The Best Things to do in Naoussa, The Picturesque Harbour Town
From what to see and do, to the best restaurants and bars to enjoy your evenings, our Naoussa Paros guide has everything you’re looking for.
Updated - April 2024
Stepping into the quaint fishing village of Naoussa for the first time, it’s easy to lose your breath.
Postcard-perfect in every way, wooden boats bob in the harbour and octopuses dry like garlands in the sun, bougainvillaea straddles the walls of storied, cobbled laneways, while the elegant and well-heeled glide along the candle-lit harbour as the afternoon sun descends. On an evening, it’s even more fabled, as fairy lights twinkle and the smell of grilled seafood gently wafts through the air.
The harbour itself is gorgeous; an array of small Cycladic fishing boats nestled tightly together, set against a backdrop of Venetian mansions and Orthodox churches, while the town plays host to some of the most picturesque corners we found in Greece.
The town though has so much more to offer than its harbour. The myriad of laneways plays host to some of the best restaurants, bars and shops in all of the Cyclades, while the sunsets are sacrosanct here. There are amazing beaches close by, and a decent amount of history for those looking.
In short, Naoussa is magical and without a doubt, the prettiest village in the Cycladic Islands, and one of the best things to do in Paros.
This guide showcases the very best of Naoussa, from two people who spent a LOT of time here. From what to see and do, and where to stay (you absolutely must book in advance here!), to the best restaurants and bars to enjoy your evenings, our Naoussa guide has everything you’re looking for.
Enjoy this hamlet, and make sure you slow down and take it all in, for magic floats on the gentle breeze in this town.
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NAOUSSA TRAVEL GUIDE OVERVIEW
WHERE | 20 mins north east of Parikia
WHERE TO STAY | Parīlio Design Hotel, or Svoronos
HOW TO GET THERE | By Public transport (bus), rental car, or scooter/ATV
WHAT TO SEE | Naoussa harbour, walk the old town, visit Moraitis Winery, go shopping, watch a Naoussa sunset
WHERE TO EAT | Almond, Yemini Wine Bar, Mario, Statheros
THINGS TO DO IN NAOUSSA, PAROS
EXPLORE THE NAOUSSA OLD TOWN
Naoussa is an unbelievably pretty town, full of narrow, cobbled laneways, ancient archways and charming corners - in many ways, it is reminiscent of Mykonos, however, the beauty of this town is its size - it's small, and can be explored easily in a few hours (or a day, depending on your food, wine, and shopping stops).
The heart of the old town is filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques and souvenir stores, and while this might detract from many other places around the world, it somehow works here.
To properly sample the best of the town, we highly recommend getting lost - starting right in the centre, at St. John’s Church. Walk the maze-like laneways that fan out from here, and you can’t go too far wrong.
It’s quietest during the day when everyone’s scampered off to the beach for the day, and bursts to life around 5-6 pm until the wee hours of the morning. But it’s best at sunset when the sun illuminates the town in marmalade orange, and the cocktails begin to be served (more on that below).
If you’re a photographer like us, exploring at sunrise is the better option to avoid the crowds!
WATCH A FAMOUS NAOUSSA SUNSET
On Paros, the sunsets are breathtaking. Seriously.
And the best place to watch the sunset is by Naoussa Harbour. Each day, the harbour is bathed in golden light and people from all over descend on the myriad of top-class bars to watch the show.
Not only is the harbour achingly beautiful, but so too is the visual spectacle as the sun dips behind the mountains in the west. Best enjoyed with a cocktail, of course.
In many ways, the sunset signifies the start of a new part of the day in Naoussa - one of the long dinners, wine, cocktails and maybe a boogie.
We suggest one of the following bars:
So If you’re up for a bit of glitz and glamour, watching the sunset from Naoussa harbour is one of the best things to do in Paros.
SAMPLE INCREDIBLE WINE AT MORAITIS WINERY
As if Naoussa wasn’t perfect enough, just a short walk from the centre of town lies Moraitis Winery, Paros’ premier winemaker and maybe the best place to spend a lazy afternoon.
