Naxos Impressions

General:
The hub of activity on Naxos is the hora in the north west of the island.
Here most tourists congregate and the town is in quite a contrast with the rest of the island. Indeed as you head down the west coast you will find some beautiful beaches which gradually get less crowded, more isolated and more exposed to the elements. If you travel inland you will soon find yourself going up or around a hill.

Our Impressions:
Be sure to explore the island away from the tourist strip of the North West.

Most of the island is rural and still very unaffected by tourism. You will see farmers on donkeys, people picking potatoes.

On the tops of hills, towers still reside and seemingly every 100 metres there is another pretty church.
Of course the downside to this lack of development is the state of the roads, as soon as you get a few kilometers away from the hora the deterioration in the asphalt is dramatic. And you’re often lucky to get asphalt with many of the roads no more than tracks.
But this is also some of the charm of the island.
The beaches on the west coast of the island are superb. And there are quite a few to choose from.

Beware though that some are very windy and no good for sunbathing. While if you do want to windsurf make sure you avoid beaches full of families.

Nightlife in the island is based in the hora but nice restaurants and tavernas can be found in the smaller villages. As with other Cycladean islands the seafood on offer is very fresh and well worth sampling.

Practical advices:
Arriving at the port
- The port is in the main town. There is an accommodation desk just on the port but there are also some people who will try to sale you a room. A few years ago there were hundred of people harceling you but today this practice is forbiden but there are always a few that will still try to talk to you.
- There is a travel agency and car rentals just in front of the port and many in town
- The central bus station is located there
- The central taxi station is located there

Arriving at the airport
- The airport is just a couple of Km from the main town.
- Taxis are available.

General
Mosquitos are a bit of a problem on this island, so don’t forget lotion. Some hotels have mosquito nets.
If you have your own mode of transport, be careful on the roads, pot holes can turn up at any moment.
Many beaches on the island are undeveloped and if you want shade you will have to bring your own devices to create it.

Villages
The main Town is Naxos Town or Chora. The main beach resorts are Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka. There are many traditional villages on the island.

The Roads
The roads are in good conditions only in town and between town anf the main beach resorts but be aware of scooters and other motorbikes. There are many accidents of tourists with scooters.

Links:

- Relax and Enjoy - Naxos Massage
- Walking guide to Naxos
- Info by Roberto Piperno
- Info by Fstavl
- Info by Trianet
- Info by Xirin
- By Wassenberg
- and other islands by Carol
- Links by Christian