Travel to and tour Naxos - Greece

Discover Naxos's Wonders

Naxos is the biggest of all the islands of the Cyclades. There is much to see on this island which is rich in history. Vacationers can easily walk from one side of Naxos Town to the other to take in sights such as the Temple of Apollo and the Venetian Castle. The beaches in Naxos are exquisite and perfect for recreation.

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Description

Life on Naxos centres around Hora, also known as Chora or Naxos Town, where most the its taverns, restaurants and shopping spots are concentrated. Travellers will need to venture out south of town to find some the finest Naxian beaches, Settlements most revered by tourists include waterside Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, as well as the long stretch of sandy Plaka Beach. The windy beaches of the northwest are reserved for water sports enthusiasts, while the inland mount Zas and tucked away village of Halki attracts adventure-seeking hikers. Naxos isn't one to rely solely on tourism, however. Its fertile soil produces ample olives, citrus, potatoes, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables, which allows for the existence of so many organic-only eateries. Most local businesses are family-run, passing on knowledge and experience to the younger generations — it is not unusual to see a cafe or small store managed by father and son only. The island is also home to its very own "Kitron" citrus liquor distillery and an old olive press manufactory — both open to visitors and offering guided tours.

Useful information

Population:

Approximately 19,000

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Emergency: 112
Tourist police: 171

Opening Hours:

Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours in the summer. Some business targeted primarily at tourists do not operate during low season.

Do & See

Archaeological Museum

The Naxos Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of Cycladic art and sculpture, one that reportedly even rivals the compilation of artefacts in the Greek capital city of Athens.

Bazeos Tower

Originally built as a monastery, this castle now serves as a space for cultural activities. It is best-visited in July and August, when it hosts the annual Naxos Festival and becomes the site for multiple musical and theatrical performances, readings, exhibitions, and more. The building itself dates back to the 17th century, and has been recently refurbished.

Cedar Forest of Alyko

Alyko in the island's southwest is known for its lush cedar trees stretching along acres upon acres of land.

Distillery Vallindras

The tiny distillery offers travellers to Naxos an opportunity to look behind the scenes of how the island's very own kind of liquor — "kitron" — is made. A tasting of citrus liquors is offered at the end of the tour, and visitors are welcome to purchase kitron-themed souvenirs at the adjacent shop.

Diving

The waters around Naxos hold a plethora of marine treasures: from the eerie remains of sunken ships to colourful fish and curious underwater creatures swimming an arm's length away. Several companies offer professional training courses and necessary guidance through local waters to experienced divers.

Eggares Olive Press Museum

The Olive Press Museum is a curious local attraction, where visitors are granted insight into the behind-the-scenes makings of olive oil and other olive-derived products. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to take part in a sampling of the high-quality items and foods on sale.

Hiking

Naxos is a hikers' paradise — try the route leading towards the Tragea, an elevated land area in the heart of the island dominated by olive groves. Some of the best stops for a hiking itinerary are the scenic settlements of Halki with its attractive town square, Aperathou (a village overlooking the island's southeastern coast), and the mountainside village of Koronos.

Kastro

The Venetian-built Naxos Castle, or Kastro, stands as a sentinel over Chora, boasting a unique round design and four levels. Built with materials from the ruins of an ancient acropolis, the castle once served as both a fortress and a hub for education, politics, and religion. Today, visitors can ascend via an elevator to Avaton Cafe for sweeping views. The castle's historical charm is further enhanced by the surviving Glezos Tower, that houses the Byzantine Museum of Naxos. Explore shops, cafes, and historically significant buildings within its walls, and lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets.

Dining

Akrogiali (Agia Anna)

One of the go-to venues for dining and beach relaxation in Agia Anna, the Akrogiali grill tavern features a changing variety of spit-roasted meat on a daily basis. As the sun goes down, its waterfront sunbeds are replaced by exceptionally inviting dining tables.