Founded in 1910, Moraitis has championed the indigenous varieties from early Cycladic times: Monemvasia (Malvasia), Mandilaria, Aidani Black, Vaftra and Karampraimi - making the wine on Paros so wonderfully unique. The winery has since been passed from generation to generation, and the family now owns 18,000 m2 of organic vineyards in selected areas of the island.
So a lazy afternoon spent sampling their incredible wines is one of the best things to do on Paros. The wine-tasting session is set on the shaded terrace, under the grapevines, bougainvillaea and summer breeze.
There is a range of tasting flights available, we chose the Moraitis sample which comprises three wines - a white, Rosé, and red variety, which can be selected to suit your taste from their large range of wines and is accompanied by a selection of cheese, tomatoes and bread.
For Mark, the famous Malvasia was the pick of the wines - crisp, dry and wonderful for the afternoon, while Mim adored the Rosé.
Beyond the wine tasting, there are winery tours available, as well as a full-scale restaurant serving traditional Cycladic cuisine.
THE DETAILS
Where | Moraitis Winery, Paros
Opening Hours | Monday – Saturday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Cost | Wine tasting starts at €16 per person
HIT THE BARS OF NAOUSSA
Due to its burgeoning party scene, Paros has been compared to Mykonos, and while we personally would never wish Paros to become like Mykonos (Paros is bloody wonderful, Mykonos not so much), the current nightlife scene is actually quite good, and a lot less obnoxious than its Cycladic counterpart.
Here on Paros, there is a range of beach clubs, bars and all-night clubs, but it’s still a far more relaxed vibe here on Paros - people don’t necessarily come here to party, but there’s always the option. Oh, and it’s much more affordable than Mykonos
Naoussa, with its array of cool cocktail bars and late-night clubs, is one place to get your party on.
COME BACK BAR
Nestled right up against the shoreline and inside a beautifully renovated traditional Cycladic building, Comeback bar is one of those places where you sit down for one drink and end up settling in for hours.
Which is exactly what we did! The cocktails are great - we settled for a Paros Spritz (€13) which was just perfect as the sunset.
While it can get pretty lively once the party really gets started in the late evening hours, it’s a tranquil spot to cosy in the outdoor loungers and enjoy a cocktail during sunset.
SANTE COCKTAIL BAR
Situated in an achingly cute square under the shade of a gum tree, Sante is an exceptional spot for cocktails, vibes, and unrivalled hospitality.
The cocktails are phenomenal, up there with anything you’d find in Athens, and the energy was such that this was where you wanted to be every night.
Word of warning though - it gets very, very busy, so plan ahead and make a reservation.
I TRIA
An excellent bar with a great cocktail menu located in the beating heart of Naoussa.
Set on the corner of a busy thoroughfare, I Tria is colourful, relaxing, and has amazingly friendly service from Piero - it feels more like a home than a bar.
Cocktails are affordable, the selection of beer strong, and drinks come with sides of chips, nuts and olives, which is a great touch so often missed in Greek bars.
KOSMOS BAR
A great little bar situated in the heart of Naoussa, serving really good cocktails, and a suitably relaxed atmosphere.
Kosmos make specialty cocktails based on the liquor you like (sweet, spicy, etc), so you’re guaranteed to have something that will blow you away every time.
Cocktails start at €10.
DODO
On our final day on Paros, we walked past Dodo at 8:30 am, and the party was still going, which kind of tells you what sort of place this is...
Set in the heart of town, Dodo is a bar that wouldn’t look out of place in Southeast Asia - the drinks are cheap, the decor is understated (you sit on the floor!), and the vibe is young, and fun.
We tend to think of Dodo as more of a party place than a fine cocktail bar, as many are in and around Naoussa, and that’s kind of its appeal. So if you want a vibe, and a place to drink the night away, head here.
