20 Unmissable Things To Do in Naxos: The Ultimate Bucket List
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Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and a hub of food, culture, and delicious wine. Out of 6,000 Greek Islands, it attracts many tourists seeking an adventure unlike any they’ve experienced. The best thing about this floating land is that it is packed with activities for everyone, whether young or old.
Lined with some of the most beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, juicy, succulent, fresh seafood, and remnants of Greek mythology that attract history buffs from around the globe, Naxos is the perfect place to visit for an all-around experience.
However, with so many things to do in Naxos, creating an itinerary can feel like hard work. This travel guide has been carefully curated to make your life much easier, making sure you hit all the best places for an authentic Naxos experience.
In a Nutshell
- Best hotels
- Best luxury hotel: Virtu Suites
- Best mid-range hotel: 18 Grapes
- Best budget hotel: Naxos Village Hotel
- Best activities
- Best day trip
Have a Great Time at Naxos Town
Greece is one of the most coveted vacation destinations, and the Naxos old town, Chora, is a testament to that. While Santorini and Mykonos are often highlighted, this place is frequently overlooked. However, it has so much to offer.
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Not only are the dwindling streets and tiled floors visually gorgeous, but the town is full of life with Jazz & Blues bars with live music, The Pocket Gallery for handicrafts, and a myriad of day trips from the waterfront. The capital of Naxos doesn’t disappoint. You can also visit the market in Tziblakis in the main town to purchase delicious local products like cheese, olive oil, local wine, and much more.
Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Look at the Best View From the Temple of Apollo
If you arrive at Naxos Island on a ferry, the first thing your gaze will likely set upon is the Portara Gate, erect high on the islet of Palatia. This massive marble architectural masterpiece is what remains of the 6th-century BC temple of the Greek God Apollo. This historical site leaves you with a sense of tranquility, its colossal size in all its glory, and the magnificent view that will leave you breathless.
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Read also: Cape Sounion, GreeceTravel Guide
Head up to the Ancient Ruins of Kastro
Built in the 13th century, this Venetian Castle is one of the most popular things to do on the Greek island of Naxos. Since it is the highest point, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view from here. However, what makes this special are the endless twisting alleyways leading to museums and monasteries that make you ponder its historical significance.
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While it is only a short walk there, people often get confused with the directions, so be sure to ask someone for help.
Read also: Well-Known Greek Landmarks
Explore the Kouros Statues
Located in a marble quarry in Apollonas village, the Kouros Statues have a long history. Dating back to the 8th century, it is reminiscent of the ancient times when Greek art featured male marble statues. Due to a carving fault, the statue was never completed; however, visiting the place is still very enjoyable.
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There is a small parking area nearby, meaning you can use public transportation to get her and go on a road trip and hit all the best stops in one day.
Read also: Hidden Gems on Greek Islands
Enjoy a Romantic Sunset at Portara
For couples who want to rekindle that spark, heading up to Portara to gaze at the beautiful sunset is the way to go. When visitors come to Naxos, this is one of their favorite things to do. The blue sky contrasting with dancing orange and yellow rays as the sun dips below the water has to be one of the most beautiful experiences.
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🏰 Book your Portara Sunset Tour here
Read also: Picture-Perfect Spots in Greece
Have the Best Time at the Temple of Demeter
In Greek mythology, Demeter is the god of fertile land and agriculture. This large island hosts a temple and archaeological site in his name, essentially the remains of an early Christian Church and an olive oil production facility.
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To learn about its history, you can also take a walking tour during which a guide will assist you. People find that the actual distance to get there feels long, longer than Google Maps indicates, so be sure to pack plenty of snacks.
Read also: Temple of Poseidon
Relax at the Agios Prokopios Beach
If you’re looking for the best way to destress, Agios Prokopios Beach is a great place to visit. On one of the best beaches in the Cyclades islands, you can pay a professional for a soothing massage, sip delicious cocktails, party with the marine life while scuba diving, or make a sand castle. The surrounding area has a wide selection of restaurants to enjoy a hearty meal.
