Paros: Naousa Vs Parikia
📌 2026 Update From Hannah: I originally wrote this guide in 2019 after falling in love with Naoussa. However, I have returned to Paros a number of times since, most recently in May 2026 and I have seen how much the island has changed.
This time, I stayed in Parikia and having now thoroughly experienced both sides of the island at different stages of its popularity, my perspective has completely shifted. Below is my updated, honest breakdown of how these two towns compare today, including why Parikia is criminally underrated for logistics and convenience.
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!
Planning your Paros trip?
These guides will help you plan every detail of a Greek island adventure:
🌸 Things to do in Paros — golden beaches, restaurant hopping, and exploring hill top villages
How to Get to Paros — ferries, flights and the easiest routes to the island
Mykonos, Paros and Naxos Itinerary — the perfect 10 day Cyclades route with budget and luxury options
Greek Island Ferries: Everything First-Timers Get Wrong — ferry tips, prices and mistakes to avoid
Best Hotels in Naoussa — for all budgets
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, when ferries dock, there’s a noticeable burst of noise, 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.
I used to be all about the location of Naousa, but after my most recent trip Ive realised how convenient Parikia is. It is more central in the island's geography and it's an easier spot for day trips. It is also incredibly handy if you are visiting Paros only for a day or two as everything is at your fingertips.
Meanwhile, Naousa in the north means more peace, quiet and romance. If you are staying in Paros for more than two nights then this is where I recommend you stay.
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.
My favourite beach ended up being Kolymbithres Beach, it was the mix of natural beauty but also having beach umbrellas and restaurants nearby that meant it's a beach you can stay at all day easily.
Kolymbithres Beach is just a few kilometres from Naousa, but is still only 15 minutes from Parikia. That's what makes Paros such a great island, nothing ever seems too far away.
You can take a 10 minute bus from Naousa to Kolymbithres Beach, costing €1-3. There are 4 buses a day, you can check the Paros bus schedule here. If you are planning on visiting Kolymbithres Beach from Parikia, I recommend hiring a car or scooter as there is no direct bus.
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.
Car rentals in Paros
I recommend using Unique Car Rental which is just a minute's walk from the Parikia ferry port. Not only are they incredibly friendly and they don't try to upsell you to insanely priced insurance add ons, the cars are well priced and easy to book. I paid €32 for a 24 hour rental and the real perk was that I was able to book it the night before.
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.
What I do love about the dining in Parikia however is that it feels unfussy, relaxed, and more local. Naousa in general is more flashy, Parikia is more Greek.
Parikia is filled with lovely little tavernas that spill out onto the streets, my favourite time is the morning when you can sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. If you are taking the ferry back out of Paros, I recommend heading into Parikia for breakfast beforehand. Ignore the cafes and restaurants that sit opposite the port, head into town instead.
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.
This budget-to-quality balance was proven to me again during my May 2026 trip. I stayed at KOKOON in Parikia for under £100 a night. Finding a gorgeous, beautifully designed hotel for that price is incredibly easy in Parikia, whereas a similar boutique property in Naoussa would easily cost double or triple that amount during the travel season.
Where to Stay: Naoussa vs Parikia Hotels
Naoussa Hotels: Luxury, Aesthetics, and Romantic Escapes
- Best luxury hotel in Naousa: The Cove Paros is an exceptional luxury property to consider. Tucked away on the serene shoreline of Agioi Anargyroi beach, this boutique resort offers the perfect balance of secluded privacy and high-end Cycladic design.
- Best boutique hotel in Naousa: If you want to stay directly in the action, NAUMA PAROS Design Boutique Hotel is arguably the absolute best adults-only boutique option in the center of Naoussa. Designed to mirror the intimate layout of a traditional Cycladic village, this chic property boasts an incredibly enviable location. You are positioned close enough to walk to every main point of interest within minutes, yet tucked away just enough to escape the late-night street noise.
Parikia Hotels: Affordable, Practical, and High-Convenience
- Best luxury hotel in Parikia:If you are looking for a tranquil oasis on the western side of the island with arguably the best sunset views in town, Krotiri Bay is a standout choice. This beautifully run property sits elevated on a hillside overlooking the gulf of Parikia, striking the perfect balance between panoramic isolation and convenience.
- Best boutique hotel in Parikia: During my recent trip, I stayed at KOKOON in Parikia for under £100 a night. It proved to me that you can secure incredible style, traditional hospitality, and seamless logistics without the steep Naoussa price tag, it had a lovely garden too!
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.
About the author
Hannah has been travelling the world for the last 10 years but after a trip to Greece in 2019 with her sister, she can't stop going back. Whilst the Cyclades are her most visited island, she now travels to Greece every summer to find somewhere new.
Hannah loves all things pink so the summer bougainvillea that shades the Greek streets means she has her camera in her hands 24/7.
Hannah dreams of spending 6 months travelling through the Greek islands but hasn't done so yet because of her dog, Baxter, who wouldn't like the summer heat. So that's a dream for the future!
Hannah has set her sights on a number of Greek islands, mostly the Ionian Islands of which she would love to explore further. What keeps bringing her back? Aside from its beauty she loves the people, the food, and of course one of her favourite movies is Mamma Mia.
Where next? This summer she is heading back to Santorini, Milos and Paros, but has added in the tiny island of Kimolos!
Is May a Good Time to Visit Greece? The Honest Truth From Someone Here Right Now
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!