KASTELLI VENETIAN FORTRESS
The walls of the Naoussa harbour are bookended by the crumbling 15th-century Venetian fortress, which is worth a quick visit, if not for the history, then for the incredible views back towards the town.
Built to defend the Naoussa from pirate attacks (there’s a reason why the name Barbarossa is all over the town), the walls and tower are interesting enough to explore, showcasing what life may have been like all those years ago.
There are a few exceptional vantage points from here, especially during the golden hours of the day.
Just be careful when the waves are high - the walk across the breakwater is quite narrow.
THE DETAILS
VISIT THE IMPOSING AGIOI ANAGYROI CHURCH
Dominating the Naoussa skyline is the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Agioi Anagyroi), the metropolitan church of the town.
Located on a hill overlooking Naoussa bay and the town itself (which is amazing at sunset, by the way!), the church was built by the contributions of the local residents. While it is not historic, it is important, and a visit here is a great way to understand the culture and community of the town.
To reach the main entrance of the church, you will have to climb 16 marble steps, however, once inside, you can see its main feature, a small narthex built in the 19th century, which is the main historic attraction.
THE DETAILS
Where | Agioi Anagyroi, Naoussa Paros
GO SHOPPING IN NAOUSSA
After arriving from Mykonos, where a simple sarong will set you back €100, the array of affordable, exceptional boutiques that line the alleyways of Naoussa was a welcome surprise.
Simply, if you wish to shop on the Greek Islands, this is the place to do it.
There are many wonderful shops, selling bespoke pieces through to well-known brands, as well as souvenir shops that aren’t filled with plastic garbage, but with locally made ceramics and jewellery.
VISIT NAOUSSA’S BEST BEACHES
MINI SANTA MARIA BEACH
Mini Santa Maria beach is one of the more beautiful and clear beaches on Paros, and we’d almost go as far as saying the whole of the Cyclades.
Situated 10 minutes from Naoussa in the northeast of the Island, mini Santa Maria is set amongst a series of calm coves, hidden away from the hustle of Paros.
It’s super laidback here, and. the perfect place to spend the whole day by the sea.
Typically in the Mediterranean, the beach is mostly taken up by beach beds (from €20), serviced by the surrounding tavernas, so those wanting a ‘free’ spot to lay their towel might struggle a little here.
However, there is a small section to the right of the beach to lay your towel and bathe.
Located close by is our favourite taverna on the island, Katsunas, where we spent many afternoons eating delicious Greek food.
KOLYMBITHRES
Picturesque Kolymbithres is set amongst a unique, moon-esque landscape west of Naoussa.
We spent many an idyllic afternoon basking in a golden haze, dozing on the sloped rocks while kids jumped off the jetty in the distance and tourists wandered through the rocks and coves.
Every now and then we’d slip into the water and submerge, letting the cool waters wash away the heat before rinsing and repeating.
As with most Greek beaches, there are tavernas nearby and a couple of beach clubs if you wish to relax in comfort. For those wishing to just bathe, you’ll need to get there early to snap up your piece of sand/rock.
AGIOI ANARGYROI BEACH
Situated just outside Naoussa Paros, Agioi Anargyroi is probably the best beach close to town. No, that isn’t saying much, but if you’re after a quick swim close to the town, this is your place.
A large, horseshoe-shaped bay, the beach is popular in the summer months and as such, is filled with sunbeds and parasols which fill quickly. Fortunately, due to its secluded nature, it’s perfect for families or those who dislike waves.
EAT ALL THE GELATO
Being the ice cream enthusiasts that we are (our life motto is “an ice cream a day keeps the doctor away"), we felt compelled to try the many gelato and ice cream options in Naoussa, and there are a few standouts for our discerning taste buds.
NONNA CREMA
Perhaps the best gelato on the island, the super cute Nonna Crema makes fresh, homemade gelato in that quintessential Greek-style - thick, creamy, and smooth (we definitely feel gelato is heavier in Greece than in Italy!).
Their chocolate and salted caramel are a taste sensation, as was the pomegranate pistachio. However, you can’t go wrong with just about any flavour on offer.
