The Ultimate 5-Day Naoussa, Paros Itinerary: Discover the Best of the Cyclades
Discover the best of Naoussa, Paros with this comprehensive 5-day itinerary. Explore charming villages, stunning beaches, authentic cuisine, and unforgettable sunsets in Greece’s Cyclades gem.
DESTINATION GUIDEGREECEDISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS
Day One: Golden Beginnings in Naoussa
Naoussa is at its best from late April to early October when the town comes alive with open-air tavernas, eclectic boutiques, and elegant seaside stays. For an ideal experience, plan your visit during these golden months.
After arriving in Paros, make your way to the charming village of Naoussa, where whitewashed alleys and the scent of the sea set the tone for your escape. Check into your hotel and take a moment to unwind and feel the Aegean breeze roll in.
Ease into island life with a visit to Moraitis Winery, a family-owned estate producing local wine since 1910. Sample a curated flight and savor flavors that reflect the island’s sun-soaked terrain and unique varietals. Complement your tasting with local cheeses, charcuterie, and small bites. For those eager to learn more, guided tours of the cellar and vineyard provide insight into Paros’ winemaking history.
As evening falls, head to Open Garden Restaurant or Kapari Restaurant , both offering warm atmospheres and fresh meals to mark your first night on the island. Open Garden lives up to its name with a lush courtyard setting tucked just off Naoussa’s main lanes, where flickering lanterns and leafy greenery set the tone for a relaxed, elegant meal. For a more elevated vantage point, Kapari sits on a hillside above town with its terrace framing postcard-worthy sunset views. Both restaurants pride themselves on using locally-sourced and hand-picked foraged ingredients, blending rustic charm with contemporary sophistication. Whichever you choose, you’ll find warm hospitality, refined Parian flavors, and a perfect welcome to island life.
Kapari Restaurant
Day Two: Hidden Corners & Harbor Views
Spend your second day exploring more of Naoussa. After breakfast, spend the morning winding through the narrow streets to explore one-of-a-kind boutiques and art galleries.
When you’re ready for a midday bite, follow your nose to Souvlakia Kargas for a quick gyro. Tucked away down a small alley, this tiny, family-run takeaway spot cooks up delicious Greek street food favorites.
Treat yourself to another Greek favorite with a stop at Loukoumades “To Paradosiako” , serving golden fried dough balls drizzled in your choice of toppings. Go classic with honey and cinnamon, or try a more indulgent option with Nutella or melted chocolate.
Afterwards, continue on towards the harbor and follow a narrow seaside path to the ruins of the small Venetian Castle. Built in the 15th century by Venetians, this fortress was originally a watchtower for pirate and enemy attacks. Though now weathered by time, its stone walls and sea-splashed surroundings remain a popular spot for tourists to explore.
As you make your way back, discover one of Naoussa's most scenic spots for panoramic views of the coastline. Here, small walkways fade into the sea, offering a picture-perfect viewpoint. For easier locating, you'll find this spot behind Linardo Bar, which is instantly recognizable by its bright pink doors and matching floral trellis and as a popular backdrop for Instagram photo shoots.
As golden hour approaches, claim a seat at Methystra Bar or one of the other lounges along the historic old port. With a cocktail or coffee in hand, settle into one of the terrace benches to soak in the last sunbeams of the day. For a front-row seat, arrive early or book a table in advance.
After sunset, return to the village’s inner maze for dinner at Yemeni Wine Restaurant. Loved by locals and travelers alike, Yemeni pairs traditional style decor with rustic yet sophisticated Parian recipes. Handwritten menus, candlelit tables, and locally-sourced daily specials elevate this spot into what I believe to be one of the Paros' most memorable dining experiences. I loved it so much that I found myself returning more than once during my stay in Naoussa. And, don't skip dessert – you’re on vacation after all!
To avoid long wait times, swing by the restaurant earlier in the day to reserve a table, or ask your hotel (or travel advisor like me) to make arrangements for you.
Let the soft clinking of glasses and buzz of conversational chatter be the perfect close to a day spent uncovering Naoussa’s quiet magic.
Panoramic view of Naoussa
Sunset cocktails at Methystra Bar
Yemeni Wine Restaurant
Day Three: A Day at Sea
Day 3: Get ready to set sail for a day out on the Aegean Sea. Plan to visit neighboring islands Antiparos, a favorite hideaway for Hollywood A-listers, and Despotiko, an even smaller, rugged, and uninhabited island steeped in history and myth.
For thrill-seekers or those seeking to go off the beaten path, rent a speedboat and chart your own course for the day. Several local companies offer fleets of rental boats ranging in size. Many smaller boats do not require previous boating experience or boating licenses. When you arrive, the dockmaster will provide a driving tutorial and review safety guidelines with you in the harbor until you feel confident to get going. For a more relaxed outing, opt for a boat with a hired skipper acting as your own private captain and local guide for the day.
