Naousa
Naoussa is a city in central Macedonia, within the regional unit of Imathia, set on the eastern slopes of Mount Vermio at roughly...
Updated 17 July 2026
The story
The story of Naousa
The wine city at the foot of Mount Vermio
Naoussa lies in the regional unit of Imathia, in central Macedonia, resting on the eastern foothills of Mount Vermio, which shelters it from the winds and gives it a cool climate and a landscape of forests and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. It is worth clearing up a common misunderstanding right away: this Naoussa has nothing to do with the seaside village of the same name on the island of Paros, a popular Cycladic beach destination. The Macedonian Naoussa is instead an inland city, historically agricultural and industrial, which grew up around textile manufacturing and, above all, viticulture. Its position at the foot of Vermio gives it a dual identity, between fertile plain and mountain, reflected in the local economy, traditions and even the cuisine, which combines the produce of the vineyard with that of the forest.
Xinomavro and the Naoussa PDO wine
Naoussa is universally recognised as one of the capitals of Greek wine thanks to Xinomavro, a native red grape variety that finds here one of its finest terroirs. From this grape comes the Naoussa PDO appellation, a structured, tannic and long-lived red often compared in character to Europe's great ageing wines. The area's wineries, some historic and family-run, others more modern, have made Naoussa a fixed stop for wine tourism enthusiasts, with routes through vineyards climbing the slopes of Vermio and tastings that tell decades of winemaking tradition. Xinomavro production has helped carry the name of Naoussa beyond Greek borders, placing it alongside other prestigious Mediterranean appellations.
Agios Nikolaos park and the waters
The green heart of Naoussa is the large Agios Nikolaos park, a natural space that extends through the city centre thanks to the abundant water flowing down from Vermio. Springs, streams and small waterfalls run among centuries-old plane trees, creating a cool, humid microclimate much appreciated in summer. The park is a place for strolling and relaxation for residents, but also a defining feature of the city's identity: Naoussa is in fact often described as a city of water and greenery, in contrast with the drier image many associate with Greek towns. This constant presence of water has historically also powered mills and craft activities, and it still shapes the urban landscape today with canals and fountains scattered throughout the centre.
The School of Aristotle and Alexander the Great
A few kilometres from Naoussa, in the area known as Nymphaion or Isvoria, lies the celebrated School of Aristotle, a site set in greenery tied to one of the most fascinating chapters of ancient history. According to historical tradition, it was here that the philosopher Aristotle was summoned by Philip II of Macedon to tutor the young Alexander the Great alongside other young nobles of the Macedonian court. The site, with its natural caves, clearings and streams, fits well with the idea of an open-air classroom immersed in nature, consistent with the Peripatetic teaching method. Today the site draws school and cultural visits, and represents one of the most evocative links between the Naoussa area and the grand history of ancient Macedonia and the Hellenistic world.
Vermio, skiing and nature
The Vermio massif, at whose foot Naoussa sits, is one of the most beloved mountains in northern Greece, both in summer for hikes and walks through beech and fir forests, and in winter for snow sports. The area's two main ski resorts are 3-5 Pigadia, among the most popular in the country, and Seli, smaller and family-friendly, both reachable in a short time from the centre of Naoussa. Vermio offers slopes for skiers of every level, cross-country trails and views stretching across the Macedonian plain below. This closeness between city and mountain makes Naoussa a convenient base for those who want to combine culture, food and wine, and outdoor activities in the same stay, in an area still little touched by mass tourism.
Carnival, traditions and how to experience it
Every February Naoussa becomes the stage for one of Greece's oldest and most heartfelt carnivals, that of the Genitsari kai Boules: groups of men in embroidered costumes, bells at the waist and white woollen masks parade through the streets in a ritual rooted in the Ottoman era and in the memory of local resistance. It is a tradition passed down through generations, distinct from the more touristy carnivals of other Greek cities. To truly experience Naoussa, it is worth alternating visits to Xinomavro wineries with walks in Agios Nikolaos park, a trip to the School of Aristotle and, season permitting, a day on the slopes of Vermio. One should not forget the city's more dramatic history, tied to the 1822 Ottoman destruction during the Greek War of Independence, still remembered today as a founding moment of local identity.
Experiences not to miss
- Taste Xinomavro at a historic winery and discover the Naoussa PDO appellation
- Stroll among plane trees, springs and streams in Agios Nikolaos park
- Visit the School of Aristotle in the Nymphaion/Isvoria area, where Alexander the Great was tutored
- Ski or hike on Mount Vermio, between the 3-5 Pigadia and Seli resorts
- Watch the Genitsari and Boules carnival in February, an authentic city tradition
To see
What to see in Naousa
Routes · Trovido Route