The only problem is they’re open from 6 pm - Midnight, which means midday ice cream is out of the question.
32 AGOSTO
At 32 Agosto, their motto is “ice cream makes everything better”, and this is a sentiment we can get behind.
This island institution serves up gelato and ice pops, which are the winner here - basically, you can choose your flavour of ice pop, which is 100% handmade and natural, then dip it in the chocolate of your choice, before adding another topping (more chocolate, nuts, fruits etc.). It’s novel, cheap, and absolutely delicious. There are also a huge array of vegan options.
Our favourite was the watermelon, dipped in white chocolate, and served with chocolate flakes - a winning combination if there ever was one!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN NAOUSSA | BEST NAOUSSA RESTAURANTS
BRUNCH AT ALMOND LIVING WELL, NAOUSSA
The time we spent at Almond Living Well in Naoussa (almost every day we spent on the Island) still lives rent-free in our heads - it was the most unexpected and wonderful surprise on the Island, which we admit is weird when you consider everything that Paros has to offer.
But from the moment we walked into this place, we fell in love - with the food, the coffee, and most of all, the owners.
The cafe itself has lots of Bali or Tulum vibes; think open and airy, with concrete floors and a built-in couch wall, swaying raffia roof and a decorated pink wall just made for Instagram.
However, the food was the standout, though. It was fresh, healthy, and mouthwateringly good, with plenty of vegan and veggie options available, which is something of a rarity in the islands too.
We tried just about everything on the menu, so we can highly recommend the eggs florentine, the smashed avocado with poached eggs, the almond butter pancakes (maybe the best we’ve ever had!), and the decadent carrot cake. While Almond also does a dinner service, we didn’t get a chance to visit - but having read the reviews, it sounds just as exceptional.
For drinks, the coffee is second the none on the Island (and maybe even in Europe!) - you’d expect that when Stefano, the owner, made his own bespoke coffee machine - it was rich and creamy, just how coffee should be. The smoothies were also delicious.
THE DETAILS
Where | Almond Living Well Paros, Naoussa
Opening Hours | 9 am - 10 pm daily
OUR FAVOURITE NAOUSSA RESTAURANTS
With an incredible selection of restaurants in Naoussa, you won’t be short of culinary options. After spending three weeks based in the town, we’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants, and these are some of our favourites:
MARIO
You simply can’t leave Paros without dining under the stars in Naoussa harbour.
And Mario might just be the best restaurant in the harbour. The vibe here is something else, especially from around 8:30 pm as the throngs descend on the Port, and the fairy lights begin to twinkle.
Start with a glass of wine, and enjoy the atmosphere before diving into your meal. The food, while not the best you’ll find on the Island, is good - we recommend the fresh seafood pasta or any seafood options for that matter.
Be warned though, it’s not cheap here, so be prepared to pay for the wonderful experience.
SOSO
Soso is known for its delicious, high-quality food at an affordable price.
Nestled in the backstreets away from the buzzing harbour, Soso is a more tranquil, family affair than other, more high profile restaurants in the town.
Every plate brings a combination of traditional Greek food with a touch of innovation, and we highly recommend the homemade moussaka, which is potentially the best on the Island. For starters, the smoked salmon is a winner.
Like everywhere in town, don’t forget to book in advance!
MARMITTA
The large staircase descending from the road into town only provides a small window into the Marmitta’s true beauty; round the last step and you’ll see a glimmering candlelit courtyard open out before you like a secret hidden garden.
While there’s a standard selection of Greek dishes on the menu, we loved the vast array of vegetarian options and took full advantage of them. We recommend the lentil balls with tomato sauce, Parian chickpeas with leek chips, and potato croquettes.
Dinner here would be perfect for a special occasion or splurge meal during your travels.
