Paros: Naousa Vs Parikia
When researching holidays to Paros in Greece, you will more than likely be faced with the decision of choosing between the main town of Parikia, and the smaller town of Naoussa. Both are beautiful locations so how do you choose between the two?
When I first started organising a trip to Paros I didn't really have any concept of the size of the island or how long it took to get anywhere. I could see from a map that the ferry I would be arriving on from Mykonos would take me to Parikia in the west of the island, so that is where I started my search. However, the more I looked, the more I realised there were some great hotel and B&B options in Naoussa to the north of the island.
It was more by chance than planning that I ended up in Naoussa. As we were only spending 4 days on the island, I didn't want to be too far from the ferry terminal, this was my one and only concern about Naoussa. However, I shouldn't have worried, getting around is more than easy!
Naousa vs Parikia: Location
Parikia, located on the western edge of Paros, serves as the island’s main port and arrival point for most ferries. As the transport hub, it offers all the practical conveniences of a town, from shops and restaurants to rental services.
That said, the immediate seafront can feel a little industrial. When ferries dock, there’s a noticeable burst of noise and exhaust, which can momentarily distract from the otherwise peaceful setting. Thankfully, this doesn’t extend beyond the waterfront, step a few streets back and you’ll find Parikia’s charm in full bloom.
Just a 15-minute drive north, Naoussa feels like a different world entirely. With its postcard-perfect harbour, whitewashed lanes, and a waterfront free from road traffic, it’s an undeniably more romantic setting.
The town centre is largely pedestrianised, inviting you to wander aimlessly from boutique to wine bar without a car in sight. And given that Paros is just 21 kilometres long, even the southernmost beaches are no more than a 30-minute drive away.
Naousa vs Parikia: Beaches
Paros is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches, many of which are easily accessible from Naoussa.
A handful of small coves are within walking distance of town, but some of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand, including Kolymbithres and the golden shores of Santa Maria, are just a few kilometres away.
On the western side of the island near Parikia, Parasporos Beach offers a more secluded escape with a more relaxed, local feel. You’ll want to hire a car to reach it comfortably, but on an island as compact as Paros, no beach ever feels too far.
Naoussa vs Parikia: Transport
As the island’s capital, Parikia serves as the main hub for public transport on Paros.
Buses run frequently from here to popular destinations like Lefkes, Naoussa, and several of the island’s best beaches, making it a convenient choice for those exploring without a car.
From Parikia, you can also take a short bus ride to Pounta, where a five-minute ferry whisks you across to the neighbouring island of Antiparos, a favourite for day-trippers seeking even quieter shores.
Whilst Naoussa doesn’t have such extensive transport links, it does offer a reliable taxi service. That said, hiring a car is the most flexible way to explore if you're based here. My sister and I rented one for two days and managed to see nearly every corner of the island, including taking it across to Antiparos on the local ferry.
On an island as manageable in size as Paros, it’s the easiest way to pack in as much as possible at your own pace.
Naoussa vs Parikia: Dining
When it comes to dining, Naoussa outshines Parikia in both quality and atmosphere.
The pedestrian-only harbourfront, free from traffic and ferry fumes, offers a far more tranquil setting, the kind where you can linger over fresh seafood with nothing but the sound of waves beside you. Many of the restaurants spill out onto the cobblestone lanes, allowing for long, lazy al fresco lunches without a car in sight.
The food in Naoussa is exceptional. Some of my favourite meals on the island were at Mitsi Ouzeri, a quiet spot right on the seafront where we had the terrace almost entirely to ourselves at lunchtime. Mare Nostrum, perched along the lively harbour, serves elevated takes on Cycladic classics, while Yemeni Taverna, tucked away in one of the whitewashed alleyways.
For dessert, Nonna Crema is a must, their artisanal gelato is arguably the best on the island. And if you’re after something playful, 32 Agosto lets you build your own ice lolly with a variety of toppings, the perfect cool-down after a day exploring in the sun.
Naoussa vs Parikia: Cost
When it comes to affordability, Parikia undoubtedly has the edge. As the island’s main port town, it offers a broader range of accommodation and dining options, which naturally drives prices down.
Whether you're after a no-fuss seaside taverna or a guesthouse tucked into the backstreets, Parikia caters well to travellers keeping an eye on their budget, without compromising too much on quality or experience.
Naoussa, by contrast, leans more toward the upscale. With its boutique hotels, designer shops, and a restaurant scene that rivals the likes of Mykonos, it’s undeniably chic, but it comes at a price.
While there are still a few affordable spots to be found, it’s easy to find yourself spending significantly more per night on both food and accommodation.
For travellers who prefer to splurge strategically, staying in Parikia and visiting Naoussa for dinner or a day of shopping might be the perfect balance.
Naoussa vs Parikia: Conclusion
Both Parikia and Naousa are undeniably beautiful, the kind of places that feel like a privilege to visit.
Each town offers its own unique appeal: Parikia is vibrant, practical, and rooted in local life, while Naoussa feels more like a postcard come to life.
That said, Naoussa wins my heart. There’s something irresistibly cinematic about its setting, the bougainvillaea-draped laneways, the atmospheric harbour lit by lanterns at night, and the sense that everything you could possibly want is within walking distance. It's the kind of place where you slow down without even trying.
If you want to learn more about Paros and how to get to there, check out my guide here.
How to Island Hop Between Mykonos, Paros and Naxos: Your Ultimate Greek Island Hopping Escape
Wish I could have read this last year when I was planning our first trip to Greece and the islands. In the end, our decision was made for us by the tour we signed up for. It was a nice first visit to get an impression of Greece, which we enjoyed.
Ohh you will have to return!! I hope to go back next year or in Autumn 🙂
Me too!