Naousa, Imathia City

City in Greece with rich history

Nestled beneath Mount Vermio, Naousa has Xinomavro wineries, Ottoman-era bridges and cool mountain air; visitors sample local wines, join village festivals and hike forest trails toward nearby ski slopes.

Costs
Affordable wine-region town
$60-130 daily; wine tastings common.
Safety
Very safe
Low crime; tourist-friendly.
Best Time
Late spring to early autumn (May-September)
Harvest season and warm hiking weather.
Naousa is a renowned Xinomavro wine region with a protected appellation (Naoussa PDO).
Local Time
4:54 PM
GMT+3
Weather
Mostly Clear 85°F
Mostly Clear
Population
19,887

Why Visit Naousa, Imathia?#

Perched at the foot of the Vermio range, Naousa is prized for its Xinomavro wines, mountain scenery and lively town square lined with cafés and neoclassical houses. Wine lovers come for tastings at local vineyards and the annual harvest festivals, while hikers use the nearby slopes and waterfalls for outdoor excursions. Expect a blend of gastronomy, wine culture and traditional festivals that reflect Macedonia’s regional character.

Best Things to Do in Naousa, Imathia#

Naousa, Imathia Bucket List#

Don't Miss

Folklore Museum of Naousa - Museum showcasing local costumes, tools and the town’s 19th-century history.

Varosi quarter - Historic quarter with stone houses, narrow streets and traditional Macedonian architecture.

Central square and cafés - Town square lined with cafés, shops and meeting points for locals and visitors.

Hidden Gems

Boutari Winery (Naousa) - Tasting and cellar visits focused on Xinomavro varietals from the Naousa appellation.

Small mountain chapels - Quiet chapels on surrounding hills offering views and peaceful atmosphere off main roads.

Local deli shops - Family-run delis selling regional cheeses, cured meats and homemade preserves.

Day Trips

Edessa waterfalls - Visit Edessa to see dramatic waterfalls, viewpoints and a restored watermill museum.

Mount Vermio hikes - Day hikes into Mount Vermio’s forests, trails and mountain villages nearby Naousa.

Best Time to Visit Naousa, Imathia#

Naousa is best from late spring into early autumn when mountain trails, orchards and festivals are at their best. Winters are colder and snowy-great for mountain activities but less convenient for sightseeing.

Winter

December - February

-2 - 8°C (28 - 46°F)

Winters are snowy and chilly, ideal for nearby mountain sports and cozy tavernas, but some high-altitude roads can be icy and occasionally closed.

Spring

March - May

5 - 20°C (41 - 68°F)

Spring brings blooming orchards, comfortable hiking and clear skies - perfect for exploring vineyards and the town before summer heat arrives.

Summer

June - August

18 - 33°C (64 - 91°F)

Summers are warm to hot with cool mountain evenings; great for late-night dining and outdoor festivals, but pack sunscreen for daytime excursions.

Climate

Naousa, Imathia's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
13.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.3h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

87 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 28°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
14.8h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
17° 30°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
14.6h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 30°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.6h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

87 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 54 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

How to Get to Naousa, Imathia#

Naousa (Imathia) is best reached via Thessaloniki airport and then by regional bus or car. KTEL bus services offer reliable transfers from Thessaloniki, and renting a car gives more flexibility to explore nearby wineries and villages.

By Air

Thessaloniki Airport - Makedonia (SKG): Thessaloniki is the nearest large international airport to Naousa (Imathia). The drive from SKG to Naousa takes about 45-60 minutes by car (roughly 60-70 km). Taxis and private transfers are available from the airport; car rental is a convenient option for exploring the region.

Athens Airport (ATH): For international flights not served via Thessaloniki, Athens is an alternative but a long road or rail journey from Naousa (several hours), so Thessaloniki is usually preferable.

By Train & Bus

Train: Naousa does not sit on the main high-speed rail corridor, but regional train services and connections from Thessaloniki to nearby towns exist. Trains take longer than direct road transfers in many cases and schedules vary.

Bus (KTEL Imathias): KTEL Imathias operates regular buses between Thessaloniki and Naousa; the ride takes about 45-60 minutes and is the common public transport option. Fares are modest (a few euros) and buses are frequent during daytime hours.

How to Get Around Naousa, Imathia#

Thessaloniki airport plus a KTEL bus or rental car is the most practical route to Naousa. Buses are cheap and regular; a car is recommended for visiting wineries and rural areas.

  • KTEL Bus (€3-7) - KTEL buses from Thessaloniki to Naousa are frequent and affordable; the trip typically takes under an hour. Buses are the simplest public option for most travellers.
  • Taxi / Private Transfer (€40-70 (from SKG)) - Taxis or private transfers from SKG or Thessaloniki city provide direct, quick transfers and are useful for groups or tight schedules.
  • Car Rental (€30+/day) - Hiring a car at Thessaloniki airport is convenient for exploring Naousa and the surrounding wine region. Roads are well-maintained and driving is straightforward.
  • Regional Train (€2-10) - Regional rail services connect the wider Imathia area; trains can be slower or need connections compared with buses, so check schedules in advance if you prefer rail.
  • Walking - Naousa’s centre is compact and pleasant for walking; the town is easy to explore on foot with local tavernas, shops and historic streets within short distances.

Where to Stay in Naousa, Imathia#

Budget

Naousa, Imathia - $30-70/night

Naousa offers a solid selection of small guesthouses and budget pensions-good for exploring local wineries and the town center on foot.

Small guesthouses in Naousa - Family-run budget rooms in town

Budget options nearby (Imathia) - More basic stays in surrounding villages

Mid-Range

Naousa, Imathia - $60-140/night

Naousa has several comfortable mid-range hotels and boutique stays offering good local dining and convenient access to vineyards and sights.

Boutique hotels in Naousa - Comfortable local hotels near town square

Mid-range stays across Central Macedonia - Good variety within short drives

Luxury

Naousa, Imathia - $120-250+/night

Naousa has a few high-quality boutique inns but limited full-service luxury hotels. For true five-star services, consider larger nearby cities.

Top boutique/quality inns in Naousa - Select premium guesthouses available

Luxury options in nearby larger cities - Broader luxury choice a short drive away

Where to Eat in Naousa, Imathia#

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Naousa, Imathia’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Greek

Shopping in Naousa, Imathia#

Shopping in Naousa is centred on local shops, bakeries and markets selling regional food products. Local wine producers and small boutiques sell bottles and souvenirs, but the town is not a major retail hub.

For a larger shopping selection, visit bigger regional centres in Central Macedonia.

Nightlife in Naousa, Imathia#