YEMENI WINE RESTAURANT
Located right in the heart of Naoussa, Paros is Yemeni Wine bar. Featuring gourmet Greek cuisine with a farm to table approach, and an extensive wine range, Yemeni is one of the best restaurants in town.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love it here, with a modern twist on Greek cooking resulting in a delicious array of dishes including dolmades, zucchini flowers, aubergine salad, calamari couscous, grilled aubergine with halloumi, pumpkin risotto, and grilled octopus. Our faves though, were the buffala and mushroom starter, the dolmades (omg we love these), and the pumpkin risotto.
It’s worth noting that Yemeni also have a sommelier to help you choose the right wine bottle for your dinner.
Due to its location and popularity, you’ll need to book in advance
STATHEROS RESTAURANT
Located right on the beach just outside of the town centre, Statheros is what dreams are made of.
But the location isn’t the only thing the restaurant has going for it - the dishes, mostly seafood, are exceptional. The cheese pie is the perfect starter, followed by the orzo with shrimp.
The octopus with honeyed onions was also a delight.
Overall, with wonderfully friendly staff, an amazing location (especially at sunset) and delicious food, Statheros is highly recommended.
PASTELLO RISTORANTE ITALIANO
We stumbled upon Pastello when we craved something different to Greek cuisine, and we were pleasantly surprised with how good the pizza was. It wasn’t until we spoke with Christina, the owner, did we realise that both she and her husband were from Italy.
The restaurant is situated a few minute's walk outside the busy centre of Naoussa, it features a terrace that overlooks the sea, which is the perfect setting for a relaxed, no-frills dinner.
While the menu isn’t extensive, the plates are well presented and the pizza, in particular, is exceptional. And it’s super affordable, too.
SOUVLAKIA KARGAS
We didn’t eat at 5* restaurants every night (no chance our budget could go that far!), so on evenings where we wanted something quick and easy, we’d make our way to Souvlakia Kargas for a healthy (or not so) dose of halloumi gyros.
We’re not one for big statements, but this place was definitely in our top two Gyros places in Greece - everything was so fresh and so tasty, we couldn’t help coming back for more. And the host was friendly af.
The prices are also super affordable - a simple gyro will set you back around €2.50, which is perfect for those on a budget.
WHERE TO STAY IN NAOUSSA
Naoussa has a range of incredible hotels (read about the best hotels in Naoussa here). Our top recommendations are:
LUXURY | Parīlio is one of Paros’ best luxury resorts, and absolutely worth the money
MID-RANGE | The tidy Central Boutique Hotel in the centre of Naoussa is a great base to explore the surrounding town
BUDGET | The comfortable Bungalows Svoronos is where we stayed. Hospitality is incredible, as is the location
READ MORE | 15+ Incredible hotels in Naoussa, Where to stay on Paros island
NAOUSSA FAQ’S & TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS NAOUSSA
The quaint village of Naoussa (otherwise known as Naousa) is located northeast of Paros Island, in the Cycladic Archipelago, Greece.
The town is a short 10km from the Island’s capital, Parikia. See how to get from Parikia to Naoussa here
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NAOUSSA
We suggest visiting Naoussa during the shoulder seasons (either side of the peak seasons) - this is between late April - early June when the island is green and lush, and mid-September - October, when the tourists have departed and the island slows down.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN NAOUSSA
We believe Naoussa is the best base to explore Paros Island, due to its location near key beaches, famous towns, and attractions. But for the town itself, you probably only need two days to explore the best of Naoussa.
For Paros in general, we recommend spending at least five nights on the Island. That might be excessive to those wanting to Island hop throughout the summer, but trust us when we say it’s worth it.
HOW TO GET TO NAOUSSA
Naoussa is located in the northeast of Paros, about 10km from Parikia ferry port.
There are a few ways to get to Naoussa from Parikia, although which one you should opt for depends on how long you plan to visit, and whether you’re planning to explore the rest of Paros or relax in the town.
We’ve written a full guide on how to get from Parikia to Naoussa, which you can read here.
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PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, the best beaches on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, a guide to the best Naoussa Hotels, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, A guide to Mykonos Town (Chora), inc. what to see, eat and do, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH THESE GUIDES
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