Naoussa is a charming harbour village on the island of Paros, one of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades. Naoussa is known for its whitewashed houses, picturesque fishing boats, chic boutiques, trendy bars and restaurants, and lively nightlife. But when is the best time to visit Naoussa and enjoy its cosmopolitan vibe?
In this blog post, we will answer this question and give you some tips on what to see and do in Naoussa, where to stay, where to eat and drink, and how to get there. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural exploration, or a fun party scene, Naoussa has something for everyone.
The best time to visit Naoussa
The best time to visit Naoussa depends on what you are looking for. If you want to enjoy the warm weather, the clear water, and the sandy beaches, then the summer months of June to September are ideal. However, this is also the peak season, which means higher prices, more crowds, and less availability. You will need to book your accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance if you plan to visit Naoussa in the summer.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere, then the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of October and November are better options. The weather is still mild and sunny, but not too hot or cold. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, but not as crowded as in the summer. You will also find lower prices and more availability for accommodation and transportation. The only downside is that some of the seasonal businesses may be closed or have reduced hours.
If you are looking for a bargain and don’t mind the colder weather, then the winter months of December to February are the cheapest and quietest time to visit Naoussa. The village has a cozy and festive vibe during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but otherwise it is very calm and peaceful. You can enjoy long walks along the harbour, visit the nearby villages and attractions, or take a day trip to other islands. However, you should be prepared for some rain, wind, and low temperatures. The sea is too cold for swimming, and many of the businesses are closed or have limited hours.
What to see and do in Naoussa
Naoussa has plenty of things to see and do for all tastes and interests. Here are some of the highlights:
- Explore the old town: Naoussa’s old town is a maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, blue doors and windows, colorful flowers, and charming shops. You can wander around and admire the architecture, browse the boutiques, or stop for a coffee or a snack at one of the many cafes.
- Visit the harbour: Naoussa’s harbour is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. You can see the traditional fishing boats moored along the quay, watch the fishermen bring in their catch, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby beaches or islands.
- Enjoy the beaches: Naoussa has some of the best beaches on Paros, ranging from sandy to pebbly, from organized to secluded. Some of the most popular ones are Kolymbithres Beach, Monastiri Beach, Santa Maria Beach, Piperi Beach, and Agioi Anargyroi Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, surf, or try other water sports.
- Visit the winery: Paros is famous for its wine production, and Naoussa has its own winery called Moraitis Winery. You can take a tour of the vineyards and the cellar, learn about the history and the process of wine making, taste some of their award-winning wines, and buy some bottles to take home.
- Experience the nightlife: Naoussa has a vibrant nightlife scene that attracts locals and visitors alike. You can find bars and clubs for every mood and music style, from cozy pubs to trendy lounges to lively discos. Some of the most popular places are Linardo Bar,
Sommaripa Consolato Bar,
Agosta Bar,
and Barbarossa Club.
Where to stay in Naoussa
Naoussa has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can choose from hotels,
apartments,
villas,
or guesthouses.
Here are some of our recommendations:
- If you want to stay in the heart of the old town, close to the shops, bars, and restaurants, you can check out Hotel Senia,
Manis Inn,
or Hotel Papadakis. - If you want to stay near the harbour, with a view of the sea and the boats, you can check out Hotel Manto,
Hotel Galini,
or Hotel Kalypso. - If you want to stay near the beach, with easy access to the water and the sun, you can check out Saint Andrea Seaside Resort,
Kosmitis Hotel,
or Lilly Residence Boutique Suites.
Where to eat and drink in Naoussa
Naoussa has a great variety of restaurants and bars for every taste and budget. You can find traditional Greek tavernas, international cuisine, seafood specialties, vegetarian and vegan options, and more. Here are some of our suggestions:
- If you want to try some authentic Greek dishes, made with fresh and local ingredients, you can check out Soso Restaurant,
Yemeni Taverna,
or Barbarossa Restaurant. - If you want to taste some delicious seafood, caught by the local fishermen and cooked to perfection, you can check out Siparos Restaurant,
Mario’s Restaurant,
or Mitsi’s Restaurant. - If you want to enjoy some exotic flavors, from Asian to Mexican to Moroccan, you can check out Thai Food Naoussa,
Salsa Mexicana,
or Le Sud. - If you want to have a drink or a cocktail, with a view of the harbour or the sunset, you can check out Agosta Bar,
Sommaripa Consolato Bar,
or Linardo Bar.
How to get to Naoussa
Naoussa is easy to reach from Athens or other islands. You have two options: by plane or by ferry.
By plane: Paros has a fairly new domestic airport that operates flights from Athens and other islands. The flight from Athens takes about 30 minutes. The airport is located about 25 minutes away from Naoussa by car or taxi. You can also take a bus from the airport to Naoussa, but it may not be very frequent or convenient.
By ferry: Paros has a main port in Parikia that connects with Athens and other islands. The ferry from Athens takes about 4 hours. The port is located about 15 minutes away from Naoussa by car or taxi. You can also take a bus from the port to Naoussa, which runs regularly and takes about 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Naoussa is a beautiful and lively village on Paros that offers a cosmopolitan vibe and a lot of fun. You can visit Naoussa at any time of the year, depending on what you are looking for. You can see and do many things in Naoussa, from exploring the old town and the harbour, to enjoying the beaches and the winery, to experiencing the nightlife. You can also find many accommodation and dining options in Naoussa, for every budget and preference. You can easily get to Naoussa from Athens or other islands, by plane or by ferry.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration for your trip to Naoussa. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Have a great time in Naoussa!
