is probably your best bet. 

Please note that ferry crossing can be cancelled last minute due to strong winds and unpleasant sea conditions. I wouldn’t let this dissuade you from taking the ferry though (this is what I did!), just make sure you have a couple of days buffer in your trip plans.

By Guided Tour

If you are staying on nearby Naxos, Mykonos or Santorini, catch an early morning ferry to the port of Paros. Your full-day guided tour will start at 9AM by meandering the alleyways of Parikia Paros. 

Then take the 10-minute ferry to Antiparos to see the Venetian fortress. After lunch in Piso Livadhi, spend the rest of your day discovering the highlights and hidden gems of the hilltop town of Lefkes and the stylish port town of Naoussa.

Taking a guided tour is one of the best ways to see Paros if you are short on time and have accommodation booked on nearby islands. Plus you get to learn the local history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

Flights to Paros

A flight to Paros is pretty easily come by from hubs like Athens. Flights to Paros from Santorini and Mykonos during the high season are also plentiful.

Paros Airport

The small airport Paros is located on the southwest side of the island. It takes approximately 15 minutes to drive to the ferry port town of Parikia, and 30 minutes to the trendy harbour village of Naoussa. 

You can either grab the KTEL bus to reach the Parikia bus station for €3 (runs 4 times a day) or arrange a private taxi service. The bus runs from 9AM – 7:30PM daily.

Flights from Athens to Paros

What is the best way how to get to Paros from Athens? You will find an Athens Paros flight departing the Athens International Airport multiple times a day from airlines like Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. 

Direct Athens to Paros flights are common and flight time is an easy 40 minutes. A flight Athens to Paros starts at $55 USD in shoulder months.

Ferries to Paros

Travelling by ferry is the main means of transport in the Cycladic islands. I used ferries for my two months spent in Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Naxos and Paros and can recommend it to you. A ferry to Paros from neighbouring islands is common and plentiful. 

Based on your budget, you can choose from multiple ship sailings a day. Speed boats are the most expensive but will get you from island to island quickly. If you would rather be spending your hard-earned money on island experiences, slow ferries are also available. 

I used Ferry Hopper for the entirety of my trip in the Cycladic Islands and booking a ferry Paros was no exception. 

NOTE | Ferries can be cancelled at the last minute due to inclement weather, so make sure to schedule a couple of days buffer into your Greek Islands trip, just in case. 

NOTE | The availability of ferry itineraries to the Cyclades will decrease dramatically in the winter months.

Athens to Paros Ferry

There are a few different ferry ports offering services from Athens to Paros, but the main and most convenient one is Piraeus. From the city centre of Athens, take the M1 metro to the port of Piraeus. 

If you’d like to reach Paros as quickly as possible, the speed ferries Athens to Paros take approximately 3-4 hours. Of course, with the convenience of getting to Paros from Athens quickly, you will pay twice as much as ferry lines like Blue Star ferries Paros. 

I used Blue Star via Ferry Hopper for the majority of my ferry crossings in the Greek Islands and can recommend them. A ferry to Paros from Athens via blue star will take 4.5-5 hours. 

Ferries From Santorini to Paros

Ferries Santorini to Paros (or Paros to Santorini) are common, especially due to the popularity of Santorini on most people’s Greek islands trip. Depending on what ferry itinerary you choose, you can make it from the Santorini port to Paros port in 2-4 hours, with multiple direct Santorini to Paros ferry options daily. 

You can either book your tickets with a local office on Santorini or Paros, or book in advance with Ferry Hopper, which is advisable in the busy months of summer. 

NOTE | If you are staying in Oia on Santorini, and you’d like to purchase ferry Santorini Paros tickets, you will have to transport to Fira to purchase locally.

Mykonos to Paros Ferry

Ferries from Mykonos to Paros run multiple times daily during the summer months of the year. Because Mykonos is located a short distance north of Paros, you can take a ferry from Mykonos to Paros in under an hour. 

If you are travelling from Mykonos to Paros, remember that the ferry port is located outside of Mykonos Chora and you will need to either take a taxi for the 10-minute journey, or the local shuttle boat that departs from the Chora harbour.

Ferry from Naxos to Paros

You can reach Paros from the neighbouring island of Naxos in as little as 30 minutes via ferries Naxos to Paros on Ferry Hopper. If you opt-out of the more expensive jet boats, you can arrive in Paros from Naxos in less than an hour. The proximity makes it easy to visit Paros on a day trip from Naxos, too.

Ferry Milos to Paros

Milos is located on the far west of the Cycladic island group in Greece. Therefore ferry itineraries between these two islands are not as plentiful.

In the summer months, you may be able to find one or two trips a day, and they may be indirect sailings. The sailings between Milos and Paros are also more expensive, coming in at 70-80 euros each.

Paros Antiparos Ferry

Antiparos is located just off the shores of southwest Paros island. You can only access Antiparos directly through Paros. Make your way from Parikia down to the Port of Pounta to catch the 10-minute ferry across to Antiparos. You can check the Paros to Antiparos ferry schedule for the latest sailing times. 

The Paros to Antiparos ferry costs €1.20 per passenger or €6.30 per car.

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Naousa Paros Travel Guide
Parikia Paros Travel Guide
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Top Milos Boutique Hotels
Best Town to Stay in Paros
Designer Boutique Hotels in Paros
Top Areas to Stay in Naxos
My Fave Naxos Boutique Hotels