20 Best Things to Do in Naoussa, Paros

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Naoussa, Paros, you’ve come to the right place! The picture-perfect town of Naoussa offers so many great things to do and when I first arrived, it felt like I dropped into the pages of a white cobblestone fairytale.

From the colorful fishing boats populating the harbor to eye-catching bougainvillea climbing the walls of whitewashed alleys to fresh-caught octopus strung up to dry in the Aegean sun, I have never been anywhere quite like Naoussa!

Naoussa has so much more to offer than just stunning views. The village has a vibrant nightlife scene, epic dining options, crystal clear water, rocky beaches, nature parks, and of course, the vibrant town itself. This guide will showcase the best things to do in Naoussa. Whether you lean more toward the food & drink scene or you prefer to get out on the water, this guide has a little bit of everything.

No matter your approach to what you choose to do in Naoussa, make sure to soak it all in and enjoy the ride because the village is such an incredibly special place.

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Overview: 20 Best Things to Do in Naoussa, Paros

If you like consolidated lists, this section is a great reference. This is my full list of the best things to do in Naoussa, Paros in Greece – scroll to each section to get all the details!

1. Food Tour
2. Moraitis Winery
3. Craft Cocktails in Old Town
4. Cooking Class
5. Naoussa City & Photo Walk
6. Shopping in Naoussa
7. Van Tour Around Paros
8. Old Port of Naoussa
9. Venetian Fortress
10. Vacation Photgrapher
11. Sunset at Naoussa Harbor
12. Sunrise at Paros Viewpoint
13. Sailing in the Small Cyclades
14. Small Boat Rental
15. Traditional Gulet to Despotiko & Antiparos
16. Day Cruise to Amorgos
17. Paros Park
18. Kolymbithres Beach
19. Lageri Beach
20. Santa Maria Beach

Food & Drink

1. Food Tour

This food tour can be set up in either Naoussa or Parikia (I’d pick Naoussa) and it will take you through the winding streets of the old town to local food spots that you might otherwise miss. I love learning more about countries and cultures through their food, exploring fresh local ingredients, and just soaking in the unbeatable atmosphere of Paros.  This tour is great for all types of foodies – whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eater, they’ll find something to suit your palate!

2. Moraitis Winery

One of my favorite things to do in Naoussa was visiting Moraitis Winery. You can walk up from town for an afternoon of wine tasting and a tour of the winery. I’d highly recommend making reservations in advance, particularly if you are interested in a tour. Note that the tour is not available after 5pm, so plan accordingly! We went mid-afternoon since we spent the morning hiking, and it was absolutely perfect.

3. Craft Cocktails in Old Town

There are so many great places to enjoy craft cocktails in Naoussa, and I have a few different recommendations for spots. Naoussa is definitely known for its nightlife, so you really can’t go wrong. Each evening in Naoussa, we hit up a different spot and honestly I loved all of them. The atmosphere of being able to sit in the white cobblestone alleys and people watch was just amazing. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• Sante Cocktail Bar
• Sousouro
• Agosta
• Itria Cocktail Bar

4. Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare authentic Greek cuisine with this traditional cooking class. You’ll create a 6-course meal with a local chef with recipes that were passed down from the cook’s grandmother. As you work, you’ll get insight into Greek and Parian culture. Plus, enjoy fresh fruits from the garden, wine, ouzo, or souma (fig liqueur) to top off your experience!

Around Town

5. Naoussa City & Photo Walk

Pair up with a local on this Naoussa city & photo walk. They will show you the most beautiful places in the town of Naoussa so you can snag breathtaking photos of your time on the island. This is a great way to get off the beaten path and catch some of the hidden spots only a local would know!

6. Shopping in Naoussa

Make sure to set aside some time to do a little shopping. The most typical souvenirs of Naoussa are local wine, cheese, honey, olive oil, and jams. I can personally attest to having tried all of the items and would fully recommend either partaking in them while on the island or bringing a little something home with you.

7. Van Tour Around Paros

If you’re short on time in Paros, then this is the ticket for you. Join this half-day guided tour around the island. You’ll get to see the highlights of Naoussa, Parikia, Piso Livadi, Aliki, and Lefkes. If I only had a day or two on Paros, this would be my recommendation to make the most of your time on the island. You’ll get to see the main sights without the hassle of having to rent a car, navigate, or find parking.

8. Old Port of Naoussa

When I think of the best things to do in Naoussa, Paros, the old port is what immediately comes to mind. The port is full of the old style fishing boats, fishermen mending their nets, and the fresh catch of the day strung out to dry.

It’s no surprise that some of the restaurants surrounding the old port have the freshest seafood in town! There’s one restaurant that actually sets up a table on an old fishing boat if you really want to get into the fishing vibes. I loved walking around the port in the morning before it got too busy, but also really enjoyed the people watching that came with sunset and dinner time.

