Naousa is a small town in Paros Greece located in the northeastern corner of the island. From the minute we entered this little village, we were in awe with how the fishing boats and fancy yachts gel together with the bright colors of the Aegean Sea. The one-time fishing community of Naousa Paros has transformed into a tourist destination for its architecture and fine restaurants. Still, we’ve found that it hasn’t lost local luster! Here are 10 fun things to do in Naousa Paros on your first trip.
How to Get to Naousa Paros
Most travelers will be arriving into the bustling port town of Parikia before heading to Naousa Paros. On our last visit, we took the quick ferry ride from Naxos to Paros Island.
After getting off the boat, you’ll want to take a right and head towards the bus station. The station is a short walk and on the sea side of the street.
It may be a bit tough reading the bus schedule if you’re not familiar with it. There was no one in the booth to help during the off-season, and the machine to buy tickets was equally as confusing!
Just remember that you can almost always buy tickets on the actual bus from the driver in Greece. If your bus isn’t there yet, take a seat and grab food or coffee at one of the restaurants across the street.
The bus ride was only about 15 minutes from Parikia to Naousa. From the bus stop, you’ll just need to make another 5 minute walk into Naousa town.
You can also take a taxi to Naousa, but it’ll cost you between €15-20 euros. The other option would be to rent a car and drive to Naousa in Paros Greece yourself.
Here’s a quick guide to renting a car in Paros with the pros and cons. We always use DiscoverCars to compare rates and find the best deals.
It’s easy to rent one from the airport if you’re flying in, or from the capital of Parikia in the port area. You can even include Naousa as a stop in your one day Paros itinerary and take a road trip around the island!
Where To Stay In Naousa Greece
Luxury – Saint Andrea Resort Hotel – Located just outside the main town of Naousa, Saint Andrea Hotel has a pool and private beach area for you to enjoy. It’s an amazing luxury-style resort with all the amenities you’d expect on a Greek island.
Fun Vacation – Yades Suites – Apartments & Spa – Set right on the hill right above Naousa, the rooms at Yades Suites are equipped with balconies and incredible views of the ocean. If you’re looking to spice up your visit, you can even book a room with a jacuzzi inside!
Budget Travel – Panagiotis Rooms – Our home in Naousa Paros! Just a short walk from town and on the hill overlooking the village. This is one of the cheaper options near the port especially if visiting in off or swing season, but still a great quality stay.
10 Best Things to do in Naousa Paros
1. Grab a Drink With A View
The first thing you’ll notice when you get to the main town of Naousa is the cute and colorful cafes everywhere you look. Grab a glass of Greek wine with a side of olives and watch as the boats pull into the harbor.
Whether you’re walking through the back streets or just sitting in the main port, you’ll fall in love with this part of Naousa Paros! Two of our favorite Naousa restaurants to grab drinks at are Methystra Bar & Monkey’s Cocktail Bar.
2. Enjoy the Local Seafood of Naousa Paros
Another thing that will immediately catch your eye is all the octopuses. They actually hang these wild looking sea creatures out right in front of many of the Naousa restaurants!
They do this to dry out the octopus and improve the overall taste. Other popular seafood options include mussels, shrimp, and a variety of fresh fish.
3. Dive in the Crystal Clear Water
We couldn’t believe how stunningly clear the water was in Naousa. While the sparkling Aegean Sea is known for its clear blue color, the water seemed especially see through in this little island town.
Maybe it’s the way it gleams off the pearly white buildings, or possibly its enhanced by the Greek sun shining so brightly above. Whatever the case, it makes you want to dive right in!
One of the best things to do in Naousa is to take an afternoon dip at Piperi Town Beach. Be sure to check out more of the best beaches in Paros Greece before your visit.
4. Take in the History of Naousa Paros
There’s no shortage of history on Paros, and that’s especially true in Naousa! The Venetian Fortress is the best example of that, as it’s sitting beautifully right on the edge of the port.
Originally constructed in the 15th century, it was once a watchtower for enemies… including pirate attacks! While there’s no longer the threat of pirates to Paros Island, the fortress gives you an eye into what life must of been like 500 years ago.
5. See the Scenic Churches
The Greek islands are filled with churches, ranging from tiny monasteries to massive places of worship in the mountains. They’re often the most stunning buildings in every town to view.
If you walk up the hill to the top of the village, you can visit the gorgeous Church of Assumption of the Virgin. During our trip, they were having a beautiful baptism ceremony at one of the chapels in town, and it seemed to bring all of Naousa out to celebrate.
This was a perfect example of the local charm that this town still holds. We highly recommend making a visit to the mountain village of Lefkes as well if you have time.
6. Explore the Winding Back Streets
When you’re not busy having fun in the historic harbor area, exploring the streets has to be done!
One of our favorite things to do in Naousa was walk through the back streets of town, window shop, dip in and out of cafes and bakeries, and mingle with the friendly locals.
You’d be surprised how many great restaurants you can find by just getting lost on the outskirts of town.
7. Watch the Spectacular Sunset in Naousa Greece
After an amazing day in Naousa, there’s no better way to end it than by watching the magical sunset. The orange and pink colors emerge, as the sun sets over the port and rocky mountains. As far as sunsets go, it’d be hard to find a better one!
8. Naousa Paros Sweets and Treats
Did you really think we were done eating?? One of the most important staples of Greek food is its delicious pastries. We actually had some of the best desserts ever right here in Naousa!
For over 100 years, the famous Ragoussis Bakery has been churning out some of the best treats in all of the Cyclades. The baklava we ate here was hands down the best we’ve ever had in this region of Greece. That’s saying a lot as we’ve been to more than 12 Cyclades Islands!
Ragoussis also has cafeteria-style dining with cheap food options compared to the rest of the Naousa restaurants in town. That means you can order traditional Greek dishes like Pastitsio and Moussaka for just €5-6 euros.
9. Stroll Along the Beautiful Naousa Boats
Another distinct feature of this pretty little Greek island town is its stunning boats and ships. Naousa Paros has everything from small white fishing boats in the main harbor to massive yachts on the far side of the port.
We loved walking out on the rocks past the Venetian Fortress and watching the ships sail into town. You can even book book a full-day sailing cruise if you’re looking to get out on the water. For more fun activities, check out the 14 best things to do in Paros on your first visit.
10. Day Trip From Naousa Paros
If you can’t bring yourself to leave Naousa old town, we wouldn’t blame you! However, there are so many unreal Paros Island towns to discover.
The best way to see the island is to rent a car. You can use this website to compare prices between companies.
Just a quick drive away from Naousa, is the gorgeous little beach town of Aliki Paros. We also loved hitting Kalogeros Beach for a natural clay treatmen!
After experiencing all the best things to do in Naousa, you won’t want to miss taking the ferry to the neighboring Antiparos Island. This makes for a fun day trip or even an overnight stay.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own tips for Naousa Paros? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Can you recommend restaurants in Paros?
ah there’s so many amazing places to eat! One of our favorite in Naousa is Ragoussis Bakery if you make it there (-: