A popular question that comes up in my Facebook group from people planning to visit Paros is whether to stay in Naoussa or Parikia.
Paros is a popular island situated in the Cyclades Islands group that has become very popular, for good reason, in recent years. These two towns are the largest and are where most of the hotels, tavernas, and services are found. While they are similar in many ways, there are some key differences to consider.
For more information about Paros, head to the Paros page, where you’ll find comprehensive accommodation and activity guides, a complete guide to Naoussa, a rundown on the best beach clubs, and more.
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Key similarities and differences between Naoussa and Parikia
Naoussa
Naoussa is the premier resort town on Paros and is considered one of the prettiest and most popular in the Greek Islands.
It is located in the north of the island and is about 20 minutes from Parikia, and 35 minutes from the airport.
It is centred around a working fishing harbour lined with small bars and tavernas. It is also home to a small Venetian castle, which is very picturesque.
Many alleys and laneways run into and around the harbour, where you find hundreds of shops, cafes, boutiques, galleries, and more. Like most old towns, this whole area is carfree and very atmospheric, especially at night.
Most hotels are located in the area behind the harbour, some back on the hill behind Piperi Beach to the south and around Agioi Anargyroi Beach to the east. This is where you will also find many vehicle rental places, some traditional tavernas, bus stops, bakeries, larger shops and supermarkets, and even a good winery.
Both beaches are good and have sunbeds for rent in summer, although they are not the best beaches in Paros. You can also catch a little ferry from the harbour that goes out to some of the other beaches around the bay including famous Kolombithres Beach.
Some of the restaurants around the harbour are expensive, especially the more touristic ones like Barbarossa, although there are plenty of cheap eats to be found in the back streets, such as Gyros houses and Gelato stores.
There are several 5-star hotels in Naoussa now, such as Cosme, Cove and Avant Mar, and generally, it is considered more upmarket, chic, and expensive than Parikia. It is very popular with honeymooners, groups, and couples in general.
The town has a population of around 3500 people.
Further reading: A Complete Guide to Naoussa
Parikia
Parikia is the capital of Paros and is where the main ferry port is located.
Here you will also find schools, supermarkets, the sports stadium, the town hall, the post office, the main bus terminal, the customs office and port authority, and more.
There is a small Old town that is car-free and has some good restaurants, shops, and boutiques, but not as many as Naoussa.
Like most port towns, it can be busy and noisy, and traffic congestion and parking can be challenging at certain times of the day.
It is home to some important historical sites, including The Church of 100 Doors, one of the most important churches in Greece, and the Frankish Castle, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Paros.
There are several very nice beaches within walking distance—Livadia and Paralia Parikia—and a little ferry can take visitors over to Krios Beach too, home to one of Paros’s newest and biggest beach clubs.
It is cheaper than Naoussa and has mainly small 2 and 3-star hotels and rooms. Some that we recommend are Argonauta and Hotel Dina in the old town and Parian Village Beach Hotel which is on Parikia Beach. There are no 5-star hotels or resorts.
It is home to around 5000 people.
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