Naoussa is a picturesque fishing village located on the north coast of the island of Paros and is one of the most popular tourist resorts in the Cyclades.
The village of Naoussa is the second largest and has played an important role in the history of the island of Paros and is located 11 km from Paroikia (the capital) so with about 20 minutes by car, you will get there easily.
The colorful fishing boats moored in the small port, the white houses built in perfect Cycladic style and the cobbled streets give Naoussa a unique charm, which can only be found here. In Naoussa the typical Cycladic architecture is perfectly combined with a refined modernity and Naoussa manages to combine history and tradition by highlighting the beauty of the place, in a suggestive and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The story of Naoussa
The excavations conducted in Paros, near the port of Naoussa, have made it possible to bring to light a site of exceptional archaeological and historical importance. This is the geometric site of Koukounariès, built in the 10th century. BC, on a steep hill, partly above a small Mycenaean palace, destroyed in the XII century. B.C. The site features a series of houses divided by narrow alleys and a rectangular building preceded by an apsidal house, which could be a temple or a nobleman's house. At the end of the geometric age, the settlement located in the highest part of the hill was abandoned and new houses and a temple dedicated to Athena were built in the lower part. In the early archaic age this settlement was also abandoned.
The beaches of Naoussa
There are beaches within walking distance of Naoussa especially the Kolimbithres, Piperi and Agii Anargyri beaches. Kolimbithres beach located east of Naoussa is very special, as it alternates areas of sand with light rocks that make an almost lunar landscape appear. Here the so-called natural pools are located, that is, small sandy coves carved into the rock. from the sea.
The small beach of Piperi is located just outside the center of Naoussa and can be easily reached with a 10-minute walk. It is a small sandy beach with a few umbrellas, where you can take a refreshing bath while admiring the beautiful panorama of Naoussa. Agii Anargyri beach is located at the οriеntаlе extremity of Naoussa, at а сirса 800 meters from the pοrtо. Agii Аnаrgyri is a beach of sаbbiа, mixed with small сiоttοli lisсi. In еstаtе, оmbrеllоni and a piссοlо bаr on the beach are available. The mаrе is pосο prоfοndо and dеgrаdа dоlсеmеntе towards the bottom making it perfect for everyone.
One of the most famous and lively of Paros is the beach of Santa Maria. It is located a few kilometers from Naoussa and is a splendid fine sand beach with turquoise water and a beautiful view of the island of Naxos. It offers the rental of sunbeds, umbrellas and equipment for various water sports, as well as beach volleyball courts and a diving center. On the beach of Santa Maria parties and social events are organized to dance and romp to the rhythm of music until dawn. Santa Maria beach can also be reached by bus, or by sea with a taxiboat from Naoussa.
What to visit in Naoussa
The island of Paros is all beautiful, but what you certainly cannot miss is a walk in the center of Naoussa, around the picturesque harbor, with colorful fishing boats, called caiques. In the background you will see the remains of a Venetian castle and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, which is located on the highest point of the country and offers a beautiful view of the bay and harbor. It has two large bell towers and a tympanum above the main door. The single nave basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin has a tiled dome and was built in the 19th century on the ruins of a previous church. Inside you will find a marble icon, carved by Dimitrios Lyritis and a precious silver icon of the Virgin. The other important church in Naoussa is that of Agios Nikolaos, built at the entrance of the port, which houses an interesting Byzantine museum with precious 13th century icons.
Nauossa is also the ideal destination for shopping among the pretty white houses and you will find many shops where you can buy anything: from local crafts, to clothing, to local products of the Greek land ... in short ... you will not be bored of sure!
In Naoussa every summer, on the first Sunday of July, the wine and fish festival is organized, an opportunity to choose Naoussa for your next holidays and if you happen here in August, precisely on August 23, remember that Barbarossa takes place Pirates Festival in which an assault by pirates is represented and the inhabitants' victory over the famous pirate Barbarossa is celebrated. Fireworks are fired and the alleys of Naoussa are danced, eaten and drunk until dawn.
The nightlife of Naoussa
Naoussa is very well known for being one of the most fashionable places in Paros, with a lively nightlife. In the streets of the center, in fact, there is no lack of trendy clubs and restaurants where you can spend a quiet Greek evening, or to celebrate until the first light of dawn.
In Naoussa you can dine for € 2 by buying a Pita Gyros of meat or vegetables, through the streets of the center or sitting in a traditional tavern or in a romantic and elegant restaurant on the seafront. Noussa is for everyone and for all budgets!
The absolute protagonist of Nauossa remains the port, where the old fishermen's warehouses have been transformed into night clubs and bars where you can taste delicious fish-based "mezedes" (snacks) and accompanied by the inevitable ouzo (the local liqueur).
If you want to stay late in Noussa, don't miss an evening in the famous Nostos and Insomnia discos. On the seafront there are many alternatives to spend an evening listening to good music, sipping a good cocktail, the Monkey's Cocktail Bar Paros and the Panorama Cafe Bar for example are located directly and offer a splendid view of the bay as well as excellent cocktails.
The excursions
Naoussa is an excellent starting point for your excursions, on foot to the nearby beaches or by car, or by boat to the other neighboring islands. The main day trips that leave from the port of Naoussa are directed to the islands of Mykonos and Delos, the latter famous for being the birthplace of the god Apollo according to mythology. On the island of Delos there is an important archaeological site, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
Price Adults 50 € Children (6 - 12 years) 25 €
The price includes the transfer by bus to / from the port.
Price Museum of Delos 12 €