Naoussa at a glance
Naoussa sits on the north coast of Paros, on a bay with a small harbor. It is a village, not the ferry port. Boats from Athens dock in Parikia, and from there Naoussa is a bus ride away. The harbor is the center of village life, with the castle ruins at the entrance, narrow lanes behind it and several beaches on the surrounding bay.
The village works for a day trip from Parikia and as a base for a longer stay. It is busy in summer. The square and the harbor area are pedestrian zones from 4 April to 30 October 2026, so plan to arrive on foot or park at the edge of the village.
The harbor and the Venetian castle
The castle is a fortified harbor settlement with a round tower at the water's edge. Its date depends on which phase you mean. The heritage authority separates the main fortification of the 14th and 15th centuries from the round tower of the early 16th century. Other accounts give the 13th or 14th century for the whole, so treat any single year with caution.
You can walk around the outer ruins without a ticket and there is no fixed closing time. The breakwater is a different matter. It is uneven and slippery, and waves can break over it in rough weather. Keep off it in wind and do not expect it to be accessible to wheelchairs. In the evening the old stone bridge in the village is a good spot for a walk, as the photo shows at night.
Our picks: Naoussa
A cruise around the bay and a drive that includes Naoussa.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Half-day island tour with a driver
Four hours with an English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned vehicle, with visits to Kolymbithres, the Mycenaean acropolis, Paros Park, Naoussa and Lefkes.
Check availability →
Naoussa Bay cruise on a wooden boat
Three hours on a Greek wooden boat with time to swim and snorkel. Snorkel gear, fruit, tapas, bread, stuffed vine leaves, wine, soft drinks and water are included.
Check availability →Boat trips and tours from Naoussa
Boat trips, island excursions and day tours that start in or near Naoussa, with live prices and availability.
Beaches near Naoussa
Some are inside the village, others a short drive away. Facilities are described by the municipality and vary by season.
| Beach | Where | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Piperi | In the village, beyond the harbor | Sand and trees |
| Agii Anargyri | Eastern edge of the village | Sand, with accommodation and beach furniture nearby |
| Santa Maria | East side of the bay | Organized sandy beach with water sports, sunbeds and umbrellas |
| Monastiri | Northwest side of the bay, at Paros Park | Sandy beach near Ai Yiannis Detis, with walking paths behind it |
| Kolymbithres | On the bay of Naoussa | Granite formations shaped by weathering, small coves |
The rocks of Kolymbithres are the best known sight. Read more on the beaches page. Some beaches are organized with sunbeds and others are not, and the municipality does not publish sunbed prices, so ask on the spot. For water sports, see things to do.
Getting to Naoussa and parking
From Parikia the island bus runs to Naoussa. Between 19 and 30 October 2026 the first bus leaves Parikia at 07:25, the buses run until 20:00 and the last return is at 20:30. The timetable changes by season, so check the current times before you go. A full ticket starts at €2.20 and a day ticket costs €12, according to the operator.
If you drive, the municipality points to public parking at the village entrance toward Santa Maria. Fees and the number of free spaces change through the season. Because the harbor area is pedestrian until 30 October 2026, leave the car outside the center. Allow extra time in July and August.
Plan a day in Naoussa
Three ways to use a day, depending on the weather.
Harbor and castle in the morning
Walk the harbor and the outer ruins before it gets hot. Skip the breakwater if the sea is rough.
Beach in the afternoon
Pick Piperi or Agii Anargyri if you want to stay in the village, or Santa Maria for an organized beach. Monastiri and Paros Park suit a walk.
Evening in the lanes
The village is lively after dark. Check the return bus before you settle in, since the last one leaves at 20:30 in the October timetable.
If you prefer a quieter inland village, see Lefkes. For the island's main town, see Parikia. For rooms by area, read where to stay.
Naoussa: frequently asked questions
Do ferries from Athens go to Naoussa?
No. Ferries from Athens arrive in Parikia. From there, take the bus to Naoussa or drive.
Is the Naoussa castle free?
You can walk around the outer ruins without a ticket and without fixed opening hours. The breakwater is uneven and slippery, and waves can break over it, so avoid it in rough seas.
Which beaches are in Naoussa itself?
Piperi lies in the village beyond the harbor, and Agii Anargyri at its eastern edge. Santa Maria, Monastiri and Kolymbithres are on the same bay.
How old is the castle?
The date depends on the source and the phase. The heritage authority gives the 14th and 15th centuries for the fortified settlement and the early 16th century for the round tower. Other accounts differ.
Can I drive into the harbor area?
The square and the harbor area are pedestrian from 4 April to 30 October 2026. Park at the edge of the village and walk in.