9. Venetian Fortress

Located in the gorgeous old port, take some time to visit the old Venetian Fortress. It was built in the 15^th century to protect the town from pirates. In Medieval times, pirates were a huge threat to the town and there are tales of pirates raiding settlements for food and killing the locals. On August 23^rd each year, the town celebrates the Barbarossa Pirate Festival of Paros to celebrate its victory against the notorious pirate, Barbarossa. Naoussa has many references to Barbarossa today and the restaurant was actually one of my favorite Instagram spots on Paros!

Much of the fortress has crumbled and fallen into ruin, but it is interesting to experience the history and also provides some great viewpoints for photos.

10. Vacation Photographer

The town is so incredibly photogenic that one of the best things to do in Paros is to schedule a vacation photographer to commemorate your time on the island! Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a proposal, or just want to capture picture-perfect memories with loved ones, it makes for a memorable experience!

11. Sunset at Naoussa Harbor

There’s no better way to end the day than by catching a sunset in Naoussa Harbor. Bonus points if you happen to overlap it with dinner and/or drinks.

The views alone make this one of the best things to do in Naoussa and I cannot describe how great the vibes are during sunset.

12. Sunrise at Paros Viewpoint

At the other end of the spectrum, I’d recommend catching the sunrise at Paros Viewpoint. To get there, Google Linardo (an extremely Instagrammable bar). From Linardo, walk toward the Aegean Sea, and you’ll see this viewpoint of Paros to your right. It was definitely one of my favorite photo spots on Paros and I loved the morning light at the location. Here is the location on Google Maps. This does transition into an area where people eat later on in the day, so I’d definitely recommend coming in the morning, even if you don’t make it in time for sunrise!

Paros Viewpoint also gives you unbeatable views of the island’s whitewashed houses over a sparkling blue sea. We launched our drone (we have a DJI Mini 2) to get these views of the town. Before launching, make sure to check Greece’s drone regulations and the weather conditions to ensure you’re operating safely and according to the rules!

On The Water

13. Sailing in the Small Cyclades

Spend a day sailing through the crystal clear water of the Aegean. Swim, snorkel, explore secret beaches, and soak up the sun while sipping on Greek wine. The sailing excursion leaves from Piso Livadi, which is approximately 20 minutes from Naoussa. You can coordinate a transfer to Piso Livadi through the tour company or through your hotel.

Spending time on the water was absolutely one of my highlights from my time in Greece and one of the best things to do in Naoussa. The water is stunning and it is so relaxing.

14. Small Boat Rental

If you’re more of a do-it-yourself kind of person, this self-drive small boat rental may be the ticket for you. You can explore Paros’ secluded beaches by boat and a big plus of this specific rental is it includes snorkel equipment! This will give you the flexibility to go where you want on your own timetable. The marina is located in Aliki, Paros.

15. Traditional Gulet to Despotiko & Antiparos

Another option to get on the water is to do an island cruise on a traditional gulet. You’ll sail on the gulet along the coast of Paros, explore some pirate caves, and then on to discover Despotiko and Antiparos. The boat leaves from Piso Livadi, which is approximately 20 minutes from Naoussa. You can coordinate a transfer to Piso Livadi through the tour company (reach out at least 2 days in advance) or through your hotel.

16. Day Cruise to Amorgos

If you have the time during your trip to Naoussa, it is worth looking into a day trip to Amorgos.  Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades and the island’s stunning mountain scenery surrounded by the unending sparkling water make for an incredibly scenic day trip. Amorgos is a bit more secluded than its neighbors and is home to charming alleyways, noteworthy architecture, and fabulous beaches.

Parks & Beaches

17. Paros Park

Paros Park is a protected seaside nature reserve with a network of walking trails, remote beaches, and hidden caves. It one of my favorite things to do in Naoussa, Paros. One of the paths leads to Korakas Lighthouse, located on the point. If you’re interested in the lighthouse, follow trail number 1. There is also a 3.9 mile loop that is a popular spot for an easy hike. AllTrails includes all sorts of hiking tips, maps, and recent trail conditions if you are interested in a hike.

It was incredibly windy the day we went, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable hike overall. We enjoyed great views of the Aegean Sea and could look back toward Paros, as well. Paros Park is a great way to escape the summer crowds and enjoy a bit of nature.

18. Kolymbithres Beach

Ok, I’m going to give you three beach recommendations that are near Naoussa and based on what you’re looking for that day, you can make your decision. Kolymbithres is one of the most famous beaches on Paros and has absolutely stunning scenery. Picture huge rocks framing the beach and small coves. However, it is definitely a well-known beach and it was absolutely packed when we went. I like a quieter scene, so we didn’t stay long.

However, there are a number of positives for visiting Kolymbithres. In comparison to a lot of the beaches on Paros, Kolymbithres is calm, quiet, and relatively windless, making it a great place for small kids to easily play in the water. There are sunbeds for rent, though they do tend to be filled by late morning and tend to be more expensive than those on the rest of the island. 