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Read also: Best Island Beaches in Greece
Dip Your Toes in Crystal Clear Water at Agia Anna Beach
Compared to other beaches, Agia Anna offers cheaper sunbeds so that you can visit the place on a tight budget. South of Naxos, on the West Coast, this place is great for families since it is smaller and there are fewer chances of kids getting lost. The beach is a short drive from the main town, making it accessible for people.
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Read also: Budget-Friendly Getaways in Greece
Take a Stroll at Agios Georgios
Agios Georgios Beach is a tourist hotspot that is jam-packed during the summer months. However, despite being crowded, its close proximity to the heart of the Island makes it easy to reach.
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If you’re interested in an adrenaline-filled adventure, this place is a great option because of the numerous water sports, like windsurfing, that you can enjoy. On top of that, its shallow waters make it a tremendous familial spot.
Read also: Greek Island Hopping Tips
Swim at the Plaka Beach
Plaka is one of the best sandy beaches in the area, with mesmerizing water stretching for miles. During the ’60s and ’70s, it was a naturalist beach; however, now, it’s open to everyone looking for a good time.
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There are many amenities, including sunbeds and sun umbrellas, which are available for rent. However, you won’t find parking, so using public buses might be your best bet.
Read also: A Local’s Guide To Visiting Lefkada, Greece
Take a Sailing Boat Tour Around Naxos
To enjoy the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, you can sprint across the water on a boat tour and explore hidden gems. The tours usually last a day and have varying facilities depending on your choice. You can opt for private tours that serve top-tier food, wine, and premium amenities or go for something more budget-friendly.
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In many of these tours, you’ll also be able to explore several caves, like the Koyfonissia cave. A catamaran cruise is also one of the top things to do in Greece.
Read also: Best Things To Do in Corfu, Greece
Explore Cute Mountain Villages
While Chora is the heart of Naxos, several mountain villages are nearby. Exploring the small villages of Halki and Filoti, the largest village in Naxos, helps you learn about the island’s traditional customs and norms. You’ll witness neoclassical houses, stunning Byzantine houses and churches, and tall, gleaming olive groves that make for a spectacular sight. In Halki, you can also enjoy a guided tour of the Vallindras Distillery.
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Read also: Greek Islands You Can Easily Fly To
Go Hiking on Mount Zas
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then heading to Mount Zas, also known as Mount Zeus, is a phenomenal experience. It is the highest mountain in Naxos, which makes the view from up there remarkable. The view is extraordinary, and the journey on the hiking trail leads you to explore several little gems along the way, like the Aria Spring and Cave Zeus.
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Climbing the tallest mountain doesn’t take much time; in fact, it only takes about 2-4 hours. This is a medium-difficulty hike but definitely worth it.
Read also: Day Trips From Athens, Greece
Enjoy a Hike to Apano Kastro
Once you’ve finished the Mount Zas hike, you can venture to Apano Kastro for more fun. This 2.8-mile (out and back) trail is located near Potamia, starting as a concrete and dirt road.
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You’ll find ancient ruins along the way and get to take jaw-dropping pictures of the sight on top. This hike is more leisurely than Zas and takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Read also: Best Things To Do in Rhodes, Greece
Take a History Lesson at Apeiranthos
The village of Apeiranthos is home to many historical sites and museums. Sitting on a hilltop, you can explore the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, the small Museum of Folk Art, Nikos Glezos’ library, the Church of Panagia Aperathitissa, and much more.
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For a delicious cup of coffee, you’ll find several cafes and taverns that can satiate your caffeine needs. Lined with whitewashed houses, this quaint village should be at the top of your bucket list.
Read also: Hidden Gems Of Southern Europe
Enjoy Wine Tasting at the St Anna Winery
You can’t leave this island without enjoying a glass of delicious wine. Saint Anna Winery is one of the best, making local wine using the Cycladic varieties. The place has mind-blowing views of Paros and a welcoming owner who tells you about the family business.
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The vast fields and their sweet wines make this a top-notch location. Try their White and Red Sweet or Dry Wines, or go haywire and have them all.
Read also: Best Wine Countries in Europe
Go Windsurfing at Mikri Vigla Beach
This white-sand beach with shallow turquoise water is a good place to kick back and relax. However, if you’re looking for an activity to keep you active, you can have a thrilling experience. The ideal time to enjoy windsurfing is in the summer winds when you can glide across the water and have a blast.
