Naxos, Greece – Ultimate Travel Guide to the Largest Cycladic Island

Welcome to Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades archipelago. While its neighbors like Santorini and Mykonos may be more famous, Naxos is the undiscovered treasure that captures the true essence of Greek island life—relaxed, authentic, and absolutely stunning.
 

From golden beaches and mountain villages to ancient temples and mouthwatering local cuisine, Naxos has everything you’d want from a Greek getaway—without the crowds.

📚 Table of Contents

Why Visit Naxos

A Brief History of Naxos

Best Things to Do in Naxos

Beautiful Beaches of Naxos

Exploring Naxos Town (Chora)

Traditional Villages to Visit

Naxos Cuisine & Where to Eat

Outdoor Activities & Adventures

Cultural Sites & Landmarks

Day Trips from Naxos

Where to Stay on the Island

Getting Around Naxos

Best Time to Visit

Naxos Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

🌟 1. Why Visit Naxos?

🏖️ Endless beaches with turquoise waters

🏔️ Lush landscapes and hiking trails

🏛️ Rich mythology and ancient ruins

🍷 Authentic food and local produce

🧿 Charming villages and friendly locals

💰 Great value compared to more touristy islands

Naxos offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and leisure.

🏺 2. A Brief History of Naxos

Naxos has been inhabited since the Neolithic era and has played a key role in Greek mythology and ancient history.

Mythology: Dionysus, the god of wine, is said to have lived here. Theseus abandoned Ariadne on Naxos.

Ancient Times: A center of Cycladic civilization; rich in marble and art.

Byzantine and Venetian Eras: Left castles, churches, and mansions.

Modern Day: A peaceful yet vibrant island, popular with those seeking authentic Greek island life.

🧭 3. Best Things to Do in Naxos

Visit the Portara – the iconic marble gate of the unfinished Temple of Apollo

Wander the whitewashed alleys of Naxos Town

Explore mountain villages like Apeiranthos and Halki

Swim and relax at Agios Prokopios or Plaka Beach

Hike to Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades

Taste local cheeses, wines, and Kitron liqueur

Visit ancient temples and Byzantine churches

🏝️ 4. Beautiful Beaches of Naxos

Naxos is a beach-lover’s paradise. Here are the best ones:

🏖️ Agios Prokopios

Just 5 km from town

Long, golden beach with calm waters

Family-friendly, with beach bars and amenities

🌅 Plaka Beach

Stunning sunsets and fewer crowds

Ideal for couples and those seeking tranquility

Nudist-friendly sections too

🐚 Agia Anna

Small, cozy, and picturesque

Great for snorkeling and beach cafés

🌊 Mikri Vigla

Known for windsurfing and kitesurfing

Divided into a calm side and a windy side

🧘‍♀️ Alyko and Hawaii Beach

Remote, unspoiled coves

Surrounded by cedar forests and sand dunes

🏘️ 5. Exploring Naxos Town (Chora)

Naxos Town is the island’s capital and a charming mix of history and modern life.

Must-Sees:

🏰 Kastro (Venetian Castle) – A medieval fortress with museums and mansions

🕍 Catholic Cathedral – Inside the castle walls

🎨 Archaeological Museum – Displays from the Cycladic era

🛍️ Boutique Shops – Local crafts, art, and jewelry

🍝 Seafront Tavernas – Ideal for sunset dining

Chora is perfect for getting lost on purpose—its alleys are full of hidden gems.

🏞️ 6. Traditional Villages to Visit

Naxos has over 40 villages, many still untouched by mass tourism.

🏔️ Apeiranthos

Stone-built houses, marble alleys

Multiple small museums

Known as the “marble village”

🌿 Halki (Chalki)

Neoclassical architecture

Visit the Kitron distillery

Surrounded by olive groves

🍇 Filoti

At the foot of Mount Zas

Lovely squares and tavernas

Starting point for hiking

🏡 Koronos and Keramoti

Terraced landscapes and old-style homes

Quiet and scenic

Exploring the villages is like stepping back in time.

🍽️ 7. Naxos Cuisine & Where to Eat

Naxos is known for farm-to-table freshness and strong culinary traditions.

Must-Try Dishes:

🧀 Graviera and Arseniko: Famous local cheeses

🥩 Roast goat or lamb: Slow-cooked to perfection

🫒 Olives and olive oil: From local groves

🍋 Kitron: A citrus liqueur unique to Naxos

🍞 Homemade bread and pies: With herbs and greens

Recommended Restaurants:

To Elliniko – Authentic dishes in Chora

Axiotissa – Creative cuisine using organic ingredients

Metaxi Mas – In the village of Apeiranthos

Giannoulis Tavern – On Agios Prokopios beach

🚶 8. Outdoor Activities & Adventures

Naxos is ideal for active travelers.

🥾 Hike Mount Zas – Mythical birthplace of Zeus

🚴 Cycling routes through mountain roads and valleys

🏄‍♂️ Windsurfing & kitesurfing at Mikri Vigla

🛶 Kayaking & paddleboarding around coves

🐎 Horseback riding by the beach

🎣 Fishing trips and boat tours

Adventure and serenity coexist beautifully on Naxos.

🏛️ 9. Cultural Sites & Landmarks

Naxos is rich in archaeology and mythology.

🏛️ Portara – Marble gate on Palatia islet (icon of Naxos)

🗿 Kouros of Apollonas – Giant ancient statue left unfinished

⛪ Panagia Drosiani – Oldest church on the island

🏰 Tower of Bazeos – Hosts cultural events in summer

🏺 Temple of Demeter – Near Sangri village; ancient and peaceful

🛥️ 10. Day Trips from Naxos

Naxos’ central location makes island-hopping easy.

Delos & Mykonos – Combine ruins and glamour

Paros – Just 45 minutes by ferry

Koufonisia – Tiny paradise with crystal-clear water

Iraklia and Schinoussa – For true off-grid escapes

Boats depart daily from the port in Chora.

🏨 11. Where to Stay on the Island

Chora (Naxos Town)

Great for first-timers, with everything within walking distance

Hotels: Nissaki Beach Hotel, Polis Boutique Hotel

Agios Prokopios / Agia Anna

For beach lovers

Hotels: Hotel Katerina, Iria Beach Art Hotel

Plaka Beach

Relaxed and scenic

Hotels: Medusa Resort, Mare Naxia Studios

Inland Villages

Quiet retreats and boutique guesthouses

🚌 12. Getting Around Naxos

🚗 Car rental is best for flexibility

🛵 Scooters and ATVs available

🚌 Public buses connect major villages and beaches

🚕 Taxis are available but limited

Roads are good, but drive carefully in mountain areas.

☀️ 13. Best Time to Visit

May–June: Ideal weather, fewer crowds

July–August: Peak season, vibrant but busy

September: Warm waters, quieter atmosphere

October: Great for hiking and local culture

Winter: Quiet, many places close, but good for remote escapes

📝 14. Naxos Travel Tips

💵 Bring cash—many places are cash-only

🧴 Use sunscreen—Greek sun is strong

🏛️ Book ferries early during high season

🍽️ Dine late—locals usually eat after 9 PM

🧿 Respect local customs in villages and churches

🏁 15. Final Thoughts

Naxos is the unsung hero of the Greek islands—full of soul, scenery, and surprises. Whether you’re soaking in the sun on its endless beaches or getting lost in a quiet mountain village, Naxos promises a genuine, memorable Greek experience.

Come for the beauty. Stay for the authenticity. Leave with a full heart—and maybe a bottle of Kitron.