How To Get From Parikia To Naoussa (and back): Paros Island
A complete guide on how to get from Parikia to Naoussa (and back), including three main transport options.
Updated April 2024
If you’re planning to visit Paros Island, chances are you’ll want to get from Parikia to Naoussa, be it when you arrive, or during your trip.
For many, including us, Naoussa was the highlight of our trip to Paros. The picturesque harbour and the myriad of laneways play host to some of the best restaurants, bars and shops in all of the Cyclades.
So, regardless of how long you plan to spend on Paros, you’ll need to visit Naoussa at some point.
Good, up-to-date information on how to get from Parikia to Naoussa can be a little hard to find (at least we found it that way), so we’ve put together this guide to help you make the journey as simple as possible.
Fortunately, getting from Parikia to Naoussa (and back) is not hard at all, and this guide shows you how.
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HOW TO GET FROM PARIKIA
TO
NAOUSSA
BEST OPTION | Public bus
MOST COMFORTABLE OPTION | Car rental
LUXURY | Private transfer
CHEAPEST OPTION | Public bus
PARIKIA TO NAOUSSA | THE TRANSPORT OPTIONS
There are a number of easy, cheap and efficient ways to get to Naoussa from Parikia, although which one you should opt for depends on how long you plan to visit, and whether you’re planning to explore the rest of Paros or relax in the town.
We’ve listed the top options below, based on our experiences visiting Paros in the shoulder season, and peak season.
OPTION #1 | THE LOCAL BUS
To get to Naoussa from Parikia, we suggest using the cheapest, and potentially easiest option; the local bus.
See the Paros bus timetable here
Due to the popularity of the route between Parikia Port and Naoussa, there are multiple buses every hour or so (depending on the season), and departure times align with ferry arrival times. It gets busy (more on that below), but trust us, you’ll get a bus!
The bus terminal in Parikia can be found to the right of the ferry terminal, making it an easy transfer from the Port to Naoussa, while the Naoussa bus terminal is located a short walk from the town centre.
Tickets between major hubs including Naoussa cost around €1.80 (the most we paid was €2.50 for a ticket). Tickets for the Paros bus service should be purchased before boarding and can be found at bus stations, or on the bus (you must pay cash).
The buses themselves are decent; they're air-conditioned and comfortable, although in peak season they fill up seriously quickly and you may find yourself standing.
Buses run frequently, although the timings are sometimes a little limiting when you want to pack lots of Paros's best things to do into a single day.
TIP | Buses to Naoussa fill up extremely quickly, especially when you arrive via ferry. For this reason, we suggest trying to be one of the first people off the ferry (a tough ask, we know!) and making your way to the bus station immediately. Once you’ve purchased a ticket, wait as close to the departing bus as possible, and if you have to, push to get onto the bus (we’d never usually condone this, but it’s a jungle out there). There will be several buses to meet the ferry, so don’t stress if you miss one.
Alternatively, head to one of the promenade cafes in Parikia and wait for the bus station to quiet down, before taking the next available bus.
OPTION #2 | BY CAR
The easiest and most comfortable way to get from Parikia to Naoussa is via car - be it your own, or via taxi.
Fortunately, the route is super simple, with one main road connecting the town towns.
Parikia does get extremely busy in the summer, especially around the Port, promenade, and windmill roundabout in the centre of town.
If you have your own car and are arriving by ferry, there’s little you can do to avoid this, bar waiting for the traffic to start moving.
If you’re picking up a car rental on Paros (more on car rental below), this may mean you avoid the traffic while you’re ‘checking in’.
RENTING A CAR ON PAROS
Normally, we wouldn’t advocate hiring a car when visiting a Greek island, but Paros is relatively large, and if you have your own set of wheels, especially an air-conditioned set, it will make your life so much easier and allow you to see all the best things to do on Paros.
Compared to other Greek Islands such as Santorini, Car rental on Paros is quite affordable, especially during the shoulder seasons, but we highly recommend booking in advance!
Expect to pay around €25 - €50 per day for car rental on Paros.
If you’re looking to stay in the centre of Naoussa, we recommend against car rental, mostly due to parking issues, and the insane levels of traffic in July and August.
To get from Parikia to Naoussa, follow this map. The drive should take between 15 - 30 minutes depending on traffic.
TIP | We highly recommend booking a car before arriving on the Paros, as there is limited supply (it’s an island after all!) and cars book out very quickly in summer.
TAXI FROM PARIKIA TO PAROS
Due to the easier and more affordable options, we never used a taxi on Paros, however, they do service the route between Parikia and Naoussa, and can be booked in advance for pick up and drop off.
It should take between 15 - 30 mins depending on the traffic, and the cost of a taxi will range between €15 - €50 depending on how many passengers, and the traffic.
Radio Taxi Paros are your best option and be contacted on this number - +30 22850 22444.
Time | 15 - 30 minutes
Price | €15 - €50
OPTION #3 | SCOOTER OR ATV
For those on a budget, hiring an ATV or scooter might be a better option to explore Paros.
ATV’s and scooters afford great flexibility and freedom, and for those looking to stay fairly central to Naoussa, and explore some of the closer beaches such as Kolymbitheres and Santa Maria, an ATV or scooter is perfect and allows you to find a parking space during the peak months (a seriously underrated feature!).
However, the comfort levels are just not there on an ATV - so if you’re planning to explore more of Paros, we’d recommend a car, regardless of your budget.
Also, if you’re arriving with a heap of stuff, transporting things via ATV/scooter can be a tough ask (although for the Balinese, it’s easy!), so it might be an option to explore the island, rather than getting from Parikia to Naoussa.
Note that to rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license.
We rented our ATV from Spanopoulos Car Rental, which was one of the better rental agencies we came across in Greece.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHERE IS NAOUSSA?
The quaint fishing village of Naoussa (otherwise known as Naousa) is located to the northeast of Paros Island, in the Cycladic Archipelago, Greece.
The town itself is 10km from the Island’s capital, Parikia. Parikia is the main port of Paros Island, and where all arrivals start their adventures.
Below is a map detailing Naoussa in relation to Parikia (labelled Paros on the map).
ACCOMMODATION ON PAROS
Paros has some of the most beautiful hotels and villas in the Cycladic Islands, so to help you choose the right place for your budget, we’ve written a complete guide about where to stay on Paros, as well as the best hotels in Naoussa. Below are our top picks:
COVE PAROS | Luxury accommodation based on the idyllic Agioi Anargyroi beach. The rooms and suites are spacious and well-designed with a modern boho-Cycladic style. Rada Restaurant will be exquisite if our Naoussa experience was anything to go by. Check prices and availability
CENTRAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL | This tidy boutique hotel in the centre of Naoussa has thoughtfully designed rooms balancing white and anthracite with pops of vibrant modern art, and a lovely pool. Check prices and availability
PAROS BACKPACKERS | Maybe the best backpackers in all of Greece - the social scene is the real attraction. There are standard dorms and private rooms for groups, all with refrigerators and en-suite bathrooms. Check prices and availability
READ MORE | The best hotels, hostels and villas on Paros, and the best hotels in Naoussa
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
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For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, Things to know before visiting Paros Island, the best beaches on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, The best hotels in Naossa, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, These are the best beaches on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos, A guide to Mykonos Chora
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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