Náousa: Harbor, Kastelli and Cycladic Lanes

Náousa lies in a sheltered bay on the northern side of Paros. During the Byzantine period, the town developed around its harbor. A wall fortified Náousa and ended at the Venetian bastion of Kastelli; parts of the fortification remain. The harbor, the town’s development and the surviving fortifications provide several concrete points of reference for Náousa’s history.

Harbor Town, Lanes and History

At the center, a network of narrow, bright lanes follows the traditional Cycladic style. The lanes and the harbor represent different sides of the town: the winding streets on the one hand, and the harbor around which Náousa developed historically on the other. The harbor’s history also includes different aspects. During the Russian occupation of the Cyclades, the Russians, led by the Orlov family, established their headquarters there.

The early Cycladic cemetery of Plastira is also part of the historical picture. Idols and graves were found there and, based on their characteristics, are attributed to the Early Cycladic period. Another change in the town’s history concerns former fish-storage rooms: in Náousa, they were converted into tavernas, cafés and ouzeries.

Festival Traditions in Náousa

The carnival season begins on the feast day of Agios Antonios, January 17. The carnival parades start in the narrow lanes and make their way to the harbor. There, the groups join together for a Gaitanaki carnival dance. The tradition described thus leads from the network of lanes to the harbor, connecting two defining features of the town. If you would like to plan your trip around this tradition, check the dates and schedule for the relevant year.

The Náousa Fish Festival features musicians and local bands, as well as traditional dances and songs. It thus has a different focus from the carnival parades: music and dance take center stage. For trip planning, it is advisable to check the latest dates and event schedule.

Cultural Attractions on Paros

The wider destination of Paros also has distinctive cultural sites. In Parikia, Panagia Ekatontapiliani lies in the northeastern part of town, near the harbor. The church is considered one of Greece’s most important early Christian monuments. In the southern part of the church is an ancient baptistery dating from the 4th century, described as the oldest and best-preserved baptistery in the Orthodox East. Ekatontapiliani also houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia. Its collections include rare icons, wood carvings and other religious relics from the Byzantine era and the period of Ottoman rule.

Another historic destination on Paros is the Kastro of Parikia. The ruins of a Venetian castle preserved there were built using columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. In Lefkes stands Agia Triada, a listed church built from Parian marble in 1835. Its architecture features a three-aisled basilica with a raised central aisle and two bell towers. These examples show how varied the island’s historical themes are, without equating them with Náousa’s own distinctive features.

The Paros Environmental and Cultural Park brings together nature and cultural attractions. It includes a seven-kilometer network of hiking trails and has both developed and natural beaches. An amphitheater with 700 seats hosts concerts and performances. Since 2009, the park has held the “Festival at the Park,” a summer program of cultural, sporting and environmental events. If you would like to include any of these activities in your stay, check the specific program in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Aliki, Páros, Parasporos, Piso Livadi, Molos, Lefkes, Kolimpithres, Paros

For the broader travel overview: Paros.