The largest, greenest and most striking island in the Cyclades is a microcosm of ancient history, mythology and natural beauty, with rugged mountain landscapes, fertile valleys and golden beaches. If you want to know everything there is to see and do in Naxos , take good note of what we have to tell you.
We have just returned from this tremendously different island : in the same day you can lose yourself on winding roads that cross rocky mountains, take a dip in coves with turquoise waters and end up watching the sunset at the remains of an ancient Greek temple.
If you are looking for hustle and bustle, you will find it in Chora , its capital, if you prefer tranquility, there are many inland villages where everything seems silent. And if what you need is a total disconnection, in Naxos you will enjoy some of the best beaches in the Aegean . Ready to discover everything that this Greek island hides? We tell you the essentials of Naxos and at the end of the article we share all the useful information ideal for planning your trip to Naxos.
What to see and do in Naxos
We spent 2 days in Naxos , which is the minimum amount of time to get to know the basics of the island, but if you plan a longer stay, it's a great idea! We would have loved to spend at least a couple more days there, and no, you won't get bored, especially if you like beaches and/or hiking. But before we tell you the best things to do in Naxos, let's start with its history...
Naxos has deep roots in Greek mythology . According to legend, it was on this island that Theseus abandoned Ariadne after she helped him escape the Minotaur 's labyrinth in Crete (mamonazo). Later, it is said that Dionysus , the god of wine, found Ariadne on the island and made her his wife, a union that filled the entire island with an atmosphere of joy and fertility. Let's see if you arrive two and leave three... ahem. Watch out.
Mythology aside, the island was an important centre of Cycladic civilisation from the third millennium BC and played a crucial role during the Archaic and Classical periods. Knowing this, it is not surprising that the remains of majestic temples and marble statues can be found all over Naxos .
Already during the Middle Ages, Naxos became the capital of the Duchy of the Aegean under Venetian rule, a government that also left an indelible mark on its architecture and culture. Today Naxos is an important tourist centre within the Cyclades islands, but certainly less crowded than other neighbouring islands, such as Mykonos or Santorini .
Now, after this little historical post , we are going to tell you everything there is to see in Naxos :
1. Chora (or Khora), the capital of Naxos
Chora, the capital of Naxos, is one of the island's highlights and where the action is concentrated . It doesn't really boast the kind of stunning beauty that Oia and its blue domes in Santorini, or the charming Naoussa in Paros, nor does it have the unbridled joy of Mykonos, nor the most spectacular beaches on the island. But hey, that has its upside: tourism doesn't overwhelm every terrace, square or viewpoint (except at the Temple of Apollo at sunset), and it also has a handful of sights and activities to keep you entertained.
The best plan in Chora is to wander aimlessly through the pretty streets of the old town, but be prepared to go up and down a few stairs . But that's the price you have to pay to discover authentic gems: from shops that still make handmade sandals to taverns that invite you to sit down and taste some local delicacies. And don't worry, we'll tell you more about the island's gastronomy below.
In the upper part of the city you will find Castro , the district where the ancient Venetian castle (1207) stands , which watched over the coasts of Naxos. In this area you will also find the Archaeological Museum , the Venetian Museum Della Rocca-Barozzi , a 13th century Roman cathedral or the Orthodox church of Panagia Theoskepasti.
To finish your visit, take a stroll along the promenade in front of the Port of Naxos, an area full of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a cocktail or a drink at sunset. Boats and cruises also depart from here to tour corners of the Naxos coastline or other nearby islands, or take shorter trips to watch the sunset from the sea. This sailing cruise has very good reviews (it includes meals, drinks and snorkelling equipment).
2. Experience the sunset from the Temple of Apollo
However, when it comes to sunsets in Naxos, there is one unique and unrivalled place: the Portara Gate . This imposing marble portal , 6 metres high and 3.5 metres wide and once the entrance to the Temple of Apollo , stands alone on the islet of Palatia , connected to the city of Naxos by a narrow causeway dotted with the breaking waves of the sea.
As evening falls, the Portara Gate becomes an ideal setting to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon, turning the sky and sea into golden and pink hues. It will be a magical moment but you will have to share it with many other tourists, as this is probably the most famous place to see in Naxos .
3. Explore the beautiful village of Chalkio (or Halki)
Another of the best things to see and do in Naxos is to visit Chalkio , one of the most beautiful and photogenic villages on the island. In the heart of the Tragea Valley and surrounded by dozens of lemon fields and olive groves, Chalkio is the best place to enjoy the purest essence of the Cyclades . It is also less than half an hour by car from Chora, so there is no excuse not to include it in a driving route through the interior of the island.
Take a stroll through its small historic centre , lose yourself in the narrow streets lined with white houses adorned with bougainvillea, browse through its souvenir shops and workshops (we personally loved ' Marmairo ' and its marble objects), have a glass of Kitron , the local lemon liqueur, at ' Vallindras Kitron ', a historic distillery that offers tastings, and enjoy the tranquillity of the place.