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Professionals can teach you the ropes even if you don’t know the basics. Don’t worry about the safety because they make sure nothing goes wrong.
Read also: Top Beaches To Visit in Greece
Gallop at Apeiranthos Village With Horseback Riding
Lined with stone-built houses, Apeiranthos Village is more than a pretty site. Horseback riding is an exciting activity for animal lovers and adventurers alike.
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You can gallop across various terrains, witness the gorgeous sites as you pass them, and feel the wind blowing across your face. The staff will show you how to handle the horse so that you’re comfortable before taking the reigns.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
Gobble Down the Delicious Local Cuisine
While the nearby islands get all the fame, Naxos is also a hub of flavor and mouth-watering food. From their stuffed tomatoes and peppers, gemista, to their delicious and creamy dip called tzatziki, to the perfectly cooked pork souvlaki served with soft pita bread, the flavors are unique and leave you wanting more. You might’ve already had Greek food in Athens or your hometown, but nothing beats the meals served here.
The best part is that you can even take a cooking class and learn how to make it yourself.
Read also: Must-Try Traditional Greek Foods
Best Restaurants in Naxos
To enjoy a warm and hearty meal, you will find several delicious restaurants with a fantastic ambiance. One of the top ones is the traditional Greek tavern Giannoulis in Agios Prokopios. It serves a complimentary glass of raki to pair with its delicious lamb and rabbit dishes and a free dessert afterward. Their portion sizes are phenomenal as well.
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Nostimon Hellas in Naxos Town has quality food at a reasonable price. Their salads, grilled shrimp, and potatoes are to die for. Sarris Tavern is another great place to enjoy succulent seafood, served fresh and juicy straight from the waters. The produce quality seals the deal and makes you come back for more.
Read also: Best Foodie Destinations in Europe
Sailing to Nearby Islands From Naxos
Island hopping is popular because the entire sea is dotted with thriving slices of land that are too enchanting to miss out on. A boat trip, yacht, or ferry are some ways you can travel to surrounding islands.
During the high season, there is a daily route from Naxos and Paros, and Delos and Mykonos are also commonly visited islands. Almost all the small Cyclades are accessible through Naxos.
You can also book a day trip to Mykonos and Delos. Keep in mind that there is not much shade in Delos, and swimming is not allowed there, so get a hat and sunscreen.
Book a day trip to Delos and Mykonos here
We use this search engine to book our ferry tickets. They compare all companies and you get the best deal. You can also find all indirect connections between islands, which makes island-hopping super easy!
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Read also: Incredible Hidden Islands in Europe
The Best Time To Visit Naxos
Summers are the ideal times to explore the island because the beaches flourish during this season. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to reconsider, as this season is more expensive due to large crowds of tourists. If you’re looking for a cheaper vacation away from your daily routine, visiting in the shoulder season, September or October, might be best.
Visiting during the winter is not a great idea because the hotels might have shut down, and the place is less accommodating to tourists with fewer amenities and facilities.
Read also: Best Time To Visit Greece
How To Get to Naxos?
To reach Naxos from abroad, you must fly into Athens first. While Naxos does not have an international airport, flights are available from Athens or European countries. You can take a ferry or domestic flight to Naxos from Athens.
We compare all airlines with this search engine to get the lowest price possible for flights. You can also set ‘Everywhere’ as destination and it gives you the cheapest flight anywhere on any given day or find out when is the lowest price to fly to a specific destination.
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Read also: Money-Saving Tips for Great Greek Getaway
How To Get around Naxos?
There are multiple ways to travel between places on this Island. Public transport like local buses is the best way to get around since it is much cheaper. There is a bus station at Chora and major areas here. Additionally, car rentals and motorbikes are available if you want something more flexible. This can allow you to go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Car taxis aren’t recommended since they cost a kidney; water taxis are popular and can help you with island hopping. If any of those don’t sound appealing, you can even go on tours and let them do all the work for you.
Read also: Top Tips For Epic Greek Islands Adventure
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
