Greece › Paros › Naoussa
By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Paros Hotels
• 5-Star: Cosme
• 4-Star: Opal
• Boutique: Stelia Mare
• Cheap: Villa Isabella
• Beach Resort: Cove
• For Couples: Mythic
• For Families: Poseidon
• Parikia: Argonauta
• Naoussa: Cosme
Naoussa is a lovely fishing village toward the north of the island. Its most characteristic feature is the ancient Venetian Castle by the Old Port.
Staying in Naoussa – My Tips
- 1. Book Everything Far in Advance
This is the most important tip. Naoussa’s popularity has exploded. For a trip in high season (July and August), you should book your hotel 4 to 6 months in advance. Rental cars also sell out. For dinner at any of the top restaurants, you will need to make reservations at least a few days ahead – do not expect to walk in and get a good table, especially at the harbor. That said, some of my favorite restaurants in Naoussa don’t take reservations.- 2. Explore in the Morning, Socialize at Night
The morning is the best time to truly see the village. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the light is perfect for photographing the whitewashed alleys, colorful fishing boats, and bougainvillea-draped houses. This is the time for a relaxed coffee and for browsing the chic boutiques before the crowds arrive. In the evening, the town completely transforms into a vibrant, bustling hub, with every restaurant, bar, and alleyway buzzing with a trendy energy.- 3. The Dining Scene: Harbor vs. Backstreets
The restaurants ringing the tiny Old Venetian Harbor are incredibly scenic and romantic – this is where you go for that iconic, special-occasion dinner. However, some of the best, most authentic, and innovative food is found in the fantastic tavernas and restaurants tucked away in the narrow back alleys of the village. For the best experience, plan for a mix of both: a big night out on the harbor and a few meals exploring the hidden gems in the maze.- 4. Stay Just Outside the Center for Pools & Quiet
The very heart of Naoussa is a pedestrian-only maze. While staying right in the middle of it is charming, it can be noisy at night, and hotels here rarely have swimming pools. The best strategy is often to book a hotel on the immediate periphery—either on the hill behind the town or near Piperi beach. This gives you a much quieter night’s sleep, a high probability of having a pool, and easier access for taxis, all while still being just a 5 to 10-minute beautiful walk from the harbor.- 5. Water Taxis to the Best Beaches
While Naoussa has a couple of small town beaches, the best swimming spots are a short boat ride away. The most fun and scenic way to get to them is via the fleet of small, traditional wooden water taxis that leave from the main harbor every 30 minutes or so. They will take you across the bay to the best nearby beaches, including Kolymbithres (famous for its unique, moon-like granite rock formations), Monastiri (at the end of the bay with a beach club and hiking trails), and Lageri (a quieter, clothing-optional friendly beach). You’ll find similar services in the main port of Parikia, with boats shuttling passengers to nearby Krios and Marcello beaches and across to Antiparos (a great day trip). On the east coast, a small summer ferry often makes the fun trip from the port of Piso Livadi over to Agia Anna beach (my favorite) on Naxos.- 6. Bus to Parikia
The bus service on Paros is excellent, and the connection between Naoussa and the main port town of Parikia is the island’s primary route. Buses run frequently (every 30-60 minutes) from the central bus station in Naoussa, the journey takes only about 20 minutes, and the service runs late into the night. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to get to Parikia for dinner, to explore its own charming old town, take the boat to Antiparos, or to catch a ferry.- 7. The Iconic Inland Villages
As wonderful as Naoussa is, don’t forget to explore the rest of the island. The most beautiful inland mountain village is Lefkes, and it’s a must-see. You can reach it easily by taking the bus from Naoussa to Parikia and then changing to a bus heading for Lefkes.
See Also
- Where to Stay in Paros
- Best Hotels in Paros
- Best Hotels in Paros for Families
- Best Beach Hotels in Paros
The 14 Best Hotels in Naoussa, Paros
1. Cosme – Naoussa
2. Cove Paros – Naoussa
3. Avant Mar – Naoussa
4. Opal – Naoussa
5. Parian Boutique Hotel – Naoussa
6. Hotel Senia
7. Bohemian Luxury Boutique Hotel – Naoussa
8. Paliomylos Spa Hotel
9. Lilly Residence – Adults Only
10. Kanale’s Rooms & Suites
11. Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel
12. Kalypso Hotel – Naoussa
13. Kallisti Rooms & Apartments
14. Villa Isabella – Naoussa
About Santorini Dave