Before you leave, visit the Byzantine Church of St. George Diasoritis (11th century), small but quite pretty. Check the Google schedules, when we went it was closed and we could only see it from the outside, but the path to get there is still pleasant.
4. Climb Mount Zeus, the peak of the Cyclades
Another village you can visit during your trip to Naxos is Filoti , very close to Chalkio. More than for its charm (it has a small square and some nice alleys), it is popular for the hiking route that ascends to the top of Mount Zeus , also known as Mount Zas, the highest point of the Cyclades islands at 1,004 meters.
According to mythology, this was the cave where Zeus hid during his childhood to protect himself from his father, Cronus, who, fearing to lose his throne, decided to devour his children. This cave still exists today and can be seen on the way to the top.
There are two trails leading to the top of Mount Zeus , one of them starting at the Fountain of Aria , where pilgrims drank holy water before starting the climb to the summit. You can get to this point by car, and in fact there is a small car park where you can leave your car, but we advise you to arrive early to find a spot. The second one is from the Saint Marina Holy Chapel , also with a tiny car park. And if you're wondering, yes, you can do a circular route of approximately 8.5 km from the village of Filoti. Here is the route on Wikiloc .
We settled for a sip at the fountain (short, so that the mythological waters don't upset us) and went to a panoramic point on the road itself, from where there are some impressive views of the mountainous relief of Naxos, its coastline in the distance and in the foreground the beautiful church of the Prophet Elias, crowning a small hill.
5. Try traditional cuisine in Apiranthos
We continue along the road towards Apiranthos, another picturesque and charming village to visit inland from Naxos. Here time seems to have stopped in the Venetian era, except for the mobile phones, the “ free wifi ” signs in the bars and a few tourists with their cameras ready to capture snapshots of the town.
Apiranthos is a small complex of white marble streets, curious kittens in the shade of fig trees, traditional whitewashed houses and terraces that invite you to stop along the way and take shelter from the heat of the sun. If you feel like it (or want to take advantage of the cool air conditioning), you should know that there are a couple of museums (the Natural History Museum and the Folklore Museum).
We came here because of the fame of its traditional cuisine (and we were not the only ones…). We ate at the restaurant ' Mpakalógatos ' and it turned out to be one of the places where we ate the best of the whole trip through Greece. It has a nice little terrace and its menu is full of typical recipes from the island, also at good prices. We tried the saganaki (fried cheese), tomato and pork fritters with honey and lemon. Be careful, the portions are generous.
6. The best beaches in Naxos
Want to know which are the best beaches in Naxos? The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades , and that's how we felt. The bad thing is that, unless you're not planning on moving here for a few months, you're going to have to make a selection. But don't worry, we've done the work for you and here are our favorite beaches in Naxos:
✓ Agios Prokopios Beach
It is one of the most popular beaches on the island, although we never saw it overcrowded. Clear blue waters, fine white sand and a delicious breakfast: keep your eyes peeled for the donut man , a very friendly local man who walks along the beach selling delicious donuts (€3). The beach is long, about 2 km long and has all the services (sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, beach bars, parking...).
✓ Agia Anna
Right next to the previous one we found this other wonderful beach that was just a minute away from our accommodation, the Fanis Hotel . That made it the beach we enjoyed the most during our stay in Greece . Quiet, with crystal-clear waters and dreamy sunsets. There are several places where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers at more than reasonable prices (taking into account Greek standards). A little further south is Plaka Beach , which we also thought was amazing.
If you catch the sunset, a great place to enjoy it is the ' Art Café ', which has tables next to the sea with brutal views. And for dinner go to ' Spyros ', the place is not pretty nor right on the beach, but we ate one of the best gyros in Greece (we tried the pork one and the halloumi cheese one and this one was incredible).
⭐ This sunset boat trip , which includes a drink, departs from Agia Anna beach .
✓ Mikri Vigla
If you're bored of lying on the sand, head to Mikri Vigla - the best place for water sports in Naxos. There 's no shortage of wind , so windsurfers and kitesurfers have their place!
✓ Hawaii Beach
With this name, things can't go wrong 🙂 and we recommend going to anyone who wants to see a peculiar beach and make a more original excursion. It is located in the southeast of Naxos and it is a beach with emerald waters in a wild environment, with dunes and cliffs . If you are going to spend the day, take something to eat and drink (although there is a food truck on the main road) and an umbrella or you will end up like a lobster.
Don't leave without visiting the ruins of the Alyko Hotel , which have been transformed into an open-air museum with graffiti and street art . And since you're there, you can also visit Aliko Beach , another really cool and wild beach with a blue-domed church where you can take some great photos.
