Naoussa, Paros

Naoussa: Picturesque alleys and the Venetian castle on the beach, illuminated at nigh, add a magical note to the scenery, in combination with the marina and the small and big boats, fishing boats or yachts. Entertainment in Naoussa lasts till the small hours since there are all kinds of places to go. The city is built amphitheatrically at the second biggest bay of Paros, with the port and the marina and it has played an important role since the times of the Komnenos dynasty.

In 1650 – 1700, the French came to the island and they created a school to impose to the residents the catholic religion. However, they failed as did the Venetians three centuries before them. In 1770 Naoussa becomes a Russian naval base and the Russians establish their headquarters on the islet Agia Kali, at the center of the bay of Naoussa.

At the port there is also a small castle called "Kasteli", which was built by the Venetians. A big part of the castle is preserved. Close to the castle, by the sea there is the church of St. Nicolaos, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, since in Naoussa there are still many fishing boats.

On the port there are taverns, bars, cafeterias, restaurants and on its renovated square with the tall eucalyptuses you will also find all kinds of stores, a playground and the church of Pantanassa. On the village's hill there is the church of the Assumption, which is visible from all the sides of the city. The picturesque river meets the sea after passing under a beautiful bridge, which is a real jewel of Naoussa and of Paros. In the summer, in Naoussa, this picturesque city of Paros, there is a fish festival and many other events, such as the feast for the nine days after the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on the 23 of August.

At the bay where the monastery of St. John Detis is situated, right opposite to Naoussa and at the wider area, there is the Environmental – Cultural Park of Paros, which is worth visiting.

Naoussa is a traditional fishermen village since it has the biggest fleet of fishing boats in Cyclades. It is located at the northern coasts of Paros and its port hosts all the fishing boats of the village, while the marina offers hospitality to all kinds of yachts. In Naoussa you will find hotels, a camping site, rooms to let, all with a wonderful view, tourist agencies, various stores, bars, cafeterias, taverns, restaurants and places specialized in small dishes to accompany your drink.

There are also numerous wonderful beaches: Piperaki, Piperi, Monastiri, Kolimpithres, Santa Maria, Lageri. In Naoussa you can also visit important monuments: ancient settlements (Koukounaria hill), a proto-Cycladic cemetery (Plastiras) and the Venetian fortress at the northern side of the port.

Around Naoussa there are also monasteries where the visitor can admire elaborate temples and frescos. Those are the monastery of St. John Detis, the monastery of Saint Athanassios, the medieval church of Saint George.