Kolymbithres is also one of the easiest beaches to get to from Naoussa – a water taxi from the port of Naoussa will drop you at the beach in just over 5 minutes.  There are also scheduled busses and taxis from town. Lastly, there are a handful of beach bars and restaurants, making it easy to grab snacks and drinks while at the beach.

 Overall, the scenery makes it a must-see thing to do in Naoussa, but I’d recommend coming in the morning before it gets too busy. If you time it right, it is one of the best things to do in Naoussa, Paros.

19. Lageri Beach

Lageri is more difficult to access and can be a bit tricky to find. However, this means that it is much quieter than Kolymbithres. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas, so bring your own.

Lageri is a gorgeous sandy beach and is relatively calm. Fair warning: it is a nudist beach, but you’ll also see families enjoying the sunshine. Of the three beaches mentioned in this article, Lageri is the most off the beaten path.

20. Santa Maria Beach

Honestly, Santa Maria was my beach of choice on Paros. It has the best of both worlds: it is easily accessible, has a free section of the beach, and also has a beach bar. My recommendation is to put down a towel on the free section of the beach and then just walk over to the beach bar when you want a drink or some food.

The sunbeds seemed a little expensive, but I loved the beach. Even if it isn’t beach weather, it is worth taking a stroll down the beach to get stunning views of the rock pools. The scenery alone makes it one of the best things to do in Naoussa, Paros.

Where to Stay in Naoussa, Paros

There are so many great options for where to stay in Naoussa. Here are a few of my recommendations!

Lilly Residence (Adults Only) – Enjoy luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea at this stunning hotel. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience – take advantage of the champagne breakfast on the sun terrace or tasty cocktails at the pool-side bar. Best of all, this hotel is only a 5 minute walk into town!

Paliomylos Spa Hotel – This mid-range hotel offers a pool with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. If you get a little chilly, take a dip in the indoor salt-water hot tub. The hotel is located within walking distance of restaurants and bars and is about 10 minutes from downtown Naoussa.

Fotilia Hotel – This mid-range boutique hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the center of downtown (and is pretty affordable!) They also offer a free airport shuttle service, which makes getting to the hotel incredibly convenient. It is a family-run business and all of the employees are so welcoming. Fun fact – the hotel has a windmill room if you want to get super into the Greek life!

Getting to Naoussa, Paros

The two main ways to get to Paros are via air or ferry, depending upon your starting point. If you are arriving from Athens, you could choose to fly (we did) or come via ferry. The flights from Athens are approximately 45 minutes vs. a ferry ride of 3-4 hours. For us, the ability to save time coupled with the fact that we were already at the Athens airport made it an easy choice. Aegean Air offers multiple direct flights per day from Athens to Paros. From the airport, arrange transport to your hotel in Naoussa or rent a car.

Your other option is via the ferry. If you are coming from another island (Naxos, Santorini, Mykonos, etc.), the ferry is an easy option. FerryHopper helps to find the best and cheapest ferry tickets and searches across the main ferry companies in the area. When moving between islands on our Greece trip, we used FerryHopper to book tickets and it was an incredibly easy process. From the ferry port in Parikia, it is easy to find a cab to your hotel or you can rent a car.

Getting Around Paros

I personally recommend renting some kind of vehicle to get around Paros. It gives you so much more flexibility to explore the entire island on your own schedule. Whether you prefer a scooter, ATV, or car is completely up to you.

Of our 4 days on Paros, we rented an ATV for a day, a car for two days, and were on foot for one day. Pros of an ATV are that it is fun and easier to park in busy locations. However, if you are driving long distances, it gets a bit sweaty under the Greek sun (and also very windy!) Cars are preferable for driving any longer distances around the island, but ATVs or scooters are sufficient for hopping between the nearby beach and town.

To find your best deal on car rentals in Paros, check out Expedia. The site will filter through all the larger rental companies on the island so you can get your best deal. One thing to note here – there are certainly some cheaper deals, but oftentimes, they are with less reputable companies. I’d recommend either sticking with a global company you know (e.g. Alamo, Budget, Hertz, etc.) or thoroughly reading the reviews of the smaller companies. There are definitely some great smaller companies out there and we rented our ATV from one of them!

If you’re planning to mostly stay within Naoussa and/or you prefer to not rent any type of vehicle, you can take advantage of the public bus system on Paros or book transfers. Parikia is the center of most of the bus routes. The Paros bus timetable is straightforward and ticket prices are reasonable. The main downside of the busses is that you will have less freedom to explore on your own and you will have to be aware of the bus schedules.

I hope you found this guide to the top things to do in Naoussa, Paros helpful in planning your travels. If you have any other cool things to do in Naoussa, drop them in the comments…I always love to hear your suggestions!

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