Romance in the Cyclades: A Couple’s Guide to Naousa, Paros, Greece

Naousa is a seasonal destination with most businesses operating between late April and early October. Ideally, you will arrive during one of these months.

Once you touch down in Paros, make your way to Naousa, check-in to your hotel, and take in the crisp, sea breeze.

Once settled in, head over to Moraitis Winery for your introduction to Parian culture. Founded in 1910, this family-owned winery has been producing high-quality wines for four generations. Enjoy one of their wine sampling flights and savor the distinct flavors that reflect the island's terrain and unique growing conditions. Pair your wine with local cheeses, charcuterie selections, and other lite bites for an even richer experience. Moraitis also offers behind the scenes tours of their grounds and vineyards for those seeking to dive deeper into the local viniculture.

Continue exploring local flavors with dinner Kapari Restaurant. Kapari prides itself on using hand-picked, locally foraged ingredients and traditional family recipes to celebrate authentic Parian cuisine. For the most romantic experience, dine outside on their terrace to catch the sunset. With its hilltop location, Kapari offers the perfect view to watch the sun’s final rays cast a warm, enchanting glow over Naousa.

Spend your second day getting to know Naousa. After breakfast, spend the morning winding through the narrow streets to explore eclectic boutiques and art galleries.

If shopping works up an appetite, drop by 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 by ordering loukoumades (pastries similar to donut holes) from Λουκουμάδες "Το Παραδοσιακό" (Loukoumades “The Traditional”). Choose the classic toppings of honey syrup and cinnamon or indulge in more modern favorites like chocolate or nutella sauce.

Next, walk around the harbor to follow a narrow path to the ruins of the Venetian Castle. Built in the 15th century by Venetians, this fortress was originally a watchtower for pirate and enemy attacks. Now, it’s a popular photo spot!

On your way back to the harbor, discover the perfect spot for panoramic pictures of Naousa. Nicknamed “Little Venice”, this scenic spot offers small walkways that fade into the sea and that look onto picturesque views of the coastline. For easier locating, this spot is behind Linardo bar, which is also an Instagram favorite, having a bright pink door and matching trellis of flowers.

Afterwards, stay by the harbor and enjoy a sunset cocktail or coffee at Methystra Bar. Cozy up on one of their terrace benches to soak in the last sunbeams of the day. To get the best views with a table in the front row, be sure to make a reservation in advance or arrive early.

Wind back through old town Naousa for dinner at Yemeni Wine Restaurant. With handwritten menus, traditional style decor, and rustic yet sophisticated recipes, this is one restaurant not to be missed for a delicious Parian meal. We enjoyed it so much that we dined here multiple times during our stay in Naousa. Make sure to order a daily special and a dessert or two – you’re on vacation after all!

To save yourself from the lengthy wait lists at Yemeni or other popular dining spots, drop by the restaurant a day before to make a reservation in person or ask your hotel concierge to call ahead for you.

On your third day, plan for a day out on the sea. Visit neighboring Antiparos, a favorite island amongst Hollywood A-listers, and Desptiko, an even smaller, uninhabited island at the center of the Cyclades.

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. The local dockmaster will provide a driving tutorial and review safety guidelines with you in the harbor. Larger boats have stricter requirements for rental but also offer options for chartering a skipper to be your private captain and guide for the day.

Once on the water, 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. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a pod of dolphins on your return journey!

If speedboats are outside of your comfort zone, there are also small group sailing excursions with stops at blue lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots. Additionally, there is also a ferry that runs multiple times a day between Paros and Antiparos.

Once back on Parian land, head back to your hotel to freshen up and rest. Continue your coastal day with dinner at Taverna Glafkos in Naousa. With tables on the beach, enjoy a peaceful dinner along the waves.

For a nightcap, stop next door at Come Back bar for cocktails and more seaside charm.

Start your fourth day with a morning trip to Lefkes. This charming village up in the mountains of central Paros offers stunning views and classic Cycladic architecture. Once known as the island’s capital, Lefkes is filled with historical sites and cozy tavernas. Roam through the sleepy, car-free streets and stop for a drink at one of the quaint cafes. Get your caffeine buzz by ordering a Greek frappe, a frothy iced coffee that’s popular during summertime.

Spend the rest of your day relaxing at one of Paros’ many beaches. Visit Piperi Beach to stay close to Naousa. Choose Santa Maria Beach for the most tourist-friendly experience, including water sports and sunbed rentals, beach bars, and other amenities. Golden Beach is a popular destination for wind and kite surfing as well as beautiful scenery. Kolympethres Beach is known for its unusual rock formations and small sandy coves.

Most beaches in Paros can be accessed via bus routes. However, to save time and to see more of the island, rent a car to get around and visit more isolated spots..

After your beach day, wash off the sand and don your most stylish outfit for dinner at Barbarossa. In this upscale contemporary restaurant, enjoy an Aegean-Asian menu while dining alfresco with a picturesque backdrop of the Naousa harbor. Barbarossa is a great place to splurge and celebrate a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, engagement, or other special occasion.

Carry on the night by joining in Naousa’s vibrant nightlife scene. Follow the music across the harbor to find the relaxing bars and lounges of the afternoon transformed into booming nightclubs. Pick the bar playing your favorite tunes and dance the night away!

Bring a piece of Paros home with you by joining a small-group cooking class. Discover how to prepare an authentic multi-course Parian meal step by step with guidance from local chefs. Devour your finished dishes over glasses of local wine and stories of the island. Be sure to write down the recipes so that you can impress friends back home with your new skills!

Enjoy your final evening in Paros with a luxury beach picnic. Sip champagne, snack on gourmet treats, and savor one last mesmerizing sunset. Picnic packages take care of all the details to ensure a romantic, intimate dining experience.