Antamoma DeliCuisine (Naxos Town)

The longstanding family restaurant (now run and recently reinvented by the family's son) showcases local ingredients at their finest. Meat, seafood and vegetables are all locally-sourced and cooked the Naxian way with an elegant modern twist. Dine with direct view of the majestic sunset.

Delfinaki (Lionas)

Delfinaki offers a warm welcome and excellent local cuisine largely made with home-grown ingredients and fresh fish. A meal will be normally followed by a complimentary drink and/or dessert, the hospitable owners often insisting that guests bring some house delights along with them upon departure.

Giannis Tavern (Halki)

Take a seat in the shaded leafy square in the very heart of Naxos and tuck into an authentic Greek culinary creation. Meat and chicken are the focal points; these are accompanied by a variety of sides and traditional layered dough spinach and cheese pies.

Matina & Stavros Tavern (Kronos)

The family-run tavern's pleasant garden invites guests to a casual lunch or dinner. Select from the concise menu consisting primarily of varying dishes of the day (lamb is often on the menu), pairing your choice with a very decent house rose wine.

Metaxi mas (Naxos Town)

Located in one of the tiny town alleys (do sit outside if the weather allows), Metaxi mas offers some of the best-value local meals in the old market area. Try one of the saganaki varieties, the melt-in-your-mouth veal with vegetables, or any of the dishes, with a complimentary dessert afterwards.

Meze 2 (Naxos Town/Plaka)

Sea view doesn't come at the expense of quality at this waterside restaurant, serving delicious local meze. Seafood is the true star of the show: try octopus, mussels, and, of course, fish caught that same day as part of small plates cooked Naxian- and Cretan-style.

Nostimon Hellas (Naxos Town)

The concise menu of Nostimon Hellas offers substantial variety, with a selection of grilled meats, fish and seafood dishes, pasta and risotto, as well as a rather extensive list of hot and cold appetizers. The ingredients are mostly locally-sourced. The house wine comes highly recommended.

Cafes

Avaton 1739 — Coffee & Wine Roof (Naxos Town)

The cafe's well-deserved pride is its beautiful terrace overlooking the water and offering a splendid panoramic view over the whitewashed Naxos Town. Coffees are strong and enjoy a good reputation, but other drinks are available as well. The cafe is located at the top of the town castle.

Banana Beach Bar (Agia Anna)

Attractive both day and night, the waterfront Banana Beach Bar is a great spot in Agia Anna that offers complimentary beach sunbeds to customers. The food and drink menus are varied, with a wide selection of dishes and cocktail creations available.

Bossa Cafe (Naxos Town)

The elegant cafe with a rather sophisticated vibe offers front-row seating to the spectacular Naxian sunset, pairing the offer with a pleasant selection of food and drink. Excellent for breakfasts on an airy outdoor terrace by the water, overlooking the town harbour.

Cafe Lotto (Naxos Town)

The port-side cafe offers a selection of scrumptious dishes (a typical meal includes a variety of meat of your choice served with a side of french fries and vegetables), and breakfasts that are rumoured to be some of the best value in town — food and drink refills are complimentary.

Cedar Cafe (Plaka Beach)

The beach bar's thatched roof provides much-needed shade on one of the island's most beloved beaches, inviting guests to stop by for a relaxing break with seats offering direct views over the water. Select a dish from the cafe's extensive menu or enjoy one of the many refreshing drinks.

Del Mar Cafe (Agios Prokopios)

The pleasant cafe is simply not to be missed by those staying in Agios Prokopios — it offers sea-view seating and is run by a lovely Italian couple, who have added distinct Italian flavor to the cafe's menu: from pizzas to high-quality Italian coffee.

Flisvos Sportclub Beach Cafe (Agios Georgios Beach)

The traditionally whitewashed yet very trendy beach cafe invites vacationers to an evening cocktail or even a full-blown meal on the waterfront veranda — try the "surf and turf" mixed grill plate, or go with one of the lighter snacks abundant on the menu. In the evenings, various events are hosted.