7. The Kouros, one of the symbols of Naxos
Kouros, or kouroi in the plural, are statues depicting young men in ancient Greek sculpture , especially in the Archaic period (7th and 6th centuries BC). They were often used as funerary monuments or offerings in temples , and you've probably already seen some examples if you've taken a trip around mainland Greece (which is highly recommended). And you know what? In Naxos you can see several of these unfinished kouroi , even in the quarries themselves!
There are two locations where you can see them: the Kouroi of Flerio , in the centre of the island, where you can see two of these incomplete statues, about 5 metres high (wear closed shoes because you have to walk a bit). And the Kouro of Apollonas , in the north, which at 11 metres high, is the most impressive. Both visits are free.
Whatever your destination, don't take any chances and get the IATI travel insurance that best suits your plan with a 5% discount here
8. Temple of Demeter
Along with the Temple of Apollo in Chora, the Temple of Demeter takes the cake as the most visited archaeological site on Naxos . It was built around 530 BC during the Archaic period, using, of course, precious Naxos marble. During its heyday it was reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades . Unfortunately, today only a few ruins remain, partially rebuilt, but it is not difficult to imagine the splendour of its best days.
The entrance costs €4 (closed on Tuesdays) and, although at first glance it doesn't seem too striking if you have already visited other archaeological sites in mainland Greece, it may be a must-see in Naxos for those who have not had the opportunity to visit this type of ancient site.
More places to see in Naxos
Do you have time to spare and want to visit more places in Naxos? Take note of these other ideas:
- Due to lack of time we were unable to visit all the inland towns that we would have liked, such as Koronos , Vivlos or Moutsouna , on the east coast.
- We loved visiting the Panagia Drosiani Church , a 6th century early Christian church that preserves some amazing frescoes. It opens at 10am in principle, but looking at Google Maps reviews it seems that this is not always the case. It is free but they ask for a donation (bring some loose change).
- Bazeos Tower is an ancient Venetian tower from the 17th century in the heart of Naxos, originally built as a monastery and later transformed into a private residence of the Bazeos family. Entrance costs €5.
- A curious visit is the Monastery of Fotodotis , a construction similar to a small fortress with a few centuries of history. You will have to park at the Saint Marina Holy Church and from there walk for 1 km along a dirt track.
- On the road to the kouroi of Flerio there are views of the largest marble quarry in Naxos (marked as 'Marble Quarry' on Google). From a distance, it looked quite impressive to us.
- Finally, go for a drink at Bar Rotonda , with beautiful views of the island. But don't order the natural lemonade, it's super sour hehe.
Useful information for a trip to Naxos
Where to find accommodation in Naxos? What are the most recommended restaurants? Is it worth renting a car? Here are all the answers:
✓ How to get to Naxos
We did it by ferry from Paros Island before heading to Mykonos . To find routes, times and prices, check out the Ferryhopper website . You can also fly to its small airport, but the only connections currently available are to Athens and Thessaloniki, provided by local airlines Sky Express and Olympic Air.
✓ Where to stay in Naxos
The main urban and tourist centre in Naxos is its capital, Chora , which has quite a few alternatives. But we decided to move away from there and look for a quieter place on the beautiful beach of Agia Anna . We stayed at the Fanis Hotel and we were super comfortable. Although the place is simple, it has large apartments (with kitchenette) that are super clean, private parking, a swimming pool and the staff was the best. Also the location is great. We would stay there again without hesitation.
Other places to base yourself in Naxos are further south, in the Plaka Beach area , or if you are looking for a much more relaxed stay, opt for the east of the island (for example the Ostria Inn in Moutsouna ) although keep in mind that this whole area is quite far from the main attractions of Naxos and the beaches are not the best.
✓ How to get around Naxos
We were clear that we wanted to rent a car to explore the island at our own pace. There are quite a few local companies where you can rent a car, we did it with 'NaxosRide' and everything was fine, however you can also book through the Discovercars website , which compares different options. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike, quad or buggy as long as you are willing to have a good time under the sun. There are buses but the schedules are not extensive and obviously they do not go everywhere ( more info ).
✓ Where to eat in Naxos
We quickly discovered that Naxos is also a foodie's paradise , especially for me, who is a huge fan of potatoes , and it turns out that the ones from this island are the best in Greece! Other typical products are cheeses , such as the strong-flavoured Graviera di Naxos (DOP), or Xinomyzithra goat cheese. A typical dish from Naxos is rosto , a pork stuffed with garlic and cooked in wine, and obviously there is no shortage of fish and seafood dishes.
As for drinks, we cannot forget the already mentioned kitrón , a citrus liqueur that you have to try at least once. And if you want to try the wine from that land, you have to visit the Saint Anna Winery.
⭐ Here we tell you about 5 restaurants where to eat in Naxos .
Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ), the best option to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad
Map with the places to see in Naxos
To help you better understand how to visit and to better organize your days in Naxos, we have created a map with the location of the most important points of interest on the island:
We hope that this guide to visiting the island of Naxos has been helpful to you and that you can soon discover it on your own! Do you know more things to see in Naxos? We're listening!