Once at sea, make your way out to Antiparos or Despotiko. Cruise along the coastline to admire sea caves and cliffs. Pull into secluded coves for swimming and snorkeling, or join others for sunbathing at popular beaches. For lunch, dock at a seaside village to find a taverna, or bring your own supplies for a picnic on the shore. Enjoy the crystal blue waters, the tranquility away from crowds, and the fun of boating before making your way back to Paros. With luck, a pod of dolphins might accompany you on your return journey!
If speedboats are outside of your comfort zone, small-group excursions are a fantastic alternative, offering stops at blue lagoons, snorkeling spots, and beaches only accessible by boat. Recommended options include:
If you'd prefer to minimize your time at sea, ferries between Paros and Antiparos also run several times a time for a quicker crossing. There are also options to see the highlights of Antiparos and Paros on guided bus tours if you'd like to combine the day into a broader sightseeing experience.
After returning to Naoussa and freshening up, continue your coastal theme with dinner at Taverna Glafkos, a charming restaurant tucked away on the beach. With your feet in the sand and the waves just steps away, enjoy classic Greek fare in an effortlessly romantic setting.
End your evening next door at Come Back Bar, where seaside cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere round out your day spent chasing the horizon.
Come Back Bar
A hidden cove on Despotiko
Boating around Antiparos and Despotiko
Day Four: Quiet Villages & Crashing Waves
Begin your fourth day with a morning escape to Lefkes, a serene mountain village nestled in the mountains of central Paros. Once the island’s capital, Lefkes is filled with historical sites, cozy tavernas, classic Cycladic architecture, and stunning views over the valley. Wander the peaceful, car-free streets at your own pace, pausing at quiet chapels or shady courtyards. Get your caffeine buzz by ordering a Greek frappe, a frothy iced coffee that’s popular during summertime at a cozy cafe along the way.
For a more relaxed experience, skip the hassle of navigating on your own and let someone else take the lead. Join a half-day guided tour to explore Lefkes and discover the best sunset viewpoints in Paroikia.
As the afternoon sun rises, trade the hills for the sea with a relaxing beach day. If you prefer to stay close to Naoussa, Piperi Beach is just a short walk from town. For a livelier atmosphere, head to Santa Maria Beach, where you’ll find sunbed rentals, water sports, and beach bars with a holiday buzz. Adventurers may gravitate toward Golden Beach, which is a famous hotspot for wind and kite surfing while those seeking something more unique can explore the sculptural rock formations and hidden coves of Kolymbithres Beach.
While most beaches are accessible by local bus, renting a car offers more freedom to explore the island’s quieter corners and less-traveled shores.
After your day in the sun, rinse off the salt and sand, and get ready for another night out in Naoussa. For more waterfront dining, check out Sigi Ikthios for a fresh seafood meal along the old harbor. Just steps away is Barbarossa, which is an upscale contemporary Aegean-Asian fusion restaurant known for being a favorite amongst social media influencers. If you would prefer something more low-key, Kafenio Palia Agora offers a cozy, traditional alternative. Tucked away into a quiet alley, this restaurant serves homestyle Greek dishes at intimate outdoor tables that's perfect for a slower-paced, heartfelt end to the day.
If the night is still young, let the rhythm of Naoussa carry you into its lively nightlife scene. By evening, the calm harbor transforms into a lively circuit of music-filled bars and open-air clubs. Follow the pulse of the music, find your favorite soundtrack, and dance the night away!
Cafe Marigo in Lefkes
Santa Maria Beach
Evening in Naoussa
Day Five: Final Flavors & Farewells
Savor your final morning on the island by bringing a taste of Paros home with you. Join a small-group cooking class, where local chefs will guide you through the preparation of a traditional multi-course Parian meal. Between sips of local wine and stories from the kitchen, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich flavors and traditions that define Cycladic cuisine. Be sure to write down the recipes so that you can impress friends back home with your new cooking skills!
In the afternoon, take time to soak up any last bits of Naoussa you may have missed. Pop into one more boutique, browse another gallery, or pick up souvenirs like hand-painted ceramics, olive oil, or Parian wine. If the moment calls for it, treat yourself to one last scoop of gelato or coffee by the harbor.
As your final evening approaches, choose a sunset experience that best suits your interests. For a more intimate and romantic night, For a more intimate and romantic night, reserve a luxury beach picnic, featuring gourmet bites, fine Parian wine, and cozy decor thoughtfully arranged on the sand to create a dreamlike farewell. If you're craving a final moment of adventure, a sunset horseback ride in the countryside offers idyllic views and another memorable way to close out your trip. Or, set sail one last time on a sunset cruise, where the horizon glows gold as you toast to your time on the island.
No matter how you spend it, your final evening in Paros will be a serene, stunning goodbye to a place that’s hard to leave.
Whichever way you choose to experience Paros, may your time be filled with unforgettable moments, authentic local flavors, and the enduring allure of the Aegean.
For further travel inspiration, explore more about the Cyclades and beyond here.