Golden Beach Cafe (Agios Prokopios)

The pleasant waterside cafe offers great value breakfasts, with international breakfast classics such as omelettes, fried eggs, bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Multiple pastry varieties are on offer. Repeat customers are welcomed with exceptional warmth.

Bars & Nightlife

520 Bar (Naxos Town)

Housed inside one of the delectable whitewashed Cycladic houses, the 520 Bar offers some of the best views among evening establishments in Naxos Town, its terrace directly overlooking the port sunset. Cocktails are artisan, containing some quintessentially Greek ingredients (e.g. mastiha liquor).

Banana Beach Bar (Agia Anna)

One of the standouts in Agia Anna, Banana Beach Bar is where sun-kissed vacationers come to while away an evening to the sound of waves rustling (or live music tunes - with relative frequency). Serves delightful cocktails and a wide array of meat and seafood dishes.

Dome Bar (Naxos Town)

A venue that frequently hosts DJs (often from the Greek mainland) and theme parties, Dome is a stylish bar with nightclub character. The danceable tunes bring the floor alive, and quality drinks keep the party going well into the wee hours. Open nightly May through September.

Jazz & Blues (Naxos Town)

Jazz & Blues caters to a mature audience, putting on regular live music performances in the evenings. Offers seating in an intimate, dimly-lit outdoor area. A selection of drinks is served (wines, beers, cocktails and spirits). Prices tend to be lower than in most waterfront bars.

Kitron Cafe Naxos (Naxos Town)

The waterside establishment with a view specializes in "kitron" - a citrus-derived drink produced at a nearby distillery (Valindras in Halki). Guests are invited to sample multiple varieties of the island's signature drink and other citrus-based products crafted there, such as candy.

La Vigne Wine Bar (Naxos Town)

Apart from its broad collection of local and international wines (organic wines and French champagne imports, for example), the La Vigne offers first-class dining on Greek, French, Asian and Caribbean cuisine-inspired dishes in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Naxos On The Rocks Bar (Naxos Town)

A lively venue with a massive display of liquor behind the bar, On The Rocks serves quality drinks and frequently hosts karaoke nights where patrons sing their hearts out in multiple European languages. The bar is one of the rare spots on the island that offer shisha service. Broadcasts football.

The Ocean Club (Naxos Town)

One of the island's go-to nightlife venues, The Ocean Club boasts an airy outdoor terrace for low-key evening cocktails and an indoor dancing area that comes alive every weekend during the high season. In the winter, the venue remains open hosting (less frequent) concerts and guest DJs.

Shopping

EL ArtGallery (Halki)

A Naxian local, who had spent a good three decades living abroad in New York, has returned home only to start this exquisite gallery-cum-art store, packed with artisan items inspired by the verdant island. Olive tree motives dominate the art work: from home decor pieces to jewellery.

Fish & Olive (Halki)

Those who venture out on a hike to to the scenic Halki will be duly rewarded by a chance to marvel at the masterful ceramics and exquisite jewellery by the well-regarded local Fish & Olive brand. The boutique also stocks a fabled extra-virgin olive oil produced by the Mercouri family.

Flisvos Sports Gear (Naxos Town)

For water sports enthusiasts (or those inspired by Naxian waters on-the-spot), Flisvos Sports Gear offers a ready-made solution, packing its small space to the brim with water sports attire and all sorts of equipment for wind- and kite-surfing.

Kastro (Naxos Town)

Hora's old quarter known as Kastro is the island's shopping hot spot - its windy streets are packed with tiny stores and boutiques selling all manner of things, from clothing and beach paraphernalia to local delicacies and souvenirs, including Naxian foods and ceramics.

Limpertas Manolis Pottery (Naxos Town)

This artisan pottery shop is where the talented host invites visitors to watch as the one-of-a-kind creations emerge from under his hands. The tucked away studio offers a selection of exquisite creations that make perfect souvenirs to bring home with you. Ask for directions to find your way.

