Greece - Korina Miller [317]
Sights & Activities
Naousa’s Byzantine museum (admission €1.80; 10am-1pm & 6-9pm Aug) is housed in the blue-domed church, about 200m uphill from the central square on the main road to Parikia. A small folklore museum ( 22840 52284; admission €1.80; 9am-1pm & 6-9pm), which focuses on regional costumes, can be reached by heading inland from the main square to another blue-domed church. Turn right behind the church.
The best beaches in the area are Kolymbythres and Monastiri, which has some good snorkelling and a clubbing venue. Low-key Lageri is also worth seeking out. Santa Maria, on the other side of the eastern headland, is good for windsurfing. They can all be reached by road, but caïques go from Naousa to each of them during July and August.
Kokou Riding Centre ( 22840 51818; www.kokou.gr) has morning (€45), evening (€30) and one-hour (€25) horse rides, and can arrange pick-up from Naousa’s main square for a small charge. The rides explore the surrounding countryside and coast.
Sleeping
There are two camping grounds, both with minibuses that meet ferries. Visit the Naousa Information booth for help with finding accommodation.
Surfing Beach ( 22840 52491; fax 22840 51937; info@surfbeach.gr; camp sites per adult/child/tent €7.50/3.60/4) A fairly large site, but with reasonable facilities and a good location at Santa Maria. The site has a windsurfing and water-skiing school.
Young Inn ( 6976415232; www.young-inn.com; dm €9-20, d & tr €66; ) This well-run place caters for a young, international clientele and organises events and outings. Scooter hire can be arranged. Breakfasts start at €3. It’s located to the east of the harbour, behind Naousa’s cathedral.
Hotel Stella ( 22840 51317; www.hotelstella.gr; s/d €55/75 ) Deep in the heart of the old town and within a leafy, colourful garden, the Stella has decent rooms and good facilities. It’s best reached by heading up the main street, turning left at the National Bank, going beneath an archway and then turning right and up past a small church.
Hotel Galini ( 22840 53382; www.hotelgaliniparos.com; s/d/tr €60/70/85; ) Opposite the blue-domed local church (Byzantine museum), on the main road into town from Parikia, this little hotel has comfortable, recently updated rooms. Be certain that this is our recommended hotel. There is a similarly named establishment elsewhere in town.
Katerina’s Rooms ( 22840 51642; www.katerinastudios.gr; s/d/tr/studio €60/75/90/120; ) Unbeatable views make these immaculate rooms (complete with tea- and coffee-making facilities) an excellent choice. You need to hike uphill a touch, but it’s all worth it.
Sunset Studios and Apartments ( 22840 51733; www.paros.biz; d/tr €85/102, apt €180-216; ) Tucked away on the hill above the centre of Naousa and a few minutes stroll from the harbour are these peaceful rooms and apartments enhanced by a leafy garden and a warm welcome.
Eating & Drinking
Moshonas ( 22840 51623; dishes €4.50-9) An unbeatable location right at the edge of the harbour makes this family-run ouzerie and fish restaurant a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Fish is by the kilo but there are mains fish dishes at reasonable prices and you’ll likely see the family’s own caïques tie up and deliver the fresh octopus that will soon be on your plate.
Glafkos ( 22840 52100; mains €6-12) There’s a great take on seafood at this beachside eatery, with subtle dishes such as shrimps and manouri, and scallops in a cream sauce.
Perivolaria ( 22840 51598; dishes €7-19) Reliable Greek and international cuisine, pastas and wood-fired pizzas are the style at this long-established restaurant where there’s a lovely garden setting. Try the pastourmali (pastrami and cheese pie, a mix of meat, tomatoes, feta and manouri). Perivolaria is reached along the river road from the main square.
Christos ( 22840 51442; dishes €10-29; 7pm-1am Apr-Oct) A leafy canopy of vines adds style to the lovely courtyard dining area of Christos, which is enhanced even more by the paintings that line the walls. The food matches