Melissinos Jewellery (Naxos Town)

This family-run jewellery shop offers unbeatable, personal customer service and a selection of unique, artisan items designed locally as well as by well-established Greek designers (Stella Deligianni, Margoni and Sarina, among others). Conveniently located in Naxos Town's Court Square.

Naxia Sweet Home (Naxos Town)

The tiny family-run Naxian boutique specializes in artisan candy, made with quintessentially local flavors such as sage, citrus, mastic, and even ouzo. Candy is made directly before the eyes of the visitors, who are welcome to sample several varieties before taking a pick.

Pagonis Greek Sandals (Naxos Town)

The Pagonis leather store specializes in hand-made shoes and sandals, and sells all manner of natural leather goods from bags to belts - for men and women. The family-run enterprise aims to represent local Greek producers, and has been in business since 1940.

Tourist Information

Naxos Airport Apollon (JNX)

Naxos National Airport is located a mere four of kilometres outside Naxos town centre. At the moment, the airport only connects to the capital city of Athens. In the summer, there is a bus service to the beaches of Agios Prokopos, Agia Anna and Plaka. Buses run at half-hour intervals from the bus stop just outside the airport. Further destination on the island may be reached from the main bus station in Naxos Town. Taxis are available for hire at the airport's taxi stand.

Public Transport

There is a well-developed bus network on the island, so reaching nearly any settlement (especially during high season) shouldn't present much difficulty. Tickets must be bought prior to boarding and are always sold at bus stations and/or ticket machines. In Naxos Town, the bus station is located right by the port.

Taxi

For travelling short distances, taxis may be a good option. Cabs are often concentrated around the port area and popular tourist spots.

Electricity

230 V, 50 Hz Power outlets type C and F — the usual European ones.

Ferry

You can get to Naxos by ferry from Athens (port Piraeus), passing through Santorini on the way — perfect for those looking to island-hop! In the summer, multiple ferries connect Naxos to other islands in the area, such as Paros, Crete, Mykonos and others.

Pharmacy

Small pharmacies can be found in every major settlement on Naxos. Don't count on long opening hours, and pack a basic first aid kid before you travel. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Post

Stamps may be purchased at many local vendors and small stores. Yellow post boxes can be found in most settlements around the island. The main post office is located in Naxos Town, behind the City Hall.

Telephone

Country code: +30 Area code: 22850

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Naxos?

The best time to visit Naxos is during the late spring and early fall months, from May to June and September to October. During these times, the weather is pleasant, and the island is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the beaches and attractions comfortably.

What are the must-see attractions in Naxos?

Naxos is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages. Don't miss the Portara, the iconic marble gate, and the Temple of Apollo. Explore the Venetian Castle in Naxos Town and visit the picturesque village of Apiranthos.

How can I get to Naxos from Athens?

You can reach Naxos from Athens by taking a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina ports, which takes about 3 to 5 hours depending on the type of ferry. Alternatively, you can fly from Athens to Naxos Airport, with flights taking around 45 minutes.

What local dishes should I try in Naxos?

In Naxos, try local specialties like kitron, a citrus liqueur, and cheeses such as graviera and arseniko. Sample dishes like patoudo, a traditional lamb stew, and enjoy fresh seafood caught from the surrounding Aegean Sea.

How many days should I spend in Naxos?

Spending 3 to 5 days in Naxos is ideal to explore its beaches, historical sites, and villages at a relaxed pace. This allows time for day trips, hiking, and enjoying local cuisine without feeling rushed.

What is the best way to get around Naxos?

Renting a car or scooter is the most convenient way to explore Naxos, as it allows you to visit remote beaches and villages at your own pace. Alternatively, you can use the local bus service, which connects major towns and beaches.

Are there any worthwhile day trips from Naxos?

Consider taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Delos and Mykonos, accessible by ferry. Delos is known for its archaeological sites, while Mykonos offers vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches.

Trips

Greece Private Family Journey

Athens Naxos and Santorini Private Journey

Greece Private Family Journey

Athens Naxos and Santorini Private Journey

Greece Private Family Journey

Athens Naxos and Santorini Private Journey

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